{"collection":"Northern European Mythology","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/neu/celt/fab/fab122.htm","path":"neu/celt/fab/fab122.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/fab/fab122.htm","text":"I. LET the cock's comb be red; naturally loud\n Be his voice, from his triumphant bed:\n Man's rejoicing, God will recommend.\nII. Let the swineherds be merry at the sighing\n Of the wind; let the silent be graceful;\n Let the vicious be accustomed to misfortune.\nIII. Let the bailiff impeach; let evil be a tormentor;\n Let clothes be fitting;\n He that loves a bard, let him be a handsome giver.\nIV. Let a monarch be vehement, and let him be brave;\n And let there be a hurdle on the gap;\n He will not show his face that will not give.\nV. Fleet let the racers be on the side\n Of the mountain; let care be in the bosom;\n Unfaithful let the inconstant be.\nVI. Let the knight be conspicuous; let the thief be wary;\n The rich woman may be deceived;\n The friend of the wolf is the lazy shepherd.\nVII. Let the knight be conspicuous: fleet be the horse;\n Let the scholar be ambitious;\n Let the prevaricating one be unfaithful.\nVIII. Let cows be round-backed; let the wolf be gray;\n Let the horse over barley be swift;\n Like gossamer will he press the grain at the roots.\nIX. Let the deaf be bent; let the captive be heavy\n Nimble the horse in battles;\n Like gossamer will he press the grain the ground.\nX. Let the deaf be dubious; let the rash be inconstant;\n Let the mischievous wrangle;\n The prudent need but be seen to be loved.\nXI. Let the lake be deep; let the spears be sharp;\n Let the brow of the sick be bold at the shout of war;\n Let the wise be happy--God commends him.\nXII. Let the exile wander; let the brave be impulsive;\n Let the fool be fond of laughter.\nXIII. Let the furrows be wet; let bail be frequent;\n Let the sick be complaining, and the one in health merry;\n Let the lapdog snarl; let the hag be peevish.\nXIV. Let him that is in pain cry out; let an army be moving;\n Let the well-fed be wanton;\n Let the strong be bold; let the hill be icy.\nXV. Let the gull be white; let the wave be loud;\n Let the gore be apt to clot on the ashen spear.\n Let the ice be gray; let the heart be bold.\nXVI. Let the camp be green; let the suitor be reproachless;\n Let there be pushing of spears in the defile;\n Let the bad woman be with frequent reproaches.\nXVII. Let the hen be clawed; let the lion roar;\n Let the foolish be pugnacious;\n Let the heart be broken with grief.\nXVIII. Let the tower be white; let the harness glitter;\n Let there be beauty--many will desire it;\n Let the glutton hanker; let the old man mediate.","title":"Four Ancient Books of Wales: X. Poems Attributed to Llywa...","type":"page"}