Pleading for his Life
The bright girl with a golden neck
from Anglesey who was formerly found to be gentle,
there is now no hope for me
4 from your country-girl eight times [brighter than] the
colour of a wave,
by Saint Deiniol, wicked lust-
to have free land because of a breach of the peace.
Dire is that which I did not consider:
8 than having you (it was not a difficult quest)
there is no gift or message
(except killing me) [that is] worse for my sake.
I was sad that I could not have you, a black-browed gift;
12 sadder, eight times narrower, [am I] for having you.
Woe me for what you have done, a vigil's cost:
insisting upon having me when I was beloved [by you].
You were not wise that you did not stop;
16 your bold power was not good for me.
You caused the urging of my hanging;
if you loved me, you would not have wanted me.
It would be arrogant for the Pope of Rome
20 to be with you, my slender love.
Take in secret what you may see,
reconcile about this, splendid white girl,
and give me a fine, girl,
24 and stop your complaint, gentle girl, [from continuing any]
longer.
We were playful (false confinement);
the end of the play was bitter.
If you were (tall and slender girl)
28 satisfied with me under the verdant birch grove,
don't cause (fair girl with the [white] face of a wave)
the hanging of the women's darling
rather than cause (angry betrothèd)
32 the execution of a jealous man.
In St David's, Gwenhwyfar's pride,
in Anglesey you deserved my anger.
My girl, I have been in you;
36 it was bitter for me that I was.