Great was the slaughter in that siege, during which, it is said, the “March of the Men of Harlech” was written to stir the neighbouring vassal chieftains to revolt against the usurping Edward.
“Fierce the beacon light is flaming,
With its tongues of fire proclaiming
‘Chieftains, sundered to your shaming,
Strongly now unite!’
At the cry all Arfon rallies,
War-cries rend her hills and valleys,
Troop on troop, with headlong sallies,
Hurtle to the fight.
“Chiefs lie dead and wounded,