variously represented. From some of his writings we are in the first instance inclined to attribute to him a peculiar levity and recklessness of disposition; and undoubtedly some of his productions contain allusions repugnant to the decorous moral feeling of the present day. Some accounts, however, ascribe to him qualities of a very different description, and represent him as remarkably distinguished for the regularity of his conduct, his sobriety and gentle manners, and, above all, by an extreme reserve in conversation. Judging from an attentive perusal of the works of the bard, I cannot help believing that the favourable picture is the correct one. Compared to the generality of the productions of that time—those of Chaucer for example—the writings of Davyth ap Gwilym certainly do not present many coarse and objectionable passages, and these may with more propriety be imputed to the rude taste of a half-civilized age, than to moral depravity in the poet. To form a fair and just decision, we should balance against these scanty blemishes the grander features of his poetry—his constant and touching attachment to the lady of his love—his fervent gratitude to his patron—his patriotic veneration of the country of his benefactors—the generous warmth and playful kindness of disposition that break forth even in the wildest flights of his humour, and the most daring flights of his imagination—these, it must be remembered, are features not more characteristic of the genius of the poet than indicative of the heart of the man!
As before observed, Davyth ap Gwilym has been
