The golden chain, as a badge of honour, worn by heroes, is frequently alluded to in the works of the ancient British bards.
“Hardly has the snow covered the vale,
When the warriors are hastening to the battle;
I do not go, I am hinder’d by infirmity.”
Elegies of Llywarch Hen.
GRUFYDD’S FEAST.
[“Grufydd ab Rhys ab Tewdwr, having resisted the English successfully in the time of Stephen, and at last obtained from them an honourable peace, made a great feast at his palace in Ystrad Tywi to celebrate this event. To this feast, which was continued for forty days, he invited all who would come in peace from Gwynedd, Powys, the Deheubarth, Glamorgan, and the marches. Against the appointed time he prepared all kinds of delicious viands and liquors; with every entertainment of vocal and instrumental song; thus patronising the poets and musicians. He encouraged, too, all sorts of representations and manly games, and afterwards sent away all those who had excelled in them with honourable gifts.”—Cambrian Biography.]
Let the yellow mead shine for the sons of the brave,
By the bright festal torches around us that wave!