Translations into English Verse from the Poems of Davyth ap Gwilym/The Bard's Reproof
THE BARD’S REPROOF
TO HIS FAIR CONTRYWOMEN FOR THEIR FONDNESS FOR GAUDY DRESS.
Too oft the maidens of our land infold
Their lovely brows in rubies, pearls, and gold—
Too oft in meretricious charms delight!
With gems and beads each beauteous neck is bright,
And from each gentle hand wild falcons eye the light!
The vilest bow that e’er was framed of yew,
That in the hand abruptly snaps in two,
When all its faults are varnished o’er with gold,
Looks strong, and fair, and faultless, and—is sold;
But beauty’s form should spurn each false disguise,
For love, in beauty’s charms, no fault descries!
Would the pure radiance of the warlike mail,
That hangs on yon white wall with glimm’rings pale,
Gleam brightly thus, if muffled and concealed
In the long tabard[1]—that with many a shield
And many a rich emblazonry is dyed
By painter’s hand, and all diversified
With rare devices?—On the brow of snow,
E’en thus no diadem fresh glory can bestow!
- ↑ ‘In the long tabard.’ A tabard was a dress worn over the armour, and emblazoned with devices. It began to come into use about this time.—See Fosbrooke, ‘Tabardam.’