It stands in a meadow, a short distance from the abbey, and was a memorial of the dead; an improvement on the rude columns of Druidical times, sculptured into form, and surrounded with inscriptions. It is among the first lettered stones that succeed the Meini-Hirion, Meini-Gwyr and Llechan, and stood on a great tumulus, perhaps always environed with wood, according to the custom of the most ancient times, when standing pillars were placed under every green tree.
This pillar was erected above a thousand years ago, to the memory of Eliseg, the father of a Prince of Powis, called Rochwel Yscythrog, who met his death at the battle of Chester, in 607. During the civil wars, this pillar was thrown down, and broken, and the shaft which was originally above twelve feet in length, is now only eight. At the suggestion of the Rev. John Price, Bodleian librarian, and great antiquary, Mr. Lloyd, of Trevor Hall, had it placed in its present position.
At this spot, my companion and I were to separate. I felt the approaching loss severely; for where could I expect to find another so amusing and so kind?
“You’ll come and see me at Rhuthyn?” said he. “I have a snug cottage, a good housekeeper, a bed, and as good a glass of port as you will find in the neighbourhood;—promise to visit me at your return.”
I promised not to forget his hospitable invitation, and, with a feeling of regret I never before experienced at quitting a new acquaintance of so short standing, I squeezed his hand—and we parted.
From Valle Crucis Abbey, I proceeded to the banks of the Dee, and crossing the rude bridge over the river struck into the high road to Corwen, and proceeded at a brisk pace. The country became highly interesting. The mountains are lofty; and beneath, upon the right, Glyndwrdwy, the valley of the Dee, discloses its picturesque beauty. This was the property of the celebrated Owen Glyndwr.
The vale is so serpentine that it presents a succession of most exquisite views, and after a walk of three miles, on looking back, Castle Dinas Bran seems placed upon a lower eminence. The valley of Llangollen may be seen likewise from hence for many miles, terminated by the distant mountains.
After passing the fourth mile stone, the road takes a straight direction; and at this spot I came up with a person who, seated upon the road, was extracting some very tolerable music from one end of his walking cane. He was a tall thin man, with sharp features and large blue eyes. He had on a broad brimmed glazed hat, a blue frock coat, with nankeen pantaloons, short gaiters, and shoes. The rest of his wardrobe was wrapped in a pocket handkerchief; and his name, as I afterwards learnt, was Whiffler.
Upon my approaching him, he withdrew his musical cane from his mouth, and observed that it seemed likely to rain; and, by the misty appearance of the atmosphere before us, I concluded he was right in his observations; for in that direction the country was nearly obscured, while behind us, the sun sent forth his brightest beams upon mountain and stream; though the valleys partly slept in shadow, as he slowly journeyed to his western couch.