Among the pursuits, therefore, most worthy of commendation, this holds by no means the lowest rank; for history, as the moral philosopher declares, “is the record of antiquity, the testimony of ages, the light of truth, the soul of memory, the mistress of conduct, and the herald of ancient times.”
This study is the more delightful, as it is more honourable to produce works worthy of being quoted than to quote the works of others; as it is more desirable to be the author of compositions which deserve to be admired than to be esteemed a good judge of the writings of other men; as it is more meritorious to be the just object of other men’s commendations than to be considered an adept in pointing out the merits of others. On these pleasing reflections I feed and regale myself; for I would rather resemble Jerome than Croesus, and I prefer to riches themselves the man who is capable of despising them. With these gratifying ideas I rest contented and delighted, valuing moderation more than intemperance, and an honourable sufficiency more than superfluity; for intemperance and superfluity produce their own destruction, but their opposite virtues never perish; the former vanish, but the latter, like eternity, remain for ever; in short, I prefer praise to lucre, and reputation to riches.
CONTENTS
BOOK I | ||
CHAPTER |
| PAGE |
I. | Length and Breadth of Wales, the Nature of its Soil, andthe Three Remaining Tribes of Britons | |
II. | Of the Ancient Division of Wales into Three Parts | |
III. | Genealogy of the Princes of Wales | |
IV. | Cantreds—Royal Palaces—Cathedrals | |
V. | Mountains and Rivers of Wales | |
VI. | Concerning the Pleasantness and Fertility of Wales | |
VII. | Origin of the Names Cambria and Wales | |
VIII. | Concerning the Nature, Manners, and Dress, the Boldness,Agility, and Courage, of this Nation | |
IX. | Their Sober Supper and Frugality | |
X. | Their Hospitality and Liberality | |
XI. | Concerning their cutting of their Hair, their Care oftheir Teeth, and Shaving of their Beard | |
XII. | Their Quickness and Sharpness of Understanding | |
XIII. | Their Symphonies and Songs | |
XIV. | Their Wit and Pleasantry | |
XV. | Their Boldness and Confidence in Speaking | |
XVI. | Concerning the Soothsayers of this Nation, and Persons asit were possessed | |
XVII. | Their Love of High Birth and Ancient Genealogy | |
XVIII. | Their Ancient Faith, Love of Christianity and Devotion | |
I. | Concerning the Inconstancy and Instability of this Nation,and their Want of Reverence for Good Faith and Oaths | |
II. | Their living by Plunder, and Disregard of the Bonds ofPeace and Friendship | |
III. | Their Deficiency in Battle, and Base and DishonourableFlight | |
IV. | Their Ambitious Seizure of Lands, and Dissensions amongBrothers | |
V. | Their great Exaction, and Want of Moderation | |
VI. | Concerning the Crime of Incest, and the Abuse of Churchesby Succession and Participation | |
VII. | Their Sins, and the consequent Loss of Britain and ofTroy | |
VIII. | In what Manner this Nation is to be overcome | |
IX. | In what Manner Wales, when conquered, should begoverned | |
X. | In what Manner this Nation may resist and revolt | |
BOOK I
CHAPTER I
OF THE LENGTH AND BREADTH OF WALES, THE NATURE OF ITS SOIL, AND THE THREE REMAINING TRIBES OF BRITONS
Cambria, which, by a corrupt and common term, though less proper, is in modern times called Wales, is about two hundred miles long and one hundred broad. The length from Port Gordber [155a] in Anglesey to Port Eskewin [155b] in Monmouthshire is eight days’ journey in extent; the breadth from Porth Mawr, [155c] or the great Port of St. David’s, to Ryd-helic, [155d] which in Latin means Vadum salicis, or the Ford of the Willow, and in English is called Willow-forde, is four days’ journey. It is a country very strongly defended by high mountains, deep valleys, extensive woods, rivers, and marshes; insomuch that from the time the Saxons took possession of the island the remnants of the Britons, retiring into these regions, could never be entirely subdued either by the English or by the Normans. Those who inhabited the southern angle of the island, which took its name from the chieftain Corinæus, [156] made less resistance, as their country was more defenceless. The third division of the Britons, who obtained a part of Britany in Gaul, were transported thither, not after the defeat of their nation, but long before, by king Maximus, and, in consequence of the hard and continued warfare which they underwent with him, were rewarded by the royal munificence with those districts in France.
CHAPTER II
OF THE ANCIENT DIVISION OF WALES INTO THREE PARTS
Wales was in ancient times divided into three parts nearly equal, consideration having been paid, in this division, more to the value than to the just quantity or proportion of territory. They were Venedotia, now called North Wales; Demetia, or South Wales, which in British is called Deheubarth, that is, the southern part; and Powys, the middle or eastern district. Roderic the Great, or Rhodri Mawr, who was king over all Wales, was the cause of this division. He had three sons, Mervin, Anarawt, and Cadell, amongst whom he partitioned the whole principality. North Wales fell to the lot of Mervin; Powys to Anarawt; and Cadell received the portion of South Wales, together with the general good wishes of his brothers and the people; for although this district greatly exceeded the others in quantity, it was the least desirable from the number of noble chiefs, or Uchelwyr, [157a] men of a superior rank, who inhabited it, and were often rebellious to their lords, and impatient of control. But Cadell, on the death of his brothers, obtained the entire dominion of Wales, [157b] as did his successors till the time of Tewdwr, whose descendants, Rhys, son of Tewdwr, Gruflydd, son of Rhys, and Rhys, son of Gruffydd, the ruling prince in our time, enjoyed only (like the father) the sovereignty over South Wales.