Robert Curthose, Duke of Normandy

by Charles W. David

Rhobert Tywysog Norddmanti ai Cant.

In English thus:

When Robert, duke of Normandy, was held a prisoner in Cardiff castle by Robert Fitz Hamon, he acquired a knowledge of the Welsh language; and, seeing the Welsh bards there on the high festivals, he became a bard; and was the author of the following stanzas:

Oak that hast grown up on the mound,

Since the blood-streaming, since the slaughter;

Woe! to the war of words at the wine.

Oak that hast grown up in the grass,

Since the blood-streaming of those that were slain;

Woe! to man when there are that hate him.