The Gull
Fair gull on the tide, indeed,
of the same hue as snow or the white moon,
your beauty is without blemish,
4 a piece like the sun, gauntlet of the brine.
You are light on the ocean wave,
swift proud fish-eating bird.
You'd go close by the anchor
8 hand-in-hand with me, sea lily.
Just like a letter you are painted silver,
you're a nun on the crest of the sea tide.
Perfect praise of a girl, you are praised afar,
12 make for the curve of fortress and castle.
Gull, look for one
of the colour of Eigr on the lovely fortress.
Say my ardent words,
16 may she choose me, go to the girl.
If she's alone, make bold to greet her,
be courteous to the dainty maid
for gain; say I will not live,
20 noble refined youth, unless I have her.
I love her, strength of complete passion,
oh men, neither Myrddin
with his fine wheaten lips
24 nor Taliesin ever loved a fairer one.
A sought-after girl [dressed in] fine linen under copper
[hair],
exquisite visage perfectly formed.
Ah gull, if you get to see
28 the cheek of the fairest girl in Christendom,
unless I get a most gentle response
the girl will be the death of me.