But the two brothers were changed into wild swine, and driven off to find their food in the forest.
At the end of the year, they came back with a young pig.
The king had the little animal changed into a human being, which, like every mother's child in that time, received baptism.
Again the brothers were transformed into animal shape. This time, as wolves, and were driven out to the hills.
At the end of a twelve months' period, they came back, three in number, for one was a cub.
By this time, the penance of the naughty nephews was over, and they were now to be delivered from all magic spells.
So their human nature was restored to them, but they must be washed thoroughly. In the first place, it took much hot water and lye, made from the wood ashes, and then a great deal of scrubbing, to make them presentable.
Then they were anointed with sweet smelling oil, and the king ordered them to be arrayed in elegant apparel. They were appointed to hold honorable office at court, and from time to time to go out through the country, to call the officers to attend to public business.
When the time came that the king sought for one of the most beautiful maidens, who should hold his feet, Gwyd nominated to the prince's notice his sister Arianrod. The king was gracious, and thereafter she held his feet at all the banquets. She was looked up to with reverence by all, and held the office for many years. Thus King Math's reputation for grace and mercy was confirmed.