gth, and stature. And then Gwydion saw that he languished
through the want of horses, and arms. And he called him unto him. "Ah,
youth," said he, "we will go to-morrow on an errand together. Be
therefore more cheerful than thou art." "That I will," said the youth.

Next morning, at the dawn of day, they arose. And they took their way
along the sea coast, up towards Bryn Aryen. And at the top of Cevn
Clydno they equipped themselves with horses, and went towards the Castle
of Arianrod. And they changed their form, and pricked towards the gate
in the semblance of two youths, but the aspect of Gwydion was more staid
than that of the other. "Porter," said he, "go thou in and say that
there are here bards from Glamorgan." And the porter went in. "The
welcome of Heaven be unto them, let them in," said Arianrod.

With great joy were they greeted. And the hall was arranged, and they
went to meat. When meat was ended, Arianrod discoursed with Gwydion of
tales and stories. Now Gwydion was an excellent teller of tales. And
when it was time to leave off feasting, a chamber was prepared for them,
and they went to rest.

In the early twilight Gwydion arose, and he called unto him his magic and
his power. And by the time that the day dawned, there resounded through
the land uproar, and trumpets, and shouts. When it was now day, they
heard a knocking at the door of the chamber, and therewith Arianrod
asking that it might be opened. Up rose the youth and opened unto her,
and she entered and a maiden with her. "Ah, good men," she said, "in
evil plight are we." "Yes truly," said Gwydion, "we have heard trumpets,
and shouts; what thinkest thou that they may mean?" "Verily," said she,
"we cannot see the colour of the ocean by reason of all the ships, side
by side. And they are making for the land with all the speed they can.
And what can we do?" said she. "Lady," said Gwydion, "there is none
other counsel than to close the castle upon us, and to defend it as best
we may." "Truly," said she, "may Heaven reward you. And do you defend
it. And here you may have plenty of arms."

And thereupon went she forth for the arms, and behold she returned, and
two maidens, and suits of armour for two men, with her. "Lady," said he,
"do thou accoutre this stripling, and I will arm myself with the help of
thy maidens. Lo, I hear the tumult of the men approaching." "I will do
so, gladly." So she armed him fully, and that right