anquet, and perhaps "tal" would mean
the front or principal seat where Cynon sat. When, however, the battle
commenced, the chieftain quitted the convivial board, and displayed the
valour of a distinguished soldier.

{136b} His first thrust being so effectual. Al. "were not recognised,"
having been so greatly mutilated.

{136c} Al. "in the day of gallantry."

{136d} I.e. Elphin son of Gwyddno ab Gorvynion ab Dyvnwal Hen king of
Gwent. In the early part of his life he was the patron of Taliesin, whom
he found when an infant in a leathern bag, exposed on a stake of his
father's wear. "When Elphin was afterwards imprisoned in the castle of
Dyganwy by Maelgwn Gwynedd, Taliesin by the influence of his song
procured his release. There is a poem in the Myvyrian Archaiology,
entitled the "Consolation of Elphin," said to have been written by the
chief of Bards.

Or, more likely, because of his connection with the North, he was one of
the sons of Urien Rheged, mentioned by Llywarch Hen in the following
triplet,--

"Pwylrai Wallawg, marchawg trin,
Er echwydd gwneuthur dyvin,
Yn erbyn cyvrysedd Elphin."

Gwallawg, the knight of tumult, would violently rave,
With a mind determined to try the sharpest edge,
Against the conflict of Elphin.

{137a} Probably the Epidii, in Cantyre and Argyleshire. Al. "Hud a
phyd," "The valour of the forward Elphin had recourse to wiles and
stratagems."

{138a} Morien is probably alluded to here again, whose especial
department seems to have been the superintendence of the martial fire.
"Mur greit," to which we have given the same meaning as to "Murgreit,"
(line 292) might, however, in connection with the rest of the verse be
differently translated; thus "The furze was kindled on the rampart by the
ardent bull of conflict," or "The furze was kindled by the ardent
bulwark, the bull of conflict." The latter construction seems to be
favoured by a stanza in "Cyvoesi Merddin," (Myvyrian Archaiology, vol. i.
p. 148) where Morien is styled "mur trin," "the bulwark of conflict."

"Marw Morgeneu marw kyvrennin
Marw Moryen mur trin
Trymmav oed am dy adoed di Vyrdin."

Morgeneu dead, Kyvrenin dead,
Morien the bulwark of conflict dead;
Most sad the lingering that thou art left, O Merddin.

{138b} The meaning seems to be, that the enemies directed their attack
to the part which abounded most with riches, or where the treasures were
collect