Taliesin'S Poem

To Elphin, the son of Gwyddno Goranhir, king of Cantre'r Gwaelod, to comfort him upon his ill success at the Wear; and to exhort him to trust in Divine providence.

I.

Fair Elphin, cease to weep, let no man be discontented with his fortune; to despair avails nothing. It is not that which man sees that supports him. Cynllo's prayer will not be ineffectual. God will never break his promise. There never was in Gwyddno's Wear such good luck as to-night.

II.

Fair Elphin, wipe the tears from thy face! Pensive melancholy will never profit thee; though thou thinkest thou hast no gain; certainly too much sorrow will do thee no good; doubt not of the great Creator's wonders; though I am but little, yet am I endowed with great gifts. From the seas and mountains, and from the bottom of rivers, God sends wealth to the good and happy man.

III.

Elphin with the lovely qualities, thy behaviour is unmanly, thou oughtest not to be over pensive. To trust in God is better than to forebode evil. Though I am but small and slender on the beach of the foaming main, I shall do thee more good in the day of distress than three hundred salmons.

IV.

Elphin with the noble qualities, murmur not at thy misfortune: though I am but weak on my leathern couch, there dwelleth a gift on my tongue. While I continue to be thy protection, thou needest not fear any disaster. If thou desirest the assistance of the ever blessed Trinity, nothing can do thee hurt.

DE BARDIS DISSERTATIO; IN QUA NONNULLA QUAE AD EORUM ANTIQUITATEM ET MUNUS RESPICIUNT, ET AD PRAECIPUOS QUI IN CAMBRIA FLORUERUNT.

BREVITER DISCUTIUNTUR.