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 I. .ll/.,,,,.,rl, M, ,,
 
 WELSH LEGENDS : 
 
 A COLLECTION OF 
 
 POPULAR 
 
 OMAJL TAJLES, 
 
 " Tales of the days of old, when superstition, that 
 foul ugly witch, smiled on the lap of ignorance." 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printtd h) J. D. Dtwick, jttdtrsgatt-Strttt, 
 FOR Jt BADCOCK, PATERNOSTER - ROW. 
 
 1802.
 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 - Legends are of the highest an- 
 tiquity, and any attempt to trace 
 their origin, would not only be at- 
 tended with the greatest difficulty, 
 but even, we may venture to say, be 
 found impossible. It is not the in- 
 tention of the Editor to make such 
 an attempt, but merely to relate such 
 Legends as have come to his know- 
 ledge, and present the greatest in* 
 terest, either on account of their 
 antiquity, by which they have, in a 
 manner, become consecrated ; or on 
 account of the fanciful, strange, and 
 unaccountable contexture of the 
 
 FOUKLORC
 
 IV 
 
 various events with which they 
 abound. 
 
 There is hardly any Traveller in 
 Wales, who has not heard, at least, 
 of the titles of some of those an- 
 cient traditionary tales, which every 
 grandmother, on a cold winter even- 
 ing, repeats to her grandchildren, 
 sitting round the blazing hearth. 
 Whether they ever had the curiosity 
 to listen to those wonderful, terror- 
 striking relations is a matter of 
 doubt their works being entirely 
 silent on the subject. . It is not in 
 the well-built house, nor from the 
 well-informed inhabitant of Wales, 
 that such stories can be learnt ; it is 
 in the thatched cottage, among, we 
 might say, the primitive Welsh, who 
 have carefully preserved and trans- 
 mitted from generation to genera-
 
 tion, from grandmother to grand- 
 child, every tale, story, legend, or 
 ditty, which they had received from 
 their ancestors, that authentic in- 
 formation can be gathered, and from 
 these genuine sources that the Editor 
 has been enabled, in an intercourse 
 of several years, to obtain the col- 
 lection which he now offers to the 
 public. 
 
 That a considerable fund of enter- 
 tainment may be found in these 
 kind of tales, we believe every pei^ 
 son who stilt remembers the days of 
 his infancy and felices meminisse 
 juvat will readily allow. But, ex- 
 clusive of that pleasure, we will ven- 
 ture to assert, the knowledge of those 
 legendary tales is, if not absolutely 
 necessary, at least extremely useful, 
 in the perusal of the early poets of
 
 VI 
 
 this and other countries, whose works 
 are almost always interspersed with 
 ballads founded on those tales, or 
 with allusions to the popular notions 
 of the times in which they wrote. We 
 may say, that each Legend is a kind 
 of local mythology, and that, could 
 a regular connected arrangement be 
 formed of all the materials presented 
 by a complete collection of .them, 
 it would be found equally absurd, 
 equally extravagant, and yet perhaps 
 equally interesting. 
 ft.
 
 CONTENTS, 
 
 Knight of the Blood-red Plume - 1 
 
 Weird Witch of the Wood - - 73 
 
 Sighs of Ulla 91 
 
 Infidel - --. - - 143 
 
 Mountain Bard - - - - 269
 
 fenig&t of t&e XlootwD Iplume*
 
 Enig&t of t&e ^Btoofrteti Purne* 
 
 On a rising eminence, east of the river Clwyd, in 
 Flintshire, about two miles from its influx into the 
 sea, are the majestic ruins of Rhuddlan castle, which 
 derives its name from the colour of the soil on which 
 it is situated, according to Leland, who thus deduces its 
 etymology in his Itinerary j *i Rethlan, communely 
 " called Rudelan, cummeth of Rethe, that ys to saye, 
 *' color or pale, redde, and glan, that ys shore; but 
 " g, when glan ys set with a word preceding g, ys ex* 
 " ploded." Camden reports it to have been built by 
 Llewellyn ap Sitshilt, a brave and amiable prince, who, 
 after a reign of great glory, in which he had gained 
 the love of his subjects, was assassinated by Howel 
 and Meredydh, the sons of Edwyn by regular descent, 
 of Howel Dha, in hopes of gaining the crown of 
 South Wales ; but their schemes were defeated by the 
 odium which the people manifested towards them, and 
 they were obliged to fly to Ireland. He left only one 
 son,by name Gryffydh,who succeeded him, and,during 
 his life time, made Rhuddlan his chief residence. Of 
 the ruin, there are many legendary tales related ; but 
 this, though not the most popular, is perhaps the most 
 B2
 
 extravagant, and is equally credited with the rest by 
 the superstitious peasantry, who tremble to pass the 
 "ruin, in the dusk of evening, when it is believed that 
 Witches and ghosts are there holding their revels. 
 
 Stay, pilgrim j whither wendst 
 
 thou? 
 
 Cold is the north wind that plays 
 
 around the mountains heart-chilling the 
 snow that's wafted across the moor still 
 bleaker blows the blast, cutting, keen, and 
 freezing, as the grey mist of evening falls 
 upon the vales; frozen is the path that 
 winds through yon forest ; upon the leaf- 
 less trees hangs the winter's hoary frost 
 and cheerless the bosom of him doom'd 
 to wander along the lone path in such a 
 night as this. 
 
 Turn thee, pilgrim! and bend thy 
 
 step to Rhuddlan's ruined walls, where 
 thou mayst, undisturbed, waste the gloomy 
 night, and take the morning to enjoy the 
 road. 
 
 Pious hermit ! knowest thou not, 
 
 from dusky eve until return, of morn, that
 
 tortured spirits in yon castle rove? E'en 
 now, the blood runs chill within my veins, 
 while I do think on what I've seen. Such 
 groans have met my ears ! such sights my 
 eyes ! and screams and riotous laughs min- 
 gled with the winds that whistled through 
 the'broken arches of the courts ! e'en now, 
 the sweat of terror dews my brow, and 
 languid beats my heart. 
 
 Say, didst thou penetrate the hall ? 
 
 . 1 did ; and, on the hearth, light some 
 
 dried leaves, to warm my shivering frame. 
 J spread my wallet's fare upon the ground 
 with joyful heart, began to merry make 
 but angry spirits broke upon my glee, and 
 fearful noises paled my livid cheek. In- 
 stantly I dropped upon my trembling 
 knee, and told my beads ; but the screams 
 increased a ray of flame shot through 
 the room, and before me stood a warrior, 
 in complete armour clad his casque was* 
 down, and above his brow there waved a 
 blood-red plume. No word he spake, but 
 looked upon me with earnestness; his eye
 
 6 
 
 was as the sloe is, black as the basilisk's 
 fascinating his cheek was wan and death- 
 like. I would have fled, but my feet seem- 
 ed enchained to the ground, and my heart 
 feared to beat against my bosom. At this 
 moment, a female voice I heard, that loud- 
 ly sounded in the hall.... "1 come, Erilda," 
 cried the red-plumed knight; and in- 
 stantly vanished. Again were the screams 
 repeated, and showers of blood fell upon 
 the marble flooring on which I stood. 
 My veins were filled with icicles from my 
 heart ; but, rendered desperate by fear, in 
 the midst of the most horrible howlings, 
 I flew, and the expiring embers of my fire 
 casting a faint light, guided me along the 
 courts, through which I darted with the 
 rapidity of lightning. Venerable hermit, 
 again I dare not trust myself in Rhudd- 
 lan's walls. I have opposed my bosom to 
 the Saxon's sword, and never trembled ; 
 I have braved dangers for my country, and 
 was never known to fear ; but I dare not 
 face the spirits of the angry Clwyd.
 
 7 
 
 The hermit smiled. 
 
 Thou seest yon rock,which, threa* 
 
 tening, hangs above the river which, 
 slowly rippling along, now laves against 
 its broken sides. In the bosom of that 
 rock, I dwell. Peace is its inmate. My 
 cell is humble but hospitable ; and in its 
 lap the weary pilgrim has often found re- 
 pose. Rest thou with me this night, to 
 share it, friend, and eke my frugal meal. 
 
 Holy father, with joy I follow 
 
 you j hunger and fatigue doth sore oppress 
 me ; and my wearied limbs almost refuse 
 their wonted office. 
 
 The venerable hermit conducted him 
 to his cell, which was clean his meal 
 was wholesome. The pilgrim ate of the 
 frugal repast; and a chrystal water, spring- 
 ing from the rock, was the beverage on, 
 which the man of piety regaled. This 
 was proffered in a rudely-carved wooden 
 bowl to his guest, who drank, and felt 
 relieved. He now drew his stool near the 
 hearth^ on which the faggot blazed, and
 
 8 
 
 the hermit, to beguile the moments, and 
 remove the fear which occupied his com- 
 panion's breast, thus related of the Knight 
 of the Blood-red Plume, and the fair Erilda. 
 
 High on the walls of Rhuddlan, 
 
 waved the black flag of death Loud the 
 bell of the neighbouring priory tolled the 
 eolemn knell, which every vale re-echoed 
 round, and the sad response floated to the 
 ear through each passing gale The monks, 
 in solemn voice, sung a mass for the ever- 
 lasting repose of the deceased- A thousand 
 tapers illumined the chapel and boun- 
 teously was the dole distributed to the surr 
 Tounding poor. The evening blast was 
 keen the grey mist circled the moun- 
 tain's craggy brow rand thin flakes of 
 snow beat in the traveller's face, while 
 cold and shivering airs wafted his cloak 
 aside. Sir Rhyswick the Hardy, heard, 
 as he advanced, the echo of the distant 
 bell; and, spurring his mettled steed, with 
 heart harbouring many fears, pursued his 
 course fleetly through the forest.
 
 '0 
 
 " Use speed, Sir Knight 1" cried a voice 
 in his ear: "Egberta dies !" 
 
 Rhyswick turned pale. 
 
 " Egberta's bosom's cold ;" continued 
 the voice, " and vain will be your sighs." 
 
 The Knight in dismay checked his horse, 
 and inclined his head to whence he thought 
 the sound proceeded ; but nothing met his 
 eye ; all was vacant before him, and only 
 the quivering bough, fanned by the breeze, 
 was heard. Rather alarmed, again he set 
 spurs to the sides of his steed still the 
 snow was drifted in his face. Night was 
 now ushered to the heavens, and it was 
 with difficulty he could maintain the path 
 that branched through the forest. The 
 web-winged bat brushed by his ear, in 
 her circular flight ; and the ominous 
 screech-owl, straining her throat, pro- 
 claimed the dissolution of the deceased. 
 
 Sir Rhyswick heaved a sigh ; a melan- 
 choly thought stole across his brain, and> 
 arriving at the banks of the Clwyd, he 
 beheld., with trembling, the many tapers
 
 to 
 
 in the priory of Rhuddlan, and heard 
 more distinct the solemn bell. 
 
 t( Egberta is no more," cried the voice 
 that had before accosted him ; " Egberta 
 is in Heaven." 
 
 The Knight turned round; but, behold- 
 ing no one, and agonized by the predic- 
 tion, again he rouzed his steed, and flew, 
 pale and breathless, to the castle. He 
 blew the loud horn suspended at the gate 
 of Twr Silod, the strong tower which stands 
 upon the banks of the river ; and the loud 
 blast, echoing in the courts, arouzed the 
 ominous bird that had alighted on the 
 battlements, who, flapping her heavy 
 wings, resumed her flight, uttering a wild 
 discordant scream. The portal was opened 
 to receive him j and Sir Rhyswick entered, 
 through a long range of vassals, habited in 
 mournful weeds. 
 
 (t Is the prediction true, then ?" he ex- 
 claimed; and, rushing to the apartment 
 of Egberta, found her cold and lifeless. 
 The colour that once adorned her cheek
 
 11 
 
 was faded her eyes were shrouded 
 and her lips became more and more pale, 
 from which the last breath had so lately 
 issued. A serene smile mantled her coun- 
 tenance her locks were carefully bound 
 in rose-bands her corpse was prepared 
 for the earth and two monks sat on each 
 side of her, offering up their holy prayers 
 for her repose. Sir Rhyswick, overcome 
 by the unexpected sight, with a groan of 
 anguish, fainted upon the couch. Some 
 servants that had attended him from the 
 hall, conveyed him in a state of insensi- 
 bility to his chamber j and, the next day* 
 the body of the virtuous Egberta was de- 
 posited in the chapel of the castle. Maidens 
 strewed the path with flowers, along which 
 their sainted lady was borne ; and 6ome 
 monks from the priory sung a solemn 
 dirge over her bare-headed and with their 
 arms crossed upon their bosoms. The 
 fair Erilda with her own hands decked the 
 person of her mother with flowers j and 
 each flower was moist with a daughter's
 
 12 
 
 tears. A requiem, chaunted by the monies^ 
 and in which the maidens joined, closed 
 the ceremony j and Erilda, with oppressed 
 heart, returned to the castle. 
 
 Sir Jihyswick, whose grief would not per- 
 mit him to attend the funeral rites, pressed 
 the affectionate girl to his bosom, and they 
 sought mutual consolation in each other. 
 
 Rhyswick the Hardy was. the friend and 
 favourite of his Prince. He had fought 
 in all the wars of his country, since the 
 first moment he could hurl the spear - 
 victory had ever attended his arms ; but 
 now, his beard was silvered o'er with age - 
 peace was restored to the land, and he had 
 hoped, at Hhuddlan, in the bosom of his 
 Egberta, to pass away his few remaining 
 years. Bliddyn ap Cynvyn had united in 
 himself, by conquest, the sovereignty of 
 Owynedd, or North Wales, with Powys, 
 end thus had terminated a war that had 
 long threatened destruction to either na- 
 tion. With pleasure did Wales observe 
 her implacable enemy, the English, strug-,
 
 13 
 
 glingto overcome a foreign foe. Bloody 
 were the battles fought with William of 
 Normandy, surnamed the Bastard; and; 
 with secret satisfaction, did Bliddyn ap 
 Cynvyn, a silent spectator, see either army 
 reduced and weakened in the sanguinary 
 contest. Sir Rhyswick had by his be- 
 loved Egberta, from whose fond arms the 
 war had often torn him, and who^ in his 
 last absence, being attacked by a sudden 
 and violent illness, in a few days expired,! 
 one only daughter. To Erilda he now 
 looked forward for future happiness. She 
 was beautiful as the morn roseate health- 
 sat upon her smiling cheek meekness 
 and charity in her lustre-beaming eye.: 
 Her teeth were as so many snow-drops, re- 
 gularly even her breath, like the dewed 
 rose-bud, of glowing fragrance A dimple 
 revelled playfully near her mouth and 
 the rich ringlets of her yellow hair floated 
 carelessly on her fine curved shoulders. i 
 Between her lily breasts she wore a ruby 
 cross, suspended by a golden chain and
 
 14 
 
 down her taper limbs the dazzling folds of 
 her white garments flowed. Erilda was 
 not more beautiful in person than in min; 
 for, as lovely a bosom as ever nature form* 
 ed encased a heart enriched with every 
 virtue. She was the subject of universal 
 admiration all tongues were lavish in her 
 praise, and many suitors came to ask her 
 hand ; but, though extremely sensitive, no 
 one, as yet, claimed an interest in her 
 heart : the warm shaft of love had not 
 pierced her glowing veins ; and gay 
 and affable to all reserved to few she 
 preserved that freedom which the lover" 
 cannot retain. The loss of her mother 
 imparted a melancholy to her cheek, that 
 rendered her far more lovely. Sir Rhyswick 
 indulged in grief, and the castle was one 
 scene of mourning. On the brow of this 
 rock, that o'erlooks the angry Clwyd, 
 which rolls beneath, the poorer vassals 
 and dependents of Rhuddlan, every evening 
 came to receive the bounty of their young 
 mistress. It was these excavations in the
 
 15 
 
 rock that echoed the soft plaintive notes of 
 her melodious harp. On this rock she 
 sung, and the spirits of the murmuring 
 river were charmed, as they lay in their oozy 
 bed, with the soft pleasing strains the 
 billows ceased to roll in admiration, and 
 Zephyrus drew back his head, in mute at- 
 tention to the rapturous lay. 
 
 Once, when the return of twilight was 
 announced in the heavens, by the rich 
 crimson streaks and blushing gold that 
 occupied the vast expanse of sky, and 
 Erilda accompanied with her voice the 
 trembling harp, near the wilds, a warrior 
 Knight, mounted on a barbed steed, in 
 sable armour clad, and with a Blood-red 
 Plume waving on his brow, approached 
 the spot from whence the sounds proceeded. 
 Erilda, on hearing the advance of horses' 
 feet, turned hastily around ; and, with 
 modest courtesy, welcomed the Knight, 
 who had thus obtruded on her privacy. 
 There was a something in his gait and 
 appearanee that struck her with awe j and
 
 10 
 
 the unknown, dismounting from his steedj 
 occupied a seat beside her. Again she 
 struck upon the trembling chords, with 
 fearful hand. The stranger sighed, as 
 he gazed upon her ; and, when her eye 
 met his, she withdrew it, blushing, to the 
 ground. The shade of night approached, 
 and misty fogs obscured the starry sky : 
 
 " Sir Knight," she cried, with courteous 
 smile, while an unusual palpitation thrilled, 
 through her heart, of admiration mingled 
 with fear : " Rhuddlan's hospitable walls 
 are ready to receive you ; and no warrior 
 passes her warlike towers, without par- 
 taking and acknowledging the munifi- 
 cence of Rhyswick the Hardy." 
 . "Fair lady I" replied the unknown, 
 *f the hospitality of the gallant chieftain, 
 so famed, is not unknown tome; but I 
 must onward on my journey, nor taste the 
 bounty which all admire." 
 
 " Sir Knight ! this is not courteous." 
 " Lady, adieu ! it must not be: I live 
 in hopes that we shall meet again,"
 
 Saying this, he pressed her hand to his 
 lips, and mounting his steed, flew with the 
 rapidity of the winds, along the shadowed 
 plain that stood before her. His horse, so 
 fleet, seemed to skim along the ground; 
 and in an instant he was borne from her 
 sight. 
 
 Erilda was astonished ; there was a wild- 
 ness in the jet black eye of the unknown, 
 that, while it fascinated, alarmed her a 
 beautiful colour tinged his cheek ; but not 
 of that nature to which she was accus- 
 tomed. His locks were black and sleek 
 his figure was noble and commanding 
 his voice, though harmony itself, still con- 
 veyed a hollow sound that was not pleas- 
 ing. In short, his whole appearance, while 
 it charmed her to admiration, filled her 
 with a kind of tremor ; and she returned 
 to the palace of Rhuddlan, charmed, and at 
 the same time awed, with the martial ap- 
 pearance of the warlike stranger. 
 
 " What majesty in his countenance!" 
 exclaimed she to herself. " What noble- 
 C
 
 18 
 
 ness. in hist demeanor ! And, ah t what a 
 melancholy seems to occupy his soul, that 
 dims the sparkling lustre of his jet black 
 eye, and clouds those animating feature?, 
 otherwise beaming with cheerfulness.. 
 Surely such dejection is not natural in him ? 
 No, no; some hidden secret preys upon 
 his heart : perhaps, love, which, as I have 
 heard bards relate, feeds upon the roseate 
 hue of health gives langour to the eye 
 paleness to the cheek and despoils the 
 heart of its manhood tha* reduces firm.. 
 pests, to trepidity and poisons the. noble 
 mind with weaknesses that are engendered. 
 by timidity." 
 
 Erilda sighed. Sir Rhyswick met her, 
 as she was seeking her chamber ; the good 
 old man bore the resemblance of his grief 
 upon his fretted cheek ; but he endea- 
 voured to be cheerful ; and, with an as- 
 sumed smile, he conducted her to the sup- 
 per-hall. 
 
 Erilda vainly attempted to be gay, but 
 variety of thought occupied her brain
 
 1Q 
 
 the soul-inspiring song of the family bard 
 now charmed not her ear, who, at the 
 board, when the gay goblet circulated the 
 tables, raised high his tuneful voice to 
 the sublimest pitch, in commemoration 
 of deeds of other days, and sung of tri- 
 umphs, and of glorious war. 
 
 Erilda, whose heart was affected by 
 another subject, was not moved with the 
 sweet sounds of the trembling harp, nor 
 participated of that emotion which the 
 song of patriotism inspired in the breast of 
 its auditors. Had the theme been love", 
 the air been plaintive as the ring-dove's 
 tender tale, Erilda' s soul had wasted in 
 the strain, and owned the power of music* 
 when in melody with her feelings. Af- 
 fectionately imprinting a kiss upon the 
 bearded cheek of Sir Rhyswick, attended 
 by her page, she bade adieu to the knight'; 
 and, retiring to her couch, attempted to 
 lull those wild and troubled thoughts to 
 rest, that agitated and oppressed her ; but 
 the blood-plumed knight, in her slumbers,
 
 20 
 
 stood before her ; his graceful form his 
 pensive, melancholy countenance, she pic- 
 tured to herself: and sighs of regret, when 
 she awoke, and found the unreal image 
 vanished, stole from her heaving breast. 
 
 With the first'dawn of morning, Erilda 
 arose, and flew to the monastery of Rhudd- 
 lan, to offer up her daily prayers. The 
 holy father confessor gave her absolution, 
 on a declaration of her errors ; and again 
 she sought the much-loved spot, where 
 she had met the unknown. She looked 
 towards the path he had taken the pre- 
 ceding evening, but he no longer occu- 
 pied it ; and, seating herself upon the rock, 
 she played an air, soft, and melodious as 
 the strains of Philomel ; but, dissatisfied 
 with her execution, she turned the instru- 
 ment aside ; her voice, she conceived, 
 wanted its usual sweetness the harp was 
 out of tune and her fingers, lingering 
 upon the strings, damped the swelling 
 note. 
 
 Erilda sighed, and sighed so deep, that
 
 21 
 
 echo, from the excavated rocks, returned 
 them to her ear. At length, the tear glis- 
 tened in her eye. 
 
 " Why, why am I thus concerned for a 
 wandering unknown, whom chance, per- 
 haps, conducted to this spot, for a first, 
 and only time ? who, ere now, is leagues 
 distant from my sighs, and who not en- 
 tertains one thought of me? Away, hope, 
 thou delusive image, from my bosom I 
 never shall behold him more my heart 
 must harbour no such wish." 
 
 Saying this, with the firmness of reso- 
 lution, she turned her step toward the cas- 
 tle. Sir Rhyswick was preparing for the 
 chase ; the hounds and hawks were abroad 
 all was noise and confusion and Erilda 
 consented to make one of the sportive 
 throng. Buckling on her breast the man- 
 tle of green, and slinging across her shoul- 
 ders the bow and arrow quiver, mounted 
 on a cream-backed palfrey, she joined them. 
 
 The adjacent forest echoed back the 
 huntsmen's loud horns, and the affri^htcr!-
 
 22 
 
 deer pricked up his ears to the well- 
 known blast The yell of dogs sounded iri 
 the deep glens the loud halloo succeeded 
 and nimbly o'er the bogs and marshes 
 bounded the fleet object of their sport. It 
 was noon when Sir Rhyswick ordered his 
 vassals to strike their tents upon the plain ; 
 and, after refreshing themselves with a rich 
 repast, again they prepared to renew the 
 chase ; the ripe mead, in a golden goblet, 
 was presented to the fair Erilda, who, in 
 the midst of her damsels, looked like the 
 goddess of the wood and Sir Rhyswick 
 drank from the hirlas horn the soul-re- 
 viving cwrrw. Soon again was the pant- 
 ing deer pursued up craggy cliffs through 
 streams and vallies o'er the heath cross 
 the moor and through the mazy forest. 
 Erilda started a speckled doe from the bo- 
 som of a glen ; and, drawing her arrow to 
 the head, in the silver bow, pierced her 
 in the breast. Though wounded, the ani- 
 mal made good her flight, and darted 
 through the forest with the rapidity of 
 lightning.
 
 23 
 
 The heroic huntress fleetly pursued; 
 while the horns and hounds were echoed 
 from another part of the plain. Long did 
 the doe maintain her speed, and kept in 
 sight, with the arrow in her breast, until 
 the pale-faced moon appeared, emerging 
 from a cloud, and silvering the glassy lake. 
 At length, the wounded animal dropped, 
 and instantly expired. 
 
 Erilda dismounted her steed ; and now, 
 she first discovered herself to be absent 
 from the train, and at an hour when an- 
 gry demons ride upon the air, and mutter 
 mischief. Cold winds wafted her brown 
 hair aside; and fast descended the grey mist 
 of evening. In vain En-Ida listened to 
 catch the halloo of the huntsmen. No 
 longer the horn sounded m the vale rail 
 was drear and silent, saving the hollow 
 nm rmu rings of the wind, forcing its pas- 
 sage, sighing through the trees. Almost 
 fainting with fear, she leaned upon iter 
 bow : she endeavoured to blow the hom 
 that was suspended at ber breast, but it
 
 24 
 
 fell from her feeble grasp, and the bow 
 shrunk from her hand. At length, sum- 
 moning more fortitude, she remounted her 
 steed; and not knowing what road to take, 
 gave her horse the reins, trusting herself 
 to the protection of her household spirit. 
 Away flew the impatient steed through the 
 forest o'er hill and dale : the turf trem- 
 bled beneath his hoofs, and the white 
 foam frothed at his distended nostrils. 
 On a sudden, the bell of a neighbouring 
 monastery sounded in the gale, and blazing 
 torches were seen waving through diffe- 
 rent parts of a wood tba.t lay before her. 
 (i Hilli oh ho!" cried the huntress, with 
 hope animating her bosom ; f* Hilli oh 
 ho !" but her voice returned responsive to 
 her ear, and the flaming brands disappear- 
 ed. Still she pursued the path, and fleetly 
 flew the cream-backed palfrey on which 
 she rode -now again the huntsman's horn 
 was heard winding at a great distance, and 
 now the approaching clank of horses' hoofs, 
 convinced her the attendants of the chief*
 
 25 
 
 tain, her father, were in pursuit of her. 
 Erilda, checking her steed, awaited their 
 coming up with her j but those in pursuit 
 took a different route j and the sounds 
 dying away, as the attendants receded, all 
 was again hushed. At length, weary of 
 this suspense, she proceeded j and, turn- 
 ing the angle of a jutting rock that bulged 
 in the fertile Clwyd, she observed a horse- 
 man slowly parading its banks. Pensive 
 was his face his right hand rested on a 
 battle-axe his left held the reins of a nut-, 
 brown "courser -his soul seemed occupied 
 by melancholy his brain to be distracted 
 by tormenting thoughts. Erilda advanced 
 towards him, and fixing her blue eyes upon 
 his cheek, to her astonishment recognized 
 the stranger Knight of the Blood red Plume! 
 His vizor was up, and melancholy tinged 
 his whole countenance a sigh, half sup- 
 pressed, trembled on his lips despondency 
 seemed to depress his heart, that shed a 
 transitory gloom over every feature, and 
 preyed upon that energy of mind, which
 
 6 
 
 his interesting eye betrayed as certainly 
 possessing. Erilda, uhable to Curb her 
 impetuous steed, who reared upon his hin- 
 der legs, and snorted in rage, called to the 
 Knight, who, wrapped in thought, ob- 
 served her not. 
 
 " Good stranger," cried the lovely 
 daughter of haughty Rhuddlan's chieftain, 
 " I throw myself under your protection ; 
 conduct the strayed Erilda to Rhuddlan's 
 hall, and the blessings of a distracted parent 
 6hall be your's." 
 
 " Divine daughter of the first of chief- 
 tains," replied the Knight, eagerly grasp- 
 ing his horse's reins; " I am subject to 
 your commands my life shall be devoted 
 to your service." 
 
 Erilda, smiling, gave him her hand, 
 which he pressed respectfullv to his lips ; 
 and, proceeding, the lofty turrets of Rhudd- 
 Jan soon appeared in view. The pale moon, 
 shedding her rays on its dark battlements, 
 reflected them to the Ghvyd, which in soft 
 billows rippled beneath the mount on Which
 
 27 
 
 it stood. Numberless torches were seen 
 glaring in the hands of the disconsolate 
 attendants of the chieftain, who, in the 
 agony of grief, dispersed them round the 
 country in search of her. All was bustle ; 
 and, no sooner did she appear among them, 
 than loud shouts rent the air, and they 
 flew to bear the welcome tidings to Sir 
 Rhyswick. The stranger Knight conduct- 
 ed her across the courts ; and the fond fa- 
 ther, impatient to clasp his daughter in 
 his arms, hastened towards her. Erilda 
 fell upon his bosom ; and the tear of joy 
 dropped from the old man's beard upon 
 her shoulder. The Knight, in his turn, 
 received the caresses of the venerable chief- 
 tain, who, boundless in his joy, would have 
 lavished on him empires, had he had them 
 at command. 
 
 "Tell me, Sir Knight," cried Rhys- 
 wick, " to whom am I indebted for the 
 restoration of Erilda to my aged arms ? Let 
 me fall upon my knees at his feet, and 
 bless him."
 
 28 
 
 H Hospitable chieftain,my name is Wert-* 
 wrold, a forlorn and suffering wanderer ; 
 the world contains' no home to shelter me 
 no friend to welcome me. But, though 
 sorrows oppress my heart, I am ever ready 
 to give joy to others -Erilda is once more 
 yours," he added with a sigh, and, bowing 
 his head, was about to depart. 
 
 " Nay, stranger, this night you must 
 share that joy which you have imparted to 
 our breasts, and make Rhuddlan your resi- 
 dence." 
 
 ff Your pardon," cried the Knight; <c my 
 envious fortune denies that I should taste 
 of pleasure-: I must away, ere the stars fade 
 on the horizon." 
 
 " Wertwrold," returned Erilda, " the 
 maid whom you have protected entreats 
 your stay upon her knee entreats it : da 
 not dispirit our festivity by your departure. 
 Come, let me conduct you to the marble- 
 hall." 
 
 The Knight, overpowered by their en- 
 treaties, at length yielded ; and Erilda, by
 
 2Q 
 
 the hand, introduced him to the festive 
 board, where sat the harpers, tuning their 
 strings, awaiting the approach of the chief- 
 tain and his guests. Wertwrold appeared 
 struck with the dazzling splendour of the 
 hall that had regaled princes : rich crim- 
 son tapestry hung down the walls in fes- 
 toons fringed with gold, between pillars 
 of the fairest marble, disposed at equal 
 distances, supporting cornices of polished 
 silver ; the carved ceiling displayed emble- 
 matical devices of war and of the chase : 
 in one part, Diana was painted with her 
 bow; in another, Caractacus engaging the 
 Romans. 
 
 Erilda conducted the Knight to a cedar 
 stool, covered with crimson, and edged 
 with gold, at the table, on which were pro- 
 fusely scattered carved goblets, sumptuous- 
 ly embossed, and flowing with ripe mead. 
 The harpers, during the repast, raised their 
 voices in praise of the ancestors of Rhys- 
 wick, and regularly traced his descent, in 
 bardic song; describing each great feat his
 
 30 
 
 fathers had atchieved. And now, the 
 midnight bell sounding, dissipated their 
 mirth the bards were dismissed and 
 Wertwrold was led to a couch by one of 
 the attendants, after saluting the fair hand 
 of Erilda, which she offered to him in token 
 of her favour. The morning dawned un- 
 usually splendid the early dew sparkled 
 on the grass blade and the effulgent sun 
 rising, tinted the horizon with his gay 
 beams. Gentle was the air that played 
 around the mountains sweet and odorife- 
 rous was the scented gale the river Clwyd 
 timidly flowing, fearful lest it should in- 
 terrupt the calmness that prevailed, was 
 scarcely seen to move and Erilda, whose 
 troubled thoughts, the preceding night, had 
 denied her rest, hastened to the delightful 
 rock where she first beheld the stranger, 
 Wertwrold ; there to indulge in sighs, and 
 those thoughts that, while they pained, 
 pleased. This solitary spot afforded her 
 an opportunity to indulge the melan 
 choly of her mind; here she could sit and
 
 31 
 
 gaze with pensive eye upon the calm wa- 
 ters, as they laved against the shore, and 
 involve, her brain in a chaos of bewilder- 
 ing reflection, unobserved by any one. 
 Krilda never knew till now what it was to 
 love never knew till now what sighs the 
 absence of him or her we love creates 
 and now she first felt the pains, was unable 
 t<? sustain them. The Red-plumed Knight 
 was master of her heart and of her fate ; 
 violent was the passion that raged in her 
 bosom, threatening to consume her by a 
 k*vv lingering fire : for it appeared impos- 
 sible the passion ever could be gratified. 
 Seated upon an arm of the rock that over- 
 hangs the Clwyd, tears flowing down her 
 lovely cheeks, agitated by similar thoughts, 
 and overcome by the weight of her emo- 
 tions, weary, not having tasted of repose 
 the preceding night, she sunk into a gentle 
 slumber, her head reclined upon her lily 
 arm. 
 
 Wertwrold left the castle to taste of the 
 refreshing air, ere the Baron descended
 
 32 
 
 from his chamber, or the loud bell sum- 
 moned them to breakfast. His feet, as if 
 by instinct, led him to the spot, where first 
 Erilda had attracted his notice. How 
 much was he astonished to behold the 
 lovely maiden in a sweet sleep ! He stood 
 awhile to observe her, and the tenderest 
 sensation thrilled through his whole soul ; 
 her auburn locks played carelessly upon 
 her temples, and her blue eyes were shroud- 
 ed with her long, dark lashes ; the tint of 
 the carnation was displayed upon her 
 cheek a perfect ruby colour were her 
 lips the white rose leaf, through which 
 runs the blue enamelled vein, was not 
 more fair than her forehead, or more sweet 
 than her breath soft air that played 
 around her, wafted the thin gauze aside 
 that shadowed her snowy bosom, and re- 
 vealed beauties, which monarchs, on be- 
 holding, would have languished to enjoy. 
 Wertwrold, transported in the ecstacy 
 of passion, dropped upon his knee, and 
 imprinted a kiss upon her cheek.
 
 83 
 
 Erilda, at this moment, awoke ; and the 
 Knight, conscious of the crime he had 
 committed, drew back, abashed and trem- 
 bling. Erilda was alike confused, and 
 Wertwrold, seizing this opportunity, clasp- 
 ed hold of her hand with fervour, and, pres- 
 sing it between his, exclaimed, " Lovely 
 Erilda, pardon the presumption which 
 your beauty has inspired if 'tis a crime to 
 adore you, then am I most criminal ; but 
 I bow to my fate doomed to be unhappy, 
 I willingly resign myself the victim of 
 cruel fortune." 
 
 " Say, Sir Knight," cried the embar- 
 rassed Erilda, lending her hand to raise 
 him from the ground, " why are you 
 thus persecuted ? Repose your sorrows in 
 my bosom ; indeed, you will find in me 
 one much interested for you. Erilda, 
 from her heart, pities you." 
 
 " And does Erilda pity me?" he re- 
 turned, rising, and assuming a seat by her 
 side. " Oh, welcome, ye sorrows ! for, 
 henceforward, mingled with your bitter 
 
 D
 
 34 
 
 tears, ye convey a pleasure in the thought, 
 that she whom all the world adores, feels 
 for my sufferings; the scalding tear shall 
 no longer flow without its balm the ar- 
 row of anguish, while it wounds, shall, on 
 its poison-tipt point, convey a healing bal- 
 sam to my soul." 
 
 " But say, Sir Knight why is your fate 
 involved in mystery ? Lend me your con- 
 fidence make me the mistress of your 
 secret my bosom shall be its prison- 
 house ; and so tenacious will I be in re- 
 taining it, that even to myself I will not 
 dare to whisper it." 
 
 " Oh, lady, could T burst the fetters 
 that chain my tongue to secrecy, I should 
 enjoy a luxury in my grief; but, no, it is 
 forbid you behold in me a houseless wan- 
 derer, against whom the vengeance of Hea- 
 ven is imprecated, doomed, for a term, to 
 be a solitary inhabitant of the earth with 
 no settled home to shelter me no friend 
 to console me no one in whom I can 
 confide my sorrows."
 
 35 
 
 ' Well 1" cried Erilda, in impatience. 
 
 u Lady, I dare reveal no more the 
 cause must remain unknown." 
 
 Erilda could scarce conceal her agita- 
 tion. iC And when," with a tremulous 
 voice, she added, " will the term expire, 
 that frees you of your misery ?" 
 
 f( Then when a virgin shall be found, 
 of noble birth, and honour speckless as the 
 mountain's dazzling snow, whose beauty 
 shall be the theme of courts whose virtue 
 shall be the admiration of those, whom, 
 with parent bounty, she has fostered 
 whose hand shall be urged by knights of 
 rank and enterprize who shall withstand 
 the temptation of wealth and power, equi - 
 page and title- who shall sincerely love 
 me for myself alone, and brave all dangers, 
 to arrive at the haven in my arms." 
 
 Erilda turned pale ; the colour on her 
 cheek flew, and her whole frame became 
 agitated. At this moment, the loud bell 
 of the castle tolled the breakfast hour, and 
 endeavouring to re-assume her wonted spi-
 
 36 
 
 rits, " Come," she cried gayly, " we have 
 wasted much time in idle talk." 
 
 Wertwrold lent her his arm, and they 
 proceeded to Rhuddlan. The young Knight, 
 at their earnest solicitation, consented to 
 remain at the castle a few days, and vari- 
 ous sports were devised for his amusement : 
 nothing was spared to make him forget' his 
 griefs. But, in the midst of splendid gaiety, 
 Wertwrold was still himself melancholy 
 still clouded his brow, and stole the roseate 
 of his cheek. 
 
 On the second evening, as the last rays 
 of the sun were reflected upon the lakes, 
 and the misty crown of twilight circled 
 the mountain's peak, Erilda, whose bosom 
 .was tortured by the love she bore the un- 
 happy Wertwrold, strayed in the garden 
 adjoining the castle. The day had been ra- 
 ther sultry, and, attended by her little foot 
 page, she made towards the fountain, with 
 an intent to bathe. She had already un- 
 loosed her hair, when she observed, ex- 
 tended upon the yellow sands, Wertwrold !
 
 37 
 
 He was in a sound sleep and, approaching 
 with tremulous step, she hung over him 
 with an eye brimful of tears. 
 
 " Unhappy Knight \" she cried." Where 
 shall be found the maid who can assuage 
 the anguish of thy bosom, and restore it 
 to its former peace? Where shall that maid 
 be found, speckless as thou hast described, 
 who will renounce every pretension for 
 thee ? Alas ! alas ! let me not buoy myself, 
 with faint hopes Wertwrold shall yet be 
 happy, but Erilda will be for ever mise- 
 rable. Yes, yes, some more happy maid 
 than thou, Erilda^ will gain the heart of 
 Wertwrold, and tear the bond asunder, 
 that dates his misery." 
 
 Faster flowed her tears her agony be- 
 came more acute and, clasping her hands 
 together, she sunk down by his side her 
 eyes were pensive, fixed on his, that were 
 shrouded in sleep ; and, wrapped in ecstacy, 
 she watched every breath that swelled his 
 bosom, and escaped his lips. How 
 beautiful did he appear, as he lay recline^.
 
 38 
 
 upon the ground ! what a colour revelled 
 upon his cheeks ! what a dew sparkled 
 on his lips ! His jet black hair, on which 
 the water-drop, from bathing, glistened, 
 clustered in silky curls around his head. 
 He had laid aside his armour, and the true 
 shape and mouldings of his manly limbs 
 were visible ; his neck and bosom were 
 bare they were of the most masculine 
 beauty. 
 
 fe Ah, Erilda !" exclaimed he in his 
 slumbers, " you alone can liberate my 
 anguished heart you alone can restore the 
 smile to my fretted cheek but you do not 
 love me." 
 
 " Hear it, Heavens!" cried the enrap- 
 tured maid ; 4f Oh, Wertwrold !" and 
 fainted upon his bosom. 
 
 The Knight awoke with the violence of 
 her fall, and he gazed upon her in asto- 
 nishment. u Erilda !" he exclaimed, and 
 bathing her temples with the cool water, 
 she soon revived ; her wild eyes were timidly 
 revealed to the light and, soon as she dis-
 
 3Q 
 
 covered herself in the arms of Wertwrold, 
 she gave a faint scream, and broke from 
 his embrace. " Erilda !" cried the Knight 
 with fervour, " my fate is in your hands 
 do with me as you please you alone can 
 avert my cruel destiny. From this moment, 
 I cease to hope or to despair." 
 
 Erilda was in an agony insupportable 
 tears choaked her utterance, and pressing 
 his hand between hers, she flew, to conceal 
 her anguish in another part of the garden. 
 They met at the supper board, but she, 
 feigning indisposition, begged leave to re- 
 tire ; and full early did the Baron and his 
 guests press the downy pillow. 
 
 In her chamber, Erilda indulged her 
 sighs : Sir Rhyswick had chosen the heir 
 apparent of Wales for her future lord, and 
 she well knew it was vain to contest his 
 choice. The chieftain loved the happiness, 
 of his child, but the love of aggrandise- 
 ment he cherished in his bosom j and he 
 looked forward with fond delight to the 
 time when Erilda might, with the partner
 
 46 
 
 of her pleasures, share the thrones of Gwy- 
 fiedd and Powys. A few days were to see 
 the young Prince at Rhuddlan prepara- 
 tions were making for his reception Sir 
 Rhyswick with pleasure beheld the nuptial 
 day advancing but Erilda viewed its ap- 
 proach with agony. The night was far 
 involved, ere her troubled thoughts were in- 
 vaded by sleep; yet, still maintaining their 
 empire, they conjured up visions' to her 
 closed eyes. Erilda dreamed that her father, 
 overpowered by his affection for her, and 
 her entreaties, yielded his consent to her 
 union with Wertwrold, and placed her 
 hand in his. Transported with joy, she 
 threw her arms around her lover's neck ; 
 and at this juncture awaking, she found 
 the Knight clasped in her embrace. Re- 
 coiling with terror from his arms, and re- 
 covering her senses, that were at first be- 
 wildered, " Away," she cried, in a tone 
 of terror ; li perfidious Knight, leave me; 
 your conduct calls for my indignation. 
 Oh, Wertwrold ! was it possible for me to
 
 41 
 
 imagine you would thus repay the hospi * 
 tality you have here experienced, by in- 
 vading, in the midnight hour, the chamber 
 of the defenceless ? Begone," she added, 
 with a contemptuous frown, (f ere I call 
 my attendants, and expose the serpent who 
 repays the favour of Rhuddlan's lord with 
 abusing his confidence." 
 
 " Yet hear me, Erilda," returned the 
 Knight, ~ fi ere I am gone for ever ; I came 
 but to gaze my last farewell on that lovely 
 countenance that dooms me to everlasting 
 misery : my neighing steed now waits at 
 the castle gate, and I must bid these much 
 loved haunts adieu for ever. Farewell, 
 Erilda irresistible fate leads me hence 
 .and, oh ! sometimes give a thought on him 
 who, added to his agonies, harbours for 
 you a fruitless passion !" 
 
 Wertwrold paused. 
 
 " For ever !" exclaimed Erilda; " Oh, 
 Wertwrold !" 
 
 u Could my absence," continued the 
 Knight, (< create one pang, in your breast,
 
 42 
 
 though grateful would the knowledge be 
 to my heart, still it would inflict a wound, 
 Erilda, urging my brain to distraction, 
 when I paused on your unhappiness. 
 Whichever way I turn, misery attends 
 me endless sorrow is my bitter portion : 
 that I am indifferent to Erilda creates ano- 
 ther pang." 
 
 " Oh, Wertwrold !" cried the maid ; 
 and, sinking upon his bosom, u I am 
 your's, and yours alone." 
 
 <f Do not my ears deceive me?" cried 
 the enraptured Knight ; " does Erilda 
 really love me will she renounce the world 
 for me?" 
 
 " The world !" 
 
 (f Yes," returned Wertwrold, " and 
 then shall my felicity dawn. Erilda must 
 renounce every thing to be mine to share 
 wjth me those transports which her virtu- 
 ous love creates." 
 
 " You speak in mystery." 
 
 u Erilda must, with heroic fortitude, 
 overcome every obstacle to our union
 
 43 
 
 must place implicit confidence in my faith 
 and sacrifice every thing for me. The 
 firm mind can stand, unshaken, on the stu- 
 pendous rock, and smile upon the gulf be- 
 neath that threatens to devour so must 
 the woman who would gain my arms." 
 
 " Wertwrold !" ; 
 
 l( Take this ring, Erilda; it is a charmed 
 one, which, when breathed upon, brings 
 me to your presence : use it as you need 
 me, and I fly, in obeisance to your com- 
 mand, though at the extremity of the 
 world." 
 
 iS Yet stay ; you leave me in doubt." 
 
 i( Erilda must use her own discretion, 
 I have not power to direct her. Farewell," 
 he cried; and, pressing her to his bosom, 
 instantly retired, leaving her lost in won- 
 der and amazement. 
 
 For a time, she could scarcely believe her 
 senses every thing appeared as a dream 
 before her eyes but she possessed the 
 charmed ring and the deluding thought 
 vanished, that told her the preceding scene
 
 44 
 
 was the mere fabrication of her exalted 
 fancy. 
 
 At breakfast time, she met Sir Rhys- 
 wick, who was not a little surprized and 
 angered with the abrupt departure of his 
 guest. 
 
 Erilda endeavoured to plead his cause 
 urging that business of the utmost import 
 demanded his immediate attendance, and 
 that to her he had apologized. 
 
 The generous chieftain was well satis- 
 fied with the excuse, although he had 
 hoped Wertwrold, in whose favour he was 
 much interested, should have been present 
 at the solemnization of Erilda's nuptials, 
 which the fourth day was to see performed, 
 according to a message which he had re- 
 ceived from the young Prince, who, im- 
 patient to call Erilda his bride, thus early 
 appointed the day. 
 
 Sir Rhyswick, with joy expressed in his 
 countenance, imparted the news to his 
 daughter, who, falling upon her knees 
 her cheeks bathed with tears and grasp-
 
 45 
 
 ing his hand, entreated him, as he con- 
 sidered her happiness, to forego his in- 
 tentions. 
 
 " How ?" cried the astonished Baron. 
 
 f( I shall never know happiness with a 
 man whom my heart will not acknowledge 
 for its lord," returned the afflicted Erilda $ 
 * l Oh ! as you love my peace of mind, 
 send back the suit Erilda cannot be the 
 bride of Morven another object has en- 
 chained her heart." 
 
 " How?" exclaimed the indignant Ba- 
 ron ; " Does Erilda reject the heir to the 
 throne of Wales ?" 
 
 " It would be criminal to bestow my 
 hand, when another possesses my heart. 
 Oh, my father ! the happy Morven will 
 find one more worthy of being his bride 
 one more closely in conjunction with his 
 soul who will return his fond affection 
 with affection." 
 
 (( Erilda," cried the venerable chieftain 
 with firmness, " I seek not to know him 
 whom your heart has chosen. If you value
 
 46 
 
 my affection, Morven must be your 
 future lord ; if not, your father is lost to 
 you for ever." Thus saying, he retired, 
 leaving the distracted maid overwhelmed 
 with grief. 
 
 Sir Rhyswick would not see her the rest 
 of the day, and a messenger, in the even- 
 ing, coming to her chamber, bid her pre- 
 pare on the morrow to receive Morven, 
 who was expected at the castle, attended 
 by a numerous retinue. 
 
 Erilda, in an agony of distraction, threw 
 herself upon the couch ; her tears more 
 plenteously flowed to her relief, and eased 
 those labouring sighs that swelled her agi- 
 tated bosom. She, casting her eyes upon 
 the magic ring that encircled her finger, 
 pressed it to her lips, and her warm breath 
 sullying the ruby that sparkled upon it, 
 instantly the Knight of the Blood-red 
 Plume stood before her. 
 
 " I come," he cried, " at your com- 
 mand, from the bosom of the vasty deep, 
 to serve the mistress of my heart,"
 
 47 
 
 Wertwrold took a seat by her side- 
 Erilda hung her head upon his shoulder ; 
 her cheek was pale with weeping her 
 eyes were languid and heavy. 
 
 " Oh, Wertwrold !" she exclaimed, 
 <c this must be our last meeting; the son 
 of Cynvyn claims Erilda's hand, and even 
 now is on the road to Rhuddlan, to lead 
 her to the bridal altar." 
 
 "And will Erilda yield her honour, then, 
 at the sordid entreaties of avarice and pride? 
 Will she prostitute herself, embittering 
 the remainder of her days, to gratify ano- 
 ther's passion?" 
 
 " Wertwrold ! you " 
 
 <( Oh, lady ! the fond affection glowing 
 in my bosom has heaped a world of ruin 
 on my heart I see the gulf yawning at 
 my feet I see what tortures are preparing 
 for me, and fly to meet my doom. It is 
 Erilda who hurls me to destruction it is 
 Erilda who mocks my sighs, and points 
 me to the spot where angry daemons wait, 
 to glut them on my blood. But these in-
 
 48 
 
 flictions I can brave for, she I love proves 
 false she who deceitful sighed f I'm your's^ 
 and your's alone/ 
 
 " You amaze and terrify me : wha^- tor- 
 tures, what inflictions are those you dread? 
 Oh, Wertwrold I do not keep me in lin- 
 gering suspense tell me who, or what are 
 you?" 
 
 " Who I am, lady, must remain a se- 
 cret what I am, my warm sighs, my great 
 affliction have revealed your lover. Oh, 
 Erilda ! I am man, with less than half his 
 fortitude man, with all his weaknesses : 
 love animates and distracts my bosom; 
 and she whom I wed, must wed me for 
 -myself alone. " 
 
 tf Fond Wertwrold! I question you no 
 more and oh ! how shall I convince you 
 that my heart, is your's doomed as I am 
 to misery and Morven." 
 
 She fixed her languishing eyes upon his 
 countenance Wertwrold paused. 
 
 Erilda's chamber looked into the castle 
 garden ; the woodbine and honeysuckle
 
 49 
 climbed above her window, and a rose- 
 tree entwining itself with the odorous 
 branches of the suckle some sprigs hung 
 pendant near the sashes of the casement, 
 where the flower blowed and scented the 
 air with its refreshing sweets. 
 
 Wertwrold eagerly slipped a spray that 
 boasted a full blown flower and a ripening 
 bud, which he presented to Erilda. 
 
 M Look you," he cried ; " look on these 
 flowers the beauty of the one wither'?^ 
 while the other ripens. Here we see a rich 
 bloom upon the cheek of youth ; what a 
 glowing fragrance does its 'breath impart! 
 how sweet is the dew that hangs upon the 
 expanding leaf! how rich ! how luxuriant! 
 how captivating to the senses ! Would it 
 not be cruel to pluck this early bud, ere it 
 hath received the parent care of the ripe- 
 ning sun ere it hath tasted of that dew 
 which now sparkles on its lip and, at the 
 moment when it is about to enjoy those 
 sweets which are prepared for early life? 
 Lady, this new plucked bud, in an hour 
 s
 
 50 
 
 shall perish life shall fly its newly created 
 bosom the hand of man hath deprived it 
 of its succours, and, ere it hath ceased to 
 charm, it dies, unpitied, unrespected." 
 Then, turning to the other " This full 
 blown rose, whose shrivelled leaf betrays 
 a speedy dissolution, having tasted of all 
 the pleasures life affords, and enjoyed them 
 in their full sense, prepares to die. The 
 morning sun, instead of cheering, shall 
 wither his juiceless fibres the flavour of 
 his breath is fled and the falling dew 
 animates him not the airs are cold and 
 freezing that play around him and pluck- 
 ed, he would not perish sooner than were 
 he left to wither upon the spray." 
 
 " I do not understand you." 
 
 " Lady, if one of these flowers must be 
 torn from the branch of life, which would 
 you sacrifice?" 
 
 " The full blown." 
 
 " Then, live, Erilda live, to enjoy the 
 tide of pleasure and of happiness." 
 
 " Wertwrold, your words convey a
 
 51 
 
 horrible meaning; my soul shudders at 
 the thought." 
 
 " What thought, Erilda ? I ask you 
 but to live is the thought mercenary ? I 
 ask you but to taste of those pleasures, 
 which he for whom you would sacrifice 
 your happiness and person, cannot enjoy* 
 Sir Rhyswick has nearly numbered his 
 years and dissolution betrays its approach 
 upon his cheek: his infirm limbs his 
 shrivelled form his silvery beard and 
 aged eye, like the full-blown rose, con- 
 firms a speedy termination of life.'* 
 
 Erilda fainted upon his bosom his 
 arms encircled her waist hers were en- 
 twined around his neck : the colour of re- 
 turning life soon crimsoned her cheek 
 her lips were pressed to his : the kiss was 
 exchanged that imparted a mutual glow to 
 the heart, and filled it with voluptuou3 
 thoughts. 
 
 " Erilda is mine, eternally," cried the 
 Knight.
 
 52 
 
 " I am your's, for ever," sighed the maid, 
 with half-fainting voice. 
 
 " To-morrow she will leave Rhuddlan 
 for my arms }" 
 
 ii To-morrow, I am your's." 
 
 They parted each transported with the 
 warmth of passion; and the ensuing eve; 
 was to see Erilda preparing her flight from 
 her paternal home. 
 
 The next morning, Morven and his nu- 
 merous retinue were heard upon their 
 march across the mountain. The martial, 
 clang of their warlike instruments were 
 heard at a great distance ; and some mes- 
 sengers preceding, brought the early news 
 of his approach, and presents for the bride. 
 The castle gates were thrown open for 
 their reception white flags waved upon the 
 walls, that were thronged with armed sol- 
 diers, who owned Rhuddlan's powerful lord 
 for their chieftain ; and bards and harpers 
 raised high their voices^ in praise of the 
 fair Erilda.
 
 53 
 
 Morven entered the castle, amidst the ac- 
 clamations of the generous people, who 
 loudly testified their joy at his approach, and 
 whose loud shouts rent the air. Sir Rhys- 
 wick received him with every demonstra- 
 tion of pleasure, and instantly conducted 
 him to the presence of his fair daughter. 
 
 Erilda, habited in robes of virgin white, 
 that flowed adown her taper limbs, in the 
 midst of her maidens, welcomed him with 
 a smile. She looked beautiful her cheeks 
 were flushed with the ripe tincture of the 
 rose her blue eyes beamed with expres- 
 sion her hair was tastefully disposed upon 
 her forehead and silver beads flowed 
 down her fine-shaped bosom. 
 
 Morven saluted her with affability. For 
 a while, the young Prince was transfixed 
 with wonder and admiration; her beauty 
 far exceeded, in his estimation, the report 
 that had reached his earj and he looked 
 with impatience for the moment that was 
 to make her his bride
 
 54 
 
 The day fras spent in merry pastimes ; 
 but Erilda was depressed with fears ; she 
 trembled at the promise she had made to 
 Wertwrold, and more than once resolved 
 to break it. The evening fast approached, 
 and she grew more and more alarmed ; at 
 length, the last rays of the declining sun 
 were reflected upon the lake the tinkling 
 bell of the goat-herds caught her ear the 
 much dreaded time was arrived her heart 
 fluttered in her bosom and wild and un- 
 knowing what she did, she sought the ar- 
 bour where she had promised to meet the 
 unknown. 
 
 Wertwrold was already there ; with ea- 
 gerness he clasped her to his bosom with 
 unallayed passion pressed his lips to hers. 
 
 " Oh, Erilda !" he sighed, " do I hold 
 you in my arms, and shall my present 
 bliss be equalled by the future? Come," 
 he continued, " let us hasten our depar- 
 ture ; a coracle waits on the Clwyd, to 
 waft us to the opposite shore."
 
 55 
 
 t< Wertwrold !" exclaimed the affright 
 ed maid ; (( I dare not do not tempt me 
 I must remain and be the bride of 
 Morven." 
 
 " Perjured Erilda ! false fleeting woman 
 is this your truth ? is this your con- 
 stancy ? Then, farewell for ever/' 
 
 " Yet stay," she cried, <e one moment : 
 st Oh, Wertwrold ! do not leave nae a prey 
 to my own thoughts/' 
 
 "Will Erilda be mine?" 
 
 " Yes, yes." 
 
 " a Voluntarily mine ?" 
 
 " Oh, yes!" exclaimed the maid j un- 
 conscious of what she said, observing 
 lights at the further end of the walk, and 
 fearful lest they should discover her with 
 the unknown. 
 
 " Erilda will fly her paternal roof for 
 Wertwrold ?" 
 
 " Yes, yes." 
 
 t( Regardless of a father's tears and re- 
 monstrances ? " 
 
 ** I am Wertwrold's, and Wertwrold's
 
 56 
 
 alone !" she exclaimed, more alarmed by 
 the nearer approach of the lights; u and 
 no power on earth shall separate me from 
 his arms." 
 
 The Knight of the Blood-red Plume 
 smiled it was the smile of satisfaction ; 
 and he placed into her hand a dagger. 
 
 (f Use it," he cried, (t in self-defence 
 alone. Where is Sir Rhyswick ?" 
 
 At this moment, a number of torches 
 were seen flaming down the walks Rhys- 
 wick was at the head of a party of ser- 
 vants, whose countenances were expressive 
 of fear. 
 
 t( See !" cried Erilda, "they bend their 
 steps this way ; we shall be discovered." 
 
 " Take this dagger," returned the 
 Knight, thrusting it into her hand. 
 
 " How am I to use it ?" exclaimed the 
 maid in terror. 
 
 " Sir Rhyswick advances; 'tis him alone 
 we have to fear. Plunge it in his bosom." 
 
 " In the bosom of my father ?" cried 
 *he, with horror. " Wertwrold Mer-
 
 57 
 
 ciful heavens ! do not my ears deceive 
 me ? Horror ! horror ! In the bosom of 
 my father! Away, monster." 
 
 i( Come to my arms, Erilda," exclaim- 
 ed the Knight, " I have proved your vir- 
 tue, and you are doubly dear to me." He 
 pressed the trembling maid to his bosom. 
 
 At this moment, Sir Rhyswick entered 
 the arbour. 
 
 i( This way this way I" cried Wert- 
 wrold, and hurrying through a small out- 
 let, that led to the river; footsteps pursued 
 them. Still Erilda held the dagger in her 
 hand, and the pale moon-beams silvering 
 the path, betrayed the shadow of a person 
 in pursuit, wrapped in a long cloak. 
 
 " We are betrayed," cried Wertwrold ; 
 t( our pursuer must die." 
 
 "I see the coracle ; it is at shore," 
 said Erilda. And, at this moment, some 
 one seized her white robe behind. 
 
 (C Plunge your dagger into his heart j" 
 cried Wertwrold.
 
 58 
 
 ec Hold your impious hand !" relumed 
 a hollow voice. 
 
 " Strike !" demanded the. Knight. 
 
 " Stay, murderess !" uttered the voice. 
 
 " Our safety pleads for his death ;" re- 
 joined Wertwrold. 
 
 The hand of the pursuer now clasped 
 Erilda's shoulder, who, disentangling her- 
 self, and rendered frantic, turned hastily 
 around, and plunged the dagger into her 
 assailant's heart. 
 
 The wounded man dropped upon the 
 ground. " Cruel Erilda !" escaped hi9 
 lips, and he instantly expired. 
 
 (( Hence, God-abandoned murderess;" 
 muttered the voice that had before arrested 
 the arm of Erilda. <( Fly to meet thy 
 doom." 
 
 (C Hark !" cried the maid ; " heard you 
 nothing ? What voice was that ?" 
 
 Terror sat upon her brow her lips were 
 paled with fear her eyes looked wild and 
 fiery.
 
 59 
 
 n I heard nothing but the winds, sigh- 
 ing along the strand." 
 
 " Did you hear nothing \" exclaimed 
 she. Merciful God ! What have I 
 done ? c Murderess 1' Oh, let me look 
 on him I have slain." 
 
 She approached the corse, spite of the 
 entreaties of Wertwrold j and discovered, 
 wrapped up in a long cloak, the bleeding 
 body of Sir Rhyswick ! ! ! A crimson stream 
 flowed from the fresh-made wound his 
 eyes were filmed and closed in death his 
 cheek was wan his mouth wide and dis- 
 tended. 
 
 "Oh, God! my father!" exclaimed 
 Erilda. " Murdered by my hands !" And 
 fell fainting upon his bleeding breast. 
 
 Wertwrold endeavoured to recal her to 
 recollection ; but, for a long time, vain 
 were his attempts. At length, recovering, 
 t( Leave me," she cried ; {i leave me to 
 die with my murdered father. Away ! 
 Anguish gnaws my breast. Abandoned by
 
 Co 
 
 Heaven, leave me to die, and receive the 
 punishment of my guilt." 
 
 " You rave, Erilda ! See, see, the vas- 
 sals of the Baron draw near ! Hark ! 
 now their voices are heard their torches 
 gleam in the walks ; we shall be discovered. 
 Erilda, Erilda, let me arouze you from 
 this torpor let us fly, Erilda, and save 
 ourselves from an ignominious death. ' 
 
 " Away !" cried the distracted maid ; 
 li I am a wretch unfit to live more unfit 
 to die ; yet T will expiate my foul offence 
 by submitting to those tortures that await 
 me which exceed not the agonies of my 
 own bosom. Oh ! my much loved father!" 
 she exclaimed, turning to the still bleeding 
 corse ; " your daughter your own daugh* 
 ter, is your murderess." 
 
 She fell upon his bosom ; and still the 
 Blood-plumed Knight urged her to fly. 
 
 (( Erilda," he returned, t( what false 
 notions occupy your breast! Rather by 
 penitence expiate the crime; the foul.
 
 61 
 
 offence is not to be atoned by death. 
 Heaven in his wrath has doomed your 
 soul to everlasting torments ; live then, 
 and, by penitence, seek to appease his ven- 
 geance. " 
 
 ' What mercy can the wretched mur- 
 derer of her parent hope for ? Leave me, 
 Wertwrold ; distraction rages through my 
 train. I am lost for ever lost God* 
 abandoned doomed to everlasting tor- 
 ment." 
 
 " Oh, Erilda ! think on your spotless 
 fame to be blasted by ihe scandalizing 
 tongue of futurity think on the curses each 
 peasant slave will mutter on her who was 
 once her country's boast. The name of 
 Erilda shall be shuddered at by those who 
 judge not of the motive, but the act > 
 Children shall be rocked to their slumbers 
 with the frightful relation of her guilt, and- 
 she shall live for ever in the detestation and 
 abhorrence even of the criminal. The 
 pilgrim shall hear and tremble at her tale 
 the monk shall cross himself, and tell hi*
 
 62 
 
 beads, when he passes Rhuddlan's blood- 
 stained towers all nature shall be shocked 
 with her enormities, and not a pitying 
 sigh shall be heaved to her memory. Come, 
 Erilda, let us fly ; penitence shall soon re- 
 store peace to your bosom, and your crime 
 shall be forgotten." 
 
 " Oh, no ! I will remain and sigh out 
 my last breath on the cold bosom of my 
 father." 
 
 " See, Erilda, the torches advance, and 
 Prince Morven is at their head ; this way 
 he bends his steps he has his eye upon 
 us Distraction ! we are lost." 
 
 (t Ah ! Morven ! comes he hither to 
 witness my shame ?" exclaimed the maid. 
 " I cannot stand the inquiring glance of his 
 penetrating eye." 
 
 " Then, hasten to the coracle, Erilda, 
 which now awaits us at the shore. Haste, 
 Erilda ! hear you not their voices ? They 
 approach they are at our heels." 
 
 At this moment, a number of voices ex- 
 claimed, "This way!"
 
 
 03 
 
 " Oh ! hide me hide me from them J 
 they come they cOme ;" cried Erilda. 
 And clasping the hand of Wertwrold, she 
 flew to the strand where the coracle was 
 anchored. 
 
 The footsteps approached ; and number- 
 less torches lined the strand. Sir Rhys- 
 wick was discovered by the vassals of 
 Rhuddlan, wrapped up in his cloak, and 
 bathed in his blood. His heart wa$ 
 cold in his bosom no signs of life ani* 
 mated his cheek, that was pale and death- 
 like. His silvery beard was distained and 
 clotted with his gore; the last breath had 
 issued from his mouth. 
 
 Morven had the corse borne to the castle, 
 where it lay in state for three days ; when 
 it was deposited in the earth, and five hun- 
 dred masses were sung for his eternal repose. 
 
 In the mean time, the despairing Erilda 
 having set her foot on board the vessel, 
 was borne over the thin wave with the ra- 
 pidity of lightning. Torches still lined 
 the strand ; and their glaring light was re-
 
 64 
 
 fleeted to the opposite shore, breaking 
 through the horrible darkness that clouded 
 the earth. 
 
 " Vain is your flight, murderess !" whis* 
 pered a voice in the breeze. " Mountains 
 cannot conceal your guilt, nor cover you 
 from the wrath of the great avenger. To 
 the furthermost corner of the world, the 
 retributive sword of justice shall pursue 
 you." 
 
 " Hark !" cried Erilda, clinging to the 
 bosom of her seducer, while horror dis 
 torted her countenance. " Hark ! heard 
 you not a voice ? Oh) Wertwrold ! hide 
 me hide me." 
 
 She buried her face in her cloak, while 
 the Warrior Knight maintained a con- 
 temptuous silence ; at length, gazing upon 
 her with satisfaction, he exclaimed : 
 
 " And is Erilda mine do I now press 
 her in my arms do I now hold her to my 
 heart, beyond the power of man to tear her 
 from me? Why, this, indeed, is triumph 
 she is mine, voluntarily mine she has
 
 65 
 
 fled her paternal roof for me, an unknown 
 she has rejected Morven, the heir appa- 
 rent to the crown of Wales, who came to 
 her with heart full of love, and proffered 
 the wealth of his country at her feet, to 
 share her smiles, for me, an unknown 
 she has renounced her claim to virtue, 
 embraced infamy for a spotless name, has 
 preferred the blast of scandal to the mild 
 breath of praise, and all this for me, an 
 unknown 1 1 V 
 
 A horrible smile, as he concluded, 
 played upon his cheek. Erilda started 
 from his bosom. 
 
 " Wertwrold ?" she exclaimed; "Do 
 you upbraid me?" ' 
 
 <c Eaamoured beauty, no ! To me, this 
 guilt is pleasure: had you deluged the 
 world in a sea of blood, or brought ano- 
 ther chaos on the earth Wertwrold would 
 have smiled." 
 
 " For Heaven's sake," cried the almost 
 expiring criminal ; " tell me, who are 
 you?"
 
 C6 
 
 " The Warrior Knight of the Blood- 
 red Plume : but," he continued, " Erilda 
 is beyond the reach of mercy is inevitably 
 mine and I will reveal myself in all my 
 glowing colours. I am an agent of the 
 great infernal my residence is in the bo- 
 som of the Clwyd my occupation is to 
 aggregate the crimes on earth, and be the 
 great instigator of war and rapine. In my 
 bosom spring these seeds of faction, which 
 I scatter in the breasts of princes, urging 
 them to raise the sword against each 
 other's life, and plunge each other's nation 
 in a torrent of destructive war : but this 
 had ceased Morven's father had restored 
 Wales to prosperity and peace and I, in 
 the bosom of my native stream, was doom- 
 ed to sleep and brood new broils, in pain- 
 ful inactivity. While thus my mind was 
 occupied with thought, an incubus ap- 
 proached my oozy bed, and breathed Eril- 
 da's fame into my ear. I was arpuzed with 
 the sweet image 'my fancy drew ; and, on 
 beholding the enchanting object, found
 
 07 
 
 her sweeter even than my imagination had 
 painted her and, from that moment, I re- 
 solved to make her mine. I heard of her 
 many virtues of her piety and what a 
 feeling heart she boasted. This news in- 
 structed me what shape to assume ; and 
 the Warrior Knight of the Blood-red 
 Plume answered every purpose. Erilda 
 was easily ensnared : she pitied me, be- 
 cause she thought me unfortunate pity 
 instantly begat love love the glowing fire 
 of all-consuming passion. I had no 
 power to deceive, but speciously ." 
 
 *' Monster !" exclaimed the frantic 
 wretch, " you were all deception." 
 
 " There Erilda wrongs me," cried the 
 fiend ; " she deceived herself she thought 
 me what her heart hoped I was T did not 
 need much art to gain her she readily en- 
 tered into all my views embraced my 
 projects fast as they were uttered." 
 
 Erilda threw herself upon her knees. 
 
 " Nay, prayer is vain," continued the 
 fiend 3 " you are lost to Heaven you
 
 C8 
 
 scrupled to commit an immediate murder, 
 yet planned a lingering death for the parent 
 who had nurtured you you would not 
 stab, but preferred planting daggers in 
 your father's bosom. Murderess! you bade 
 hiin who gave you life, live for a time 
 in agony, to reflect on his daughter's 
 infamy." 
 
 Erilda shrunk with terror and affright 
 from the hideous monster, who now re- 
 sumed his original shape, amidst the yell 
 of daemons, who rose from the sandy deep, 
 upon the curling w 7 ave, to greet their chief. 
 The eyes of the sanguinary fiend emitting 
 a sulphureous flame, were fixed upon the 
 pale countenance of the guilty maid, whom 
 he grasped around the* waist in malignant 
 triumph. Green scales covered his body ; 
 from his mouth and nostrils he breathed 
 the white frothen waters and various ani- 
 mals, fostered by the liquid element, trailed 
 their pestiferous slime across his carcass. 
 In his right hand he held a trident, which 
 he raised on high, to plunge into the bosom
 
 69 
 
 df his victim, who, screaming, burst from 
 his embrace, and falling upon her knees, 
 implored of Heaven protection. Loud 
 thunders shook the earth terrific light- 
 nings flashed in her eyes and the furious 
 winds, bursting through the mountains, 
 swelled the agitated river beyond its bounds. 
 The fiend, with malignant yell, pursued 
 Erilda the trident entered her bosom 
 and crimson torrents of her virgin blood 
 gushed from the yawning wound in agony 
 she fell the dcemon, twining his hand in 
 her fair locks, hurled her to the deep, and 
 sated with triumph, vanished with his 
 coracle. 
 
 Long time did the white-browed waves 
 bear up Erilda : in her last moments, she 
 beheld the pale spectre of Sir Rhyswiek, 
 who advanced upon the rolling waters, that 
 seemed to shrink from his feet, placing 
 his fore finger to the deep wound in his 
 breast. More dreadful were her screams 
 and billow succeeding billow, bore her 
 near the shore. Struggling for life, she
 
 70 
 
 clung to a loose rock to save herself, which 
 yielding to her grasp, came rolling down 
 and crashed her to pieces. 
 
 The hrmit paused. 
 
 Since then has Rhuddlan's castle been 
 the seat of anarchy Monarchs, indeed, 
 have made it their residence; but, each 
 night, Erilda's screams are heard, and the 
 Warrior of the Blood-red Plume pursuing 
 her through the ruined courts. 
 
 Pilgrim, go thy way,' nor stop atRhudd- 
 lan Press in haste the turf that's pregnant 
 with her groans, nor stop till the angry 
 Glwyd, at midnight, rising above its banks, 
 wafts her fragile form upon its curling wave, 
 and the cold winds bowl forth her sighs. 
 
 Pilgrim, go thy way foul daemons ride 
 upon the foggy air, curses muttering their 
 breath is noisome dew, that falling on the 
 fertile field, blasts its wholesome produce, 
 and makes it barren. Nothing teems near 
 Rhuddlan the productive hand of nature 
 is withdrawn, scorched with the blight- 
 ing breath of the dread infernal.
 
 n 
 
 Red are the towers of Rhuddlan red is 
 the rock on which it stands and spirits 
 of the Clwyd claim it as their right. 
 
 Lady, have you heard Erilda's groans ? 
 Pity her sufferings, and regret her errors. 
 She made it no crime to fly her paternal 
 roof, to press in her arms her lover but 
 shuddered at the idea of ending her father's 
 miseries! 
 
 Oh, Lady ! trust. not a lover's guileful 
 tongue there is deceit in it : never rashly 
 do an act. First maturely weigh the con- 
 sequence. We should not think less of an 
 evil, because it has turned out to our ad- 
 vantage.
 
 C6e mtixb Wlittb of t&e 23ood.
 
 l)rtmimond Delin, . 
 
 Clktj>mtin -K-i///> 
 
 '/,//'.) / 
 
 /.,;,,/,;,. /ril!i.,/,r,/ .t t/ir . 1,-/ Ju-r.-t-. /. iti'l iK>i .In- Knrlt Mlrinet^tivmalieSt
 
 C&e S&cirti Wittb of t&e aftfooti* 
 
 This Legend is very popular with the lower class of Welsh, both in 
 North and South Wales. There is scarce a mountaineer but re- 
 ports it scarce a mother but lulls her restless infant to its slum- 
 bers with the frightful relation of the Weird Witch of the Wood. 
 
 PART THE FIRST. 
 
 Sir Eldred he vaulted his courser's broad back, 
 His mane was full Ion;*, and his coat shiny black, 
 
 His trappings were bright to behold ; 
 And gay was the mantle of Eldred the brave, 
 And sharp was his dagger, and broad was his glave, 
 , Bestudded with silver and gold. 
 
 The full-blooded steed prane'd the court-yard around, 
 He paw'd, and he ambled, and spurn'd the pav'd ground, 
 
 And then through the gate hied his way ; 
 The Warden he bow'd, but the Knight hung his head. 
 From Eldred the sunshine of gladness was fled, 
 
 And sorrow his mien did array.
 
 76 
 
 The sun was declining, and Heav'n's bright blue 
 Now wore the grey tinge, and the night's sable hue, 
 
 For, just had the ev'ning bell toll'd ; 
 The peasant, content, plodded home to his cot, 
 He envy'd no great man, but bless'd his own lot, 
 
 Content is far sweeter than gold. 
 
 O'er heath, and o'er glen, sped Sir Eldred the Knight, 
 The warblers had ceas'd their sweet strains of delight ; 
 
 He enter'd the forest's drear shade. 
 The wood it was gloomy, and sad sigh'd the blast, 
 And night 'gan the last gleam of day to o'ercast, 
 
 But virtue is never dismay'd. 
 
 All sad was Sir Eldred, and woe-worn his heart, 
 
 * ' Ah ! wherefore," quoth he, "did my love thus depart ? 
 
 u Why rends she my bosom in twain ? 
 " Three days would have made fair Elfrida my bride; 
 ** Three days, and the maid would have sat by my side; 
 
 " I dreamt not of sorrow and pain. 
 
 " But grief is man's portion, so wills mighty Fate ; 
 " Misfortune awaits both the churl and the great ; 
 
 ** Content, then, Fll bear my sad doom." 
 Thus spake good Sir Eldred, then, heaving a sigh, 
 The tear gently stole from his downward-cast eye, 
 
 His hope was now fix'd in the tomb.
 
 IT 
 
 Dun darkness and horror stole o'er the lone wood, 
 And spirits of evil 'gan torture the good ; 
 
 Aloud scream'd the bat and the owl ; 
 The Cloud King, and Fire King, bestrode the bleak blast, 
 The thunders roar'd hideous, the torrents fell fast, 
 
 The ravenous wolf 'gan his prowl. 
 
 Still, fearless, Sir Eldred spurr'd onward his steed, 
 Religion his safeguard, and Jesu his creed. 
 
 At length, mid the gloom, he espy'd 
 A light gliding swift thro' the forest's drear maze, 
 Someymes gleaming bluely, sometimes with red blaze, 
 
 Dispersing the darkness full wide. 
 
 The Knight stay'd his courser, the gleam disappear'd ; 
 Awhile he was pensive, yet nothing he fear'd, 
 
 And thither directed his way. 
 ** Perchance," quoth Sir Eldred, " some forester kind, 
 ** May yield me a shelter from torrent and wind, 
 
 " Until the first dawning of day." 
 
 Swift gallopp'd the steed, while Sir Eldred the Bold, 
 Drew forth from his girdle, the chain of link'd gold, 
 
 Whereto hung his bugle so round ; 
 He blew forth a blast, that was loud and full clear ; 
 Such a blast as the huntsman, when chacing the deer, 
 
 Is often accustom'd to sound.
 
 78 
 
 Sir Eldred, he listen'd, but listen'd in vain ; 
 He heard but the thunder, the pattering rain, 
 
 And wind, sadly moan through the trees. 
 Again, and again, he repeated the blast : 
 Again spoke the thunder the rain it fell fast, 
 
 And dolefully roar'd the night breeze. 
 
 And now again beam'd forth, the pale flitting light, 
 Dispersing awhile the dun horrors of night. 
 
 The Knight spurr'd his steed's panting side, 
 And as by the gleam of the flame, burning blue, 
 He sees ruin'd turrets a clock tolls forth two, 
 
 He enters the portal so wide. 
 
 Sir Eldred dismounted, and fast to the chain, 
 "Which erst, did the ponderous draw-bridge sustain, 
 
 His courser's rich bridle he ty'd. 
 But straight from his sight disappear'd the pale gleam ; 
 His ears were assail'd with a loud piercing scream, 
 
 Whilst near him a form seem'd to glide. 
 
 Quoth Eldred, ** the trampling of footsteps pass'd near, 
 44 The shriek of some sufPrer, but now, caught mine ear, 
 
 " 'Twas surely the cry of despair. 
 *' Perhaps 'tis some wanderer, like me, left forlorn ; 
 " Whose bosom with keen cutting anguish is torn ; 
 *' Whose soul is the mansion of care.
 
 79 
 
 ** The suffering are form'd to givesufTrers relief; 
 u Be mine, then, the task, to assuage this keen grief, 
 
 " To heal the dire pangs of the heart." 
 Thus spake the kind youth from his breast burst a sigh, 
 "When straight was re-echoed the sad-piercing cry, 
 
 He flew to enact pity's part. 
 
 O'er turf, and o'er moss-cover'd stones, he proceeds 
 O'er fragments of turrets, and rank growing weeds, 
 
 That cover'd the court-yard so wide. 
 At length a huge gateway, Sir Eldred beholds ; 
 He boldly advances, the portal unfolds ; 
 
 All danger the Knight now dene? . 
 
 Within, all was darkness within, all was drear, 
 
 Save the sound of his footsteps, nought else could he hear, 
 
 They echo'dfar through the damp cell, 
 And fast down the walls pour'd the night's baleful dew, 
 The lizard here erawl'd, and the toad speck'd with blue, 
 
 And sometimes the bat scream'd its knell. 
 
 * Whoever thou art," quoth Sir Eldred, aloud, 
 " To yield thee assistance, 'fore Heaven I've vdw'd, 
 
 " So all thy intents be but good. 
 " I'm friend to the wretched I'm friend to the brave, 
 ** To none, save my God and Redeemer, I'm slave: 
 
 "My trust is in Christ's blessed blood."
 
 80 
 
 But scarce had Sir Eldred these holy words spoke, 
 When screams and loud yells.thro' the distant vaults broke r 
 
 And with a dread slam clos'd the door. 
 The rain and the thunder, conjoin'd, made a crash 
 Blue lightning illumin'd the cell with its flash, 
 
 And hideous the night blast did roar. 
 
 END OF THE FIRST PART
 
 81 
 
 PART THE SECOND. 
 
 No fear felt the Knight, for in God was his trusty 
 The guardian of virtue, the shield of the just, 
 
 The Christian's defender and stay; 
 Sir Eldred, then pac'd to the portal so wide, 
 He strove to re-ope it, his strength it defy'd ; 
 
 The Knight felt no dread or dismay. 
 
 The youth, lion-hearted, then march'd from the gate,' 
 Regardless of danger, defying ill-fate, 
 
 Determin'd the cell to explore ; 
 lie grasp'd his strong glave, and his dagger he drew, 
 And then thro' the drear vault his course 'gan pursue, 
 
 His soul did his Maker adore. 
 
 Sir Eldred, undaunted, thus pass'd on his way, 
 IHumin'd full oft by the lightning's blue ray, 
 
 And then by a flame, gleaming red ; 
 And sometimes most fearful the shrieks did resound, 
 And imperfect shadows oft skimm'd o'er the ground, 
 
 Pale forms, that resembled
 
 82 
 
 The cells having travers'd, he gain'd a deep vault, 
 "Fore the steps of the portal the Knight made a halt, 
 
 For, 'midst the drear dungeon was seen, 
 A form that was haggard, and loathsome to sight, 
 A form, that resembled some fiend of ihe night, 
 
 So terribly grim was her mien. 
 
 Long hair, raven-black, hung her shoulders adown, 
 Her skin was deep-furrow'd, her front wore a frown, 
 
 Her eyes in their sunk sockets glar'd ; 
 They shed forth a gleam, fraught with malice and ire, 
 A gleam, fraught with horror, and cruelty dire, 
 
 Like mortals, whose senses are scar'd. 
 
 Sharp-pointed and long was her prominent nose, 
 And when she her pale skinny lips did unclose, 
 
 Display'd were two fangs black and keen ; 
 Thick cover'd with hair was her outstretching chin, 
 All wither'd and swarthy appear'd her foul skin, 
 
 Her rags were the filthiest e'er seen. 
 
 Her seat it was made of the bones of dead men, 
 From charnel-house stolen, death's hideous den, 
 
 A skull at her back it was rear'd ; 
 And all round her chair was a ring, red as blood; 
 Twas the cruel old hag, the Weird Witch ofihe Wood, 
 
 By living and dead alike fear'd.
 
 83 
 
 Before her a cauldron burnt dimly and blue, 
 Whose faint light discover'd a pall of black hue, 
 
 Whereon sat a meagre white cat: 
 Its eyes on the hag were unceasingly bent, 
 And oft times, a mew, to the night-gale it sent: 
 
 'Twas sprinkled with blood of a rat. 
 
 Sir Eldred, he ey'd her again and again, 
 Then gaz'd on the walls of the hideous den, 
 
 Where skeletons lanky appear'd ; 
 And there, too, were rang'd rotting ravens, and rats, 
 Toads, owls, lizards, scorpions, and web-footed bats. 
 
 And hemlock, and rue that was sear'd, 
 
 The hag then uprose, malice shot from her eyes, 
 ** I sniff it, Grimalkin, I sniff it!" she cries ; 
 
 The cat, mewing, scratch'd the black pall. 
 " I feel it ; I know that the moon turns blood-red; 
 " To-morrow the sun shall conceal its bright head; 
 
 On trees blighting mildew shall fall. 
 
 " Hist ! hist! my Grimalkin, I sniff the cold rain, 
 ** On the heath, where the murderer rots in his chain, 
 
 " His ghost, yelling, tears up the sod. 
 " The sinful old abbot, by all thought so chaste, 
 " Now drinks, as he presses a wench round the waist, 
 
 " Thus making the devil his God."
 
 84 
 
 And then the witch thrice wav'd her wand in the air, 
 And mutter'd to Satan, a magical pray'r ; 
 
 " To work, my Grimalkin," she cry'd. 
 Anon the cat mew'd, and the black pall withdrew; 
 The knight started back, for beneath it, he knew. 
 
 The form of his fair betroth'd bride. 
 
 Elfrida, so lovely, now struck EUred's sight ; 
 The damsel so peerless, of beauty so bright, 
 
 Was motionless stretch'd to the view. 
 ** Now come, my Grimalkin, her skin quickly jag, 
 ",I thirst for her Heart's blood ;" exclaimed the foul hag, 
 
 ** Tear open those veins of light blue." 
 
 '*< Hold, beldam, accurs'd" cried the bold frantic youth, 
 As forward he rush'd, nerv'd with virtue and truth, 
 
 And rais'd high the death dooming clave. 
 " Give back to these arms, fair Elfrida, my wife, 
 " Nor dare, with your magic, attaint her sweet life, 
 
 " Or sopn shall you sink to the grave." 
 
 ** Now, welcome, Sir Eldred," the beldam replied, 
 As grinning with malice, her lips open'd wide, 
 
 " Thou'rt welcome, young stripling, to me : 
 ''" Blade, shiver ! and instant be nerveless his hand !" 
 The Knight straight was powerless at her dire command j 
 
 u My spell shall be two-fold," quod she.
 
 85 
 
 And now peals of terrible laughter resound. 
 
 And shouts and loud yells thro' the drear vault rebound ; 
 
 The Weird Witch oft paces the ring. 
 " You're welcome, Sir Eldred," the hag once more cries, 
 As fast to his visage she rivets her eyes ; 
 
 " Good luck to my charm dost thou bring. 
 
 " Nowspeed thee,Grimalkin; nowspeed thee!" quoth she. 
 * Go, summon my spirits by one, two, and three : 
 
 " My Grizzle, Black Sack, and Red Gill ; 
 " And when they surround thee, mark well what I say,. 
 " For, shouldst thou in aught my eorrfmands disobey,- 
 
 " Five drops of thy blood will I spill. 
 
 " Bid the first tear a shroud from some festering dead, 
 " And one of the green eyes tear out of the head ; 
 
 " The second of bones may bring four ; 
 " The third must the yew-tree stalk nine times and five, 
 " And catch me a toad and three lizards alive, 
 
 " That now crawl beneath the church door." 
 
 Grimalkin straight sprang from Elfrida the fair, 
 And swift as keen lightning;, that darts thro' the air, 
 
 1 !e v anish'd from out the drear cell. 
 The Weird Witch, with eyes on the hapless youth bent, 
 Seem'd wickedly planning her hell-fraught intent, 
 
 But strange is the truth I shall tell.
 
 80 
 
 PART THE THIRD. 
 
 As she gaz'd on Sir Eldred, her look became kind, 
 For love, the most lustful, took plare in her mind, 
 
 She look'd, and the more she admir'd. 
 " Elfrida, my rival, shall die," mutter'd she ; 
 ** And Eldred, the Knight, soon my husband shall be ; 
 
 " Or tortur'd I'll see him expire." 
 
 The Weird Witch then hobbled the blood-ring without, 
 And prais'd the sad youth, as she pac'd him about, 
 
 Admiring from top to the toe ; 
 At length, cry'd the hag, " I will save thee, Sir Knight, 
 '* For, lo, thou hast much favour found in my sight, 
 
 " I'll free thee from pain and from woe. 
 
 " But ere I such bounty to thee do award, 
 
 ** First swear by thy soul to become my true lord, 
 
 " Then mark ye the dowry I'll bring : 
 " The earth, seas, all nature, thou then mayst explore ; 
 With wings thro' the regions of air'shalt thou soar} 
 ** Of spirits I'll make thee the king.
 
 87 
 
 " The riches of East and of West shall be thiiie; 
 ** I ask in return that thy love may be mine ? 
 
 " Nought else at thy hand I require. 
 " The wealth of the North and the South I'll impart, 
 " I ask in return but to govern your heart, 
 
 " I'll love with as ardent afire. 
 
 " But more than all this I have left in reserve, 
 
 " 'Gainst age and grim death I thy life can preserve, 
 
 ** No evil shall thee e'er befall ; 
 " I'll make thee immortal and blooming to view, 
 " So thou'lt only swear to be loving and true, 
 
 " All things shall obey at thy call." 
 
 These words heard Sir Eldred, with rage and disdain, 
 Like bolt of dread thunder they struck to his brain, 
 
 And then, again chill'd was his blood. 
 At length he exclaim'd, " Fiend of hell, I defy 
 " Thy love, as thy hate, for my trust is on high, 
 
 " I loath thee, Weird Hag of the Wood." 
 
 *' Rash youth !" cry'd the witch,her head palsy'd with rage, 
 " Wou'd you thus gain my love, and my hatred assuage, 
 
 ** Tis sworn, and in tortures you die. 
 " And first, that your pangs may be doubled, I swear* 
 * Piecemeal shall be torn, your Elfrida the fair, 
 
 " Her torments shall soon meet your eye.
 
 88 
 
 *' Though dead to the sight, she will living be found, 
 *' She now lies entrancd, by a mighty spell bound, 
 
 " My touch shall the damsel restore." 
 The hag hobbled on to the lovely pale maid, 
 And thrice on her bosom, her wither'd hand laid, 
 
 A deep oath to Hecate she swore. 
 
 Now slowly the eyes of Elfrida unclose, 
 
 And slowly her cheeks wear the tint of the rose, 
 
 Her bosom now heaves and recedes. 
 Sir Eldred, transported, forgets all his pain, 
 He rushes to clasp her, but all is in vain, 
 
 His efforts the charm'd ring impedes. 
 
 *' My life, my Elfrida, my true betroth'd bride, 
 My life, my belov'd !" Then the fiantic youth cry'd, 
 
 " Look, look, on your own loving Knight." 
 Elfrida, enraptur'd, bends on him her eyes, 
 She views him, and fainting with joy, straight replies, . 
 
 ' 'Tis Eldred, my soul s dear delight." 
 
 Now stole o'er the pavement, Grimalkin, the cat, 
 Her jaws held the limbs of a new mangled bat ; 
 
 Behind her came grim spirits three. 
 The first was Grey Grizzle, all meagre to view, 
 The second was Sack, of the raven's dark hue, 
 
 But Re 1 Gill was usliest to see.
 
 80 
 
 And five times they ran round the ring red as blood ; 
 A nd five times they bow'd to the Witch of the Wood. 
 
 Cry'd Grizzle, " I've brought eye and shroud." 
 "Andhere,"quothBlackSack,"aretherottingbonesfour." 
 M A toad, and three lizards, from under the door, 
 " I've caught," quoth Red Gill, *j as I vow'd." 
 
 u And wilt thou my proffer'd love instantly share ? 
 " And wilt thou, for me, thy Elfrida forswear? 
 
 " Resolve !" cried the hag, big with ire. 
 " No ; rather than shun fair Elfrida for thee, 
 u My pangs will 1 bear, and her tortures will see." 
 
 " Tis said, and ye both shall expire." 
 
 And now 'gan the Witch rend the shroud with her hand, 
 And then to her spirits she gave the command ; 
 
 They sprang tow'rd the maiden so bright. 
 The Knight was enhorror'd the hag ghastly smil'd ; 
 Elfrida was frantic Elfrida scream'd wild, 
 
 " Oh ! save me, my Lord, my lov'd Knight." 
 
 Her shrieks rouz'd Sir Eldred ; he flew tow'rd the ring; 
 Then cry'd, " My Elfrida, some comfort I bring, 
 
 " God ne'er will the faithful neglect." 
 The Knight from his bosom a crucifix drew ; 
 He rais'd it ; the hag and her fiends the cross knew, 
 
 Nought else could Elfrida protect. 
 H
 
 90 
 
 For lo, k was carvd from the true Holy Rootf j 
 Whereon the Redeemer had spilt his life's blood ; 
 
 'Twas gain'd by Sir Eldrcd the Knight 
 'Twas gain'd when wide Palestine's plains he had sought, 
 And mighty achievements for Christians had wrought. 
 
 Jn many a bold bloody fight. 
 
 The Weird Witch shrunk back, as the sign she beheld : 
 While loudly the sprites, and Grimalkin, then yell'd, 
 
 And strait from the vault disappear'd ; 
 The hag, mutt'ring blasphemy, faded in air ; 
 The charm was dissolt'd, and Elfrida the fair, 
 
 Was soon by the gentle youth cheer'd. 
 
 Now back to the castle they bent their glad way, 
 Increas'd was their love by the third dawning day. 
 
 Which made fair Elfrida a bride ; 
 And loud in the hall sang the minstrels their joy, 
 Each vassal was welcom'd, no soul felt annoy, 
 
 The bride sat the bridegroom beside. 
 
 And now let this Legend instruct all the good, 
 To bend low the knee at the Lord's Holy Rood, 
 
 Before it fades ev'ry dire spell; 
 May the tale of Elfrida and Eldred the brave, 
 Teach men to remember that God still can save, 
 
 And frustrate the purpose of hell.
 
 C6ci0fajofailfa
 
 &e %i$t of Oila, 
 
 About seven miles from Machynleth (Mahunkleth) in 
 the road to Cader Idris, in Merionethshire, surrounded 
 by most romantic scenery, the silvery torrent of Dy- 
 flas, broken into numberless cascades, is seen throw- 
 ing itself down the rocky chasms in the mountains 
 that are hollowed out by the ceaseless action of the 
 overwhelming flood. Precipitating itself into a deep 
 valley, divided into many streams, it pursues different 
 courses; here, struggling through a bed of mingled 
 weeds and stones, it gayly flows by verdant meads 
 and flowery banks ; there, foaming through a stony 
 channel, it urges its flight, and wave rolling on the 
 back of wave, goads it on through the sloping valley ; 
 the surrounding rocks re-echo with the loud splashing 
 noise of the Dyflas fall, and mingling with it is heard 
 a melodious whispering, resembling the tones of the 
 ^Eolian harp, which the credulous inhabitants of the 
 almost untenantable hamlets adjacent, entitle, The 
 Sight of UlU. There is nothing improbable in the 
 Legend which they relate ; it is, doubtless, one of 
 those traditionary tales that originated in facts, and 
 which the teller of every century, even to the present
 
 94 
 
 (fay, has taken care to embellish with a number of ex- 
 traordinaries which never will, nor ever could exist. 
 "We think the tale too interesting to be jumbled with 
 their absurd superstitious notions ; and shall relate it 
 in its nearest approach to fact. Ulla is said to be the 
 daughter of Alan, King of Bretagne, the kinsman of 
 Cadwallader, King of Britain ; who, in the weakness 
 of superstition, abdicated his throne, and left his only 
 son, Edwal, yet in his minority, under the protection 
 of the former Prince : which circumstance gives rise 
 to the tradition. A. D. 689, a famine, attended by a 
 pestilential disease, raged in Britain, and Cadwallader, 
 to avoid the threatened destruction, retired with most 
 of the nobility of his court, and other subjects, to, 
 Bretagne, where he was hospitably received by his 
 kinsman Alan. After residing with him some time, 
 hearing that the famine had ceased, and that the 
 Saxons, with increasing power, were extending their 
 conquests, Cadwallader determined to return home 
 and crush their rising strength. For this purpose, he 
 collected together a large army, composed of his own 
 subjects, and his allies -the Bretons, Alan furnishing 
 him with a suitable fleet to transport them across the 
 channel ; but, at the moment when this weak Prince 
 was about to embark when he should have gone to. 
 save his country, or perish in its ruins, a vision, which 
 he fancied, warned him to renounce the cares of state, 
 and go immediately to Rome and take holy orders 
 from the Pope. This design he imparted to Alan,
 
 05 
 
 who, from base motives, advised him to act up to 
 the pious intent. The books of the two Merlins were 
 consulted on this occasion ; they confirmed him in 
 his delusion, and he proceeded to Rome, where he 
 submitted to have his head shaven, and be initiated 
 into the order of White Monks. This King lived 
 eight years as a religious recluse ; with him died the 
 imperial dignity of the British government. No 
 sooner was the throne abdicated by Cadwallader, than 
 Alan, under colour of acting for the common cause, 
 attached to his service the Welsh followers of the late 
 Prince, and these, with a body of his own troops, 
 made a descent on the western coast of Britain, under 
 the command of his son Ivor, who, successful in 
 arms, usurped the throne of Wales, and added Corn- 
 wall, Devon, and Somerset to his dominion. Edwal 
 was a mild and amiable Prince, remarkable for his 
 beauty. Residing at the court of Bretagne, Ulla, the 
 sister of Ivor, grew enamoured of him 5 they were 
 married, and it is related of this Princess, that she 
 struggled to place him upon the throne of his ances- 
 tors, of which her own brother had deprived him. 
 
 -Why dost thou weep, thou wintry- 
 
 bearded sage, and o'er the cold turf 
 breathe thy unavailing sighs? Thinkst thou 
 to rouzc the clay cold corpse that lies be-
 
 oo 
 
 ncath, or move to compassion the earth 
 that cloth embody it ? Alas ! how little 
 dost thou know of death, that nips the 
 fairest blossom, and oft untimely crops the 
 budding flower : but, see, thy tears rolling 
 down thy shrivelled cheeks, fall and sink 
 into the damp sod, ashamed of thy puerile- 
 weakness. Is it a daughter or a son you 
 mourn) or the mistress of your heart's 
 heart ? No common calamity could depress 
 you thus. It must be the death of one 
 whom you prized above existence, who 
 sat enthroned in your bosom, and whose 
 breath of life was mingled with your own. 
 Thou liftest thine eye to mine ! Why 
 shakest thou thine head ? I prithee speak ! 
 Let fortitude congeal the tear- that thy 
 affection softens, and when composure re- 
 assumes her empire, I prithee then unfold 
 thyself to me. 
 
 Fair stranger, go, go thy path, 
 
 nor interrupt an old man's grief ; the road 
 before thee is even. Thy cup of life is 
 not yet half exhausted, and sweet are the
 
 07 
 
 remains ; for thou dost seem of cheerful 
 disposition of mind, unsuited to the turn 
 of sadness; yet there is much tenderness 
 in thine eye, much feeling in thy expres- 
 sion, and Heaven has gifted thee with 
 every innate virtue, and fortitude to cherish 
 them, in a world where temptation in 
 every corner, lurks like a snake in a bed 
 of flowers, to allure and to destroy. 
 
 Now peace be with you, reve~ 
 
 rend father, but you have arouzed my cu- 
 riosity ; I do long to know why upon the 
 turf you fix your reddened eye, and weep, 
 and droop, and sigh, and sigh again, as 
 though you held deep converse with the 
 winds, that answer in timid response each 
 feeble plaint. Speak, good father, and 
 you shall find a heart eager to cheer you 
 in your affliction, 
 
 Pass on, lovely stranger, for my 
 
 grief is infectious ; participate not in it, 
 but go, go thy way. Yet, think not the 
 tears I shed are of selfish origin they fall 
 not for a son lost, or a daughter torn from
 
 981 
 
 me, but for crimes of man. Each morn* 
 ing dawn beholds me prostrate on this 
 turf, while the surrounding rocks echo my 
 broken sobs ! But read these annals, and 
 if thou canst, pity and forgive those whose 
 errors are the subject of reproach. 
 
 Ulla was a Princess of Britanny her 
 hair was white as the mountain snow, and 
 she was called the Maid with Silver Locks. 
 Like the bright evening star that darts 
 its radiance through the twilight mist, she 
 ^hone in her father's court : all hearts did 
 her homage. But Ulla loved young Ed- 
 wal, the heir to the throne of Wales. 
 
 Why sings the bard in the hall of 
 Alan ? Why does he raise his voice and, 
 trill the jocund song, when Ulla, the 
 peerless maiden of the court, is sad? 
 Alas ! dejection, like the summer wind, 
 thwarting the new plucked rose, feeds 
 upon the bloom of her cheek; and melan- 
 choly sheds her saffron tinge upon her 
 brow. See where she sits, smiling in hef 
 fears, like an April sun darting his eO'uU
 
 90 
 
 gent rays through gloomy showers ! 
 Weep not, fair Ulla, for him you love 
 feels your pangs j and one fire mutual 
 glows in each bosom, 
 
 Sigh not, Ulla," cried the King of Bre- 
 tagne j i( -for Edwal, the emperor of your 
 heart, shall be your lord the sharer of 
 your downy couch ; and loud shall the 
 bard sing in the hall the song of joy, and 
 swift shall the mirthful goblet circulate the 
 board the heady cwrrw shall be exhaust- 
 ed in drinking your happiness and twice 
 twelve rounds shall the sun perform, ere 
 our festivity decrease." 
 
 " And docs the lord of thousands then 
 approve my choice; the sovereign of his 
 subjects' hearts? Mightiest of chiefs, I 
 pray you, let the day draw near; give or-r 
 ders that the humblest of your train 6hall 
 share the pleasures that animate our bo- 
 soms." 
 
 " There shall be no heart but shall feel 
 the glow of our munificence, which shall 
 be administered like the gentle dew that
 
 100 
 
 falls and nurtures the basest plant. The 
 day of Ulla's nuptials shall be a day of 
 universal joy- sweet shall be the numbers 
 of the rustic song, exciting the village 
 maids to trip along the green more sweet 
 shall be the lay breathed from the pastoral 
 pipe beneath the hawthorn tree." 
 
 A new created colour tinged the cheek 
 of Ulla pleasure sparkled in her eye, her 
 bosom heaved in transport. 
 
 " Oh, Edwal !" she cried, advancing 
 to the youth who lay prostrate beneath a 
 bending willow that shed its drooping 
 boughs over the rippling brook; and twin- 
 ing her lily arms around his neck " Sav, 
 will you love the fond Ulla less when she's 
 your bride, or with unabated passion will 
 you still caress her? Say, shall not Ulla 
 be dearer to you than ever, when she has 
 resigned herself to your arms?" 
 
 " Alas!" sighed the red-haired youth, 
 <( such bliss is not reserved for me; end- 
 less regret must be my bitter portion, un- 
 ceasing sorrow be my hapless lot.,"
 
 101 
 
 " Oh, my heart's lord!" cried the en* 
 raptured maid; " Arise to joy and happi- 
 ness, for the monarch of Bretagne sanc- 
 tions our loves, and bids us look forward 
 to the mighty day." 
 
 " How !" returned the astounded youth, 
 " shall Ulla then be the bride of Edwal? 
 Does king Alan so decree ?" 
 
 " Yes, yes!" sighed the maid, and 
 sunk upon his bosom. Edwal returned 
 her caresses he twined his arms around 
 her neck, and pressed his lips to her's. 
 
 Never were two hearts more firm in 
 unison ; tney beat for each other ; one fire 
 unceasing burnt in each bosom ; mutual 
 were the sighs that swelled each breast. 
 
 Uprose the ruddy-cheeked god in his 
 chariot of burnished gold, and swiftly the 
 white-maned steeds urged their asthereal 
 flight across the horizon. The harp and 
 timbrel sounded in the court of Bretagne, 
 where festivity began her reign as the 
 morning dawned upon the nuptials of the 
 silver-haired Ulla. White flags waved
 
 102 
 
 on the turrets of the palace, and throngs 
 of rentrous knights, equipped in warlike 
 steel, came to be entertained at the mar- 
 riage feast. A tournament was held in 
 honour of the day, and Ulla decided the 
 prize to the bold youth, whose skill and 
 ingenuity in the contest proclaimed him 
 the victor. Edwal received the scarf from 
 her fair hand, amidst the applauses and 
 acclamations of the whole court. It was 
 noon when the rites were performed ; and 
 Ulla appeared before the priest habited in 
 virgin white; her silver locks hung in 
 ringlets on her snowy bosom, and down 
 her taper limbs flowed the loose robes. 
 Two maidens bore her train ; and when 
 the vow was exchanged that made her 
 the bride of Edwal, the happy youth 
 pressed her to his heart with increased 
 ardour, and lisped in her ear a vow of eter- 
 nal love. 
 
 All was festivity in the palace of Bre- 
 tagne : the king, with hospitality, wel- 
 comed each comer the tables groaned be-
 
 103 
 
 heath the weight of the feast and the 
 song of the bard echoed in the halls. Ed- 
 wal, with the virgin Ulla, pressed the 
 downy couch; connubial bliss was theirs, 
 and all the transports of a fond attachment; 
 each hour brought with it new enjoyments. 
 There was no heart in Bretaghe but was 
 glad ; for the festivity was extended to the 
 meanest of the kingdom: Thus passed 
 the first nine davs in transports une- 
 qualled, until interrupted by the presence 
 of Cadvan, a mighty British chief, by 
 whose powerful arm, many lances had 
 been shivered. His bosom teemed with 
 sparks of patriotic fire he was of Cam- 
 brian birth, and a follower of the late prince 
 Cadwallader, who abdicated his throne. 
 Anger sparkled in his jet-black eye; as he 
 approached, rage flushed his dark cheek ; 
 and generous choler strangled his rising 
 voice. , 
 
 " I bring news from Britain," cried the 
 haughty chieftain, advancing with firm- 
 ness to the royal presence. <c Ivor, the
 
 104 
 
 son of Alan, and brother of the Princess 
 Ulla, has conquered Cornwall, Devon, 
 and Somerset has made peace with the 
 Saxons and usurped the throne of Wales." 
 
 The chieftain paused all eyes were 
 bent upon him an universal silence 
 reigned throughout the hall. Pale was the 
 cheek of Alan. 
 
 " Why dost thou not speak, thou King 
 of Bretagne )" cried the chief. " Why 
 dost thou not rise in arms, and crush the 
 rebel of thy loins? Or, art thou, too, 
 leagued against the rightful heir to the 
 throne of his country ?" 
 
 Edwat sat in silence j but the King re- 
 gained composure. 
 
 " Let not the ill deeds of an ungracious 
 son dissipate our mirth," exclaimed the 
 monarch ; u I banish him from my heart. 
 Ivor may reign upon the throne of Wales, 
 but Edwal shall be the son of Alan." 
 
 " And be more blessed in that title, 
 than were he emperor of the world j" re- 
 turned the Prince.
 
 105 
 
 w Degenerate issue of the most noble 
 race!" cried the offended Cadvan, " No 
 longer worthy of the name of Briton, I 
 will no longer acknowledge thee the son 
 of Cadwalladcr thou art unworthy the 
 throne of thy ancestors thy country dis- 
 claims thee, thou impotent Prince, that 
 art made the footstool of an ambitious mo- 
 narch." 
 
 The blue-eyed Ulla, with affection, em- 
 braced her Lord; and Edwal disregarded 
 the anger of the impetuous chieftain. The 
 golden- haired god, mounted in his chariot 
 of beams, daily arose from the green wave; 
 and seven moons were wasted since Ulla 
 became the bride of the banished Prince. 
 
 li Let us return unto the shores of Cam- 
 bria," cried Cadvan. " Oh ! Edwal, of 
 the race of heroes, let us Once more hail 
 our native land. Return, thou son of 
 kings, to the palace of thy fathers, and 
 rule thy warlike people. The child of thy 
 loins now lives in the womb of Ulla j let 
 I
 
 106 
 
 it not see the light of Bretagne let us 
 hasten to the white cliffs of our country." 
 
 Ulla hung xipon the bosom of her Lord 
 her blue eyes were filled with tears. 
 
 " Prove thyself worthy the name of fa- 
 ther," continued the chief; li and give thy 
 son the crown which thou shouldst wear. 
 No longer wander in a foreign court, but, 
 with thy Ulla of silver locks, seek the 
 country of which she's rightful Queen." 
 
 Ulla arose from the bosom of her Lord ; 
 a newly-created fire seemed to illuminate 
 the whole of her countenance. 
 
 et Yes," she cried, " Edwal must reign 
 the Lord of Britain . Let hosts of warriors 
 be gathered on the strands. Ulla will, 
 herself, be forward in the fight." - 
 
 Cadvan fell prostrate at her feet ; she 
 raised him with her lily hand from the 
 ground, and the warrior pressed it to his 
 lips. 
 
 . " Who rides upon the vvhite-brow'd 
 wave?" cried Ivor, the usurper, to his fol-
 
 107 
 
 lowers. ec Come they with their spears fore- 
 most, threatening war, or are they pointed 
 to the ground ?" 
 
 tl In peace they come not," was replied. 
 " I saw the spears of the mighty at the 
 vessel's helm, and Edwal comes in terrible 
 array, aided by Cadvan and his thousands. 
 The sword of the warrior is yet moist with 
 the blood of heroes. Green as the sedgy 
 wave that's near the shore, is his croslet ; 
 and blood-red is the cross upon his shield. 
 Strong and athletic is Cadvan, the grey- 
 headed warrior of the tribe of Britons : his 
 brow is as the brow of the mountain that 
 scowls upon the vale; his anger, as the fu- 
 rious storm, tearing from his root the lofty 
 oak. Often has he plunged in the thickest 
 of the fight, and drove whole hosts before 
 him: his voice is strong as the furious 
 blast, and terrible is the look of the slayer 
 of the brave." 
 
 " Slave!" cried the dauntless Ivor; 
 i: Comes he vauntingly on the wave ? 
 Have I not seen the grey-headed warrior,
 
 108 
 
 Cadvan, the mighty in war, call np the 
 valiant from their rocky beds, and let us 
 bend forward to the fight. My spear is 
 yet unbroken my shield is covered with 
 the blood of the valiant." 
 
 " Mighty warrior!" cried the bard of 
 Ivor; " Cadvan standeth like the oozy 
 rock, whose sides are covered with the 
 whitened foam; his shield is battered with 
 the strokes of the fight, and his red eye 
 scowls on danger ; but Ivor, in the san- 
 guinary fight, shall overcome the warrior, 
 at whose dread name even heroes tremble 
 for Ivor is the mightiest of the mighty." 
 
 The vessels of the much-dreaded Cad- 
 van now approached the shore, and num- 
 berless warriors lined the strand; their ban- 
 ners waved high upon the white cliffs of 
 Albion, and the reflecting sun shone upon 
 their polished shields. Now they rush for- 
 ward as a thick-gathered cloud ; for Ivor's 
 strong host appears in view : and see, where 
 Cadvan directs the storm, death follows 
 every blow, and the vaunting Saxon is laiu
 
 109 
 
 prostrate on the ground. Edvval hurls the 
 gigantic spear a thousand swords are un- 
 sheathed and streams of blood float along 
 the coast. The blue-eyed daughter of Alan 
 pressed forward in the fight ; she held a 
 blood- besmeared sword in her hand war 
 and death sat upon her cheek and over 
 her shoulders flowed her silver locks. She 
 seemed the angry goddess of the fight; de- 
 struction marked her steps ; where the 
 battle raged most was she seen ; and Ed- 
 wal by her side, warded the arrows that 
 were aimed at her breast. Her vigorous 
 example gave animation to the soldiers, 
 who fought like tigers in the throat of 
 -death; shield clashed against shield sword 
 met sword and the stout javelin pierced 
 the heart of the bold. 
 
 Ivor and all his host -flew; and Cadvan 
 and his clan followed them beyond the 
 mountains, but Edwal was faint : his 
 shield was covered with glory, and he leaned 
 upon the shoulder of the heroic Ulla.
 
 110 
 
 " Thou king of heroes," cried the fe- 
 male warrior, " thy sword is not broken 
 in the fight, but thou hast pierced the 
 bosoms of many. Does fever parch thy 
 lips? Recline upon my shoulder, and I will 
 lead thee to the cooling spring; and see 
 where Cadvan comes, to hail thee Lord of 
 Britain." 
 
 Edwal drank of the mountain-spring, 
 and colour once more flushed his livid 
 cheek : upon the green turf he laid his 
 weary head, and Ulla watched over him, 
 while a gentle sleep shrouded his haggard 
 eyes. Black and deadly grew the features 
 of Edwal; parched were his lips, and a 
 white foam frothed at the corners of his 
 mouth. Ulla gazed upon him with terror 
 she screamed more deadly grew the 
 visage of the unhappy youth ; his body 
 swelled, and the greenness of death encir- 
 cled his eyes. Ulla laid her cheek to his, 
 but it was cold; she pressed her hand to his 
 heart, but its pulsation was for ever gone.
 
 Ill 
 
 " He's poisoned !" exclaimed the frantic 
 widow; " Edwal has breathed his last," 
 she faintly uttered, and fell upon the sense- 
 less body. 
 
 Weep, weep, ye sons of men! The 
 lily of the field is cropped ! Weep, for ye 
 shall not look upon his like ! Mourn, 
 hapless country, that ye have lost a prince, 
 mild as the morn, in virtue unexampled. 
 Weep, thou silver-haired Princess of Bre- 
 tagne! Bedew his grave with your tears 
 scatter your white locks upon the turf, and 
 rend the air with your sighs, for Edwal is 
 no more! The sun withdraws his beams 
 clouds usurp the heavens, and torrents of 
 rain give tokens of the Prince's death. 
 Why are ye silent, ye bards of Cambria ? 
 Why strike ye 1 not upon your mournful 
 harps, and tune your wild grief, for the 
 Prince's death? Alas! alas! sorrow, like 
 the storm that o'er the mountains lower, 
 has overwhelmed your bursting hearts. 
 Hide you, ye men of Cambria, in your 
 graves, for your liberties are become a mist
 
 112 
 
 Edual, the enlightened Edwal, is no more, 
 and anarchy shall scatter her flaming 
 brands upon your mountains and in your 
 vallies. 
 
 The grey-headed Cadvan, dissolved in 
 tears, wept over the ill-fated youth; and 
 Ulla was inconsolable. The tyrannic Ivor 
 in his flight, had poisoned the mountain- 
 spring, and given death to the most virtu- 
 ous of princes. The daughter of Alan was 
 brought to a premature delivery ; she ush- 
 ered into the world a smiling infant, who, 
 unconscious of his miserable condition, 
 pressed to his mother's bosom. 
 
 " Joy animates my heart," cried Cad- 
 van of the Mighty; " for this young 
 Prince shall ,my sword be still unsheathed, 
 and I will hurl war's flaming brand into 
 the camp of Ivor. The usurper shall be 
 tossed from the height to which his am- 
 bition has raised him, and this young 
 Prince be seated in the regal chair of his 
 fathers." 
 
 " Let us," cried the silver-haired Ulla,
 
 113 
 
 her blue eves suffused in tears, " Let us, 
 with our own hands, deposit in the earth 
 all that remains of Edwal; and do you, 
 Cadvan, over his cold tomb, swear to see 
 this infant righted." 
 
 " I swear," cried the venerable war- 
 rior. 
 
 Wild was the grief of Ulla ; upon the 
 threatening rock she sat and sung, and 
 o'er the grave of Edwal tuned the harp of 
 Caradoc the Grey, the bard of Cyfeilog. 
 " Fallen, fallen, is the hero; fallen, the 
 hope of his country! His angry spirit 
 wanders on the shore ; his soul is flown to 
 lands where his fathers dwell. Fallen, 
 fallen, is the red-haired Edwal, of the 
 race of Princes ! 
 
 ft Cold as the hoary frost of winter is the 
 * blood in his icy veins cold, cold is his 
 heart But his name is warm in the re- 
 membrance of the good, for virtuous was 
 Edwal of the race of Princes. 
 
 " O'er his clayey grave the daisy droops 
 his head, and dies and withers the leaf of
 
 114 
 
 the tulip. Fairer than the lily was the 
 bosom of the youth his cheek more 
 lovely than the blushing rose his breath 
 more fragrant than the violet his lips 
 more sweet than the carnation his teeth 
 more white than the summit of Idris, 
 when crowned with the dazzling; snow. 
 Tall as the poplar tree was Edwal, of the 
 race of Princes. 
 
 " His spirit rides upon the winds of Hea- 
 ven; his red hair is seen waving in the 
 clouds ; his voice is as the ring-dove's, 
 sweet ; and in the timid breeze he sighs, 
 Edwal of the race of Princes. 
 
 * f Why are my eyes clouded in mist ? 
 Heaven, let me behold his beekoning form, 
 that calls me to other regions ; let me not 
 touch the trembling harp in vain ; let my 
 voice ascend to the curved cloud, on which 
 sits the murdered hero, Edwal of the race 
 of Princes. 
 
 " High above the mountains rise the 
 mists of night, and fiery meteors from the 
 earth ascend. Cold is the air that wafts rav
 
 115 
 
 jocks aside ; keen and penetrating the 
 winds that howl through the rocks, from 
 which the rilling waters fall. 
 
 " Lie still, my child ; cling to thy mo- 
 ther's breast; her breath shall keep thee 
 warm, although her heart is chill. The 
 night-blast will have pity on thy weak- 
 ness, for thou art the orphan of Edvvah, 
 of the race of Princes. 
 
 " The pitiless mountain-hollows echo 
 back my groans, and fast falls the hoary 
 frost upon my cheek. Alas! alas! why are 
 not Ulla's sighs heard by thee, thou lord of 
 her heart ? For thee she raises the mourn- 
 ful song for thee she plaints unceasing, 
 thou slaughtered King of Britain; whom 
 bards revere; whose virtues are chronicled 
 in the book of the Most High whose 
 acts shall live in the remembrance of the 
 aged, thou Prince of the race of Princes." 
 
 Thus sung the distracted Ulla to the 
 wide waste before her ; but Cadvan pre- 
 pared her a residence in the rock, to shel- 
 ter her from the inclemencies of the vvea-
 
 116 
 
 ther. He disbanded his troop, and await- 
 ed the growth of the young Prince, ere he 
 struggled for the crown. 
 
 Roderig was the son of Eclwal called, 
 Roderig Molvvynog. He was strong m his 
 youth, and hunted the fox upon the moun- 
 tains the stout javelin he hurled with 
 force : he was habited in the skin of the 
 beast his courage had brought down the 
 horn of the untamed goat was suspended 
 at his breast his hair was black, and in 
 curls ; and on his head he wore a cap, 
 made from the fox's hide his legs and 
 feet were bare, and so his arms light 
 and agile was the Prince o'er rocks and 
 crags he'd bound swift as the bleating 
 kid up steep and o'er the yawning gulph 
 he tat of the rabbit of the warren, or of 
 the nut-cracking squirrel his beverage . 
 was the glutinous cwrr.v his restirar- 
 place the hollow of a glen. 
 
 With transport did the silver-locked 
 Ulla behold the courage of his heart ; and 
 Gadvan instructed him in the art of war.
 
 117 
 
 But pale grew the eheek of the Princess of 
 Bretngnc; her eyes no longer beamed their 
 lustre death laid his cold hand upon her 
 bosom the hour of her dissolution ap- 
 proached. Long had she wept the death 
 of Edwal long had her warm sighs been 
 exhaled from the inmost recesses of her 
 heart. 
 
 Ulla was anxious to learn what would 
 be the fate of Roderig; and, with the 
 hoary-headed Cadvan, she sought the re- 
 sidence of the Bard of the Mountain 5 
 who, with direful tongue, foretold the hap- 
 piness or misery of mankind. In the 
 bosom of a rock he dwelt; where beasts of 
 rapine creep from the howling storm, and 
 the bird of night builds her mossy nest 
 toads spat their venom at his foot, and vi- 
 perous lizards crawled np his grey sleeve. 
 He sat upon a rude-formed stool : deep 
 was he in thought ; his dark eve was fixed 
 upon a heavy volume, whose pages were 
 extended before him upon a slaty stone, 
 that served him for a table. Ulla, with
 
 118 
 
 profound reverence, advanced towards him, 
 and the old man arose from his chair. 
 
 11 What would my daughter," cried 
 the venerable sage, " these volumes 
 should unfold?" 
 
 " I would know," returned Ulla, the 
 silver-locked beauty of Bretagne, et if Ro- 
 derig, the son of Edwal Iwirch, shall 
 wear the diadem that has bound, succes- 
 sively, the brows of his warlike ances- 
 tors?" 
 
 " Daughter of Alan," replied he, 
 tc hear and regard in silence ; the book 
 of the sage prophet Merlin, shall reveal 
 the decree of fate." 
 
 Ulla bowed her head, and the bard pro- 
 ceeded to investigate the pages of the 
 deeply-skilled Merlin, who warned King 
 Vortigern of the disasters that did after- 
 wards befal him. The bard muttered the 
 sacred oracle to himself; convulsed grew 
 his frame as he continued; his lips trem- 
 bled his eves were fiery, wild, and ter- 
 rific- he twined in his shrivelled fingers his
 
 119 
 
 grey locks, which he tore in anguish, and 
 exclaiming, (t Rotlerig shall wear the 
 crown I dare reveal no more." He threw 
 himself upon the earth ; still was the bard 
 convulsed; his cheek was blaek, and Ulla 
 bent over him with her hands clasped to- 
 gether. At length the sage recovered ; he 
 knew not what he had uttered in his fit. 
 Heaven, he averred, had spoken through 
 his organs, and she must question no fur- 
 ther. 
 
 With joy the mother issued from the 
 cave, and Cadvan was transported with 
 the welcome tidings. 
 
 Who blows the blast that shrilly echoes 
 through the mountains? Who winds the 
 loud horn that startles the speckled doe 
 from her covert, and rouzes the wily fox 
 from her rocky den ? The rabbit burrows 
 still deeper in the earth the timid deer 
 resumes her legs the squirrel bounds from 
 branch to branch and the wild wood-fowl 
 soars aloft, extending hvr downy pinion J 
 in her flight. The breath of the hunte.
 
 120 
 
 fills the , sonorous horn, and mantles of 
 green are seen - floating in the wind; spor- 
 tive .murder is abroad, and the harmless 
 object of the chaee shall bleed the victim 
 of its lust. Sweet as the. voice of the 
 syren is the mellow horn of the bold 
 humer. It rings in the vallies, the dells 
 echo it, and crossing the marshy it dies 
 away in soft and pleasing strains. 
 
 Ivor, the usurper, mounted on a fleet 
 steed, fleet as the wind, presses the turf. 
 He is attended by a gay throng, eager for 
 the sport of the chaee ; and in the hand 
 of the Saxon Princes, the javelin trembles. 
 The hound yelps by the pranking courser's 
 side, his chops are lined with the blood 
 of the timid hare. And, see where the 
 majestic stag, upon yon mountain peak, 
 pricks up his ears to the well-known blast, 
 and flies o'er the barren waste, scorning 
 the earth ^iat shrinks from his nimble 
 hoofs. 
 
 Ulla leaned upon the arm of Cadvan, 
 and the usurping King r of Britain advanced
 
 121 
 
 towards her. Her silver locks were bound, 
 and concealed beneath a long-cared cap. 
 Much was she altered since she had first 
 trod upon the shores of Albion, and the 
 monarch knew her not. 
 
 u Say, peerless maid/' inquired Ivor, 
 <c Can you inform me where your King 
 and his retinue may find refreshment? If 
 you reside in these mountains, conduct 
 me, I beseech you, to where I may find a 
 moment's balmy repose." 
 
 Ulla knew her brother, and her soul re- 
 volted from him : she gave a moment's 
 thought to the horrid murder of her heart's 
 lord, and the rightful King of Wales. 
 Overcome by her emotions, she clasped 
 the hand of Cadvan, and endeavoured to 
 hurry him away. 
 
 " Why do you seek to avoid me ?'' 
 cried Ivor, observing her with dissatisfied 
 eve : M Know you not, that the King ad- 
 dresses you ?" 
 
 '' Yes," returned the Princess, height- 
 ening iier voice; " Yes 5 I know it is the 
 K
 
 1 0<? 
 
 King who addresses me ; the son of Alan> 
 of Brctagne the usurper of the throne of 
 Wales, who poisoned the rightful heir, 
 Edwal. J. know the crime by means of 
 which he gained the throne; I know, 
 despise, and hate him." 
 
 f * How?" exclaimed the infuriated 
 Prince, half unsheathing his sword. 
 
 " Strike !" interrupted the heroic wo- 
 man; u Bury your savage sword in the 
 bosom of her, who espouses the cause ot 
 the son of the King Cadwallader. I bare 
 my bosom, that you may reek your ven- 
 geance on her who dares to tell you of 
 your usurpation; who dares, in your pre- 
 sence, imprecate the vengeance of offend- 
 ed Heaven upon your head. Strike, thou 
 misguided Prince, I do not fear thy dag- 
 ger, which, drinking my heart's-blood, 
 will not inflict so deep a wound as that 
 which pierced my brain." 
 
 " Who is this distracted woman?" in* 
 quired the Kifig. 
 (( 1hy cuSsi 'twould be to know 1 er,
 
 123 
 
 replied Cadvan, while Ulla leaned upon his 
 bosom : M thy greatest curse; for if thou- 
 ever felt for crimes which thou hast com- 
 mitted, the knowledge that thou hast 
 wronged her would be thy torment." 
 
 " Grey-headed villain, thou jugglest with 
 me ; I do not know this woman. How 
 then have I wronged her?" 
 
 " By wronging Heaven by the mur- 
 der of a virtuous unoffending Prince, who 
 lived in the hearts of his people. Thus, 
 savage chieftain, have you wronged both 
 her and me; but think not long to tri- 
 umph, for Heaven will revenge. And the 
 day, though to your eyes is slow in its ap- 
 proach, comes on rapid pinions borne ; 
 when thou shalt find that repentance for 
 thy crimes is too late." 
 
 a I'll hear no more," cried the an- 
 gered monarch ; u Thou, grey-headed ruf- 
 fian, shalt perish for thy boldness." 
 
 The dreadful sword was raised Cad van 
 with firmness beheld it, and Ulla, with a 
 scream ; rushed upon its point. The hun-
 
 124 
 
 ters now approached with their dogs ; 
 Cadvan was distracted. 
 
 t( Murderer," lie exclaimed, " Thy 
 sister! thy sister!" 
 
 He fell upon the bleeding body of the' 
 dying Uila. Her silver locks now burst 
 their silken chains, and flowed upon her 
 bosom her mild blue eyes beamed for- 
 giveness of her murderer a smile was 
 upon her cheek \ and pressing the hand of 
 her venerable protector to her lips, she ex- 
 pired, 
 
 Ivor dismounted his steed ; pale was his 
 guilty cheek ; remorse touched his heart. 
 In vain he called on Ulla ; she was flown 
 for ever ; and Cadvan, devoid of anima- 
 tion, lay upon her corpse. The blood 
 flowed from the wound in her bosom, and 
 trickled in streams by her side; while 
 Ivor, despairing, stood over her with 
 clasped hands. Horrible were his looks 
 compunction livid made his cheeks his 
 eyes glared horribly, and, without mean- 
 ing his hair was wild and discomposed
 
 125 
 
 a. cold sweat chafed his terror-stricken 
 brow. Some of his attendants endeavoured 
 to arouze him from the death-like torpor ; 
 but he was insensible. 
 
 At length Cadvan arose from the ground; 
 he was more composed, but the tear of 
 anguish rested upon his beard ; and en- 
 deavouring firmness, he ordered the troop 
 of hunters to bear the remains of the de- 
 ceased Princess to his cell in the moun- 
 tain : whither it was followed by the dis- 
 tracted repentant Ivor, 
 
 Roderig was out upon the hills., scout- 
 ing the fearful kid, when they entered the 
 cave; and he returned not until his qui- 
 ver, full of arrows, was exhausted. 
 
 Who weeps and rends his hair, and 
 sighs in broken sobs ? Who bewails the 
 fate of the silver-locked beauty of Bre- 
 tagne ? Alas! who does not mourn for 
 the fallen heroic Ulla? Is she not in 
 IIkavf.n ? Why then is that counte- 
 nance distracted that pale check soddened 
 w ith the mournful tear ? ~ Is she not with
 
 126 
 
 the blessed ? Is she not crowned en 
 high with a diadem immortal ? Why 
 then do you bewail ? Why shed a tear 
 upon her clay ? Does she not repose, en- 
 folded in the arms of Angels ? Fond 
 youth, her fate will be vour's. No flower 
 that blows but ripens to perish ; it buds, 
 it blows, it fades ; its falling leaf betrays 
 its dissolution ; it expires, and returns to 
 the earth from whence it sprung, and 
 leaves no vestige of its former excellence. 
 
 Alas ! who can be a philosopher over 
 the grave of his mother ? 
 
 Roderig was inconsolable: the grief of 
 Ivor was madness. His multifarious crimes 
 crowded upon his brain, and disordered it; 
 he ran wild among the mountains, and made 
 his couch in the most unwholesome glens. 
 Heeatofthe weeds that grew uponthe point- 
 ed rock, and drank of the mountain- stream. 
 
 <e Who rides upon the storm," cried 
 the witless monarch, " and mocks the 
 grief of Ivor ? Rack me the traitor that 
 insults his King, and points his scornful
 
 127 
 
 finger at me. I will have vengeance on 
 the wretch I'll feast upon his dying 
 groan9 in laughter, then give his carcass 
 to the winds of Heaven." 
 
 " Alas ! whose angry spirit's that that 
 glides before me? Comes it to accuse? 
 Hide me, hide me ! Horribly its 
 eye-balls glare : it frdwns upon me. It 
 comes, it comes ! Flames devour my heart 
 my veins are scorched my brain is on 
 fire I am lost : abandoned by Heaven." 
 
 Thus exclaimed the guilty Ivor, and 
 threw himself into the lake, to cool the 
 raging heat that parched his flesh. 
 
 In the mean time Cadvan prepared the 
 earth for the reception of what once was 
 Ulla. The body was wrapped in a long, 
 sheet, and borne to the grave by four vir- 
 gins ; flowers were strewed along the path, 
 and the flavour of the violet scented the 
 air they inhaled. Slow and solemn was 
 the procession. First Cadvan occupied the 
 path : the tear upon his check his white 
 beard dishevelled his hands crossed upon
 
 J28 
 
 his bosom, and his eyes uplifted to Heaven. 
 Next, two maidens, with flower-baskets, 
 whose contents they scattered around 
 them : and next, the Mountain Bard ; his 
 harp was unstrung wild was hi3 appear- 
 ance his vest was variously torn upon his 
 body, and blood streamed down his vene- 
 rable limbs, wounded by the thorn. Fol- 
 lowed him the corps, decked with flowers, 
 and borne by the village maidens ; whose 
 countenances expressed regret and sorrow 
 for the loss of her, who lived in all men's 
 estimation. A sigh swelled each bosom; 
 and at their back, Rodv;rig, with streaming 
 eyes, advanced. The youth knew no con- 
 solation : Ulla was his only parent, and 
 reflection increased his agony. Ulla was 
 a fond mother, tender, and afTeetionate ; 
 suffice it, Ulla was a mother and unna- 
 tural must be the child who loves not her 
 who gave him being. 
 
 Arriving at the grave, Oadvan kissed 
 the earth with fervour. When the body 
 was deposited, the old man's grief was
 
 129 
 
 unfeigned, for he loved her with the affec- 
 tion of a father, and knew no happiness 
 but what he enjoyed with her. The mai- 
 dens chaunted a praise to the Lord : and 
 the funeral rites concluded, they paced 
 their way back with solemn step to the 
 adjoining village. 
 
 In a hollow, at the foot of four moun- 
 tains, whose white brows soar high above 
 the vale, and near to an unfathomable lake, 
 stands the grave of Ulla, watered plente- 
 ously by the tears of those whose affection 
 lor her was unbounded. At her foot, the 
 tender myrtle shoots its slender branches ; 
 at her head, the mournful willow droops 
 and bends over her, as agitated by the blast 
 often upon the turf has the fresh pluck- 
 ed violet faded spear-grass, alone, is nur- 
 tured by the sod, and unmixed with any 
 of the flowers of the field. 
 
 But hark ! Hear you not the harp of 
 the mountain bard ? Doleful is the strain 
 he sings : he sits upon the cold turf.
 
 130 
 
 Listen ! for thus he bewails the death of 
 Ulla: 
 
 (C Sound, sound my harp, upon the 
 mountain ; and, in the vallies, mingle thy 
 voice with the hollow winds that spread 
 o'er the world, and tell the heroes of other 
 lands that darkness clouds the eyes of Ulla. 
 
 u She sleeps : the daughter of Alan 
 sleeps in death her silver locks are in the 
 grave her blue soul mounts on high, 
 soaring aloft to the world immortal. 
 
 " Sound, sound my harp, and fill the 
 mountain's hollows, that they may rever- 
 berate the name of Ulla. Be still, ye fall- 
 ing waters pause awhile, and stagnate 
 Stand upont he rocky brink be hushed, ye 
 winds, or mourn with me pass gently 
 o'er her grave pass, and be silent. 
 
 u Sweet was Ulla, of silver locks 
 sweeter than the violet her breath mild 
 was her voice, and her blue eyes beamed 
 with humility and goodness. 
 
 " Strew, ye damsels of health, strew.
 
 131 
 
 strew upon her grave, flowers lovely M 
 herself; but place not the tulip there, for 
 Ulla was sweet both to the sense and to 
 the eye open and generous as the May- 
 morn was her countenance her heart, as 
 pure as the flake of snow wafted upon 
 the winds, ere it falls upon the rock. 
 Doth not the sons of Cambria mourn ? 
 Yes, yes, their sighs are warm their an- 
 guish most acute their hearts are burst- 
 ing : Ulla was beloved anions; men. 
 
 (i Sound, sound my harp, upon the 
 mountains ; and, in the vallies, mingle 
 thy voice with the hollow winds that 
 spread o'er the world, and tell the heroes 
 of other lands that darkness clouds the eyes 
 of the peerless Ulla ; never more shall 
 they be revealed unto the light they are 
 shrouded in death. Weep, weep, ye sons 
 of men, for Ulla, your Queen, is removed 
 to the plain of heroes." 
 
 The voice of the bard was plaintive 
 wild and melodious the surrounding hills 
 echoed back his lay, and the wild goat,
 
 132 
 
 browzing, lifted up his head as the sounds 
 passed him. 
 
 Ivor, the merciless, but repentant Ivor, 
 heard his lamentations as he pressed his 
 rocky pillow, and starting; upward leaned 
 his ear to tlie plain. He threw his red eye 
 over the waste in vacant stare his matted 
 locks hung upon his disordered brow his 
 garments were torn and bloody the dis- 
 tracted wretch was not awake to anguish, 
 though his lacerated body was covered 
 with wounds : he beheld them with an 
 inanity of expression, and doffed with his 
 Bleeve the filth that clogged them. He 
 paused awhile, in the act of listening to the 
 6ong of the bard, on being arouzed ; and 
 then, with the speed of lightning, he flew 
 up the precipitous mountain, and again 
 .surveyed the waste. His eye glanced upon 
 the grave of Ulla; and he beheld, beneath 
 the weeping branches of the willow, the 
 prostrate bard clasping the cold sod, and 
 moistening it with floods of tears that paced 
 his disordered cheek
 
 133 
 
 Ivor approached the turf, with his arms- 
 folded ; again he paused, and leaning over 
 the venerable sage, he cried : {t Why weep- 
 cst thou, grey-bearded son of man ? 
 What cause hast thou to mourn ? Why 
 should thy sighs be drawn ; or, did Ulla 
 live in the hearts of all mankind, and not 
 in the bo9om of her own brother? Arise, 
 from the dewed sod ; arise, good mourner, 
 'tis I must press the earth that's conse- 
 crated by being the burying-place of the 
 deceased. Ulla, 'tis I must mourn, and 
 in the face of Heaven supplicate for par- 
 don, for I am a wretched murderer the- 
 ambitious Ivor." 
 
 The bard lifted his head from the turf. 
 " Are you that Ivor?" he exclaimed: 
 u Are vou the usurping King of Britain ? 
 -Th2 brother and murderer of the saint- 
 ed Ulla. Alas! ill-fated man, what could 
 prompt your hand to perpetrate the cruel 
 deed?" 
 
 "Pardon, pardon," cried the wretch t 
 " I appeal to Heaven for pardon,"
 
 134 
 
 ' Unhappy raan ! by sad experience 
 you have learnt that crime carries with it 
 its own sting," returned the prophet. 
 " Let after-ages be warned by your ex- 
 ample how they submit themselves to be 
 governed by their own passions. Ambi- 
 tion is the worst and most destructive : 
 the innocent arc the victims of its lust for 
 power ; and in its extensive stride, whole 
 cities are destroyed, nations ruined, and 
 fertility blasted. How many thousands have 
 cause to curse the monarch who wages 
 war to add to his territory ? How many 
 wives are widowed children orphaned ? 
 and this for a single individual's thirst for 
 wide dominion. Say, ambitious Ivor, 
 ran thy single life atone for the blood of 
 the thousands that have been thy victims ? 
 Can thy life satisfy offended Heaven, for 
 the deeds, that for thy gratification have 
 been committed? Say, vain man, thinkest 
 thou the rendering up of thy single breath 
 can expiate the multifarious crimes witix 
 which thy soul is clogged ?"
 
 135 
 
 <e No more! No more !'' cried Ivor, 
 enhorrored as he paused to dwell on the 
 old man's words. M It is madness to 
 know my crimes cannot be forgiven. Oh, 
 God ! I despair of thy mercy : it cannot, 
 cannot, be extended towards one so crimi- 
 nal." 
 
 He threw himself in agony upon the 
 turf; and the old man, pitying, endeavour- 
 ed to console him. 
 
 " Depairnot, repentant Ivor," returned 
 he, raising him from the ground : " Rail 
 not at the Lord God Omnipotent ; for he 
 is merciful. Put. thy trust in his benefi- 
 cence, and thou shalt find it extended to- 
 wards thee. Hope, in repentance, is a 
 faithful balm it is no delusive shadow 
 which you cling to : hope is a shadow to 
 the vain, but to the remorseful it shall be 
 realized." 
 
 Thus spoke the mountain bard j but 
 Ivor raved in the wildness of delirium. 
 
 "There is no mercy:" he exclaimed. 
 " There cannot be any shewn to a sister'e
 
 135 
 
 murderer. Let me not clasp a vision to 
 my bosom : I cannot hope for pardon. 
 And see where Ulla comes : Ah ! she 
 threatens me she holds the sword of re- 
 tributive vengeance in her hand. She 
 comes she comes ! on a blue cloud borne * 
 Oh, hide me ! hide me, from her sight : 
 I dare not look upon her mountains, 
 cover me from her I have injured." 
 
 Big drops of sweat rolled down his 
 agonized brow his whole frame became 
 convulsed, and he fell back upon the sod, 
 fainting overcome with anguish that tor- 
 tured his bosom. The old man endeavoured 
 to arouze him, but in vain and some of 
 his troop, at this moment appearing, ap- 
 proached and bore him in their arms to 
 the cavern in the rock. Frothed was his 
 mouth with foam, and tears issued from 
 his half closed eyes his handswere clench* 
 ed his limbs trembled with the strength 
 of the fit that tortured his frame, and the 
 last breath of life seemed to have already 
 issued from his swollen bosom.
 
 137 
 
 At length he recovered, but quite ex* 
 hausted ; and they bore him to a mat, 
 where a refreshing sleep for a time shrouded 
 his eyes, and he awoke much composed. 
 
 " Let the son of Edvval approach my 
 pillow," cried Ivor; " I would, ere I 
 forsake the world, make what little repa- 
 ration is in my power." 
 
 Faint was his voice. Roderig drew near, 
 and the dying man, clasping hold of his 
 hand, bent his sunken eye upon his check. 
 " Roderig," he exclaimed, " Can vou 
 pardon me the murderer of your unhappy 
 parents ?" 
 
 (i Be sincere in your repentance," cried 
 the youth ;, ie and Heaven's pardon and 
 mine are both your own." 
 
 " Just God knows the sincerity of mv 
 heart," returned Ivor ; at the same time 
 pressing to his lips the hand of Roderio-, 
 he called his followers, who thronged 
 around his couch. 
 
 " You behold your King," cried he ; 
 presenting the son of Ulla to them. M Swear 
 
 L
 
 188 
 
 to acknowledge him for your liege Lord > 
 Swear to see htm seated upon the throne of 
 liis ancestors upon the throne of Britain, 
 which I have so long usurped ; and which 
 I now renounce for the rightful heir. 
 "Followers of my fortunes, I release you 
 from your oath of allegiance to me, which 
 must be transferred to Roderig Mohvynog. 
 He is the son of Edwal Iwirch ap Cad- 
 wallade'r, and your lawful King." 
 
 <e We swear," cried the hunters, un- 
 sheathing their swords. " Long live Ro- 
 derig Molwynog, the King of Britain/' 
 
 Cadvan, transported with joy, flew into 
 the arms of the young Prince; and, w Long- 
 live King Roderig," the hills and dale? 
 reverberated. 
 
 " I am satisfied," faintly articulated 
 Ivor; (t I have now made my peace with 
 Heaven I feel that the Omnipotent i-; 
 merciful." 
 
 The news was soon spread over the 
 'kingdom, and Roderig was crowned amidst 
 the loudest testimonials of jov. TheSa>:-
 
 139 
 
 ons trembled on his ascension to the 
 throne, for he lived in the hearts of his 
 people. 
 
 The sword was once more sheathed in 
 the scabbard, aud the dreadful spear was 
 changed for the shepherd's crook. Sol- 
 diers changed their warlike habits for a 
 rustic coat j and the wide-mouthed trum- 
 pet, for the oaten pipe. The flaming brand 
 expired, and the ear of corn flourished ; 
 for Roderig was of the mild, and pre- 
 ferred his people's happiness to extensive 
 dominion. 
 
 In the mean time, Ivor, who from the 
 time he resigned his imperial dignity, tasted 
 the bliss of a peaceful mind, retired to a 
 convent : where, by unceasing prayer, he 
 gained the heart of the Lord. 
 
 Happy, happy country ! Happy, in 
 boasting a Prince mild and virtuous, who 
 will heal the wounds that successive ty- 
 rants have inflicted on you, and restore 
 fertility to your blood-stained fieldi.
 
 140 
 
 Sing, sing, ye bards, your brightest day 
 now shines ! It is the day of your glory ! 
 It is the day of your triumph! and 
 the song of joy shall echo in the palace of 
 the Prince, and in the cottage of the pea- 
 sant. There is no heart in Britain but is 
 attuned to mirth ! There is no widow, 
 hut her tears shall be dried no orphan, 
 but shall find a father in her monarch. 
 Great are the virtues of Roderig. Sing, 
 sing, ye bards, in praise of Roderig, King 
 of Britain ! 
 
 What airy form is that which sits 
 
 upon -yon rock ? White are her flowing 
 robes her locks are streaming in the wind 
 between her knees she holds the golden 
 harp ; and see how her fingers glide o'er 
 the trembling wires. See, her mild eyes 
 are fixed on heaven. What beauty in her 
 countenance dwells ! What grace in her 
 demeanour ! 
 
 Traveller, it is the spirit of Ulla, 
 
 the silver-locked beauty of Brctagne.
 
 141 
 
 What music is that which mingles 
 
 with the terrific noise of the Dyflas fall : 
 nothing can be more sweet more wild, 
 and plaintive ? 
 
 It is the Sighs of Ulla. 
 
 ?**
 
 london.PiLbfishai Febfudoz. ^yS<aietBrruC4]i-dUnmarU Strutjirm/tilfy
 
 &fc JnfiM.
 
 REMARKABLE INSCRIPTION, 
 
 Carved in rude characters upon a monu- 
 mental stone, a few years since disco- 
 vered buried in tlie ruins of Llanliedder 
 castle, in Radnorshire: 
 
 C&eire i$ turn oune 6otme, 
 anU &c W unfoersaile, aotme is 
 <onue, fcotoeticrre pou toorabippe 
 {jirnrne; anti 6c is a true foor* 
 afnpperre to&o auctet&e Rinniie in 
 t&e eie of t&e iLottme, to&o reign- 
 et&e toue tfie s&ie* 
 
 
 M
 
 apology 
 
 It has been suggested to me, that an 
 apology was necessary for the following 
 tale, to those who might take umbrage in 
 the cause of religion, at some remarks 
 which will be made in the course of this 
 Legend. 
 
 It is as far from my wish, as from my 
 interest, to offend my subscribers, or to 
 enter into any religious controversy. This 
 I mean to avoid oy coinciding with the 
 poor Jew, who, being asked vauntingly 
 by a son of the Romish church, which 
 was the best of the three religions, the 
 Catholic, Jewish, or Mahomeddan ? an- 
 swered : There was a certain rich man, 
 possessed of much monies, who had se- 
 veral children, and being possessed of a 
 very valuable ring, which had been in the 
 family for many generations, he deter- 
 mined by will, to leave the bulk of his 
 property to him who by his virtues should 
 deserve the ring. Accordingly, he had 
 one son of the most unexampled virtue, 
 a youth universally beloved. This son 
 succeeded him, and possessed the ring, 
 who left it to his son, and to his son's son,
 
 148 
 
 until in regular descent it came to a man 
 who had three sons, all equally good, all 
 equally beloved. Now, this father was at 
 a loss how to act by his children ; for, great 
 were the merits of all, and in justice, he 
 could not present the ring to any parti- 
 cular one. Thus he got a curious artificer 
 to make him two rings, so much like the 
 former one, that they could not be distin- 
 guished. This was done ; and the father, 
 upon his death-bed, called his sons sepa- 
 rately into his chamber, and gave each a 
 ring, which every son looked upon as the 
 real one, that had so long remained in the 
 family. Accordingly, they all claimed the. 
 right of inheritance : the rings were pro- 
 duced, but they were all so much alike, 
 no difference could be seen. However, 
 by mutual consent, the property was equally 
 divided, and each son enjoyed his pro- 
 portion with the ring, which he believed 
 to be the true one, and brought up his 
 children in the same belief.
 
 C6e 3InfitieI. 
 
 This Lejend is related of the time when the lion-hearted 
 Richard engaged in the eminent crusade, and the war 
 of religion was countenanced by every European court. 
 Many Welsh barons aided the cause, and transported 
 their vassals to Palestine, for the establishment of the 
 Christian cross. Among the rest, Caradoc the Brave, 
 a powerful chieftain of Radnor, the Lord of Llan- 
 bedder castle, was not the least forward ; but his 
 beard was grey in the service of his country ; himself 
 was too old for the war, and the command of his vas- 
 sals devolved to his only son, Adelfred, whom he had 
 by a Saxon princess; a youth of noble virtues, uni- 
 versally esteemed by the troops for his valour and 
 accomplishments. Thus runs the Legend : 
 
 Slowly were the last rays of the 
 burning sun withdrawn from the trans- 
 parent lakes cool were the zephyrs that 
 played around the mountain's light and 
 salubrious were the airs, which the herds- 
 man inhaled, which made the waters ripple,
 
 150 
 
 and which revived the drooping flower, 
 parched with the boisterous heat of the 
 parent of fecundity. Sweet were the 
 breathings of the shepherd's pipe to him 
 who had not pressed the turf of Albion 
 for seven long weary years. Sweet was 
 the jocund whistle of the labourer re- 
 turning to his home, who, with pikle 
 cross his shoulder, trilled the merry song; 
 and sweet the recollection of the day of 
 infancy to him, who, after an absence of 
 seven years, returned to press with transport 
 his parent soil. 
 
 It was evening, and upon the river Wye, 
 which, with bold grace, branches from the 
 mouth of the Severn, was seen a double 
 coracle, bearing a pilgrim, as he should 
 seem by his garb, from the holy land, at- 
 tended by one, whose golden complexion 
 declared him to be a worshipper of the 
 sun, or of the faith of Alia. Joy was 
 visible upon the pilgrim's cheek, mingled 
 with a kind of anxiety ; he threw back the 
 thin wave briskly with his paddles j the
 
 151 
 
 coracle in haste skimmed o'er the yielding 
 billow's brow, and fleet flew the objects on 
 either shore from their sight, as with the 
 rapid tide the slender vessel sailed. An- 
 choring in a small inland creek, the stran- 
 gers leaped upon the shore ; and the pil- 
 grim, falling prostrate upon the ground, 
 kissed the turf with transport. 
 
 " Forgive me, thou God of my coun- 
 try," cried the infidel, upon his knees, 
 with clasped hands, and bowing with wor- 
 ship to the sun, half hidden in the ocean, 
 <c thou Great Adorable; who livest in the 
 hearts of thy children, illumined by thy 
 mild influence, forgive thy votary. Thou, 
 who dost extend, in thy charity, thy muni- 
 ficence to the misguided worshippers of 
 another God, forgive thy servant, who has 
 sought their lands, but who owns in his 
 heart no other God but thee." 
 
 " Welcome, welcome, happy Albion!" 
 cried the other, ft thrice welcome, thou 
 dear place of my nativity ! With what 
 transport did I behold thy white cliffs in-
 
 152 
 
 creasing in size as I approached thy 
 coasts, borne upon the circling wave. 
 And do I once more breathe thy healthful 
 air? Do I once more behold thy fertile 
 fields clothed in luxuriant plenty? And 
 shall I once more press to my arms a fa- 
 ther ? Oh, Ali Sheing," he added, turn- 
 ing to the infidel, " how do the incidents 
 of my youth recur to my imagination, on 
 returning to my native country ! After a 
 tedious absence of a long seven years, what 
 pleasures do my brain anticipate, in once 
 more mingling with the dear partners of 
 my heart, whose love for me is equal to 
 my own. But, come, come," he conti- 
 nued, with a voice expressive of much 
 impatience, w let us away ; for, high above 
 yon threatening mountain appears the tur- 
 rets of Llanbedder, in whose bosom dwells 
 every thing on earth I hold most dear; a 
 father, whose tears for me, during my cap- 
 tivity, hath been doubtless often shed : a 
 cousin, too, in bonds of love and friend- 
 ship never to expire : and still one other
 
 153 
 
 object, Ali, for whom alone I live, a fe- 
 male of the most bewitching excellence, 
 with heart most firmly in the cause of vir- 
 tue; and, oh! that heart is mine \" 
 
 Ali smiled. 
 
 Hugged and uneven was the path which 
 they pursued 5 and fast the sun sought his 
 oozy bed in the bosom of the distant 
 ocean. The first thin gauze of twilight 
 was thrown across the earth, which swal- 
 lowed each object that had so late been 
 decked with the glory of the resplendent 
 monarch of the eastern sky. The rose 
 drew together its blushing head ; and the 
 violet waved lightly to and fro, wafted by 
 the timid breeze. The pilgrim often 
 Stopped to gaze upon some well-known 
 object, delighted with thoughts that 
 crowded upon his brain ; and frequently 
 pointing to what reminded him of former 
 days, would recount to his companion ad- 
 ventures and anecdotes that had filled his 
 youth. 
 
 At length, they approached a tall stately
 
 154 
 
 elm, whose spreading branches extended 
 across the narrow valley they had entered, 
 situate between two hills ; around the 
 trunk of the tree, beneath its shady fo- 
 liage, a small bench was reared; at its foot, 
 a thin transparent rivulet ran purling along, 
 through a clean bed, that wound round the 
 mountain's base. 
 
 The pilgrim, ravished with pleasing re- 
 collection, threw himself upon the beach, 
 and clasping his hands together, sighed in 
 ecstacy. Ali, endeavouring to awake him 
 from his transports, affectionately bade 
 him ariwe, and continue his route. 
 
 " Oh, Ali !" returned the youth, iC most 
 dear to nr 1 is this spot ; it reminds me of 
 those days when I so often exchanged vows 
 of eternal love with the peerless Helen, 
 Here, at eve, would we sit, and here im- 
 print upon each other's burning lip, the 
 glowing kiss. It was here I swore to 
 Helena, I was her's, and her's alone. And 
 here was it, while I lay reclined upon her 
 spotless bosom, that she sighed, ' Oh,
 
 155 
 
 Adelfred, I am your'sj I live but for you.' 
 God of Heaven ! was not Helena like to 
 those superior beings that surround thy 
 regal seat ? Did she not diffuse the rays of 
 prosperity that smiled on her, to those who 
 then groaned under a malignant fate? 
 Was it not here her charity was extended 
 towards a poor peasant, who was like to 
 become a victim of disease of want 
 who, but for her, would have angered un- 
 pardonably his Creator ? Was it not her 
 charitable hand that rescued him from de- 
 spair ? Oh, yes; she preserved a father, 
 and a helpless family, from a lingering 
 death, who, in the fulness of their hearts, 
 manifested a gratitude that time never 
 could obliterate. Old Ruth wold * 
 
 fi Who calls on Ruthwold," cried a 
 voice from behind the elm, <( on the un- 
 happy Ruthwold ?" 
 
 The pilgrim started up in surprise, and, 
 looking round, beheld an aged man, ex- 
 tended upon the earth. Grey were his 
 venerable locks, and thiirly were they scat-
 
 156 
 
 tered upon his wrinkled brow ; he lifted 
 up his head the white tear oozed at his 
 eyes, and pale was his furrowed cheek. 
 
 " Who art thou, venerable mourner?" 
 cried the pilgrim; (s Speak, I conjure you ! 
 Why is that eye filled with the scalding 
 tear ? Pause awhile thy grief, and speak 
 to me." 
 
 The sufferer brushed with his hand 
 aside the trembling drop, and, with a voice 
 of mingled doubt and surprise, exclaimed : 
 " Merciful God ! it cannot be. Yet, sure 
 no, no, my eyes deceive me Lord Adel- 
 fred !" 
 
 The pilgrim drew nearer. 
 
 " Ruthwold !" he involuntarily uttered, 
 and flew into his embrace. 
 
 The heart of Ali Sheing melted into a 
 flood of tears tears of pleasure : he beheld 
 the transports of their meeting with delight 
 participating in their emotions. 
 
 After a few moments consigned to con- 
 gratulations, questions multiplying upon 
 the tongue of Adelfred, he eagerly in-
 
 157 
 
 quired after the maid he so much adored, 
 when, turning round, he beheld a rough- 
 hewn stone, raised above the sod, bearing 
 the inscription, " A tribute of gratitude 
 to the memory of Helena." 
 
 Adelfred gazed upon it with delirious 
 eye. " Merciful God !" he exclaimed ; 
 and uttering a faint scream, sunk breath- 
 less upon the turf. 
 
 The old man was distracted : he put his 
 hand upon his heart to see if it beat, and 
 perceiving some signs of life, entreated the 
 assistance of Ali Sheing, to bear the faint- 
 ing Adelfred to his cottage, which stood 
 at the extremity of the valley, upon the 
 borders of a stream. The unhappy youth 
 was borne, in a state of insensibility, to the 
 habitation of Ruthwold, and every means 
 used to restore him to life. He soon re- 
 vived : and the venerable cottager, when 
 his guest was able to hear what had tran- 
 spired at the castle of Llanbedder, in his 
 absence, related to him the unhappy 
 change which time had made.
 
 158 
 
 Caradoc the Brave, as he was called, 
 was in his time a powerful chieftain, the 
 Lord of Llanbedder castle, the friend and 
 favourite of his prince j he wived with a 
 Saxon princess of extraordinary beauty, 
 who died in giving birth to her first and 
 only child, who surviving, was christened 
 Adelfred. For a long time was the wretch- 
 ed father inconsolable for the loss of his 
 beloved Ethela, until time, which dissi- 
 pates grief, and the infantine prattle of his 
 darling son, who now began to lisp, re- 
 moved theweight of anguish from his heart. 
 At this time, too, his country was engaged 
 in a fresh war, after a short slumber of 
 two years, and the assistance of Caradoc 
 was required by the reigning prince, to 
 expel the turbulent enemy, who were 
 marching with rapid strides to the center 
 of his kingdom. The gallant chieftain 
 collected together his vassals, and proceeded 
 at their head, in conjunction with other 
 patriotic lords, to the expulsion of the foe. 
 Many battles were fought many victories
 
 obtained and Saxon blood clogged the 
 soil of Wales. At length, the day arrived 
 that was to, either see crushed the aspiring 
 foe, or the native liberty of Cambria ex- 
 pire. The morning sun smiled upon the 
 plain devoted to the sanguinary contest j 
 and both armies, with floating banners, 
 came marching to the field. Caradoc, in 
 a bold and energetic speech, urged his 
 men to act like lions in the broil. 
 
 w Be not daunted," he cried, a by the 
 glittering of their shields ; remember, you 
 fight for your native country, your native 
 liberty they for extended glory. What 
 are our motives, but to defend our rights ? 
 What theirs, but to subjugate and op- 
 press? They fight for rapine we for 
 our homes, our native land, and liberty. 
 My brave companions, do not shrmk from 
 the sanguinary sword of the foe, but boldly 
 front it 3 and those whose fate it is to fall, 
 let their example inspire the survivors with 
 the rage and fury of lions, to destroy j
 
 l6o 
 
 but, when mercy is demanded, be merci- 
 ful, for the Lord God is so." 
 
 The voice of Caradoc called slumbering 
 valour to the bosoms of the daunted ; and 
 now the loud-mouthed trumpet proclaimed 
 to arms the steady-rolling drum filled the 
 echoes^ and soon the martial clash of 
 swords battering shields was heard. ,The 
 Britons pressed hard upon the foe : Cara- 
 doc was seen in the throat of war ; blood 
 crowned his sabre's point and the groans 
 of the dying issued at his feet. 
 
 Leofred, a valiant Saxon leader, per- 
 formed prodigies with his single sword; 
 the Britons were forced to give back where- 
 ever he appeared; and him the furious 
 Caradoc was in search of. He cut his 
 way through a defile of soldiery, and 
 snatching a banner from the grasp of a 
 young ensign, defied the haughty chief; 
 who now, disengaging himself from ano- 
 ther part of the field, came, bursting with 
 anger and revenge, to the defiance of Ca-
 
 101 
 
 radoc. The Saxon banner was to be the 
 victor's prize ; and the strife commenced. 
 The well-tempered steel of Leofred crushed 
 the helm of Caradoc, and mingled blood 
 and sweat trickled from the seams of the 
 armour of either : now they roll, entwined 
 in each other's grasp, upon the ground 
 and now, disengaged, they are up again 
 and steel clashes against steel each sword 
 emits angry sparks of fire ; but Leofred 
 was weak, and his enemy taking this ad- 
 vantage, thrust his well-aimed sabre in 
 the breast of the reeling chief, who drop- 
 ped his weapon, and fell exhausted and 
 j bleeding beneath the arm of his adversary : 
 the last breath issued from his lips a 
 frown of disappointed vengeance distorted 
 his agonized brow, while he rendered up 
 his soul, that flew in a groan from his 
 gaping bosom. 
 
 The Saxons were now put to the routj 
 
 no longer able to maintain the field, they 
 
 fled, in wild disorder, with precipitancy, 
 
 and great loss : many a valiant heart lay 
 
 N
 
 162 
 
 bleeding upon the field of slaughter many 
 a noble soul fled its clayey mansion : the 
 shafts of death were hurled at random, 
 without respect to age or dignity. 
 
 The noble Caradoc was severely wound- 
 ed : faint with loss of blood, he rested 
 upon his sword, and a deadly paleness sat 
 upon his cheek. An arrow, shot from the 
 bow of the flying enemy, pierced his 
 manly breast ; the cruel weapon, with for- 
 titude, he plucked aside, and endeavoured 
 to stop the effusion of blood that followed, 
 by applying a bandage to the wound ; but 
 still he became more faint: his feeble 
 limbs refused to bear him to the Saxon 
 camp, that was now occupied by his brave 
 countrymen ; and, no longer able to sus- 
 tain him, he sunk upon a pale, mangled 
 corse, that had long since parted with its 
 soul, while a deadly drowsiness over- 
 powered his eyes. The fogs of evening 
 now began gradually to descend upon the 
 earth, and enlivening dews occupied the 
 bosom of the plant, where late the warm
 
 > 
 
 163 
 
 rays of the fecundating sun had rested ; the 
 combatants were all retired from the field 
 the loud-mouthed trumpet, sounding 
 the glad tidings of victory, had ceased 
 and each retired army were counting o'er 
 its loss, when, disturbing the stillness that 
 surrounded, the screams of an infant child 
 were heard by Caradoc, who arouzed by 
 the cries of distress, and animated with a 
 new life, by the humanity which warmed 
 every vein in his bosom, he arose upon 
 his weak limbs, and flew to relieve the 
 suffering object, exposed to a miserable, 
 relentless death. He soon reached the 
 spot from whence the shrieks proceeded, 
 and discovered an infant crying with ter- 
 ror, clasped in the arms of its deceased 
 mother. Caradoc was petrified at the 
 sight. A dead soldier lay extended upon 
 the plain ; dry were all his veins the pul- 
 sation of his heart was long since gone : 
 upon hjs bosom rested a woman, his wife, 
 as it should seem, who, wild with grief, 
 had shared his fate, regardless of her duty
 
 104 
 
 to her tender offspring, whose cries were 
 heart-piercing, and whose little hands 
 were stained with its parents' blood. 
 
 Caradoc, unmanned by the sight, and 
 yet invigorated with the hope of giving re- 
 lief, eagerly seized the defenceless object, 
 and flew with it in his arms, in hopes of 
 gaining the camp, but each step he be- 
 came more faint : still he pressed forward, 
 till at length, with a groan, he relinquished 
 the path, and, unable to proceed, awaited 
 with resignation the interposition of Hea- 
 ven in his favour. A short interim had 
 elapsed, during which the child's cries con- 
 tinued, when footsteps were heard at some 
 distance, and a number of torches were seen 
 flaring in the hands of a small group. 
 Caradoc, now summoning all his voice, 
 hallooed loudly for assistance. The halloo 
 was instantly returned Caradoc joyfully 
 repeated the cry and the footsteps were 
 heard approaching nearer. Their voices 
 were now distinguished : again Caradoc 
 repeated the cry and instantly the men 
 surrounded him.
 
 165 
 
 The Cambrian chiefs, sat in council, 
 on missing the brave Lord of Llanbedder 
 instantly dispatched scouts over the field 
 to bring news of him ; these were a party 
 whom Caradoc hailed, and he was imme- 
 diately borne to the tent of the assembled 
 chieftains. The surgeons declared his 
 wounds not dangerous that he was only 
 faint for loss of blood. Healing ointments 
 were instantly applied, and he was con- 
 veyed to a couch, where sleep refreshed 
 him, and recruited strength to his enfee- 
 bled body. Equal care was taken of the 
 helpless infant, committed to the protec- 
 tion of a humane villager, the mother of 
 a newly-born babe. Each day brought 
 with it strength to Caradoc; and, in a short 
 time, he was thoroughly recovered. 
 
 The Saxons, disgraced by this recent 
 defeat, and feeling the severity of their 
 loss in the. death of their leader, the in- 
 trepid Leofred ; evacuated Wales, and left 
 it to enjoy a temporary peace. The Bri- 
 tish chieftains now retired with their vas-
 
 166 
 
 sals to their castles again, to indulge in 
 hospitality, and add a lustre to their names, 
 by extending their munificence, undimi- 
 nished, to their dependents, and the de- 
 fenceless. Never was pilgrim known to 
 depart dissatisfied from the castle of Llan- 
 bedder nor ever did tongue reproach the 
 bounteous Caradoc ; his return from the 
 war, was hailed with unfeigned transports, 
 and the praises due to him were lavished 
 with truth and freedom. The good Lord 
 sheltered in the castle the orphan whom 
 he had rescued from a pitiless fate that 
 awaited it, and brought it up as his own ; 
 the child was christened Helena, and, soon, 
 as she could speak, equally profited with 
 the young Adelfred, by the paternal in- 
 struction of the virtuous chieftain. The 
 children grew beneath his eye, lovely and 
 amiable they regarded each other as bro- 
 ther and sister, and both called Caradoc 
 father.: their minds were formed by the 
 most virtuous of men; and, with the shoots 
 of reason, ever)- virtue dawned \ the im-
 
 167 
 
 pression was made upon their hearts it 
 was the love of doing good, which carries 
 with itself so grateful a pleasure, that the 
 mind never ceases its labour, to crown the 
 heart with bliss. 
 
 Adelfred was now ten years old, and 
 Helena just entered her ninth, when a 
 brother of the amiable chieftain dying, be- 
 queathed to his care his only son, Owain, 
 a youth just then in his fifteenth year j he 
 had no estates to leave him, being de- 
 prived of them in the Saxon wars, but re- 
 commended him to the protection of the 
 virtuous Caradoc, who received him at 
 Llanbedder, and treated him as his own 
 son. Owain was several years their elder, 
 and the children looked upon him as their 
 superior in knowledge, and in every thing, 
 saving their father's love, which they both 
 felt they enjoyed in its fullest proportion. 
 
 One day, when their studies were over, 
 Adelfred tempted Helena to take a walk in 
 the garden of the castle, where they were 
 accustomed to spend a leisure hour or two,
 
 108 
 
 in some childish amusements. The day 
 was rather sultry, and the venerable Ca- 
 radoc had sought a shady recess there, 
 where, free from observation, he might 
 enjoy a tranquil moment in reflection, and 
 out of the heat of the sun. He had not 
 lain long in an obscure corner of the gar- 
 den, when the following conversation 
 caught his ear. He listened with atten- 
 tion, that he might catch the sounds more 
 perfect. It began with Adelfred. 
 
 11 Look, sister Helena," he cried, <( this 
 violet will look most beautiful in the nose- 
 gay ; and the smell is so sweet, you will 
 be charmed with it." 
 
 " Is it for me, Adelfred ?" asked the 
 little maid. 
 
 <c Most assuredly," returned he; t: to 
 place in your bosom." 
 
 " But will they not very soon fade?" 
 
 te Not if you breathe upon them, pretty 
 Helena; your breath will revive them, when 
 they droop." 
 
 u But is it not a pity, brother," rejoined
 
 160 
 
 she, u to rob ourselves of the pleasure of 
 beholding those flowers daily, for the gra- 
 tification of possessing them?" 
 
 " Then I have offended you," added 
 Adelfred mournfully, dropping the nose- 
 gay from his hand, and running towards 
 her. 
 
 At this moment, Owain approached 
 them ; he was thoughtful and gloomy. In 
 short, he disliked the love which Adelfred 
 and Helena felt for each other. He 
 viewed them as objects thwarting the am- 
 bitious hope he entertained of being one 
 day the undisputed Lord of Llanbedder, 
 and a deadly hatred of them rankled in his 
 bosom, which he dared not avow. 
 
 " No, indeed, indeed, brother, I am 
 not offended," replied Helena, not noticing 
 the approach of Owain, " but rather 
 pleased with you." Adelfred kissed her; 
 and Owain broke in upon their discourse. 
 
 " You are mistaken, Helena," he cried, 
 with a malicious smile, seating himself 
 beside her. " My cousin Adelfred is not
 
 170 
 
 your brother ; you are not the daughter of 
 Caradoc, but an orphan protected by his 
 bounty. No one knows who or what you 
 are." 
 
 fi I have been told as much," rejoined 
 she, her eyes half filled with tears ; " but 
 he has taught me to call him father, and 
 Adelfred brother, and my own heart 
 prompts me to it." 
 
 " Then he has taught you presumption; 
 and it is requisite the seed should expire, 
 ere it bear you beyond yourself. You arc 
 the orphan of a common soldier, who 
 died in the field of battle." 
 
 " But that soldier was a man," cried 
 Adelfred, his eyes sparkling with fire ; 
 " for my father has often told me, that 
 virtue makes the man, and not rank or 
 quality." 
 
 " He died fighting, but honour was 
 never attached to his name ; he was one 
 of those who, dying, is not missed, or 
 ever heard of more," added Owain, with a 
 sarcastic grin.
 
 t( He died for his king and country," 
 returned Adelfred, nettled ; " he died in 
 honour the death of a brave man is ever 
 to be lamented and he is a despicable 
 wretch, who will not shed a tear for the 
 brave warrior who fell in the discharge of 
 his duty." 
 
 " Cousin, you espouse the cause of the 
 orphan too warmly. Recollect " 
 
 Helena burst into tears. 
 
 " Sir," cried Caradoc, much angered, 
 and bursting from his concealment, " the 
 cause of the distressed orphan cannot be 
 espoused with too much warmth. Hu- 
 manity should teach us to feel for their 
 sufferings, and not to aggravate them. 
 Recollect yourself, Sir ; what are you, but 
 a dependant on my bounty ? You have 
 forced me to remind you, that you are 
 equally a dependant ; and, for the future, 
 take care I do not withdraw my counte- 
 nance from you." 
 
 Owain fell upon his knees ; and Helena, 
 drying her eyes, flew to obtain for him a
 
 172 
 
 pardon j that was long ere pronounced. 
 The good old chieftain pressed the angelic 
 maid to his bosom, and added, " In fu- 
 ture, take example by this peerless girl, so 
 very far above you. Model your heart 
 from her's, and then will you be as dear 
 to me." Owain promised, and the offence 
 was forgotten. 
 
 Envy, and the bitterest hatred, from this 
 moment, occupied his breast. Ambition 
 began her spreading circle in his bosom, 
 that now only brooded mischief, subtlety, 
 and cunning. He concealed, with a good 
 face, his views and sentiments from the 
 chieftain; and by fallacious smiles, regained 
 the favour of his unsuspecting friends. 
 
 Adelfred now attained his eighteenth 
 year, and a mutual passion glowed in the 
 bosom of him and Helena. With trans- 
 port Caradoc witnessed their love, and 
 firmly resolved upon their union. 
 
 At this time, Richard Cceur de Lion 
 ascended the throne of England, and in- 
 vited the Welsh barons to join with him
 
 173 
 
 in the crusade. The vassals of Llanbedder^ 
 fired with a religious enthusiasm, eagerly 
 embraced the cause, and their proferred 
 services were accepted by the gallant Ri- 
 chard. Years had turned to grey the locks 
 of Caradoc ; feeble were his limbs : the 
 sword he once had wielded with gigantic 
 strength, was now too heavy for his grasp, 
 and he was compelled to decline the com- 
 mand of his brave clan. Adelfred was 
 elected their chief, and the young hero 
 prepared for the expedition to Palestine, 
 under the command of the English king. 
 The day was appointed for their de- 
 parture, which arriving, brought with it 
 the tears and groans of the wretched 
 mother, and the despairing wife. The 
 morning dawned, and the brave troops 
 were assembled in the valley ; their banners 
 floated in the galej and the rising sun 
 shone resplendent upon their polished 
 helms. Mingled in the ranks were women 
 and children, taking their last farewell. 
 Here the lover gave a token to his mis-
 
 174 
 
 tress there the half-distracted wife and 
 mother presented her infant to its father's 
 embrace. 
 
 Adelfred, armed cap-a-pee, now ap- 
 proached them from the castle : Caradoc, 
 with eyes streaming with tears, grasped his 
 right hand ; and Helena, little less dis- 
 tracted, pressed with her snowy fingers his 
 left. Owain followed, apparently much 
 affected, with his handkerchief to his eyes. 
 Tfje clan hailed their leader with a loud 
 huzza, on his arrival, and the hills re- 
 echoed with their testimonies of joy. 
 
 At length, the signal was given for de- 
 parture : Adelfred bade adieu to Owain ; 
 and Caradoc, calling down Heaven's bles- 
 sings upon his son, pressed him to hi 3 
 heart, and flew away from the interesting 
 scene, lest his affection should get the 
 better of his manhood. 
 
 But now, the last sad duty was to be per- 
 formed : Helena still rested upon his bo- 
 som. " Oh, Adelfred," she cried, in de- 
 spair, " my foreboding heart informs me 
 that we part for ever."
 
 175 
 
 " Be calm, my gentle Helena," he re- 
 turned. " Let not such idle fancies make 
 our parting bitter : repose your confidence 
 in the wisdom of the Lord, whose mer- 
 ciful arm is stretched out to save the 
 meanest of his creatures, if worthy. Come, 
 come, compose your troubled thoughts. " 
 
 The troops, who marched immediately 
 on the signal given, now turned the brow 
 of the hill, and were almost instantly out 
 of sight. Helena seeing this, screamed in 
 all the wildness of delirium. Adelfred, 
 agonized, pressed her to his distracted bo* 
 som, and knowing not what he did, whis- 
 pered an adieu in her ear. 
 
 t{ Stay," she cried; and throwing a 
 scarf around his neck, <c Remember He- 
 lena," she added ; and sunk back in the 
 arms of Owain. 
 
 Adclfred now, equally affected, mounted 
 his steed, and flew away; the maid, with 
 a groan quivering on her lips, followed 
 him with her eyes. At length, he reached 
 the hill that was about to withhold him
 
 from her sight he stays his steed -she 
 sees him wave his hand she waves her's 
 in return he's lost to her eyes, and over- 
 come with the insupportable anguish of 
 her heart, she falls lifeless upon the plain. 
 Owain bore her back to the castle, and had 
 her conveyed to her apartment. 
 
 The venerable Ruthwold commenced his 
 narrative at this period, and related what 
 follows, to the attentive Adelfred, while his 
 hospitable dame replenished the pitcher 
 with cwrrw, and filled the horn upon the 
 oaken board. 
 
 u Alas ! my Lord, that day will never 
 be effaced from my memory, that saw you 
 depart from Llanbedder : all hearts grieved : 
 and the widow and the orphan's prayer 
 were for your safety. For several weeks, 
 the noble Caradoc would admit no stranger 
 to his presence, but he who brought tidings 
 of the brave Adelfred. Helena confined 
 herself to her apartment, to conceal those 
 tears she fain must shed, and the first six 
 months passed away in grief and mourn-
 
 177 
 
 ing. The only news in that interim that 
 arrived was, that the armament had sailed 
 for Palestine, with floating banners, bear- 
 ing the insignia of the Christian cross ; 
 that they were joined in their route by the 
 French monarch, and the chief of the no- 
 bility of several nations, who brought 
 their followers to aid the cause. 
 
 " The enterprize now seemed certain of 
 being crowned with the most brilliant suc- 
 cess ; the troops were animated with the 
 most lively hopes, and despised every danger 
 that presented itself in a country, whose 
 climate differed so materially from that 
 which they inhaled at their birth ; teeming 
 with fevers and illnesses so fatal to Euro- 
 peans. 
 
 " This grateful news was welcomely re- 
 ceived by the Lord Caradoc, which alle- 
 viated his fears, and gave some comfort to 
 the bosom of Helena. Owain daily in- 
 gratiated himself in the favour of them 
 both. He endeavoured to console them 
 for the loss, which he declared he himself 
 o
 
 178 
 
 sustained, and twelve months passed with- 
 out any thing material happening at the 
 castle. But the good Baron's health was 
 seen to decline daily. 
 
 " My good dame once having some bu- 
 siness at Llanbedder, called, and, to her 
 great surprise, found all noise and con- 
 fusion. Alarmed, she made several inqui- 
 ries, and from one of the servants' learned 
 that Owain had declared a partiality for 
 Helena, to the Baron, who spurned the 
 offer with indignity; alledging, to the know- 
 ledge of Owain, the maid was betrothed to 
 his son. The villain did not end here, but, 
 with threats and entreaties,urged Helena her- 
 self, who treated them with the like disdain. 
 
 <( Owain bit his nether lip in anger; 
 and darting from the room, in half whis- 
 per exclaimed, ( This pride, I doubt, will 
 soon be humbled.' 
 
 " Helena, alarmed, flew to the Baron, 
 to whom she unfolded the dark insinuation 
 that had been thrown out by the subtle vil- 
 kin,who>at this moment, entered the apart-
 
 ment, holding in his hand a paper much 
 rumpled : his eyes were brim full of 
 tears his agitation excessive. He threw 
 himself upon a sopha, at the end of the 
 room his bosom heaved with repeated 
 sobs and the paper dropped from his 
 feeble grasp. The Baron was half dis- 
 tracted ; he dared not question, but many 
 fears occupied his bosom ; and, snatching 
 up the letter from the ground, he read its 
 contents. Sadly his countenance changed 
 as he perused it ; then, turning his tearful 
 eyes to the pale cheek of Helena, he cried, 
 * Alas ! my fears are too true. My son, 
 my Adelfred, is slain !' 
 
 " Like an arrow, the dreadful tidings 
 pierced her brain : she burst not into tears, 
 but wildly exclaimed, ' The will of God 
 be done !' 
 
 " Owain, at these words, affecting com- 
 posure, arose from the couch. ' He died 
 the death of a hero,' he cried. ' He died 
 fighting for the establishment of the chris- 
 tian cross, and eternal shall be his memory/
 
 180 
 
 ' He died the death of a hero,' repeated 
 Helena, crossing her hands upon her 
 bosom, and sinking upon the floor. 
 
 " My son, my son is dead !' added Ca- 
 radoc, in despair ; and fainted away in the 
 arms of his attendants. 
 
 (( The death of our dear young Lord 
 was afflicting news : there was not a dry 
 eye, at Llanbedder, for many months not 
 a heart but dissolved in tears. Sorrow, 
 like a cankering worm, preyed upon the 
 roseate cheek, and every bosom yielded to 
 her powerful sway. 
 
 t( Caradoc was borne to his couch, from 
 which he never more arose. The news of 
 his son's death struck deep to his heart, 
 and long did his soul struggle in its sepa- 
 ration from the body, which, at length, 
 tamely yielded its last breath, and instantly 
 became inanimate." 
 
 Ruthwold paused, to wipe the tear from 
 his cheek Adelfred was almost lifeless 
 but the old man regaining composure, re- 
 sumed :
 
 181 
 
 m My Lord, I shall not hold you long ; 
 what I have to add, though pregnant with 
 mystery, will occupy but a little portion of 
 your time. After the death of the noble 
 chieftain, your father, Owain, as next of 
 kin, succeeded to his wealth and honours : 
 the vassals of Llanbedder swore to main- 
 tain his lawful rights with their lives, and 
 be subservient on every occasion. 
 
 " The time of mourning for the late 
 Lord being expired, the castle gates were 
 thrown open, to admit the welcome stran- 
 ger : festivity began her reign ; and amidst 
 the loud tumult of joy, which each day 
 witnessed, Helena alone was sad. Owain, 
 haughty, proud, and severe, soon gained 
 the dislike of his people, whom he now 
 began to tyrannize over without fear. 
 Groans and murmurs were whispered be- 
 neath his castle walls ; factions upon fac- 
 tions opposed his power; and rebellion, 
 with blood-stained front, stared him in the 
 face. And now, the news was circulated 
 abroad, that he was about to lead the
 
 182 
 
 beauteous Helena to the bridal altar. The 
 report was founded upon truth; the day 
 was appointed for the consummation of 
 their nuptials, and the bride and bride- 
 groom appeared before the holy father, that 
 the ceremony might be ratified. There 
 was no animation in the countenance of 
 the devoted maid no lustre beamed from 
 her once sparkling eye and when she 
 stood before the priest, her tottering limbs 
 could scarce support her. The rites were 
 now more than half performed the nup- 
 tial kiss about to be exchanged, when she 
 burst from the embrace of Owain, and ex- 
 claimed, < Monster, take my life ; I never 
 will repose in a murderer's arms !' 
 Adelfred groaned. 
 
 Ruthwold continued : "This unexpected 
 reply threw all into confusion. Owain, 
 boiling with rage, retired; and the rites 
 were unperformed. The next day, it was 
 reported that Helena lay dangerously ill ; 
 no one was permitted to go nigh her, ex- 
 cepting the physicians who were employed
 
 183 
 
 byOwain. My good dame went to the 
 castle, but was roughly denied admit- 
 tance ; and the day following, her death 
 was published j and the black flag was 
 hoisted on the tower. 
 
 u This was so sudden, so abrupt, that 
 all wondered, and few credited the report; 
 but her burial succeeded, to affirm the 
 truth of what was circulated; and, with a 
 breaking heart, I went to see her cold re- 
 mains deposited in the chapel of Llan- 
 bedder. Her coffin was bathed with the 
 tears of those supported by her bounty. 
 I owed to her my life my every thing ; 
 it was her charitable hand that raised me 
 from despair and ruin. Oh, God! what 
 a load of anguish was upon my heart, and 
 still, it cracked not, standing the severest 
 trial of affliction. From this time, Owain 
 became gloomy and morose : no longer 
 was the pilgrim entertained at his gate 
 no longer was the guest received with wel- 
 come at Llanbedder sad, sad was the 
 change! fled was sportive pleasure the
 
 184 
 
 song the moments of "mirth, which the 
 pained heart could no longer enjoy ralas ! 
 Llanbedder never before knew of such a 
 change as a few days had made in her once 
 hospitable walls. 
 
 " Time now glided heavily along : Owain 
 received no company visions troubled his 
 soul, and for ever wounded his peace of 
 mind. Some said that Helena still lived 
 others said he had poisoned the Baron, 
 whose spectre haunted him. But to these 
 tales I gave no credit, though it struck me 
 all was not right.'* 
 
 Adelfred was all impatience. " I pray 
 you, proceed, good Ruth wold," he cried, 
 tortured by suspense. " What have you 
 heard with regard to myself?" 
 
 " That the report of your death was 
 false," exclaimed the old man, his eyes 
 sparkling with pleasure. " I heard that 
 you still lived that you had been taken 
 a prisoner in a battle with the infidels 
 that you had made your escape, after six 
 years captivity, and were on the seas, bound
 
 185 
 
 for your native country. Oh! this wa 
 welcome news to my aged heart. But I 
 sadly feared the truth, until my eyes con- 
 vinced me how much I was mistaken in 
 putting no confidence in what I heard." 
 
 Adelfred's arms were extended to receive 
 the honest Ruthwold, who rushed into his 
 embrace, " To-morrow," cried the young 
 warrior, " I will claim my paternal inhe- 
 ritance ; and " 
 
 " Not so hasty, my good Lord," inter- 
 rupted the cotter. " Claim not your in- 
 heritance, until your vassals own you for 
 their true Lord; and, ready to support vour 
 cause, arm in your defence; for Owain 
 will, doubtless, dispute your person, and 
 seize upon you as an impostor. Be warv, 
 and baffle the machinations of your de- 
 signing cousin; he has laid down a plan, 
 sure to succeed, unless equalled by you in 
 cunning: for, hearing that you lived, and 
 fearing the truth, he has bribed, by his 
 arts, two villains lately returned from Pa- 
 lestine, to swear, they themselves saw you
 
 186 
 
 fall in the action, and did the honours of 
 your funeral." 
 
 " Perfidious monster !" exclaimed Adel- 
 fred, rising from the couch. " But you 
 shall soon feel my vengeance." 
 
 The supper was now spread upon the 
 board the pitcher of cwrrw was proffered 
 unsparingly to the guests, whose platters 
 were heaped by the overjoyed hostess, with 
 a cold kid pie, and homely brown bread. 
 
 Adelfred, at an early hour, with lace- 
 rated heart, retired to a couch ; and Ali 
 Sheing was, by the fearful provider of 
 the feast, conducted to the chamber ad- 
 joining the room where Adelfred slept. 
 w Oh, holy prophet Alia," cried the in- 
 fidel, sinking upon the pallet, " I com- 
 mend me to thy mercy." Sleep closed 
 his eyes ; but restless was the couch of the 
 rightful Lord of Llanbcdder. Vainly he 
 courted the soporific god to his weary- 
 eyelids ; but troubled thoughts, that, after 
 each other, rapidly occupied his brain, chid 
 it thence, on its approach j and in the;
 
 187 
 
 morning he arose, flagged and unrefreshed, 
 Ruthwqld met him, N as he descended from 
 hi humble apartment, and embraced him, 
 
 Adelfred now determined to go in dis- 
 guise to Llanbedder, attended by the in- 
 fidel, as a pilgrim? from the holy land, 
 who could give some information respect- 
 ing the fate of the unhappy son of Cara- 
 doc ; by this means, he would learn the 
 disposition of his cousin, and know how 
 to proceed in procuring his estates. 
 
 Ruth wold readily assented to the scheme, 
 which was immediately put in execution. 
 A silvery-haired beard was fastened to the 
 chin of Adelfred his grey vest was torn, 
 and girded round his waist and in his 
 hands he held the tuneful harp a broken 
 sword was suspended at his side a bat- 
 tered helmet, bearing no crest, was fixed 
 upon his head and in his right harid he 
 held a headless spear, which served him 
 for a staff. Thus accoutred, accompanied 
 by AH Sheing, after taking leave of the 
 honest cottager and his wife, he proceeded
 
 188 
 
 to Llanbeddcr. High upon a mount stood 
 the noble building, whose dark towers had 
 withstood the ravages of time the cling- 
 ing ivy crept around its casements, where 
 the web-winged bat built her clayey nest, 
 and dug her talons in the crumbling walls 
 the screech-owl brooded on the tower's 
 summit, in a cavity where a stone had 
 dropped, forced from its seat by the rum- 
 bling storm, that had often shaken the 
 stately edifice to its foundation rust had 
 eat away the polish of the iron gates of the 
 castle, that creeked upon their hinges to 
 admit the stranger, who seldom knocked 
 at the portal since the days of Caradoc the 
 Brave the scene around was wild, and, 
 here and there, was seen scattered a hamlet, 
 whose rustic owners were too infirm to 
 move to the spot where the more youthful 
 had retired, or were the creatures of Owain; 
 for no one, who could avoid it, would draw 
 a breath beneath the towers of their chief, 
 who ruled them with a rod of iron. 
 Adelfred, with a sigh, passed on j and ap^
 
 189 
 
 proaching the heavy northern gate, struck 
 a few trembling wild notes upon the harp, 
 which he accompanied with his voice. 
 After some time, Owain appeared at a 
 easement above, and the eyes of the cou- 
 sins involuntarily met each other. Alas ! 
 how changed was the countenance of the 
 reigning Lord of Llanbedder, to what it 
 was in the recollection of the rightful heir ! 
 Sallow was his sunken cheek, that once 
 had boasted the fresh colour of the rose 
 his dark eye was overhung by a thick, 
 scowling brow and the whole of his per- 
 son was emaciated. Adelfred gazed upon 
 him in surprise and pity, until the other, 
 conscious that on him the pilgrim's search- 
 ing eye was fixed, with a frown, drew to- 
 gether the casement, and disappeared. 
 
 The youth, venerable in appearance, 
 again struck upon the harp, and sung of 
 battles fought, and of victories over the 
 infidels obtained. He had not resumed 
 long, when a servant of the castle un- 
 barred the gate, and beckoned him to ap-
 
 190 
 
 proach. Adelfred slung the harp upon 
 his shoulder, and obeyed ; Ali Sheing fol- 
 lowed. The servant conducted him through 
 a long marble hall, to a stone apartment, 
 where the various domestics were assem- 
 bled over a large fire. The guests were 
 invited to a seat upon a long oaken bench, 
 on which the servants crowded, and bread 
 and cheese and cwrrw, was to reward them 
 for an air or two upon the harp. All 
 wondered at the dark complexion of Ali, 
 who attracted the eyes of the whole group. 
 Adelfred played, and often varied the 
 strain, which sometimes enlivened, and 
 as often depressed, their spirits, by the 
 feeling with which the solemn air was exe- 
 cuted. At length, he ceased; and the song 
 gave way to entertaining chat. 
 
 " I have fought by the side of the gal- 
 lant Richard," cried Adelfred, introducing 
 the subject : u full many a time have seen 
 Ihe plains, near Lebanon, stained with 
 the gore of infidels have seen the Moorish 
 crescent fall, and the Christian cross
 
 191 
 
 proudly waving o'er the blood-stained 
 ground." 
 
 " Heard you," asked a domestic, " in 
 the wars, of Adelfred of Llanbedder ?" 
 
 l( I fought under him," returned he. 
 
 " You, doubtless, can inform us of the 
 certainty of his death," added Iserlt, the 
 favourite attendant of Owain the agent 
 of his villanies and whose dark lowering 
 brow betrayed the depravity of his heart. 
 
 " I was by his side, when he fell," an- 
 swered Adelfred, emphatically. 
 
 " Indeed !" was returned for answer j 
 and Iserlt rose from his seat. 
 
 Adelfred, without seeming to observe 
 this action, continued : 
 
 " Fatal was that day to many avaliantBri- 
 fon : much noble blood was spilt upon the 
 plains of Salem, where the Christians gave 
 way to the powerful advances of the Moor- 
 ish crescent; there it wai that Adelfred 
 fell, in the struggle with a young banneret, 
 for a trophy he had just earned from an 
 expiring soldier : dreadful was the conflict,
 
 1Q2 
 
 which would have decided in favour of the 
 son ofCaradoc, but that an arrow, fiercely 
 whizzing from a Pahnim's bow, pierced 
 his stout breast, even in the moment when 
 his conquering arm had purchased him the 
 victory." 
 
 Iserlt, overjoyed, flew to unfold the piU 
 grim's tidings to the ear of Owain. 
 
 ii He is an impostor," cried the half- 
 convinced chief, hope and fear visible 
 upon his cheek. 
 
 " He is no impostor," returned Iserlt, 
 angered. 
 
 " Have 1 not letters, certifying that he 
 lives, and is now on his return to Britain ?" 
 said Owain. 
 
 " Most true ; and true it may be, that 
 he lives ; but, if you wish to disprove the 
 tale, a noble opportunity offers itself to 
 check the belief that runs among your 
 vassals, of his existence; and, declaring 
 him, who will offer himself as the son of 
 Caradoc, to be a subtle villain, who, by 
 imposture, would deprive you of your law-
 
 193 
 
 ful inheritance, and usurp authority over 
 the vassals of Llanbedder." 
 
 ft Iserlt, do I understand you aright?" 
 eagerly enquired he. 
 
 " Call up this grey-bearded bard," re- 
 turned the other, " and summon your do- 
 mestics ; then, in their presence, let him 
 affirm the death of Adelfred be you af- 
 fected when he narrates the talc and, 
 with well-feigned tears, deplore the loss of 
 a cousin, whom, beyond your existence, 
 you must avow you prized." 
 
 Owain eagerly embraced the design, and 
 ths strangers were ushered to his presence: 
 throngs of domestics, by the order of 
 Owain, filled the apartment, and several 
 questions were put to the pretended pil- 
 grim, who answered them with boldness. 
 Owain was apparently much affected. 
 
 " On the plains of Salem," cried the 
 pilgrim, " both armies met ; the Chris-, 
 tian, composed of the flower of many 
 countries, but in number far inferior to 
 their adversaries. The signal was given.
 
 1Q-1 
 
 and the bloody strife commenced. King 
 Richard, with a chosen band, flew to the 
 Soldan's camp, who was surrounded by 
 the wise men and officers of his court. 
 The rage of the lion was depicted in his 
 countenance like a madman, he fought 
 in the throat of war shields and lances, 
 with his single arm, he battered down 
 and the force of overwhelming thousands 
 could alone driye him back. And now the 
 clamour of war arose from different parts 
 of the field." 
 
 "But what of Adelfred?" 
 
 " Oh, in the thickest of the fight he 
 stood, with stout arm, throwing aside the 
 arrows aimed at his bosom : many infi- 
 dels gasped at his feet ; but King Richard 
 gave back his intrepid soldiers fell breath- 
 less by his side ; and still the monarch 
 fought, enacting wonders with his single 
 arm, cutting his path through the enemy, 
 until he was severed from his troops, and 
 surrounded by a heathen multitude, with 
 each a sabre levelled at his breast. At "
 
 195 
 
 " Well; and Adclfred!" hastily inter- 
 rupted Owain. 
 
 <r Saw the danger of his monarch, while 
 engaged in another part of the field like 
 lightning, followed by a bold troop, he flew 
 to his rescue, and saved the life of En- 
 land's King, the renowned Richard." 
 
 " Heroic cousin ! This deed shall im- 
 mortalize thee. I will raise a monument 
 to thy fame ; and this act shall be recorded 
 of tliee in every future age." 
 
 " The King had but time to thank his 
 deliverer, whom he pressed to his bosom, 
 and flew to another part of the field, where 
 the bloody crescent was seen waving, above 
 the cross." 
 
 " But what of Adelfred ? Say, of Adcl- 
 fred? What of my gallant cousin?" 
 
 " Oh, he was still where most of the 
 battle raged. Two wounds he had already 
 received upon his breast ; but he felt no 
 wound, saving that given by the discom- 
 fiture of the side he fought for. I saw his 
 helmet clove in twain the sword dropped
 
 IQ6 
 
 from his grasp and, stunned with the 
 
 blow, he fell " 
 
 <e O h !" exclaimed Owain, clasp- 
 ing his. hands together, in well feigned 
 agony. 
 
 " But up again he arose, swift as 
 
 an arrow,, and renewed the fight. In the 
 
 mean time, the King '' 
 
 " Tell me not of the King, but of Adel- 
 fred. You torture me, by keeping me in 
 this suspense. Say, how fought Adelfred ? 
 He is the only one who can claim an 
 interest in my breast the warlike Adel- 
 fred ! the partner of my youthful plea- 
 sures 1" 
 
 The pilgrim paused in astonishment. 
 u Why do you not proceed ?" cried 
 Owain. < f Oh ! tell me all ! But say 
 not that he died." 
 
 " The King, in the mean time, had 
 collected together his flying people, and 
 once more made a stand. A shower of 
 arrows from Christians bows, now in their 
 flight, obscured the sun ; and in their turn,
 
 197 
 
 the Heathens gave ground. Adelfred saw 
 the advantage obtained, and inspiring with 
 his voice a brave troop to follow him, he 
 sought out the Soldan of Persia and his 
 retinue, whom the King had before at- 
 tacked. The conflict was now bloody, 
 warm, and obstinate; upon the life of the 
 Soldan depended the triumph of the day, and 
 many gallant arms defended him. But 
 the brave troop made good their way, and 
 Adelfred engaged with Persia's monarch, 
 sword to sword ; bloody and wounded as he 
 was, still, in defiance of death, he fought. 
 Showers of arrows whizzed, as they flew 
 over the heads of the two combatants." 
 
 " Well, and " 
 
 iC Aldelfrcd in twain severed the heart 
 of the proud Soldan of Persia; he fell, 
 without a groan, and died." 
 
 i( But, Adelfred," cried Owain, with a 
 voice expressive of much impatience and 
 hope, " he lived." 
 
 cf Alas ! deep were the wounds in his 
 bosom, from which his heart's blood flowed
 
 108 
 
 copiously. He was feeble; the breath of 
 life fast wasted from his lips; and, as he 
 lay thus in the agony of death, a well 
 aimed arrow eased his labouring heart, and 
 robbed him of the few moments he might 
 have pined away in misery " 
 
 " God ! God !" exclaimed Owain, " this 
 is too much !" and fainted away upon a 
 couch. 
 
 The pilgrim flew towards him, and 
 pressed his hand upon his heart. It, did 
 not seem to beat his cheek was wan and 
 pale and the starting tear stood at the 
 corners of his closed eyes. 
 
 The pilgrim, with a sudden frenzy, ex- 
 claimed, " Oh ! Ruthwold, thou hast 
 deceived me !" and throwing off the torn 
 vest, and tearing from his chin the deceitful 
 beard, added, with a voice of triumph 
 and pleasure, " Owain, awake ! Thy 
 cousin lives! Behold, in me, Adelfred, 
 eager to press you to his heart !" 
 
 The domestics instantly recognized their 
 young Lord ; and loud shouts of joy rent
 
 199 
 
 the apartment. Instantly an universal 
 clamour prevailed ; and, in a short time, 
 the news of the return of Adelfred was 
 spread over the whole domain. In 
 the confusion, the sudden surprise and 
 chagrin of Owain went unobserved ; he 
 was compelled to return cordially the em- 
 brace of his cousin ; he dared not deny 
 him, for he was universally acknowledged 
 in a short time, by the whole of the te- 
 nantry. Adelfred was invested with the 
 power his father had enjoyed the peasants 
 joyfully took the oath of vassallage, and 
 pnce more were the castle gates thrown 
 open, for the reception of the weary pil- 
 grim, or the passing stranger. AH Shcing 
 was regarded by all, as the friend and fa- 
 vourite of their chief. But, in the midst 
 of the gaiety of the castle, when all was 
 revelry and confusion, a melancholy would 
 ovcrshade his brow, and he would wander 
 by himself, disconsolate and forlorn. Mirth 
 had not the power to cheer him. 
 
 In the mean time, Owain, whose bosom
 
 200 
 
 was the seat of tumultuous passions, where 
 hatred and the most determined malice 
 reigned, was planning schemes how to 
 destroy his cousin, without being thought 
 guilty of his death. To stab him pri- 
 vately to poison him to employ an armed 
 band to assassinate him these were ex- 
 pedients his troubled brain resorted to, and 
 as instantly abolished j knowing that, how- 
 ever cautiously executed, suspicion would 
 fall upon him. 
 
 Iserlt, his faithful adviser, studied deeply, 
 and suggested many plans; but the fol- 
 lowing operated most powerfully upon the 
 mind of Owain, and they thus determined : 
 that Owain should retire to a neighbouring 
 convent, avowing it his intention to dedi- 
 cate the remainder of his life to penitence 
 and prayer, while Iserlt should remain at 
 the castle, strongly recommended to Adel- 
 frcd, for the purpose of playing upon the 
 passions of the friendly Moor, and rouz- 
 ing him to revenge, having previously 
 learned, that he had been much injured by
 
 201 
 
 the Lord of Llanbedder, during his cap- 
 tivity j thus making the virtuous, unsus- 
 pecting Ali, the footstool of their ambi- 
 tion. The next day, Owain, with much 
 seeming piety, made his intentions known 
 to Adelfred, who, in the most affectionate 
 manner, urged him to renounce them. 
 
 " Every thing which is mine, is equally 
 your's," he cried. " Remain with me, 
 and I will share with you every thing I 
 possess." 
 
 " Noble Adelfred," returned the de- 
 signing hypocrite, (f I am not formed for 
 the world j my heart is but little attuned 
 to mirth ; and loathsome to me are plea- 
 sures which I cannot enjoy. No; in a 
 convent's dreary walls, I shall find repose 
 solemnity is congenial with my soul the 
 gloomy cloister in concord with my brain. 
 Fare you well; and sometimes think on 
 Owain you will be ever in his prayers." 
 
 Adelfred was somewhat affected: but 
 Owain had resolved upon the prosecution 
 of his plan ; and, in a few days, he look
 
 202 
 
 up his residence at a religious house, a few 
 miles from Llanbedder. 
 
 Adelfred had now no friend in whose 
 bosom he could confide his secret thoughts, 
 but Ali Sheing. He often heaved a sigh 
 to the memory of Helena, and a tear 
 would follow : " Oh, Helena," he ex- 
 claimed, ft I thought thee so closely wound 
 around my heart, that, in the separation, it 
 needs must break. But, no; this flinty 
 bosom sustains thy loss, permitting me to 
 think on thee to madness to dwell on thy 
 name ^to remember our former loves, 
 sanctioned by a father, whom we both 
 acknowledged." 
 
 Still was Ali Sheing devoured by me- 
 lancholy. Still would he wander discon- 
 solate, amid the castle's ruined courts. 
 No one heeded his sorrows ; but every 
 one, on account of his complexion, fled 
 from him. He was a fit object for Tserlt 
 to work upon ; as the most brooding mind 
 is the easiest to arouze to an act of vio- 
 lence. He felt himself deserted, and wa?
 
 203 
 
 disgusted with all but Adelfred, whose 
 friendship for him was unbounded, and 
 who, every opportunity, sought his com- 
 pany, and poured the kindest consolation 
 in his ear. But Iserlt was now studious 
 of attracting his notice, and constantly 
 threw himself in his path ; but Ali was 
 little disposed for conversation, and a slight 
 inclination of the head was, for some time, 
 the only advance thai could be obtained. 
 
 Iserlt, ever on the watch for an oppor- 
 tunity, observed him, one day, enter a 
 small arbour, at the bottom of the castle 
 garden, but little frequented, shady and 
 retired. Thither he followed him; and 
 heard him distinctly utter the words, f< Oh, 
 Zulema I" Tears followed the exclama- 
 tion, accompanied by a sigh, proceeding 
 from the bottom of an agonized heart. 
 He threw himself upon a seat, and reclined 
 his head against the branch of a spreading 
 elder, rich in luxuriant clusters of its 
 wholesome produce. 
 
 Iserlt advanced, with a timid step the
 
 204 
 
 eye of AH caught his and he was about 
 to retire. 
 
 " Pardon me," he cried ; " I would 
 not willingly obtrude upon your privacy j 
 I feel too much for man's sorrows, not to 
 respect them. I pray you, excuse my pre- 
 sence the mere effect of chance which 
 conducted me here. Farewell." 
 
 " Nay, stay," replied ^\\, rising, " you 
 have sought this retired seat, and I drive 
 you from it I will leave you." 
 
 " Not for worlds. -^-Oh, no, thou noble- 
 minded man ; let me begone. Your sor- 
 rows have obtained an interest in my 
 heart. I do not seek to be your confi- 
 dant yet I feel severely for your stay here. 
 Indulge your griefs in solitude I will not 
 again interrupt you T " 
 
 Ali was sensibly affected. " Generous 
 man!" he exclaimed, and drew him to a 
 seat beside him. His eyes were filled with 
 tears his bosom heaved with repeated sobs 
 and he sunk upon the bosom of the de- 
 signing Iserlt, repeating, " Oh, Zulema,"
 
 205 
 
 " Why do you so often breathe that 
 interesting name?" cried Iserlt, in an af- 
 fectionate tone. Then checking himself, 
 " but pardon me ; the interest I take in 
 your griefs will, I fear, hurry me beyond 
 discretion. Come, come, now, do not 
 despond, but let the smile animate that 
 cheek. Think not, a Christian cannot feel : 
 I do, with all my heart ; and will press you 
 as close there, as though we adored one 
 and the same God." 
 
 " Oh ! thou immortal Alia," exclaimed 
 Ali Sheing, suddenly arising from the bo- 
 som of Iserlt, and prostrating himself on 
 the ground ; iC adored by me, thy devoted 
 slave, teach mine ignorance, if I do err, 
 in confiding in the misguided worshipper 
 of another God. It is the creed of his fa- 
 thers he observes, and he sins not by being 
 of the Christian faith, being born in error. 
 Thou great Omnipotent, I do know the 
 good heart is welcomed by thee, however 
 misguided in its worship of thee, immor- 
 tal prophet !"
 
 2oG 
 
 These words were uttered in trie most 
 solemn tone : thrice he kissed the earthy 
 with profound reverence ; and rising, re- 
 sumed his seat by the side of Iserlt. 
 
 " Christian," he cried, (i I would with 
 freedom pour into thy bosom all the 
 wrongs I have sustained \ nay, lay before 
 thee all my heart, but that the soul of 
 Ali raises him above such mean avowal 
 such purchased pity for his sufferings." 
 
 (i Nay, Ali, think not that Iserlt will 
 with tears condole with you, and bid you 
 make your mind to sorrow : no ; if you are 
 injured, he will bid you seek revenge, and fan 
 it to a flame in your bosom. Nay, by my 
 life, were my own brother the author of your 
 wrongs, I have that within me, which, 
 casting off all ties of consanguinity, would 
 urge you to spare him not, but take an 
 ample and firm revenge/' 
 
 " Christian, thou dost warm my very 
 heart. Our prophet, Alia, doth inspire us 
 with an ardour for revenge, and gives his 
 followers souls of fire to accomplish it,
 
 207 
 
 Thou canst not judge of men, born beneath 
 a torrid zone, whose hearts are warmed by 
 its genial influence whose passions are 
 like burning fevers in their veins fervid 
 in their love, as destructive in their hate. 
 Thou canst not judge of men, so far supe- 
 rior to the pallid white of men, whose ge- 
 nerous nature can only be equalled by the 
 fire that animates them whose souls are 
 alike susceptible of love and hatred." 
 
 " Noble Ali, I can judge by thee ; and 
 grieve, to see a spirit, great as thine, 
 doomed to be broken by an abject slavery." 
 
 "Slavery! Ah!" 
 
 " But, come, no more of this ; tell me 
 of Zulema. By Heavens, your imagined 
 wrongs bear me beyond myself." 
 
 " Imagined wrongs ?" 
 
 il To me, imagined ; since I know them 
 only by the effect they have upon your 
 dauntless spirit." 
 
 " Oh ! Iserlt." 
 
 " Away with this, Ali Sheing ; you do 
 forget yourself."
 
 208 
 
 " By the immortal Alia, I do. Oh f 
 Zulema, the sighs and groans which thou 
 hast cost me !" Then, after a pause, " I 
 am the only son of the warlike Zuntma, 
 the father of his people j who, when the 
 robber Christians sought our shores, and 
 with fire and sword endeavoured to make 
 us, the true worshippers of Alia, renounce 
 our faith, for one abhorred, collected to- 
 gether his thousands, the warlike cham- 
 pions of religion, and encamped them on 
 the banks of the swift-rolling Doora, a 
 rapid tide, near to the plains of Bedamoora, 
 where the Soldan dwelt. I followed my 
 father to the war, and was elected to the 
 command of a brave and warlike band, 
 whose religion and patriotism were so 
 closely wound around their hearts, that vain 
 was the attempt of the Christian sword to 
 sever them. The Soldan himself reviewed 
 the discipline of his troops, and we stood 
 prepared, a firm and loyal band, to protect 
 our country, our religion, and our mo- 
 narch, from the destructive arms of the
 
 200, 
 
 ruthless robbers, who invaded our shores. 
 J t was now I first beheld the lovely Zulema, 
 and, beholding, became her adorer. One 
 sultry day, when the moist winds blew, 
 and the sands of the desert were whirled 
 round in eddies, so fatal to the Arab bands, 
 who perish in their march, and men and 
 laden camels are overwhelmed with the 
 burning grains, in whirlwinds tossed, and 
 o'er the trackless desert billowing, when 
 the sun raises the flesh in blisters, I strayed 
 from the camp, and, lost in contempla- 
 tion, followed a beaten track, unconscious 
 whither it would lead me. The air was 
 thick and heavy, on which the nettling 
 insects rode, that dart their poisonous 
 stings into your flesh the blood swelled 
 in my bursting veins my eyes were sunk 
 with the inclement heat and my tongue 
 was parched with drought : born to the 
 clime, and to sustain its warmth, still this 
 day overpowered me heat such as this, I 
 never before experienced. I had not 
 strayed far, when, beneath a mountain,
 
 210 
 
 whose barren sides were parched and near 
 a brook, whose tardy waters, so gently- 
 gliding along, were nearly wasted, I ob- 
 served a neat hut, that reared its humble 
 head in solitude, and thither did I speed 
 my step, to waste away an hour in re- 
 freshing ease. Within a few paces of the 
 door, I stopped ; for, reclined upon a 
 mossy pillow, by the stream, lay a beauty, 
 rich in loveliness, sumptuously attired, 
 and attended by two female slaves, who 
 were employed in fanning from her swel- 
 ling bosom the stinging insects that fretted 
 her slumbers. For a while, I stood over 
 her, and the most pleasing sensation thril- 
 led through my whole soul : her teeth 
 were like so many drops - of European 
 snow, regularly even her breath, more 
 sweet than the perfumes of Arabia her 
 lips would vie, for luxuriance, with the 
 richest coral her timid breath, in passing 
 and repassing, swelled her speckless bo- 
 som, on which I could have fallen, trans- 
 ported as I was, and, with a dying mur-
 
 211 
 
 mur, sighed out my heart. She awoke : 
 Heavens! how intelligent were her eyes J 
 What volumes to the soul they spoke ! 
 
 <f Oh ! Iserlt, on me were their mild 
 lustre shed on me they paused. I ap- 
 proached her with a respectful bow ; she 
 arose from the turf, and returned me the 
 salutation. Alia ! Alia ! immortal Alia ! 
 What a form ! What a dignity of shape ! 
 How graceful ! how elegant ! Ecstacy, 
 for a time, deprived me of the power of 
 speech : both were embarrassed. At 
 length, with a modest courtesy, leaning 
 upon the arms of her slaves, she withdrew. 
 I dared not scarcely breathe words were 
 upon my tongue, but my heart throbbed 
 sighs burst from my lips, and I could 
 only follow her with my eyes. I saw her 
 enter the cottage, that stood but a few 
 paces from the margin of the stream. As 
 the door was about to close, she looked 
 back^-her eyes met mine I bowed she 
 was gone and I threw myself upon I he 
 spot that her limbs had pressed. Long
 
 212 
 
 time I lay, and could only think of her. 
 Still in imagination she stood before me 
 still did my eyes feast upon her beauties 
 the more I thought, the more I grew ena- 
 moured. 
 
 ** The shade of evening now approached, 
 bringing with it those enlivening airs that 
 make Asia tolerable. Once more the 
 tanned bough waved the waters rip- 
 pled and the feathery choristers, refreshed 
 by the gale, began their evening chant. 
 My eyes were constantly fixed upon the 
 cottage, which held my heart. Joy, joy 
 to my soul ! the door opened she appeared, 
 the lovely daughter of the sun appeared 
 the angel-form I worshipped the goddess 
 of my dreams appeared, between the same 
 slaves who before attended her. I arose 
 from the ground j my tottering limbs could 
 scarce support me I was faint with hun- 
 ger and fatigue, and still more so with the 
 love I cherished in my bosom, which nur- 
 tured the flame that now glowed in all my 
 veins, and stole the native freshness pf my
 
 213 
 
 cheek. As she approached, her light gar- 
 ments winnowed in the air, and displayed 
 all the luxury, all the sweetness of her 
 shape ; the thin muslin was wafted from 
 her voluptuous breasts, between which 
 hung, flowing down her neck, a string of 
 pearls her heaving bosom was bared 
 and, on observing my eyes fixed upon her, 
 with a blush, she drew together the wan-r 
 ton robe, and concealed them from my 
 ardent gaze. 
 
 t( Overcome by my emotion, I has- 
 tened to throw myself at her feet, and 
 kicked something before me ; it jingled, 
 and I stopped. It was a bracelet, which 
 I eagerly seized ; and, knowing the owner, 
 as eagerly pressed to my lips. I was now 
 undetermined how to act ; whether to 
 wear it as an eternal remembrance, or to 
 present it to her. At length, J formed the 
 pleasing resolution of making it the in- 
 strument of my introduction, and I flew 
 to place it in her hand. My voice failed 
 me. When I approached her, I fell upon
 
 214 
 
 my knees. She received the bracelet, and 
 with a winning smile, raised me from the 
 ground. Alia ! Alia ! her touch thrilled 
 through my veins. 
 
 " I pressed her fingers to my lips : 
 e Pardon me, Lady,' I cried, * pardon my 
 presumption. Inspired by your beauty, 
 cold must be that heart that will not adore 
 you senseless the bosom that is not fired 
 on beholding you. Oh ! let me throw 
 myself at your feet, and vow to eternally 
 love you. Nay, Lady, do not frown upon 
 me pity, if you cannot cherish, the flame 
 which devours unceasingly this faithful 
 breast.' 
 
 il Her hand I clasped between my own ; 
 a smile was upon her cheek. Again I 
 pressed it to my eager lips. She was about 
 to speak benignity beamed through her 
 radiant eyes ; but, at this moment, a voice 
 from the cottage cried, ( Zulema !' 
 
 ff Hastily withdrawing her hand, 
 ( Stranger, adieu!' she sighed, ( I am 
 called.'
 
 215 
 
 * Zulema !' the voice repeated. She 
 struggled to depart. 
 
 Enjoy my favour/ she cried; { we 
 may meet, perchance, again.' 
 
 c Alia shower his choicest blessings 
 on thee, for the thought,' I exclaimed, 
 * adored daughter of the faithful !' 
 
 ({ I arose from the ground a new ec- 
 stacy animated my heart and, with the 
 sweet emotion, I dared to join my lips 
 with her's. 
 
 6 Zulema!' was again the cry. 
 
 ' Adieu !' she uttered. 
 
 s Oh ! Zulema,' I faintly articulated, 
 and sunk upon the ground. 
 
 {< Again, were my eyes fastened upon 
 the cottage door. The twilight still con- 
 tinued. Hunger oppressed me ; but it 
 was worse than death to depart the spot, 
 that might again present to my ardent gaze 
 the lovely Zulema. I waited in the most 
 dreadful suspense. Each moment seemed 
 an age, that passed in her absence. At 
 length, a small lattice, above the door,
 
 21(5 
 
 opened, and Zulema, brighter than the 
 sun, appeared. I flew towards tte cot* 
 tage she waved her hand the lattice 
 closed, and left me, tortured by cruel dis- 
 appointment. 
 
 " It grew late ; I had been many hours 
 from the camp, and I knew my return 
 must have been looked for. With heavy 
 heart, and Zulema upon my tongue, I 
 began to retrace my steps, often looking 
 back upon the hut that possessed the only 
 gem which on earth I prized. 
 
 " I had proceeded to some distance. 
 The path I was to pursue now branched 
 into another direction, and the cottage was 
 about to be concealed from me by the in- 
 tervention of a rude rock, whose craggy 
 head," soaring high above, threatened on 
 the valley. I paused a moment, to take 
 a farewell look, ere I proceeded, and ob- 
 served some one in haste, approaching 
 towards me. Her finger was often raised 
 above her head, beckoning to me; and one 
 of the slaves of Zulema, invited me to 
 return.
 
 217 
 
 " Enraptured, I hurried her along, 
 burning with love. I soon reached the 
 cottage the door was open to receive me 
 Zulema awaited me : and, in a moment, 
 I held her in my arms. Immortal Alia ! 
 thou great adorable, who to the faithful art 
 beneficent, then thou didst witness the 
 raptures that crowned our meeting : thou 
 in thy ethereal seat didst hear the lips of the 
 divine Zulema confess she loved me thou 
 didst hear our pure vows didst know our 
 hearts. The bounteous maid invited me 
 to a collation her own hands had provided, 
 of which I eat : rich wines were presented 
 to me in a cup from which she had sipped, 
 and in the sweet libation which I took, I 
 drank down heart-consuming draughts of 
 enthralling love. 
 
 " Oh ! AH Sheing,' sighed the fond 
 Zulema, ( will you ever love me? Will 
 you ever press me to your bosom with the 
 same affection as now ? Will you give 
 the foolish Zulema your heart?' 
 
 " I have it not to give,' I returned, 
 
 K
 
 218 
 
 transported : ' it was your's the first mo- 
 ment I beheld you. Oh ! Zulema/ T 
 added, f may the immortal Alia reject my 
 prayers, and may I fall dishonoured beneath 
 the christian sword, if ever I love ycu less 
 than at this moment.' 
 
 ** Christian, despise not Zulema for 
 the forward avowal of her passion to one 
 unknown to her before this day. I see 
 upon thy cheek the crimson blush thy 
 turned-up lip thy eyes disdainful, and 
 contemptuous glance ; but learn, ere you 
 judge of the Asiatic world, it widely differs 
 from that of Europe, whose pallid sons 
 are cold, phlegmatic, and, like the air they 
 breathe, dull in their very natures. With 
 them, coyness results from the cold habit 
 of their blood ; and suspicion, the foul 
 offspring of guilt, checks the forward pas- 
 sion while it dawns; and reason, cold in 
 her very birth, the enemy of love, makes 
 the dull heart her empire ; but we, who 
 are by nature warm, who, above dishonour, 
 need no laws to curb our wild desires we,
 
 2ig 
 
 ourselves guiltless, are unable to suspect 
 we, our hearts so liable to impression, 
 when we feel the soft emotion and the 
 kindling flame expand through all the 
 veins, make a merit of confession, know- 
 ing how valuable are the hours of love, 
 and eager for enjoyment. 
 
 u A tear gemmed the eye of Zulema 
 her head hung upon my breast her arms 
 were thrown around my neck, and num- 
 berless sighs struggled in her bosom. 
 f Tell me, Zulema/ I cried, pressing her 
 to my eager heart, ' tell me, tell me, thou 
 peerless maid, wilt thou be mine ?' 
 
 " AH Sheing must deserve me,' she 
 replied. 
 
 " What shall I do to gain favour in the 
 eyes of Zulema ? Tell me of dangers that 
 I may brave them By the faith of Alia, 
 I swear ' 
 
 " Swear not, Ali/ returned the blush- 
 ing maid ; then raising her interesting 
 eyes to mine, she added, in a dignified 
 feeling voice, ( If you love me, Ali, snatch
 
 220 
 
 me from the arms of one great in power, 
 who persecutes, by avowing an odious 
 passion for me. Oh ! Ali, my father de- 
 votes me to his loathsome embrace. Vain 
 are my entreaties he flies from my pray- 
 ers, and dooms me to endless misery.' 
 
 "Zulema!' involuntarily escaped my 
 lips. She continued : 
 
 " I am the daughter of Mahommedd 
 Bensadi, the chief of the monarch's coun- 
 cils, his only child, Ali Sheing; and me he 
 devotes the victim of his ambition. I am 
 to be the sacrifice to that baneful passion 
 which engrosses his whole soul, and stifles 
 paternal feeling : I am to be the chief in- 
 strument in the establishment of his future 
 glory. Scarce six moons are wasted since 
 our Soldan was advised by his viziers, 
 fakirs, and nobles, of his court at Jaza, 
 to select three of the choicest beauties our 
 country boasted, of distinguished birth, 
 and take them to his arms, subservient to 
 his pleasures. f Commander of the faith- 
 ful !' cried Bensadi, ' at whose fool the
 
 221 
 
 worshippers of Alia bend, listen to the 
 entreaties of thy people, and choose among 
 the fairest of the daughters of thy nobles, 
 three of surpassing beauty, and let her who 
 bears of thy loins a son, be thy favourite 
 Sultana, and be that son thy heir; so shall 
 the wish of thy people be accomplished, 
 and the glory of thy name.be transmitted 
 to succeeding generations.' With smiles 
 our Soldan nodded his assent, and the 
 blushing daughters of the nobles were 
 presented to the youthful monarch, who 
 made his choice of three. Oh ! AH 
 Sheinjr, I am one of the elected I am 
 devoted to his arms to receive embraces 
 that to me are loathsome : vain, vain, are 
 my tears ! Bensadi, my father, is deaf to 
 my prayers and entreaties.' 
 
 " This news overpowered me despair 
 was depicted upon my cheek my knees 
 tottered beneath me agony pierced my 
 heart, and convulsed my bosom. Vain 
 was it, to contend with the powerful com- 
 mander of the faithful the descendant of
 
 222 
 
 the prophet Mahommedd : tremblingly I 
 let go her hand, that was clasped between 
 mine, and fell back, almost fainting upon 
 my seat. 
 
 <c Zulema arose : what a dignity shone 
 in her whole deportment, as she frowned 
 xipon me ! Her eye, contemptuously 
 turned upon me, spoke volumes to my 
 soul. I arose from the sopha. 
 
 " How have I been deceived ?' she 
 cried : f Ali Sheing, who dares to love, 
 shrinks from the glance of a powerful 
 rival, whom he dares not contend with/ 
 Then, after a pause : l Zulema is lost to 
 him for ever !' 
 
 11 Saying this, she immediately burst 
 from the room. I followed her vainly 
 she endeavoured to put me back I was 
 determined to be heard I kissed the hem 
 of her garment, which she endeavoured to 
 tear from my burning lips. ' Oh, Zule- 
 ma!' I cried, c I will perish, or you 
 shall be my mistress.' 
 
 il At this moment, the venerable Bensadi
 
 223 
 
 entered the apartment : frowning, he 
 seized his daughter's hand, who fainted 
 upon his bosom, and myself was seized 
 by several mutes, who bound and bore me 
 to the camp, where I was left in my tent a 
 prey to anguish. The next morning, my 
 father, Zantma, entered, and pressed me 
 to his bosom : to him I related my fore- 
 going adventure, who almost crushed my 
 hopes by the cruel information that our 
 Soldan loved Zulema, and would spare no 
 cost or pains to win her, by gentle means, 
 to his arms. Like a thunderbolt through 
 the brain, this dreadful relation acted ; but 
 I resolved to gain an audience of the 
 Soldan, and lay before him the whole of 
 my heart. For a long time my endea- 
 vours were vain : surrounded by his viziers, 
 fakirs, and officers of state, it was long 
 before I could make my petition ; but 
 each day I saw Zulema each clay, by some 
 stratagem, she eluded the vigilance of 
 Bensadi, who, acquainted with our mu- 
 tual passion, was ever on the watch to
 
 221 
 
 keep us asunder ; but each day I pressed 
 the lovely maid with fond rapture to my 
 bosom; which embrace was as eagerly re- 
 turned by the blushing Zulema; and we 
 mingled together our breath, our sighs, 
 and our foreboding tears. 
 
 " At length, I obtained an audience of 
 the Soldan the long-wished for moment 
 arrived; and he being informed that my 
 business required a private interview, I 
 was ushered to his closet. Gracious Alia ! 
 I never feared to address my sovereign till 
 now my heart died in my bosom my 
 tongue feared to utter what my soul was 
 desirous of, and I retreated a few paces 
 from the Sultan, who sat in an attentive 
 posture opposite to me. 
 
 u Speak, Ali,' he cried, after a pause, 
 with a voice expressive of much benignity ; 
 1 Why this tremor in the presence of a 
 sovereign, who honours you for your va- 
 lour, and loves you for the affection you 
 shew to ourself?' 
 
 f( His tenderness inspired me, and I
 
 225 
 
 threw myself at his knee ; but oh ! agony, 
 how dared I address myself to a monarch, 
 youthful, vigorous, and full of blood, who 
 loved the object of my affection ? Would 
 he tear out his own heart that mine might 
 triumph ? The thought was madness. 
 After a pause, during which my emotions 
 were most painful, I thus addressed him : 
 ' Oh, gracious Sultan, pardon the pre- 
 sumption of thy slave, who has dared to 
 fix his eyes upon the object of thy love 
 who has dared to sigh for the enjoyment 
 of her on whom thou lavishest thy affec- 
 tion. 5 
 
 " At this moment, I fixed my eye upon 
 his cheek, and beheld it pale I grasped 
 his hand with fervor, while anger knitted 
 his brow. ( Proceed,' he cried, ' and 
 name ' 
 
 u Never, never ?' I interrupted, ' until 
 you pronounce both our pardons.' 
 
 " He smiled, and bit his nether lip, c I 
 promise,' at length he uttered, with a half 
 bow, and laying his hand upon his heart.
 
 226 
 
 "A pause ensued a pause of agony. 
 I almost feared to rely upon the honour of 
 my sovereign, whose word 'twas death to 
 dispute, knowing that jealousy exists, 
 while a rival breathes, and that man is 
 most to be distrusted in cases of ignorance : 
 love, whose influence over the human 
 breast is such, as to turn the richest virtue 
 to the rankest weed. Christian, knowest 
 thou the power of heart-consuming love ? 
 Hast thou- felt its fire in thy veins ? Hast 
 thou harboured the passion in thy breast ? 
 Sayest thou not ? Then thou canst not 
 judge the pangs it creates the fears the 
 jealousies the racking thoughts all the 
 tormenting doubts it brings with it and 
 all the distracting tumults of the soul. 
 
 " Oh ! Alia, Alia, what is man who is 
 in love? How lost ! For a time, how 
 mad how raving ! while he still hugs the 
 fond passion closer to his bosom : rioting 
 in despair and hope ; and yet, who would 
 be he that cannot love, since he must be 
 made of cold blood of a savage disposi*
 
 227 
 
 tion of ferocity of manners, and turn of 
 mind to anarchy and blood ? 
 
 " At length, summoning more confi- 
 dence, and looking the Soldan sternly in 
 the face, I exclaimed, ' Zulema has ex- 
 changed the vow with me : Zulema, the 
 daughter of Bensadi.' 
 
 tf He started back on hearing her name. 
 f Zulema !' his lips quivered. 
 
 Mercy ! mercy ! ' I cried ; c look 
 around thy mighty empire, and see beauties^ 
 lovely as Zulema.' 
 
 (( Thinkst thou so ? ' he eagerly inter- 
 rupted. 
 
 <{ I was staggered with the question ; 
 and after another pause, continued, 'Many 
 there are that excel, though not in my 
 eyes.' 
 
 " And why should they in mine ?' again 
 interrupted the angry monarch. ' Thinkst 
 thou thy Soldan is less susceptible than 
 thou art ? Presumptuous wretch ! Hence, 
 and learn that I love Zulema.' 
 
 " Saying this, he left the closet, and
 
 228 
 
 despair occupied my whole soul. After 
 this time, I no longer saw Zulema : she 
 was shielded from me. In vain I endea- 
 voured to learn tidings of her : she and 
 Bensadi were removed from the cottage 
 near where I first beheld her barren was 
 the spot, and the tenantless hut left to 
 ruin. Oh ! with what sweet delight 
 would I wander over those apartments 
 where once had dwelt the lovely Zulema, 
 until the recollection that she was lost to 
 me for ever, urged my brain to madness 
 my thoughts were entirely on her cease- 
 less were my lamentations endless my 
 heart-broken sighs the air and mountain- 
 hollows mocked my griefs, by echoing my 
 groans. The daughter of Bensadi was 
 torn from me, and, perhaps, wantoning in 
 the Soldan's arms. Distraction ! how 
 often was I impiously on the point of 
 raising my arm against my life : the world 
 had no charms for me, and I resolved to 
 die. At this time the Christians advanced 
 to Salem : our men were drawn out to
 
 229 
 
 receive them : the red cross waved on high, 
 and the golden crescent as proudly over- 
 topped the plain, while the faithful fol- 
 lowers of Alia breathed out a prayer, and 
 prepared to die in the cause of their reli- 
 gion. 
 
 " A glorious opportunity presented it- 
 self to me, which I determined to take 
 advantage of. The fight commenced, and 
 the martial clangour of destructive arms was 
 heard at the same moment from all parts 
 of the field. Despairing, I rushed for- 
 ward into the thickest of the fight, opposing 
 my breast to the arrows of the enemy. 
 On every side of me I saw my country- 
 men wallowing in gore. Many Chris- 
 tians fell by my arm, but in vain I sought 
 to die : the arrows of the enemy, as if 
 by fate's decree, sunk exhausted ere they 
 reached my bosom, or clove the air be- 
 side me in angry whistle, leaving me alone 
 unhurt, standing in the storm in pursuit 
 of danger. 
 
 " For a long time, the sanguinary con-
 
 230 
 
 test lasted: often was seen the bloody 
 cross displaced by the golden crescent, 
 and then again the Christian banners 
 scattered o'er the field, and the proud 
 crescent dragged upon the ground be- 
 smeared with gore. The Soldan issued 
 like a tiger to destroy in vain he col- 
 lected together his scattered ranks the 
 Christians were too powerful, and with 
 their broad falchions mowed down our 
 men by ranks. From a distant part of 
 the field, I saw the Soldan engaged in 
 combat with the leader of a Christian 
 troop : fire flashed from their warm 
 glaves dreadful was the fight furiously 
 were the strokes dealt, which falling on 
 the opponent's shield, threatened annihi- 
 lation. Blood poured from the crevices 
 in the armour of both the Soldan was 
 faint, and more feeble grew each stroke he 
 dealt. I saw his danger, and, swift as an 
 arrow, flying to his relief, arrived at the 
 very moment when, by repeated blows, 
 his powerful antagonist had brought him
 
 231 
 
 to the ground. The falchion was already 
 reared to be plunged in his breast, but I 
 parried the blow with my sabre, and struck 
 a mortal wound in the heart of my adver- 
 sary. He fell : the blood rushed in tor- 
 rents from his bosom, and he instantly 
 expired. 
 
 <( The Soldan, in gratitude, pressed me 
 to his bosom. * Ali Sheing/ he cried, 
 * I owe my life to you/ Saying this, he 
 seized his sabre, and binding up hisr 
 wounds, again rushed forward to the fight. 
 
 " The trumpet of the enemy now 
 sounded a recal ; both armies were much 
 enfeebled day was on the close, and they 
 retired from the field both unmastered. 
 The next morning, the Christians had re- 
 treated to some hills about three miles from 
 Salem : our Soldan thought it imprudent 
 to attack them in his present disabled 
 state, but waited till fresh succours were 
 obtained. In the mean time, a council 
 was called, and Zantma, Bensadi, and all 
 the officers of court attended. The Sol-
 
 
 232 
 
 dan, surrounded by his viziers and wise 
 men, thus addressed the whole assembly, 
 who listened with the eagerest attention 
 to what he was about to say : 
 
 " Beloved subjects, and faithful fol- 
 lowers of the powerful Alia, who in his 
 glory seat of Heaven presides, and in mercy 
 judges, I have assembled you here to learn 
 from you how to bestow my favours upon 
 the worthy, and to know how I shall re- 
 ward him, who, at the risk of his own, 
 saved my life.' 
 
 a . He paused. All tongues were for a 
 time mute. I was astonished. 
 
 (( At length, my father, Zantma, broke 
 the silence. ' Monarch of the earth,' 
 cried he, c the preserver of thy life de- 
 serves at thy hands nothing, doing but 
 his duty ; but from the people whom you 
 rule, every thing : having performed his 
 duty so well. Shew us the man, that we 
 may fall at his feet, and bless him.' 
 
 iC My father concluded, and the Soldan 
 smiling, raised him from the prostrate
 
 233 
 
 posture which in his reverence he had 
 thrown himself into. ' Approach, Ben- 
 sadi,' cried the virtuous descendant of our 
 country's god, the noble defender of the 
 faithful ; ' what sayest thou the man de- 
 serves who so nobly discharged his duty 
 to his country, by saving the life of his 
 sovereign, the destroyer of his happiness, 
 when he might so easily have gloried in 
 his death?' 
 
 " Your love,' cried the old man, en- 
 thusiastically, * your friendship your gra- 
 titude : for noble is the man.' 
 
 " Thou sayest aright,' returned Persia's 
 Soldan ; { the saviour of our life deserves, 
 and shall enjoy our love.' 
 
 " In the greatest agitation, I threw my- 
 self at his feet. The whole assembly were 
 surprised, and the Soldan enfolded me in 
 his embrace. 
 
 " Ali Sheing,' he cried, addressing me, 
 
 c thou hast heard pronounced what thy 
 
 virtues demand of us, and thou shalt enjoy 
 
 bliss in its fullest sense.' Then stamping 
 
 s
 
 234 
 
 his foot upon the ground, four female 
 slaves approached, bringing with them a 
 female veiled, whose trembling step pro- 
 nounced her to my heart, to be Zulema. 
 I could but gaze upon the gauze that con- 
 cealed the lovely countenance of her I 
 eagerly hoped was the daughter of Ben- 
 sadi. The colour often came and fled 
 from my cheek, as hope and fear, alter- 
 nate, animated and depressed my bosom. 
 This torturing suspense was madness 
 through the whole divan reigned the 
 strictest silence no one dared whisper 
 so eager was every one for the sequel of 
 what at this moment was inexplicable to 
 them. 
 
 " And how, to relieve my heart, by 
 virtue of a nod from the Soldan, the gauze 
 was removed by the officiating slaves. An- 
 gels of Heaven ! hope did not fail me ! 
 It was Zulema, lovely as I first beheld her. 
 The Soldan led her to my arms. I pressed 
 her to my bosom ; and the fond girl, with 
 artless blandishment, returned my ca- 
 resses.
 
 235 
 
 tc Take her, Ali Sheing,' cried the King 
 of the greater part of the Asiatic world, 
 { thou hast deserved her. I give her spot- 
 less to thy arms : receive and cherish her. 
 The lustre in my crown is not more pure, 
 or the saints ethereal, that crowd around 
 the regal seat of Heaven, more fair, than is 
 the honour of Zulema. I can bestow 
 upon thee no more worthy gift -the world 
 contains it not. Take her: she is thine.' 
 
 " Overcome by his generosity, we threw 
 ourselves before him, and called on Alia 
 to bless him. With mild benignity he 
 raised us up, and resumed : { Noble Ali, 
 I am still your debtor: for, in bestowing 
 upon you the hand of Zulema, I give you 
 nothing. I am but just, as a monarch 
 should be ; and more just I should have 
 been, had I, in love of justice, given her, 
 when you demanded her of my hand. 
 Oh, Ali ! in virtue and magnanimity thou 
 dost rise above thy Soldan, who, when he 
 had the power to save, in love with his 
 own passion, devoted two hearts to misery.
 
 236 
 
 Thou, All, in thy turn, hadst power j 
 didst use it, nobly use it : didst save, and 
 triumph, in nobleness of soul, o'er thy 
 prostrate monarch.' 
 
 " Gracious sovereign,' I returned, my 
 heart overwhelmed with anguish, c make 
 not a merit of my duty: you over- rate the 
 act j for who, in my situation, would not 
 have saved his Soldan ? Who of your 
 divan would not die for you ? And, oh ! 
 how nobly do you reward me ! You give 
 me that ' 
 
 " Which is your own,' interrupted he, 
 * The love that raged in my breast for the 
 virtuous Zulema, was but a lascivious weed, 
 that crossed the ripening of two fair flow- 
 ers. It was but justice to pluck it thence, 
 that they might flourish and entwine. 
 Oh, thou munificent Alia ! who in thy 
 mercy canst heal the bosom's wounds, 
 look down in thy clemency upon thy de- 
 voted slave; give him another Zulema, 
 that the bride of Ali Sheing may be for- 
 gotten by his heart. Thou, omnipotent
 
 237 
 
 Alia, knowst how sincere I love: heal, 
 then, those poignant wounds that goad my 
 breast. Thou, in thy wisdom, didst inflict 
 this trial upon me, to know thy slave. 
 I bend subservient to thy will I embrace 
 thy pleasure Zulema loves, and is be- 
 loved by Ali Sheing Alia, crown their 
 loves with a diadem immortal.' 
 
 " Murmurs of applause ran through 
 the whole divan Bensadi placed his 
 daughter's hand in mine and Zantma 
 dropped a tear of illumined joy upon his 
 breast a tear of piety and of gratitude. 
 
 " The nuptial rites were soon per- 
 formed : the Soldan was present, and 
 assisted in the rites : the whole country 
 spoke of his unparalleled generosity, and 
 our marriage-day was a day of joy to the 
 inhabitants of Bedamoora, for the Soldan 
 extended his munificence to the most 
 humble and lowly of his people. AH was 
 mirth and festivity. What heart but re- 
 joiced ? One and twenty days of feasting 
 was given to me by the Soldan, as a mar-
 
 238 
 
 riage dower with Zulema, which was dif- 
 fused around, without distinction, to the 
 rich and poor. Oh, what a Heaven of 
 pleasure did I enjoy ! What raptures 
 were mine ! What transporting moments 
 were mine, while I revelled in the arms of 
 Zulema ! Together did we press the nup- 
 tial bed Zulema was my wife my bride ! 
 No longer did I sigh for the maid I so 
 much adored; she was, mine and we 
 mingled our hearts together. 
 
 " Not long did the sun of our joy shine 
 in an unclouded sky. Envious fortune 
 stole upon our happy moments, threaten- 
 ing with horrid front, as she approached. 
 But we put our faith in Alia, and prepared 
 for the conflict with evil destiny, 
 
 t( The Christians, with an increase of 
 force from all the nations of Europe, 
 came against us, firing towns and villages 
 in their progress, and putting every living 
 thing to the sword. Inhuman wretches ! 
 ye came to our shores to enlighten was 
 it not rather to destroy to satisfy your 
 accursed thirst for blood ?
 
 239 
 
 <( All Asia was in arms to repel their 
 force. I followed to the war; and Zu- 
 lema, with warlike ardour, determined to 
 accompany me. Alas ! what perils did 
 she sustain for me how endure the moist 
 and burning heat traversing vast and 
 trackless deserts for me ! Alia gave her 
 fortitude for the undertaking, and she 
 overcame all the terrors, all the inconve- 
 niencies and difficulties attending such a 
 march, that she might be by my side. 
 
 t( We now arrived at Gudingooma, 
 where the Christians were encamped ; and 
 instantly prepared to give them battle. 
 Our force amounted to fourteen hundred 
 thousand men : that of the enemy was 
 not above half the number ; but we were 
 not skilled in their mode of fighting, and 
 the advantage was nearly equal, excepting 
 that we fought for our God, our country, 
 and our king : our cause gave vigour to 
 the heart. They fought for the extension 
 of their power, and to establish a religion 
 of which we knew nothing, How then
 
 240 
 
 was it possible for us to make a change ? 
 We, who bowed to the mild laws of Alia, 
 submitted to the wise decrees of a sovereign 
 whom we loved and feared inspired by 
 our faith in our religion, our country, 
 and our king, we defied their hostile arms, 
 and stood embodied, the bold and daring 
 defenders of our rights and lawful inhe- 
 ritances. 
 
 " A new-created vigour animated my 
 bosom, added to the martial fire that 
 before had nerved me in the fight for a 
 beloved wife. I fought: and when the 
 action commenced, and the air-cleaving 
 arrow whistled 'cross the field, I sighed 
 the name of Zulema, and drawing my 
 sharp-edged sabre, rushed with the hissing 
 serpent's venom, to the conflict : breathing, 
 as I aimed each destructive blow/ ' for 
 Zulema, my country, and my king !* 
 Christians gasped beneath my blood- be- 
 smeared glave their eye-balls rolled in 
 the agony of death, and still I pursued 
 my mad career, delighting in the havoc
 
 241 
 
 that I made, and followed by a band of 
 steady patriots, who bore destruction in 
 their powerful hand. 
 
 " At length, I was severed from them 
 by a christian troop, which hemmed me 
 in on every side. I now saw certain death 
 before me ; and I resolved to fall worthy 
 the son of Zantma, worthy of such a father 
 the father of his people. There was no 
 hope. Fierce and thickly I dealt my 
 blows ; but, overpowered by numbers, I 
 sunk upon the ground, bloody, and se- 
 verely wounded. 
 
 f( Zulema,' still my trembling lips re- 
 peated. And now the pointed sword was 
 reared against my breast. In this mo- 
 ment of life and death, a female's screams 
 were heard her locks hung dishevelled on 
 her shoulders she burst through the 
 crowd. All-powerful Alia ! it was Zu- 
 lema. She flung herself upon my bosom, 
 and exclaimed, ' Now, barbarians, strike ! 
 strike through the hearts of both! O, 
 AH Sheing, my husband, we will die to- 
 gether.*
 
 242 
 
 c< Stab the pagan wretches,' cried a sol- 
 dier, rearing his weapon. ' Let them not 
 live to breathe their impious prayers. 
 Stab them, I say.' 
 
 (i Who dares to lift an arm against the 
 defenceless?' cried a young officer, inter- 
 fering. e Coward, learn, that he who 
 seeks for triumph, triumphs most in being 
 merciful to a fallen foe. Begone/ he ex- 
 claimed, with much energy ; * and for the 
 future, shew valour in temperance.' 
 
 * c The soldier drew back, abashed : with 
 a murmur they retired, and Zulema flew, 
 wild with joy, into the arms of our deli- 
 verer. She embraced him, flung herself 
 at his feet, and bathed them with her tears. 
 The generous christian raised her from the 
 ground : in the warmth of his heart, united 
 our hands, and immediately hurried away, 
 bidding us instantly quit the fatal field, 
 where the christian cross waved in the 
 pride of victory, and the crescent, the 
 banner of the faithful, yielded. Our 
 troops were put to the route ; and it is
 
 243 
 
 needless to repeat to you, the successful 
 advances of the Christians, who, in each 
 ensuing engagement, slaughtered our peo- 
 ple, and committed great havoc. 
 
 " At length, they drove us back to 
 Bedamoora, where they still prevailed ; 
 and our Soldan perished in the conflict. 
 His death was a grievous blow, that struck 
 deep to the hearts of his subjects. They 
 loved him, and with the firm resolution to 
 die or conquer, determined to revenge his 
 death: a speedy-raised army now opposed the 
 Christians, not so numerous as the former 
 ones, but with the fire of desperation in their 
 bosoms, that threatened to consume em- 
 pires for its darling gratification. In this 
 action Zantma and Bensadi perished ; but 
 the Christians gave way, and at length were 
 defeated. With immense loss, they flew 
 in every direction : Richard the Lion was 
 wounded; and shortly after, they evacu- 
 ated our shores. 
 
 " Now then peace, and her thousand 
 blessings, smiled upon us ; we poured forth
 
 244 
 
 our hearts to the high and mighty Alia, in 
 gratitude, and devoted two moons to prayer 
 and rejoicing. The brother of the late 
 Soldan was proclaimed throughout the. 
 empire. Six moons more were now de- 
 voted to festive mirth. Oh, what a heart 
 of joy was mine ! Zulema loved me 
 mutual were the endearments we lavished 
 upon each other; and Alia crowned our 
 transports with a lovely boy. Nine moons 
 were wasted since we first tasted of con- 
 nubial bliss, and Zulema gave to my arms 
 a boy, fresh as the morn, lovely in com- 
 plexion, like the golden sun. 
 
 " But to be less prolix in my narration, 
 which I shall now hastily draw to a con- 
 clusion ; I shall but inform you, that 
 Zulema and myself awoke to new felicity. 
 
 u At this time, the Soldan declared it 
 his pleasure, that the christian prisoners 
 taken in the newly-closed war, should 
 make a forfeit of their lives. I pitied the 
 fate of the poor misguided wretches. 
 Zulema wept when the dreadful news
 
 245 
 
 reached her ear, but it was not in our 
 power to award the impending blow; and 
 then, again, did they not come unto our 
 shores to subjugate and oppress? 
 
 " The day was appointed, which soon 
 arrived, and hundreds of poor souls ma- 
 nacled, were led forth to perish in con- 
 suming flames. They passed beneath 
 the window of our dwelling : agony was 
 in their countenances : their hands were 
 crossed upon their breasts. They passed 
 us with slow and disordered step, with the 
 broad scimitar of our countrymen opposed 
 to their necks. Many there were that 
 preferred that death to the one prepared 
 for them, and rushed upon the cruel wea- 
 pon raised against their lives. Zulema, 
 almost fainting, hung upon my bosom 5 
 and one brought up the rear of the so- 
 lemn procession, who smiled on death, 
 but it was no smile of insensibility he did 
 not go vaunting to his fate. There was 
 in the midst of all, a majesty and solem- 
 nity in his demeanour, a noble spirit in his
 
 246 
 
 countenance, which defied all torture; 
 Gracious Heaven ! I looked upon him. 
 Zulema burst from my arm, and we both 
 involuntarily exclaimed, f All - powerful 
 Alia, our deliverer !' 
 
 " For a time I was paralized: the pul- 
 sation of my heart was thick : recollection 
 flashed across my brain. I could not see 
 my preserver perish, and I flew to save 
 him. The Soldan heard my prayers, and 
 the prisoner was remanded back to prison. 
 This prisoner was no other than Lord 
 Adelfred '. the preserver of my life your 
 Lord, and the rightful Baron of Llan- 
 bedder. Gracious Alia, thou didst give 
 me the power to save him, who in my 
 distress, saved me. Upon my knees I 
 thanked thee for it, thou great adorable : 
 thou heardst me. 
 
 4f A few days after this event, Zulema 
 and myself, with the Soldan's permission, 
 visited Lord Adelfred in his confinement : 
 he recognized us with brim-full heart he 
 flew towards me, while mine overflowed
 
 247 
 
 with tears. Zulema held him in hef 
 arms. Painful was this interview. Our 
 hearts were variously overwhelmed tears 
 of mingled joy and anguish, flowed at the 
 same instant down our cheeks, engendered 
 by the same emotions of love and grati- 
 tude : needless would it be to recount the 
 many stratagems I formed for his emanci- 
 pation . I sought the Soldan, but he turned 
 a deaf ear to my entreaties. 
 
 u The lift; of the abandoned christian 
 I have spared,' he cried, f at your solici- 
 tation : he lives ! but never shall he taste 
 of liberty until he embraces our faith.' 
 
 " Impossible !' I cried. ' Surely you 
 cannot so determine. Oh ! mighty Soldan, 
 give this christian liberty : shew how 
 merciful you are inclined to be, and teach 
 the frigid nations of Europe, by your ex- 
 ample, honour, generosity, and nobleness 
 of conduct. Oh ! most wise Soldan, set 
 your prisoner at large : free to depart, to 
 tell his pallid countrymen how widely differ 
 the sons of Asia, from the cold-blooded
 
 248 
 
 children of the north : to tell them that 
 Alia will protect our faith that the mo- 
 narch, whom we love, mild in his justice, 
 resigns the power to destroy, for the nobler 
 means of conquering by mercy.' 
 
 " I have declared my will,' he criedj 
 * dare not to dispute it.' 
 
 " Again I urged, but in vain. Zulema 
 sought the palace : the Soldan saw her 
 her prayers and entreaties almost sub- 
 dued his breast j but firm in his deter- 
 mination, he left her j and a second 
 time, she was denied admittance to his 
 presence. Now then, no resource was 
 left we flew to the dungeon where he 
 was confined, and mingled our tears 
 with his. Five years intercourse ripened 
 our friendship. Vain was it to per- 
 suade Adelfred to embrace our faith he 
 was inflexible ; and my heart owned his 
 rectitude, fully persuaded, that that is the 
 true religion which a man is born in. 
 
 " In this interval of time, Zulema 
 blessed -me with four children ; lovelv in
 
 249 
 
 innocence : the first that could lisp I 
 taught to bless the name of Adelfred. And 
 now an opportunity presented itself for us 
 to favour his escape ; but, ah ! how could 
 we part ? Five years intercourse had so 
 closely wound him round our hearts, that 
 to separate would be to deprive us of one 
 of our strongest holds to life. To me, 
 Adelfred was a second Zulema : to Zulcma, 
 a second Ali Sheing. 
 
 " Wonder not, that we who differed so 
 widely in our faith, could be in friendship 
 so firm : our hearts were good, and the 
 same sun shone upon us : we loved each 
 other, and religion never made a part of 
 our conversation : we prayed in secret, 
 and the God of either sanctioned our ori- 
 sons, and blessed us. 
 
 iS Adelfred discovered a small aperture 
 in his cell, which led to some courts in the 
 palace : he had explored them, but it was 
 impossible to escape by their means, they 
 being always locked and guarded. He in- 
 formed me of this : his wasted form made 
 
 T
 
 250 
 
 an impression upon my heart : I deter- 
 mined to assist him in his emancipation, 
 and acquainted Zulema with my resolu- 
 tion. Zulema shed tears of regret, but 
 acquiesced, and the night was fixed upon 
 for his departure. I got the keys of the 
 palace gates from the keeper, who did not 
 fear to trust me with them, and procuring 
 a disguise for Adelfred, at midnight, when 
 stars innumerable laced the heavens, de- 
 scended to his dungeon. 
 
 "All was profound silence : we embraced 
 each other, as we thought, for the last 
 time. Adelfred hurried on the disguise, 
 and we reached the gates unmolested. 
 
 (t Noble and generous Ali,' he cried, 
 grasping my hand : Alia ! Alia ! it was cold 
 as death : his voice faltered, and he hung 
 upon my shoulder, statue-like, and mo- 
 tionless. In this attitude, a sentinel dis- 
 covered us, who presented his sabre to m.y 
 breast. ' Stand,' he cried, ' and declare 
 yourself.' 
 
 " Ali Sheing,' I returned ; ( the Sol-
 
 251 
 
 clan's friend the friend of my country.' 
 ' Pass on,' was returned for answer; 
 and we escaped without discovery. 
 
 " Adelfred parted with tearful eyes, 
 from Zulema, who was alike overwhelmed 
 with grief; and bidding adieu to Beda- 
 moora he retired to a cavern in a rock, 
 which I discovered to him, at two miles 
 distance, waiting the ensuing night to aid 
 his escape to the sea-shore. I pressed him 
 to my heart Zulema bedewed his cheek 
 with her tears but we were forced to 
 separate, and he flew from us in an agony 
 of mind almost insupportable. 
 
 " The next day, the prisoner was dis- 
 covered to have fled, and instantly sus- 
 picion fell on me. Bound in chains, I 
 was dragged lo the Soldan's presence. 
 Above dissimulation, I scorned to deny 
 facts urged against me. I confessed the 
 whole of my contrivance in the plot, but 
 scorned to betray my friend. I defied tor- 
 ture. I would not give up the place of 
 his concealment; and the Soldari, en-
 
 252 
 
 raged, gave me liberty on this condition : 
 that if I did not surrender the prisoner 
 the ensuing day, I should lose my head. 
 I left his presence with the firmest de- 
 termination to act with honour toward 
 my friend; and rather sacrifice my life 
 than him. 
 
 (t Instantly I flew to the cavern where I 
 had directed him, and informed him of the 
 whole. He urged me to fly to leave my 
 nation, my country, and Zulema. In my 
 despair, I half consented. Again he urged, 
 'pictured tome the possibility of meeting 
 Zulema in a christian land- laid down a 
 plan so plausible, that I consented to his 
 views, and hurried with him to the near- 
 est shore, where, instantly getting on 
 board a small boat, we set sail for other 
 lands : the one overjoyed, when morning 
 dawned, to find himself so far out at sea 
 the other, with aching heart, on beholding 
 his country's shore decrease in size, as the 
 swift vessel mounted o'er the wave. 
 
 u We had provided ourselves with pro-
 
 253 
 
 vision were prepared for a long voyage. 
 Adelfred was light and gay ; but the more 
 I thought, the more I became dejected. 
 Melancholy now occupied my bosom : I 
 thought on Zulema on my orphaned 
 children, orphaned by the flight of a fu- 
 gitive father, until, distracted by my feel- 
 ings, my brain was almost turned, and 
 I was more an inanimate corpse than a 
 being of the earth, 
 
 " In this situation, we arrived at an Eu- 
 ropean port, where a seafaring man un- 
 dertook our safe conduct to Britain. We 
 arrived in Wales ; you know the rest." 
 
 The infidel ceased. He had often wept 
 during his interesting narrative; and Iserlt 
 hastened to dry his tears. 
 
 " Great, indeed, have been your suf- 
 ferings, Ali," cried the designing wretch ; 
 fC sufferings which the warmth of your 
 own heart have led you to." 
 
 " Oh, could I once more press the fond 
 Zulema to my breast !" 
 
 (t Think on it no more, Ali : she is lost
 
 254 
 
 to you for ever," interrupted Iserlt. Then 
 after a pause. {e But I will not aggravate 
 your misery, by opening your eyes to the 
 treachery of Adelfred." 
 
 " Treachery ! *' 
 
 (t Pardon, pardon. I have said too 
 much. Dwell not upon my words : they 
 were uttered in haste ; and " 
 
 " Treachery !" repeated Ali. 
 
 " Answer me but this question," re- 
 joined Iserlt : " Does Adelfred favour you 
 now, as when he was dependant upon your 
 mercy ? Seeks he now to repose his griefs 
 in your bosom, as when imprisoned at 
 Bedamoora ? There was he not all love? 
 Does he avoid you now ? See you no 
 change : or is he still the same ?" 
 
 A new light beamed through the brain 
 of Ali. He paused his eye sparkled 
 with angry fire then, checking the sus- 
 picious thoughts, he cried, " No no, it 
 cannot be : Adelfred is still the same." 
 
 " Say you so ? Oh, blessed Ali, blessed 
 in thy ignorance ! Live, live, and love !
 
 255 
 
 Cherish in thy bosom friendship for the 
 deceitful Adelfred : friendship to be scorn- 
 ed. But, in thy blindness, thou shalt feel 
 no pang of rejected love thy sensibility 
 shall not be wounded by the keen dagger 
 of favours ill returned." 
 
 " Adelfred saved my life." 
 
 " And so didst thou his." 
 
 <c He had no incitement but his own 
 heart I was prompted by gratitude and 
 affection." 
 
 Ci Oh, noble Ali, what a soul hast 
 thou ! By Heaven, thy wrongs bear me 
 beyond myself. My veins swell with my 
 boiling blood. Rancour and hate cn- 
 nerve my arm to vengeance. Thou, Ali, 
 art all truth Adelfred all deception. He 
 keeps thee, like a slave, in his train re- 
 wards thy virtue with a yoke of bondage. 
 Thou art his friend no longer, but his me- 
 nial the slave whom he values, not for 
 services done, but as a part of his pomp, 
 his equipage." 
 
 (f Iserlt, thou drivest me mad. rhcam-
 
 256 
 
 not be it is impossible. Adelfred 
 
 yet arouze thee, Ali Sheing " 
 
 Passion choaked his speech wildly his 
 eye-balls glared. 
 
 " Revenge !" cried Iserlt. 
 
 Insulted honour swelled the chest of 
 Ali Sheing. " Thou god of Asia," he 
 exclaimed, " if Adelfred be true, to my 
 heart I'll clasp him with sincerity if 
 false, I'll compass the earth for a deep 
 and firm revenge." 
 
 Iserlt daily worked upon the passions of 
 the poor Moor, who, half-inclined to think 
 the noble Adelfred false, misconstrued every 
 act ; and from the rooted sorrow that 
 preyed upon his mind, drew out a conclu- 
 sion of services at an end, and cold dis- 
 like. 
 
 Great was the soul of Ali Sheing j he 
 scorned an explanation with him whom 
 he thought his foe. Often would his roll- 
 ing eye-balls declare his anger in the pre- 
 sence of the dejected Adelfred. And now 
 the designing Iserlt prepared for the final
 
 25f . 
 
 blow. Owain constantly corresponded 
 with him from the monkish convent, whi- 
 ther he had taken sanctuary, and gained 
 every intelligence from the castle neces- 
 sary to his views. It was rumoured abroad, 
 that Helena still lived. Many affirmed, 
 that she was confined in one of the dun- 
 geons of the castle, by Owain. These re- 
 ports met the ear of Adelfred, who totally 
 discredited them. The conduct of Owain, 
 spite of the malignant reports that met his 
 ear, appeared to him untainted ; and upon 
 this ground Iserlt raised his structure. 
 
 The time drew near to accomplish his 
 death : the wavering Moor must be sur- 
 prised into the act. Iserlt had sounded 
 him to the bottom of his heart; and found, 
 that giving him time to reflect, was only 
 losing what, by his inflated conversation, 
 he had gained. Iserlt dared not prevail 
 upon the Moor to stab Adelfred in the 
 castle, fearful lest his schemes should fail, 
 and the whole mischief be turned upon 
 himself. Ali Sheing was only to .be
 
 258 
 
 rouzed to commit the act by a sense of his 
 wrongs. Deliberation blunted his dag- 
 ger's point ; and Iserlt determined to draw, 
 by some design, Lord Adelfred to the vaults 
 of the castle, where he might be instantly 
 dispatched without the hopes of rescue, 
 and Owain, becoming the judge of the 
 murderer, should doom him to instant 
 death : thus discovery would be frustrated, 
 and he become the rightful Baron of Llan- 
 bedder. 
 
 For this purpose, Iserlt addressed an 
 anonymous letter to Adelfred, running to 
 the following effect, which he took care 
 to drop in his path. 
 
 " MY GRACIOUS LORD, 
 
 " Place not too great a reliance in the 
 u virtues of Owain, who has deceived you. 
 ee Be assured the report of Helena's being 
 " alive is not without foundation. She 
 l< lives ; and, by your traitorous cousin, is 
 fe confined in one of the vaults beneath 
 " the castle. Be secret and when the
 
 259 
 
 <c mid bell tolls, descend to the caverns, 
 " where you shall find a friend ready to 
 " conduct you to the arms of her you 
 ff love. A friend, ever anxious to assist 
 " distressed virtue." 
 
 At first, Adelfred could not believe what 
 his eyes beheld. Again he read it a 
 third a fourth time. " Can it be pos- 
 sible?" he exclaimed. "No! no! it is 
 a treacherous artifice of some designing 
 villain, disgraced by my cousin, for his 
 want of honour I will not believe it." 
 
 Then, after a few moments deliberation: 
 f* But I will unravel ihis mystery. Yes : 
 I will go at the hour appointed by this 
 traitor, and drag him to instant justice." 
 
 With this resolve, he folded the paper, 
 and put it in his pocket, awaiting the 
 coming night, to descend to the vaults. 
 The bell tolled eleven : all the castle was 
 still: Ali Sheino; alone was restless and 
 disturbed : sleep could not close his eyes 
 gloomy thoughts devoured him.
 
 260 
 
 Iserlt flew to his chamber, as the half 
 hour bell sounded through the courts, and 
 engaging him in conversation, drew him 
 toward the vaults. Crossing a long cor- 
 ridor, they descended a marble stairs to- 
 gether, and the door was open before 
 them that led to the caverns. Adelfred 
 was seen at a distance, bearing a torch in 
 his hand: he seemed much disturbed, and 
 often paced the narrow passage, as wounded 
 by suspense. At length, he stopped, and 
 and raising the torch above his head, 
 looked toward Ali Sheing, and Iserlt. 
 
 ie We are discovered," cried the latter, 
 <l do not avoid, but speak to him, I can- 
 not, so much I hate him for the injuries 
 he has done thee." 
 
 He instantly retired ; and by this time 
 Adelfred came up with the Moor. 
 
 " Ah !" he exclaimed, " you here, 
 Ali Sheing ? But say, quick, quick, what 
 impelled you hither?" 
 
 " Curiosity," returned the other, with 
 a coldness of manner.
 
 261 
 
 " Had you no motive?" 
 
 " None. Why does Adelfred question 
 me?" 
 
 t( Pardon me, AH Sheing, but 
 Leave me leave me. I-" 
 
 At this moment, the bell tolled twelve. 
 Adelfred expressed greater impatience-. 
 " Away, away," he cried. 
 
 " Nay, you shall hear me," cried, the 
 indignant Moor. (i I " 
 
 " To-morrow, to-morrow," interrupted 
 Adelfred; and pushing him from him, 
 hurried down the vault. 
 
 Iserlt now appeared, with a torch fn his 
 hand. " Do you still doubt ?" he en- 
 quired. " Oh, Ali Sheing, where is the 
 fervid fire of Asia, the soul of the follow- 
 ers of Alia? Where that nobleness of 
 spirit, which thou hast boasted of? Will 
 Ali Sheing stoop to slavery ? Oh ! thou 
 God of Heaven ! ennerve my arm to stab 
 the wretch who has subjugated the soul 
 of Ali."
 
 202 
 
 tc Iserlt, he shall die/' exclaimed the 
 frantic Moor. 
 
 t( He slew great Persia's Soldan i him 
 who gave to your arms the lovely Zulema. 
 Adelfred, whose life you saved, stabbed 
 him who plucked his heart out, that you 
 might enjoy eternity of bliss." 
 
 With rage trembled the Moor, while 
 he grasped his dagger. 
 
 u He slew the Soldan, yet spared you. 
 Ah ! Zulema was present what a hor- 
 rible thought ! Did he not lust for her ? 
 By Heaven " 
 
 (( No ! no ! no !" cried the heart-torn Ali. 
 
 " You, in return, saved his life; and 
 when he was in your power, was he not 
 all affection ? "Would Adelfred then have 
 thrown Ali Sheing from him ? He tore 
 you from the arms of a wife you loved 
 from children your own children the 
 children of Zulema ! Just God ! to save 
 him, you sacrificed your own peace: and 
 what is his return? You are made his
 
 263 
 
 slave. Already he hates and lothes you. 
 Oh ! it is certain that power is wrested 
 from the hands of the generous Ali he 
 can no longer save : his services are at an 
 end." 
 
 " No more, no more he dies I" 
 
 ts For your wife and children, strike the 
 blow." 
 
 " He dies !" 
 
 " For the Soldan." 
 
 <f No more." 
 
 t( For the loss of your liberty." 
 
 Adelfred appeared, wrapped in a cloak, 
 at the farther end of the vault j and Alt 
 Sheing rushed forward, with drawn dag- 
 ger. He stabbed: bathed in his blood, 
 the victim fell, and with a groan, expired. 
 
 Iserlt now alarmed the castle. The 
 Moor stood over the bleeding corpse in an 
 attitude of horror : the most dreadful 
 thoughts crowded upon his brain. All 
 the various passions were at work in his 
 bosom, and holding conflict with nature. 
 No cry escaped his lips : his heart was
 
 264 
 
 rent asunder: and retreating a few steps 
 from the body, he fell, heartbroken, and 
 gave up life without a groan. 
 
 Now various torches were seen in the 
 different vaults, and numbers of vassals, 
 directed by Iserlt, approached the spot. 
 All the caverns seemed in a blaze of light. 
 The vassals knelt over the bleeding body, 
 and with one accord, exclaimed, " Owain !" 
 Iserlt himself, drew near : it was Owain, 
 who, instead of Adelfred, was slain. The 
 villain trembled on beholding the accom- 
 plice in his guilt become the victim of 
 their united artifice. His cheek became 
 livid and pale with fear : a cold sweat 
 hung upon his contracted brow. 
 
 In this moment: of confusion, Adelfred 
 himself was seen leading from an inner 
 vault, a female, faint and languid, who 
 hung upon his arm, while her tottering 
 limbs dragged upon the ground, unable to 
 sustain her feeble frame. 
 
 The vassals now, with united voice, ex- 
 claimed, " Long live Lord Adelfred !"
 
 265 
 
 Iserlt, with conscious guilt in his face, 
 threw himself at his knee, and confessed 
 the whole. 
 
 The Baron of Llanbedder, awaiting the 
 promised coming of the author of the 
 billet he had received, after he had broke 
 from Ali Sheing, and while traversing the 
 vaults in impatience, heard some faint 
 murmurs from an inner cave, and the 
 voice that made these lamentations men- 
 tioned his name. Astonished, he paused 
 awhile to listen : the voice broke forth 
 again in the same plaints : and, eager to 
 relieve distress, he burst into the vault 
 from whence the sounds proceeded, where 
 he beheld a female whom he instantly re- 
 cognized to be Helena, stretched upon a 
 bed of straw. A solitary lamp hung sus- 
 pended from the concaved roof, which 
 shed a dim light upon the dilapidated walls. 
 Adelfred could scarce believe his eyes. 
 (i Perfidious cousin !" after an interval of 
 horror, he exclaimed. Helena raised up 
 her head, on hearing his voice, and uttering 
 u
 
 260 
 
 a wild scream of joy, fainted upon his 
 bosom. She soon recovered, and con- 
 firmed the words of Ruthvvold. 
 
 Adelfred instantly conveyed her from 
 the vault; and, directed by the torches of 
 the vassals, came to the spot where the 
 bleeding Owain lay. 
 
 During the confusion of Iserlt, Helena 
 was borne to a chamber in the castle, and 
 every means used to recover her. While 
 Adelfred execrated his perfidious cousin, 
 Iserlt confessed how he had worked up 
 the passions of the generous, unsuspecting 
 Ali; who, in an agony of thought, con- 
 templating on the crime he had com- 
 mitted, instantly expired. 
 
 It appeared, that Iserlt had 'made Owain 
 acquainted with his scheme; who, fearing 
 the failure, had come to the vaults, .which 
 had a communication with the convent, to 
 which he had gained access, habited for 
 immediate flight with Helena. The vil- 
 lain was tortured by doubt, lest his victim 
 should be discovered in her confinement ;
 
 267 
 
 and, seeking to avoid this, found a deserved 
 death. 
 
 Iserlt was ordered for immediate exe- 
 cution : the body of Ovvain was privately 
 buried : while that of Ali Slicing was com- 
 mitted to the earth with all funeral pomp. 
 A rich urn was erected over his tomb: 
 on it was engraven his many virtues ; and 
 no breath of reproach ever sullied the 
 marble remembrance. 
 
 Helena soon recovered j and her former 
 beauty once more revelled on her cheek. 
 The nuptial rites were soon performed, 
 that made her the bride of the Baron of 
 Llanbcdder; and thousands blessed the 
 united names of Adelfred and Helena, for 
 their nuptial-day was the first of true 
 happiness to the vassals of Llanbedder, 
 since the death of the brave Caradoc,
 
 C6e fountain Wax*.
 
 .\f.Mf/ Ddk 
 
 Mac/eerier. JZuM 
 
 i^^yyuv6ff/tf/^/__y()a/7 
 
 fiiblished March i.jSbz.h' War/e.1lt>crriarieStri>tt:&:J.Iiadax-/c. P&gnrwttrA
 
 Cfjc fountain 'BatD, 
 
 Jolo Golch, the Mountain Bard, as he is called, is 
 the author of several worthy Welsh airs, which are 
 much admired by his countrymen. The following 
 is his Legend, which is pretty generally credited, how- 
 ever improbable it may appear to the unbiassed reader. 
 
 Who, upon yon threatening rock's 
 brow sits ; striking, with enthusiastic fire, 
 the quivering strings of the vibrating harp? 
 " Who is he, that to the woods and waters 
 sings his patriotic lay: while his loose gar- 
 ments o'er his shoulders flying, filled, like 
 a sail by the wind, gives his cold body to 
 the cutting blast ? lied is his hard cheek 
 white as the snow his beard and locks, 
 that winnow in the wind. Athletic are 
 his limbs he's like to the sturdy oak, in 
 the winter of his age, slow in his decay, 
 and still retaining some of the former fire 
 of his youth.
 
 272 
 
 Oh ! know you not the Bard of the 
 Mountain ? Have you not heard his soft 
 melodious lays his rustic song, or invi- 
 gorating invocation to his countrymen ? 
 It is the patriotic Jolo* Golch, whom you 
 observe; who, in the fierce slaughter of 
 his countrymen, alone surviving, did defy 
 the foe, and singly faced them. But lis- 
 ten: More pangs a mother never knew, 
 than did the mother who gave him birth. 
 In yon dismantled hut was he born, the 
 only offspring of a humble, but contented 
 sire. His mother, whose occupation was 
 to till the fertile field, was used to girth 
 young Jolo to her back, and so pursue her 
 avocation. The child seldom cried ; and, 
 in the leasing-time, she laid him on a rick 
 of corn, while she would form her wheat- 
 en-sheaf with heart of merry glee. 
 
 One sultry day, young Jolo being dis- 
 posed of, as just before observed, and the 
 mother at some distance off", collecting to- 
 gether the scattered ears that from the 
 learn had fell, or by the pikle had been
 
 273 
 
 neglected, while the busy countrymen 
 were gathered round the costrill of cooling 
 ale, a monstrous eagle espying the in- 
 fant, alighted, and bore him away. 
 
 Distracted, the wretched mother viewed 
 her infant, and Heaven implored ! Higher 
 the eagle soared, until it disappeared, and 
 young Jolo's screams were heard no more. 
 To the battlements of yon Roman tower 
 the eagle flew there she had built her 
 nest and there her unfledged young croap- 
 ed for the welcome food. But that all- 
 powerful cause who presides over human 
 actions, came to the assistance of this in- 
 fant, and placed a mother's feelings in the 
 eagle's breast: she sheltered it with her 
 young stilled its feeble cries and roamed 
 for food to nurture it. 
 
 Five years on yonder tower's top the in- 
 fant drew its breath, beneath the maternal 
 eagle's wing : the young were fledged and 
 fled, and Jolo alone, was now her only 
 care. O'er him she'd sit, and brood, and 
 watch his little limbs expand, with the ten-
 
 ;4 
 
 tlerest affection: and now the boy would 
 creep from out the nest, and o'er the 
 mossy stones trail his tender limbs. It 
 was in- the September month, when the 
 sultry xlay is closed with the angry storm, 
 the Roman tower on which the eagle's 
 nest was built, toppled; and part of it, cleft 
 by the storm, fell with horrible noise! 
 Wildly the infant screamed, and closer to 
 her breast the maternal eagle drew him ; 
 but the fierce tempest still continuing, 
 threatened the total annihilation of the 
 tower, and once more soaring to the Hea- 
 vens, with young Jolo in her embrace, she 
 flapped her wings, and cut through the 
 foggy air. Long time she flew, fearful of 
 her care, until the storm had entirely sub- 
 sided. Some fishermen observed her, as 
 she flew with her burthen, almost exhaust- 
 ed; and seeing her in their power, shot her 
 in the breast : she dropped, and expired in 
 the lake. She was taken up by them, 
 who were much astonished to find in- her 
 embrace, a child unhurt. One, more hu-
 
 2?5 
 
 -mane than the rest, felt desirous to pre- 
 serve the life of the child, and took it 
 home to his wife, who was not a little 
 surprised to find it could not put its feet 
 to the ground. All possible care was taken 
 of it : it was taught to speak, to walk, to 
 read, &c. The mother of Jolo discovered 
 her infant about two years after, \yy passing 
 the cottage where it was reared, and ob- 
 serving the model of a harp on his breast. 
 Conceive a mother's joy a mother's rap- 
 ture in once more clasping to her bosom 
 her long lost child ! with what fond af- 
 fection she pressed him to her heart ! In 
 the Snowdon mountains dwelt a bardic 
 band, whose customs nearly approached 
 the druidic order; but divested of their 
 barbarisms and . gothic idolatries : with 
 these, young Jolo would associate, and join 
 in their patriotic song. Lively was his ima- 
 gination strong and bold his thought 
 -smooth and flowing was his verse, extem- 
 pore corn posed and soon was he elected 
 the chief of the Snowdon bards. But
 
 276 
 
 when rude war reared high her blood- 
 stained crest, an inactive life suited not 
 with Jolo's fire: aside he laid the harp, 
 and sought the noisy field. In bloody 
 strife, he yielded not superiority to the 
 stoutest of the foe j but at last, a prisoner 
 he was taken, and to London sent. Not 
 long did a prison captive keep the chief; 
 his active mind found means to elude the 
 vigilance of the guard, and he escaped. 
 To Snowdon he shaped his flight, and 
 gained subsistence by singing ballads to the 
 village maid at the cottage door love was 
 his theme of virtuous maids and faith- 
 less men. Melancholy was his tale pleas- 
 ing was the plaintive air he sung : melting 
 hearts, and drawing sighs from the bosom 
 of the love-sick virgin. The Snowdon 
 bards welcomed his return, with unfeigned 
 joy, and once more nominated him their 
 chief. Never again, he swore, to engage 
 in broils, but with his voice vowed to rouze 
 the warlike fire in the hearts of his coun- 
 trymen to inspire them, with descanting
 
 277 
 
 on the blessings of liberty and to tell 
 them what they had to fear if ever they 
 became the slaves of the foe of Wales. 
 
 Fifty years of age had he attained when 
 the English monarch, the beardless Edward, 
 whose great object was to subjugate and 
 oppress the sister kingdom, advanced his 
 thousand warriors to our native moun- 
 tains, and with fire and sword prepared to 
 desolate our land. In the deep recesses 
 of Snowdon lay the Britons, armed for 
 the conflict, and resolved to perish or con-, 
 quer in the defence of their native rights. 
 Jolo exhorted them to the fight : his in*, 
 spiring voice arouzed the rage of lions in 
 their breasts ; and proudly waved the British 
 banners on the top of every mountain, 
 threatening and defying the English to the 
 combat. 
 
 <( Countrymen and soldiers l M cried the 
 chief Bard of the Mountains, " boldly de- 
 termine to renounce your lives with your 
 liberties protect those rights and privileges 
 which your forefathers have enjoyed, and
 
 278 
 
 which from you your children should in-' 
 herit. When the brazen trumpet of the 
 enemy sounds through the vallies, rush 
 not, as you were wont to do, like a wild 
 band, upon their swords, but collected re- 
 ceive them. Break not your ranks, but 
 firmly cemented together, oppose their 
 shield-piercing arrows. Forget not, that 
 for your homes, your wives, your children, 
 and your liberty, the sword is raised." 
 
 A thousand huzzas echoed among the, 
 hills women and children mingled in the 
 ranks, and upon the plains beneath the 
 mountain was spread a rich repast, at. 
 which the leader of the British troops pre-. 
 ided, with the bards, drinking healths, 
 and success to their arms. Smiling, the 
 next morn appeared : at a distance sounded, 
 the trumpet of the enemy : and the stout- 
 hearted Britons took the field. Around 
 the mountain's brow the bards were scat- 
 tered, invoking Heaven for the success of 
 their arms. The English were at first 
 staggered with so novel and strange a
 
 279 
 
 sight; and they gave ground upon the first 
 attack of the Britons, who drove them, in 
 wild disorder, until their monarch appeared 
 among them, and by an animated example, 
 invited them to renew the contest. All 
 was confusion and despair. The Britons, 
 half mad with success, forgot the instruc- 
 tion of the intrepid Jolo, and were routed, 
 in their turn, by the English, who, ashamed 
 of their conduct, united again, and with 
 fresh vigour assailed the enemy. Alas ! 
 alas ! dreadful was the carnage of that 
 day, lost by the great confidence of our 
 countrymen, who, assured of victory, re- 
 garded not those opportunities which 
 would inevitably have crowned their most 
 sanguine hopes. Not even the bards were 
 spared, whose venerable appearance might- 
 have inclined them to mercy, being un- 
 armed, and for that reason not to be 
 feared. The signal was given for the 
 slaughter of the bards ; and up each craggy 
 cliff the eager soldier flew, to complete an 
 act designed by this barbarous monarch,
 
 280 
 
 High upon the Wyddfa's lofty summit 
 sat Jolo Golch, the Mountain Bard, the 
 survivor of the bardic throng: the bit- 
 terest execrations burst from his quivering 
 lips. Thrice had the enemy attempted to 
 tear him from his seat, but as often met 
 with a repulse.-*-He feared not death. 
 
 Jolo Golch mixes not with the world ; 
 in the lofty mountains of Snowdon he 
 dwells : sweet is his song. Often have the 
 village damsels tripped along the green to 
 his merry dance and the love-lorn maid, 
 listened with tearful eye to his plaintive 
 ditty. The young soldier, inspired with 
 his songs of war, has, in imagination, 
 fought those very battles which the faithful 
 tongue of Jolo has so glowingly described. 
 Jolo Golch will ever live in the hearts of 
 and memories of his countrymen his song 
 will ever please his patriotic spirit ever 
 be admired. 
 
 THE end. 
 
 Frinted by J. D. DEWICK, 
 Aldersgate Street. 
 
 :!.
 
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