ch I learned that there was to be a sacrament on the
ensuing Sabbath. He spoke with much fervency, enlarging upon the high
importance of the holy communion, and exhorting people to come to it in a
fit state of mind. When he had finished a man in a neighbouring pew got
up and spoke about his own unworthiness, saying this and that about
himself, his sins of commission and omission, and dwelling particularly
on his uncharitableness and the malicious pleasure which he took in the
misfortunes of his neighbours. The clergyman listened attentively,
sometimes saying "Ah!" and the congregation also listened attentively, a
voice here and there frequently saying "Ah." When the man had concluded
the clergyman again spoke, making observations on what he had heard, and
hoping that the rest would be visited with the same contrite spirit as
their friend. Then there was a hymn and we went away.

The moon was shining on high and cast its silvery light on the tower, the
church, some fine trees which surrounded it, and the congregation going
home; a few of the better dressed were talking to each other in English,
but with an accent and pronunciation which rendered the discourse almost
unintelligible to my ears.

I found my way back to my inn and went to bed, after musing awhile on the
concluding scene of which I had been witness in the church.

CHAPTER XCVII

Llandovery--Griffith ap Nicholas--Powerful Enemies--Last
Words--Llandovery Church--Rees Pritchard--The Wiser Creature--God's
better than All--The Old Vicarage.

The morning of the ninth was very beautiful, with a slight tendency to
frost. I breakfasted, and having no intention of proceeding on my
journey that day, I went to take a leisurely view of Llandovery and the
neighbourhood.

Llandovery is a small but beautiful town, situated amidst fertile
meadows. It is a water-girdled spot, whence its name Llandovery or
Llanymdyfri, which signifies the church surrounded by water. On its west
is the Towey, and on its east the river Bran or Brein, which descending
from certain lofty mountains to the north-east runs into the Towey a
little way below the town. The most striking object which Llandovery can
show is its castle, from which the inn, which stands near to it, has its
name. This castle, majestic though in ruins, stands on a green mound,
the eastern side of which is washed by the Bran. Little with respect to
its history is known. One thing, however, is certain,