of
Lloegr, to the borders of Mechain {35a} and Mochnant. Happy was the
mother who bore thee, who art wise and noble, and freely distributest
rich suits of garments, thy gold and silver. And thy Bards celebrate
thee for presenting them thy bred steeds, when they sit at thy tables.
And I myself am rewarded for my gift of poetry, with gold and
distinguished respect. And should I desire of my prince the moon as a
present, he would certainly bestow it on me. Thy praise reacheth as far
as Lliwelydd, {35b} and Llywarch is the man who celebrates with his songs
- - - - - - My praises are not extravagant to thee the prodigy of our
age, thou art a prince firm in battle like an elephant. When thou
arrivest at the period of thy glory, when thy praises cease to be
celebrated by the Bard and the harp, my brave prince, ere thou comest,
before thy last hour approaches, to confess thy sins, after thou hast
through thy prowess vanquished thy enemies, mayest thou at last become a
glorious saint.

AN ODE

_To Llewelyn_, _the son of Griffydd_, _last prince of Wales of the
British line_, _composed by Llygad Gwr_, _about the year_ 1270.

IN FIVE PARTS.

I.

I address myself to God, the source of joy, the fountain of all good
gifts, of transcendent majesty. Let the song proceed to pay its tribute
of praise, to extol my hero, the prince of Arllechwedd, {36a} who is
stained with blood, a prince descended from renowned kings. Like Julius
Caesar is the rapid progress of the arms of Griffydd's heir. His valour
and bravery are matchless, his crimson lance is stained with gore. It is
natural to him to invade the lands of his enemies. He is generous, the
pillar of princes. I never return empty-handed from the North. My
successful and glorious prince, I would not exchange on any conditions.
I have a renowned prince, who lays England waste, descended from noble
ancestors. Llewelyn the destroyer of thy foes, the mild and prosperous
governor of Gwynedd, Britain's honour in the field, with thy sceptered
hand extended on the throne, and thy gilt sword by thy side. The lion of
Cemmaes, {36b} fierce in the onset, when the army rusheth to be covered
with red. Our defence who slighteth alliance with strangers, who with
violence maketh his way through the midst of his enemy's country. His
just cause will be prosperous at last. About Tyganwy {37a} he has
extended his dominion, and his enemies fly from