TRANSLATIONS
FROM THE
POEMS OF DAVYTH AP GWYLYM.
TO IVOR THE GENEROUS.
This and several of the following poems contain allusions to incidents which are detailed at length in the life of the poet, by Dr. Owen Pughe, at the end of this volume. Ivor was the patron of the bard. The following translation is introduced—not on account of any poetical beauty in the ideas—but as a specimen of the style adopted by the Welsh bards in addressing their patrons.
Ivor, generous as gold,
Meek and beauteous to behold,
Yet the boldest in the fray—
Is the master I obey;
None but men of matchless might
Dare attend him in the fight!
Bounteous Ivor made the bard
Steward o’er his wealth to guard;
Chieftain, eloquent, refined,
Fierce in wrath, yet wise in mind,
To the bard a golden hoard
Is the goodness of his lord.
