The Fall of Cambria in Twenty-Four Books by Joseph Cottle. Second Edition |
 | I, II. |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. | BOOK IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. |
| XXI. |
| XXII. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. |
 | The Fall of Cambria in Twenty-Four Books |  |
57
BOOK IV.
SCENE, The Palace of Aber, near Snowdon.
Since first from Chaos, towering in his might,
Old Snowdon rose, never had he beheld
So vast a family, all clad in arms,
Circling his mighty base. Upon this spot
(Impregnable, thro' many a scene of strife,
And warfare past) Llewellyn, dauntless stood,
Waiting the time, when Edward, drawing near,
Might wake the storm of vengeance, mid the weight
Of sore anxiety, with thoughtful brow,
Llewellyn call'd his friends and counsellors,
Sage Anarawd and Walwyn. Thus he spake.
Old Snowdon rose, never had he beheld
So vast a family, all clad in arms,
Circling his mighty base. Upon this spot
(Impregnable, thro' many a scene of strife,
And warfare past) Llewellyn, dauntless stood,
Waiting the time, when Edward, drawing near,
Might wake the storm of vengeance, mid the weight
Of sore anxiety, with thoughtful brow,
Llewellyn call'd his friends and counsellors,
Sage Anarawd and Walwyn. Thus he spake.
“Tho' dangers threaten, and, this hour, a foe,
“Greater than ever Cambria knew, appears
“In war array, and ready to begin
“Such conflicts as might pall the coward's breast,
“Yet e'en this threat'ning circumstance, so fair
“For great occasion, in our hearts, I trust,
“Excites high joyance. Morn and noon and night,
“My country's image swims before my eyes.
“I see her rise, from the portentous mists,
“And ponderous clouds, that now encircle her,
“Bright, and surcharged with glory. Whilst I wait,
“Or peace, or war, amid the dark suspense,
“One thought oppresses and half weighs me down.
“You know De Montford, England's mighty Lord,
“Darling of freedom, fall'n alas! that he
“Was my peculiar friend. Kind offices
“We each display'd, and I to you must tell,
“He had a Daughter, sweeter than the light,
“Fair as the lily, pure as morning's snow.
“I loved her, but the rose, just bursting forth,
“(When thus her sire, fell in his country's cause)
“She fled, with her scared mother, to expand
“In safety, on the genial soil of France.
“Sighing to call the beauteous prize my own,
“My Eleanor De Montford! late I sent
“A noble bark, to bear her to this land.
“Each day do I expect her. O thou war!
“Blaster of all the milder charities,
“Domestic joys, sweet sympathies, the sky
“In which the brooding tempest ever lours,
“Thou hast no friend in me! The sudden clouds
“Which now involve us, little were foreseen,
“Or I had stay'd the hour, distracting thought!
“The moment of our meeting. Faithful men,
“Whilst now the thunder in the frowning sky
“Pauses a little space, fly to the coast,
“And thence conduct the brightest gem of earth,
“To Aber and these arms. I here will count
“The moments, till ye hasten back again.
“Greater than ever Cambria knew, appears
58
“Such conflicts as might pall the coward's breast,
“Yet e'en this threat'ning circumstance, so fair
“For great occasion, in our hearts, I trust,
“Excites high joyance. Morn and noon and night,
“My country's image swims before my eyes.
“I see her rise, from the portentous mists,
“And ponderous clouds, that now encircle her,
“Bright, and surcharged with glory. Whilst I wait,
“Or peace, or war, amid the dark suspense,
“One thought oppresses and half weighs me down.
“You know De Montford, England's mighty Lord,
“Darling of freedom, fall'n alas! that he
“Was my peculiar friend. Kind offices
“We each display'd, and I to you must tell,
“He had a Daughter, sweeter than the light,
“Fair as the lily, pure as morning's snow.
“I loved her, but the rose, just bursting forth,
“(When thus her sire, fell in his country's cause)
“She fled, with her scared mother, to expand
“In safety, on the genial soil of France.
“Sighing to call the beauteous prize my own,
“My Eleanor De Montford! late I sent
“A noble bark, to bear her to this land.
“Each day do I expect her. O thou war!
“Blaster of all the milder charities,
“Domestic joys, sweet sympathies, the sky
“In which the brooding tempest ever lours,
“Thou hast no friend in me! The sudden clouds
“Which now involve us, little were foreseen,
59
“The moment of our meeting. Faithful men,
“Whilst now the thunder in the frowning sky
“Pauses a little space, fly to the coast,
“And thence conduct the brightest gem of earth,
“To Aber and these arms. I here will count
“The moments, till ye hasten back again.
As Anarawd and Walwyn pour'd their thanks
For confidence thus great, and now had turn'd
To seek the coast, and bear the lovely maid
To him, who knew her worth to estimate,
One enter'd with unwonted speed, and cried,
“By Eleanor De Montford, I am sent
“To bear thee this.” Llewellyn seized the scroll!
He read, fire flashing from his eager eye—
For confidence thus great, and now had turn'd
To seek the coast, and bear the lovely maid
To him, who knew her worth to estimate,
One enter'd with unwonted speed, and cried,
“By Eleanor De Montford, I am sent
“To bear thee this.” Llewellyn seized the scroll!
He read, fire flashing from his eager eye—
Eleanor thy promised bride,
From thine arms, is torn away;
By old Severn's rapid tide,
She is sad who once was gay,
Desolate as maid may be,
Yet, Llewellyn, true to thee.
From thine arms, is torn away;
By old Severn's rapid tide,
She is sad who once was gay,
Desolate as maid may be,
Yet, Llewellyn, true to thee.
At the summons Love convey'd,
To the waiting bark I sped;
In the breeze the streamer play'd,
The sun, around, his glories shed,
Birds chanted loud their carols wild,
Whilst heaven and earth and ocean smiled.
To the waiting bark I sped;
In the breeze the streamer play'd,
The sun, around, his glories shed,
Birds chanted loud their carols wild,
Whilst heaven and earth and ocean smiled.
60
Ah! little thought I of the fate,
Too soon to whelm me in despair;—
That I should to my prison grate
Fly, to breathe the balmy air,
And, 'mid my oft-tumultuous fear,
Find friend, nor soothing parent near.
Too soon to whelm me in despair;—
That I should to my prison grate
Fly, to breathe the balmy air,
And, 'mid my oft-tumultuous fear,
Find friend, nor soothing parent near.
Down to the beach my Mother came,
Cheerful, as she strove to be;—
I saw her turn, dear sainted name,
And shed a tear, a tear for me!
Of her captive daughter's woe,
May she never, never know!
Cheerful, as she strove to be;—
I saw her turn, dear sainted name,
And shed a tear, a tear for me!
Of her captive daughter's woe,
May she never, never know!
O'er the curling billows borne,
Fast I left the gallic shore;
Thy Eleanor forgot to mourn,
For Love, inviting, sailed before:
Joy proclaimed her jubilee—
I, Llewellyn, thought of thee!
Fast I left the gallic shore;
Thy Eleanor forgot to mourn,
For Love, inviting, sailed before:
Joy proclaimed her jubilee—
I, Llewellyn, thought of thee!
A sudden cloud o'ercasts the sky!
At hand, two hostile ships appear!—
The scenes are past, and I will try
To check the unavailing tear!
Born to grief and sorrow's heir,
I, alone, my portion bear!
At hand, two hostile ships appear!—
The scenes are past, and I will try
To check the unavailing tear!
Born to grief and sorrow's heir,
I, alone, my portion bear!
The best of Brothers, good and kind,
From my side, nor succour near,
He, by war, with fury blind,
Was dragged to dungeons dark and drear:
His frantic grief, his last adieu,
Still with shuddering heart I view!
From my side, nor succour near,
He, by war, with fury blind,
Was dragged to dungeons dark and drear:
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Still with shuddering heart I view!
Amoury! thy life is sought,
All our promised joys are o'er;
I shall see, O piteous thought!
I shall see thy face no more!
Yet thy memory, sweet to me,
Amoury! will ever be.
All our promised joys are o'er;
I shall see, O piteous thought!
I shall see thy face no more!
Yet thy memory, sweet to me,
Amoury! will ever be.
The dearest friend, of many dear,
Thus, with me, I call to weep;
Yet, while thou dropt'st affection's tear
Still thy stately tenor keep!
Wield the sword of Roderi,
Till thy foes beneath thee lie!
Thus, with me, I call to weep;
Yet, while thou dropt'st affection's tear
Still thy stately tenor keep!
Wield the sword of Roderi,
Till thy foes beneath thee lie!
Wherefore from a maid like me
Should these warlike accents flow?
I would not endanger thee
For all the choicest gifts below.
Terrors, that new terrors wake,
Round and round their circuit take.
Should these warlike accents flow?
I would not endanger thee
For all the choicest gifts below.
Terrors, that new terrors wake,
Round and round their circuit take.
Mourn not tho' the piercing blast
O'er my head, unshelter'd, flies;
May thy evil days be past!
May thy prosperous star arise!
Yet, sometimes, tho' vain it be,
Wilt thou sighing think of me?
O'er my head, unshelter'd, flies;
May thy evil days be past!
May thy prosperous star arise!
Yet, sometimes, tho' vain it be,
Wilt thou sighing think of me?
62
At evening's still and solemn close,
I look toward Cambria's mountain bound;
And bless the river, as it flows
From meads and hills, where thou art found:
In its waters hurrying by,
Oft Llewellyn's form I spy.
I look toward Cambria's mountain bound;
And bless the river, as it flows
From meads and hills, where thou art found:
In its waters hurrying by,
Oft Llewellyn's form I spy.
Must I, from my spirit cold,
Tear the last hope glimmering there?
Must I watch the hours unfold
With the fix'd eye of despair?
Amid the bleak and wintry sky,
Expect no joy, no summer nigh?
Tear the last hope glimmering there?
Must I watch the hours unfold
With the fix'd eye of despair?
Amid the bleak and wintry sky,
Expect no joy, no summer nigh?
Tho' it be delusion vain
On which my faithless dreams recline;
I will banish grief and pain,
The dawn of fortune still may shine;
Hope, that glistens thro' my tear,
Whispers, happier days are near.
On which my faithless dreams recline;
I will banish grief and pain,
The dawn of fortune still may shine;
Hope, that glistens thro' my tear,
Whispers, happier days are near.
Ah! I hear, 'mid Severn's roar,
A voice, as of a seraph mild;
Which says, that thou wilt never more
See De Montford's sorrowing child!
Farewell Llewellyn! round my head,
Still deeper mists and shadows spread!
A voice, as of a seraph mild;
Which says, that thou wilt never more
See De Montford's sorrowing child!
Farewell Llewellyn! round my head,
Still deeper mists and shadows spread!
Yet, as before me, earth declines,
The sun, upon thy brow, appears!
His fairest beam, there, lingering shines!—
Thou source of all my hopes and fears,
When I am dead, which soon will be,
I know that thou wilt think of me.
The sun, upon thy brow, appears!
His fairest beam, there, lingering shines!—
Thou source of all my hopes and fears,
63
I know that thou wilt think of me.
To earth, the scroll, falls, from his trembling hand.
The chieftains back return'd. “Bad news my Lord?”
Eearnest they said. “O'erwhelming” he exclaim'd.
“My Eleanor, the captive of my foe!
“Spare me one moment.” After a brief pause,
Trembling, the Prince began. “O Friends and dear!
“This is indeed the bitterness of death!
“The hour, so waited for, arrived at last!—
“The cup just raised to my impatient lips—
“Dash'd furious down!”—There was an eloquence
In the unbroken silence, reigning round.
Slowly Llewellyn spake. “The setting sun
“Lovely appeared. I saw him calm descend,
“Bright clouds around him, to the ocean's verge,
“I raised my eyes, my brain with glory fill'd,
“My heart with praise, and when once more I look'd,
“There was no sun! sunk was the orb of fire,
“All vanish'd, in the bosom of the deep!”
The lengthen'd sigh sent forth, Llewellyn cried,
“How fared the Cambrian bark?” The man replied.
The chieftains back return'd. “Bad news my Lord?”
Eearnest they said. “O'erwhelming” he exclaim'd.
“My Eleanor, the captive of my foe!
“Spare me one moment.” After a brief pause,
Trembling, the Prince began. “O Friends and dear!
“This is indeed the bitterness of death!
“The hour, so waited for, arrived at last!—
“The cup just raised to my impatient lips—
“Dash'd furious down!”—There was an eloquence
In the unbroken silence, reigning round.
Slowly Llewellyn spake. “The setting sun
“Lovely appeared. I saw him calm descend,
“Bright clouds around him, to the ocean's verge,
“I raised my eyes, my brain with glory fill'd,
“My heart with praise, and when once more I look'd,
“There was no sun! sunk was the orb of fire,
“All vanish'd, in the bosom of the deep!”
The lengthen'd sigh sent forth, Llewellyn cried,
“How fared the Cambrian bark?” The man replied.
“Truly, my Lord, in that disastrous hour,
“When the ships fought upon the quiet sea,
“Than the robbed tigress, fiercer, the good bark
“Cambria sent forth, sank in the mighty deep.
“Her captain, noble man! fought lion-like—
“He perish'd in that day! and many a one,
“Bold, like himself, for ever closed his eye,
“Before the British flag, in the blue wave,
“Plunged headlong.” Cried the earnest Prince “O, say!
“Was Eleanor unhurt?” “Untouch'd of harm”
The man replied. “As the o'erpower'd bark,
“Sinking, withdrew, from the unequal fight,
“She, from the lofty prow, leap'd, fearlessly,
“To the adjacent ship, and as she leap'd,
“The bark, thus yielding up her precious prize,
“With much of bravery in her, downward sank!
“The waves closed over her, and all was still!”
“When the ships fought upon the quiet sea,
“Than the robbed tigress, fiercer, the good bark
“Cambria sent forth, sank in the mighty deep.
“Her captain, noble man! fought lion-like—
“He perish'd in that day! and many a one,
64
“Before the British flag, in the blue wave,
“Plunged headlong.” Cried the earnest Prince “O, say!
“Was Eleanor unhurt?” “Untouch'd of harm”
The man replied. “As the o'erpower'd bark,
“Sinking, withdrew, from the unequal fight,
“She, from the lofty prow, leap'd, fearlessly,
“To the adjacent ship, and as she leap'd,
“The bark, thus yielding up her precious prize,
“With much of bravery in her, downward sank!
“The waves closed over her, and all was still!”
“Brave man!” Llewellyn cried, “and who art thou?”
“A soldier,” he replied; “a humble name.
“I watch'd at Gloster, where Earl Talbot rules.
“Nor doubt, O Prince! that pity I had much
“For Eleanor, that most imperial maid
“For loveliness! I, at her window, long,
“Beheld her weeping, and as late I stood,
“(The moon just rising from her cloudy bed)
“Low on the terrace, she, for aught I know,
“Might see compassion in my countenance,
“When slow she spake, “Stranger, if well I deem,
“Thou hast a heart can feel for wretchedness.
“Might I implore one favour at thy hand?”
“I never, till that hour, had heard her speech,
“And now, so new a voice stole on my ear,
“So plaintive and so sweet, that I, awhile,
“Fancied some angel spake, for human tongue,
“Methought had never equalled strains like these.
“Wondering I stoed, when thus again she cried.
“Hast thou a feeling breast, for woes like mine?”
“Yes, maiden! I exclaim'd. A heart that vows
“To do thee any service, far or near,
“Now or hereafter. “Gen'rous youth, she cried,
“Heaven will reward thee. I have one request.
“Forth, to Llewellyn, Cambria's noble Prince,
“This scroll, convey.” She cast it from her hand.
“I caught it, and tho' death had been my lot
“Had I been taken, I escaped that night;
“When travelling with all speed, I found thee here,
“And here I yield my charge, fulfilling thus,
“To that most peerless maid, my solemn plight.”
“A soldier,” he replied; “a humble name.
“I watch'd at Gloster, where Earl Talbot rules.
“Nor doubt, O Prince! that pity I had much
“For Eleanor, that most imperial maid
“For loveliness! I, at her window, long,
“Beheld her weeping, and as late I stood,
“(The moon just rising from her cloudy bed)
“Low on the terrace, she, for aught I know,
“Might see compassion in my countenance,
“When slow she spake, “Stranger, if well I deem,
“Thou hast a heart can feel for wretchedness.
“Might I implore one favour at thy hand?”
“I never, till that hour, had heard her speech,
“And now, so new a voice stole on my ear,
“So plaintive and so sweet, that I, awhile,
“Fancied some angel spake, for human tongue,
“Methought had never equalled strains like these.
65
“Hast thou a feeling breast, for woes like mine?”
“Yes, maiden! I exclaim'd. A heart that vows
“To do thee any service, far or near,
“Now or hereafter. “Gen'rous youth, she cried,
“Heaven will reward thee. I have one request.
“Forth, to Llewellyn, Cambria's noble Prince,
“This scroll, convey.” She cast it from her hand.
“I caught it, and tho' death had been my lot
“Had I been taken, I escaped that night;
“When travelling with all speed, I found thee here,
“And here I yield my charge, fulfilling thus,
“To that most peerless maid, my solemn plight.”
Llewellyn cried, “I thank thee. Here remain.
“I will not bid thee serve against thy Prince,
“But when the wars are o'er, a noble lot,
“Shall be thy heritage. Now, further, say,
“Who is this Talbot, and what name, around,
“Bears he, for honor, worth, and courtesy.”
The man replied, “He is a valourous knight,
“(So of himself he says, I know it not,)
“Who oft hath won the prize in tournament,
“With many a lady fair applauding round.
“If all he says be true, stoutly averr'd,
“I trow, familiar with the joust and tilt,
“No braver knight, unwedded, at this hour,
“Seeks woman's smiles, but of these boasted feats,
“Some hold suspicions. When, in doleful mood,
“At th' castle gateway, Eleanor arrived,
“Conducted by Earl Warwick, far renown'd,
“I heard him to his Squire, slow whispering say,—
“The fairest maid in Christendom!”
“I will not bid thee serve against thy Prince,
“But when the wars are o'er, a noble lot,
“Shall be thy heritage. Now, further, say,
“Who is this Talbot, and what name, around,
“Bears he, for honor, worth, and courtesy.”
The man replied, “He is a valourous knight,
“(So of himself he says, I know it not,)
“Who oft hath won the prize in tournament,
“With many a lady fair applauding round.
“If all he says be true, stoutly averr'd,
“I trow, familiar with the joust and tilt,
“No braver knight, unwedded, at this hour,
“Seeks woman's smiles, but of these boasted feats,
“Some hold suspicions. When, in doleful mood,
“At th' castle gateway, Eleanor arrived,
66
“I heard him to his Squire, slow whispering say,—
“The fairest maid in Christendom!”
“Enough!”
Llewellyn cried. “Retire! I thank thee much.
“I will talk further, at convenient time,
“On this same business. Leave me now awhile!”
The man withdrew, when thus Llewellyn spake.
“Walwyn and Anarawd, at hour like this,
“I need good counsel. In my mind hath risen,
“A thought, that, ere I call it wise or bold,
“You first shall sanction. I have even resolved,
“(If on reflection meet it shall be found)
“Since there is no faint chance of amity
“'Tween me and Edward, with convenient force,
“To march to Gloster, seize my promised bride,
“And bear her off triumphant. She hath told
“Of her “tumultuous fear” and mourn'd the loss
“Of friend to succour her. Beneath these words,
“Haply, deep meaning lies. Pride of my heart!
“While Cambria's Prince, wields this his father's sword,
“Shall Eleanor be friendless? To this spot,
“Doubtless I may return, ere Snowdon need
“Llewellyn's presence, else, let love, such love
“As I have felt, whelm'd in forgetfulness,
“Perish for ever. If objection rise
“Walwyn speak out. Save Vychan, thy old sire,
“None heed I more.” The Chieftain thus replied.
“O Prince, with thee I sorrow, yet as truth
“Thou lov'st, the thoughts which from the heart proceed,
“I would advise thee, to restrain thy wrath.
“If possible, forget the captive maid,
“Till, to his King, the Prelate back returns.
“At such a time, descend not from the tower,
“Where now thou stand'st, nor give to Edward's cause,
“Strength, by the step of rashness. I may err,
“Yet what I feel, my spirit dares to speak.”
Llewellyn cried, “brave Anarawd, declare,
“In this perplexing hour, what thoughts are thine.”
Llewellyn cried. “Retire! I thank thee much.
“I will talk further, at convenient time,
“On this same business. Leave me now awhile!”
The man withdrew, when thus Llewellyn spake.
“Walwyn and Anarawd, at hour like this,
“I need good counsel. In my mind hath risen,
“A thought, that, ere I call it wise or bold,
“You first shall sanction. I have even resolved,
“(If on reflection meet it shall be found)
“Since there is no faint chance of amity
“'Tween me and Edward, with convenient force,
“To march to Gloster, seize my promised bride,
“And bear her off triumphant. She hath told
“Of her “tumultuous fear” and mourn'd the loss
“Of friend to succour her. Beneath these words,
“Haply, deep meaning lies. Pride of my heart!
“While Cambria's Prince, wields this his father's sword,
“Shall Eleanor be friendless? To this spot,
“Doubtless I may return, ere Snowdon need
“Llewellyn's presence, else, let love, such love
“As I have felt, whelm'd in forgetfulness,
“Perish for ever. If objection rise
“Walwyn speak out. Save Vychan, thy old sire,
“None heed I more.” The Chieftain thus replied.
“O Prince, with thee I sorrow, yet as truth
67
“I would advise thee, to restrain thy wrath.
“If possible, forget the captive maid,
“Till, to his King, the Prelate back returns.
“At such a time, descend not from the tower,
“Where now thou stand'st, nor give to Edward's cause,
“Strength, by the step of rashness. I may err,
“Yet what I feel, my spirit dares to speak.”
Llewellyn cried, “brave Anarawd, declare,
“In this perplexing hour, what thoughts are thine.”
The Chieftain answer'd “Thrice ten thousand men
“Now wait thy word. Edward, at distance bay'd
“By many a castle, hath large work to do,
“Ere he call forth Llewellyn's potency.
“To the destruction of this citadel,
“Objection there is none. A valiant deed;
“Distracting Edward; teaching him again,
“The oft-repeated lesson, that thy sword,
“Strikes east and west—thus mayst thou serve alike
“Both love and duty. Peace, must Cambria gain
“By the sword's edge alone. This argument,
“May bear conviction to our enemy,
“All others are but tame. The Bishop's voice!—
“More efficacious is the gentlest breeze
“T' uproot the oak, than such mild monitors
“To stem th' impetuous Edward in his course.
“The sword, the spear, the buckler, we, in these,
“Behold our confidence.”
“Now wait thy word. Edward, at distance bay'd
“By many a castle, hath large work to do,
“Ere he call forth Llewellyn's potency.
“To the destruction of this citadel,
“Objection there is none. A valiant deed;
“Distracting Edward; teaching him again,
“The oft-repeated lesson, that thy sword,
“Strikes east and west—thus mayst thou serve alike
“Both love and duty. Peace, must Cambria gain
“By the sword's edge alone. This argument,
“May bear conviction to our enemy,
“All others are but tame. The Bishop's voice!—
“More efficacious is the gentlest breeze
“T' uproot the oak, than such mild monitors
“To stem th' impetuous Edward in his course.
“The sword, the spear, the buckler, we, in these,
“Behold our confidence.”
68
Llewellyn cried,
“Well hast thou spoken, Anarawd, thy thoughts,
“(With no discourtesy to this our friend
“Still prized, tho' young in years, in wisdom sage)
“Truly were mine, yet in a point so nice,
“When reason's door so strongly was beset
“By inclination, my own sentiments
“I doubted, till I heard some valourous man,
“For wisdom famed, confirm my half resolve.
“Not e'en an hour shall loiter: speed ye fast,
“Convene my chiefs! instant, I follow you.”
“Well hast thou spoken, Anarawd, thy thoughts,
“(With no discourtesy to this our friend
“Still prized, tho' young in years, in wisdom sage)
“Truly were mine, yet in a point so nice,
“When reason's door so strongly was beset
“By inclination, my own sentiments
“I doubted, till I heard some valourous man,
“For wisdom famed, confirm my half resolve.
“Not e'en an hour shall loiter: speed ye fast,
“Convene my chiefs! instant, I follow you.”
Surrounded by his warriors, brave and bold,
Llewellyn now appear'd; thus he began.
“Friends, I require your presence, to declare
“Our future plans, and counsels. Hear, O Chiefs!
“Whilst Edward, fearful to invade our land,
“Pauses upon the frontier, knowing well
“Thunder the lightning follows, we will speed
“Toward Gloster, hold abhorr'd! which long hath braved
“Our hottest vengeance, and which now shall fall,
“If in Llewellyn's oath be verity.
“One half shall guard the bulwark of the land
“The other half of Cambria's men in arms
“Shall join their Prince. Soon as the dawn unfolds,
“Our march begins.”
Llewellyn now appear'd; thus he began.
“Friends, I require your presence, to declare
“Our future plans, and counsels. Hear, O Chiefs!
“Whilst Edward, fearful to invade our land,
“Pauses upon the frontier, knowing well
“Thunder the lightning follows, we will speed
“Toward Gloster, hold abhorr'd! which long hath braved
“Our hottest vengeance, and which now shall fall,
“If in Llewellyn's oath be verity.
“One half shall guard the bulwark of the land
“The other half of Cambria's men in arms
“Shall join their Prince. Soon as the dawn unfolds,
“Our march begins.”
69
Joy, universal joy
Shone in each warrior's face and forth they turn,
For the next morn, each to prepare himself.
Shone in each warrior's face and forth they turn,
For the next morn, each to prepare himself.
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