Morfudd's Arms
The girl's shapely form like that of Enid,
with the golden locks, stirs passion in me;
bare forehead, an expanse of lily,
4 gentle, regal hand,
a modest girl, good-natured
and well-mannered, of breeding second to none.
She put her arms around [my] neck
8 in a woodland tryst causing overwhelming longing,
something I was not familiar with,
and being allowed to touch her lips.
A weak shapely wine-bred poet,
12 I was held captive by her once.
Unbelievable thought, there is now
(it was a gift, God is my witness)
a sort of love knot, though I may conceal it,
16 between us, indeed, I am bound.
Morfudd's bright gentle snow-covered
arm (cheeks bright as the sun)
caught me (it was easy even if it were bold)
20 head to head in the shelter of a leaf-house;
the clasping of a knot of refined love,
the two wrists of a pure wise girl.
Good was that tall white girl of gentle courteous form
24 holding loving hands about me.
It was a full share for me, from my eager escapade,
a bold collar of clandestine love.
Radiantly yoking the poet, jewel of fair form,
28 the girl's shining arm was no burden
beneath the ear of praise's best servant,
a torque (I will not refuse it)
of the colour of lime, as a circlet of snow -
32 that's a fine gift on a man's neck -
placed by the girl (and there's one who knows it!)
about a poet's neck, slender gentle jewel.
The enchantress bound me so slyly;
36 [long] life to the girl of enchanting praise
who keeps for me (seizing in splendid manner)
my pampering like a nurse.
I am fearless, no coward, bold of brow,
40 and black and without care
with my faithful girl's two arms
around me in a good birch glen.
It would not be kind for anyone to disrespect me
44 between her hands, image of the sun.
After getting a closer embrace
(golden lady - what a chain!)
it was lovely to see in the ferns
48 the shape of Tegau strangling a man.
I was drunk, my suffering,
drunk on a sweet slender strong maid.
The joy of my life against my grief,
52 the slender gentle one's arm made me white-necked.
Good long encompassing of the breast,
they were a collar for me once.