Translations into English Verse from the Poems of Davyth ap Gwilym/To Ivor the Generous (2)

by Dafydd ap Gwilym

TO IVOR THE GENEROUS,

ON THE BARD GOING ON HIS “CLERA^[1]” TO NORTH WALES.

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In this poem the bard extols Ivor in a strain somewhat similar to the preceding poem. He thanks him for the munificence with which he had been treated during his stay at Maesaleg.

I obtained from thee the gifts I desired,
Kind words and silver,
And pure gold,
And gay French arms;
Abundance of mead and wine;
Jewels fit for a second Taliesin^[2].

1. The “Clera” was the periodical circuit made by the Welsh bards, to enjoy the hospitality of their patrons in different parts of Wales. See an Essay on Chivalry in the Cambrian Quarterly Magazine, in which is pointed out the resemblance which many of these privileges and customs of the Welsh bards bore to those of the Provençal troubadours.
2. Taliesin, the most celebrated of the ancient Welsh Bards.