Four Ancient Books of Wales: X. Poems Attributed to Llywa...

I. MAENWYN, when I was of thy age, My garment should not be trodden under foot, My land should not be ploughed without blood. II. Maenwyn, when I was opposed to thee, With youth attendant on me, The foe would not break my boundary. III. Maenwyn, while I was in pursuit of thee, Following my youth, The foe loved not the fury of my resentment. IV. Maenwyn, while I was young and plump, Addicted to fierce slaughter, I would perform the acts of a man, though I was but a youth. V. Maenwyn, take thy aim discreetly; There is need of advice on him who is in error: Let Maelgwn provide another mayor. VI. My choice is a portion, with its sheath on it, And sharp-pointed as a thorn; It is not labour lost for me to whet a stone. VII. A present was bestowed on me from the vale Of Mewyrniawn, concealed in a bucket, A sharp iron projecting from the hand. VIII. Blessed be the solitary hag, That said from the door of her cell, "Maenwyn, do not deliver up thy knife."