55
TO THE SHIP
In which Hunchback sailed to France in company with a detachment of three hundred men, under the command of Rhys Gwgan, to join the army of Edward III. in that country. The bard expresses a wish that Hunchback may be drowned on the voyage.
The following extract from Dr. Lingard’s History of England furnishes an interesting comment on this poem:—“Among them (i. e. the foot soldiers of Edward III.’s army) was constantly a large proportion of Welshmen armed with lances, and dressed in uniform at the king’s expense. These proved of great utility wherever the country was mountainous and ill adapted to the operations of cavalry. The muster-roll of the army which besieged Calais is still extant; it included 4474 Welsh foot; each man received fourpence a day, which was double the pay of the rest of the infantry, which was only twopence per man.”
To-day on high achievement bent,
With Rhys to join the wars he went,
And radiant Morvyth’s kin lament—
Whilst I upon the Virgin call,
From the fierce shock of France to save
The barons bold, and warriors brave,
That marched from Cambria—may they all
(Brethren in battle—ever first
Through breach in hostile walls to burst)
Home from the South return—save one!
Thou last, a drone, O Gwgan’s son!
Amid thy proud and warlike guard,
If thou retainest in thy band
