Better we had through mire and bush
Been lanthorn led by Friar Rush.
MARMION, CANTO IV, P. 187.
NOTE VII, P. 79.
To every Bard that serves his Grace,
A goodly pension or a place;—
We here call upon our readers, to attend to the origin of the word Bard; inasmuch as, that term has become applicable to poem-mongers in general. The learned Mr. Prideaux informs us,—
“Bardus possessed his father Druis’ place. To his ancestors Phylosophy, Magick, Politicks, Rites and Ceremonies, this man added Poetry, and set all their excellencies at a higher key. 2. From him we have the ancient Bardi, the chroniclers of all heroick actions, and commenders of their performers, to the imitation of their posterity, whom an ancient poet thus bespeaketh,—
Vos quoq. qui fortes animas belloq. peremtas,
Laudibus in longum vates deducitis ævum.
Plurima securi fudistis carmina Bardi.
Then you brave Bards securely song,
The praise of dead Pears;
In lofty strains, for to prolong
Their fame for many years.
3. Their esteem was such amongst the greatest commanders, that if two armies were even at push of pike, and a Bard had step’d in between them, they would have held their hands, harkened to their advice, and not have offered to strike until he were out of danger. 4. Famous amongst those Bards (before the coming of our Saviour) were held Plenidius and Glaskirion, and of late years, Davye Dee, David ap Williams and others. They say the island Bardsey had Bardorum Insula, its name, from them, and Aquila, Perdix, Patrick, Maddoch, and both the Merlins the wisards, were from this institution.”
PRIDEAUX’S INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY, P. 255-256.
Although the terms Bard and Poet are those in more general use to express the rhyme-weaving brotherhood, yet there are words of Gothic origin which may still be found of uncommon meaning, and, on certain occasions, even more significant than the former. Thus, a dame declaiming in heroics to her waiting-women and children, is denominated a Scold, from the Scalds or Poets of Iceland; and the term Bragger may, from “Brage” of the Goths, be employed to designate a blustering Poetaster, who claims, for alleged facility and unquestionable length of composition, the applause reserved for creative genius and continued exertion.