Volume 1

A topographical and historical description of North Wales / [J. Evans].

  • Evans, J. (John), active 1812.
Date:
1819
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A topographical and historical description of North Wales / [J. Evans]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    145/518 (page 131)
    Bard of the sixth century, on the death of Cynddylan, prince of Powys. Come forth and see, ye Cambrian dames. Fair Pengwern’s* ro^al roofs in flames ' The foe the fatal dart hath flung (The foe that speaks a barb’rous tongue,) And pierc’d Cynddylan’s princely head, And stretch’d your champion with the dead. His heart, which late, with martial fire. Bade his lov’d country’s foes expire (Such fire as wastes the forest hill) Now like the Winter’s ice is chill. O’er the pale corse with boding cries Sad Argoed’s + cruel eagle flies ; He flies exulting o'er the plain. And scents the blood of heroes slain. Dire bird! this night my frighted ear Thy loud ill-omen’d voice shall hear: I know tlry cry, that screams for food. And thirsts to drink Cynddylan’s blood: No more the mansion of delight, Cynddylan’s hall is dark to night j Nor more the midnight hour prolongs With fires, and lamps, and festive songs. Its trembling bards afflicted shun The hall, bereav’d of Cyndrwyn’s son:}: Its joyous visitants are fiedj Its hospitable fires are dead : No longer, rang’d on either hand Its dormitory, couches stand : But all above, around, below. Dread sights, dire sounds, and shrieks of woe. Awhile I’ll weep Cynddylan slain. And pour the weak, desponding strain ; Awhiik * Now Shrewsbury, then the chief residence of the prince* of Powys, t The ancient name of Powys. J Cynddylan was the son of Cjndrwyn, K2