II.

THE BLACK BOOK OF CARMARTHEN.

A MANUSCRIPT OF THE 12TH CENTURY IN THE HENGWRT COLLECTION, THE PROPERTY OF W. W. E. WYNNE, ESQ. OF PENIARTH, M.P.

I.

Folio 1. a.

How wretched I feel, how wretched,
For what has happened to Cedfyl and Cadfan.
Gleaming and resounding was the slaughter;
A shield was pierced through and through at the Battle of Tryfrwyd original: tryruyd; one of the legendary battles of Arthur, though here mentioned in the context of the northern British wars.

It was Maelgwn Maelgwn Gwynedd, a powerful 6th-century king of North Wales whom I saw here;
His household will not be silent before the host of the world.

Before two men they gather in the valley original: ineutur; likely referring to a specific valley or pass.
Before Errith and Gwrrith on pale-white horses.
Slender bay horses they certainly bring.
Soon the host will be seen with Elgan.
Alas for his death! A great journey they have come.

Rhys the One-Toothed, his shield was a span original: rýchvant; a unit of measurement, the width of a human hand.
To you has come full grace.