[127c] We may infer from this admission that the Bard’s statements, though poetically adorned, are, as to the main facts, framed with a strict regard to truth. Thus no less than four vouchers for the correctness of his description of Caradawg’s valour are presented to our notice by name.
[127d] Gwriad was the son of Gwrien, one of the three princes of vassal origin. (See line 56: notes.) Gwynn might have been either Gwyn Godyvron or Gwyn ab Nudd; both alluded to in the Mabinogi of Kilhwch and Olwen.
[127e] Lit. its mangling or hewing.
[127f] We should have been tempted to construe the line thus,—
“From the broken hill of encounter,”
Making “kynn caffat” into one word “cynghaffad,” had we not been precluded by the peculiar metre which version third presents throughout, and which accordingly requires “cyn” in this place to rhyme with “fryn.”—
“O fryn } caffad.”
Hydwn cyn }
Possibly “Hydwn” may be identified with Hdddinam or Hadingtoun, in the province of Valentia.
[128a] Al. “vron,” the presence. Caradawg’s father was Llyr Merini, a prince of Cornwall.
[128b] Al. “eurawc,” covered with gold.