[Original]

Gwenwynwyn withdrew from the feasts of his hall;

He slept very little, he prayed not at all;

He pondered, and wandered, and studied alone;

And sought, night and day, the philosopher's stone.

He found it at length, and he made its first proof

By turning to gold all the lead of his roof:

Then he bought some magnanimous heroes, all fire,

Who lived but to smite and be smitten for hire.