Elegy for Rhydderch ab Ieuan Llwyd
Yesterday I heard three groans
on a high hillside, I sought shelter.
I've heard many groans, [and] I wouldn't have thought
4 a man would ever give out such a groan.
There was never in my land (unstinting giver)
any flowing lament, nor huntsman's cry,
nor shrill horn on bushy hillside,
8 nor bell louder than the groan that was made.
What is this commotion, four groans?
Sharp pain, who gave out the groan?
Llywelyn Fychan, from love's dwelling-place,
12 gave out this groan for Rhydderch,
by his fair court,
faithful friend of Rhydderch so quick to decease.
Amlyn's groan from his mourning house
16 for Emig, a foster-mother's sorrow;
the groan of a man who passionately loved
his kinsman, it came from great grief;
and the third groan, bell of Glyn Aeron,
20 the same cry, was that which Llywelyn gave out.
When Rhydderch's lips were closed,
giver of wine (love was concealed seven times over),
the head of bright Deheubarth
24 was finished in truth, I know I am disarmed.
The custom of lavish mead dispensing was finished,
bravery was put into the earth.
A dazzling white swan confined,
28 he is lying in a grave of stone.
Painful condition, the grave is no longer
than seven feet, straight and pitiless.
A strange exemplum was the confining
32 under this black sod,
knowledge, senses of love,
of Rhydderch's excelling and all-encompassing gift,
and his wise celebrated splendour,
36 and his strong white witty body,
and his feats, talk of talents of genius,
and his prosperity and his bright gift,
and his virtue, polished linguist,
40 and his fame, oh that the day of his death has come!
The sad interment was a grim sound,
he was a merciful knight.
May God give mercy
44 to Rhydderch, courteous-mannered love.