passages of the Welsh. This course makes it
unnecessary to tamper with the charming translation that has become a
classic of the English language.

I am very grateful to the Principal and Fellows of Jesus College for
access to the Red Book, to Dr J. Gwenogvryn Evans for permission to use
his edition and to Lord Wimborne (the Ivor of Lady Guest's dedication)
for information kindly given.

OWEN EDWARDS.

LINCOLN COLLEGE,
OXFORD, 1_st_ _March_ 1902.

TO IVOR AND MERTHYR

MY DEAR CHILDREN,

Infants as you yet are, I feel that I cannot dedicate more fitly than to
you these venerable relics of ancient lore, and I do so in the hope of
inciting you to cultivate the Literature of "Gwyllt Walia," in whose
beautiful language you are being initiated, and amongst whose free
mountains you were born.

May you become early imbued with the chivalric and exalted sense of
honour, and the fervent patriotism for which its sons have ever been
celebrated.

May you learn to emulate the noble qualities of Ivor Hael, and the firm
attachment to your Native Country, which distinguished that Ivor Bach,
after whom the elder of you was named.

I am,
Your affectionate Mother,
C. E. GUEST.

DOWLAIS, 29_th_ _August_ 1838.

THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN.

King Arthur {15} was at Caerlleon upon Usk; and one day he sat in his
chamber; and with him were Owain the son of Urien, and Kynon the son of
Clydno, and Kai the son of Kyner; and Gwenhwyvar and her hand-maidens at
needlework by the window. And if it should be said that there was a
porter at Arthur's palace, there was none. Glewlwyd Gavaelvawr was
there, acting as porter, to welcome guests and strangers, and to receive
them with honour, and to inform them of the manners and customs of the
Court; and to direct those who came to the Hall or to the presence
chamber, and those who came to take up their lodging. {16}

In the centre of the chamber king Arthur sat, upon a seat of green
rushes, over which was spread a covering of flame-coloured satin; and a
cushion of red satin was under his elbow.

Then Arthur spoke, "If I thought you would not disparage me," said he, "I
would sleep while I wait for my repast; and you can entertain one another
with relating tales, and can obtain a flagon of mead and some meat from
Kai." And the King went to sleep. And Kynon the son of Clydno asked Kai
for that which Arthur had promised them. "I too will have the good tale
which he promise