The Cock-thrush
Every May, which is faultlessly punctual,
there is to be found on the tips of the forest's branches
a powerful songster, on a dazzling fortress of hazels,
4 skilful beneath green wings,
a cock-thrush (a fair gift which excels any organ)
that sings by right of law.
An expansive preacher in every language,
8 he was the lord of the woodland.
He is a sheriff amongst May's birch-trees
who would sing in seven score tongues,
a worthy justice upon twig-tips,
12 steward of a matted leafy court,
long-standing teacher of my fellowship,
a linguist on the tops of a mansion's planted trees,
a loyal lad up high on a green branch,
16 my woodland companion,
singer of the best kind of song,
combining wisdom and instinct.
[ ] Creirwy of all Christendom,
20 to go between me and the girl.
Showing great confidence, he flew proudly
and with fine magical powers,
from place to place, impassioned,
24 from grove to grove for a girl's sake
(a learned greeting), and descended
where the maid was, gentle was he.
He spoke my message sweetly,
28 the overlord of well-being is ever loyal.
He showed (a hundred's companion)
the truth in his warrant-letter.
He read a speech in verse
32 (a fair pleasant song) from his house of blue-green glass.
He called upon me at length with legal authority
from the parchment roll at the start of summer.
I lost - I wished no wrath -
36 (a hefty legal due) a forfeit for contempt.
Although, as I well know, due to success I might lose
forfeits beneath the greenwood,
the girl's great love won't cause me loss,
40 she of splendid powers, nor my accusation against her.
If the messenger proves skilful,
in earnest, he will seek to deceive her.
May God (she whose intent is concealed),
44 for my sake and fair Dewi's,
make a generous contract (my wisest darling)
concerning the envoy (refined girl who makes a fine denial):
to let him and his sweet song
48 (poet of love) into paradise,
a judge, splendid patron of the month of May,
renowned for supreme wisdom - it is there that he belongs.