The age of Homer was the
heroic, in which the Greeks excelled in martial exploits; that of Virgil
found the Romans an intellectual and gallant race; the genius of Chaucer,
Spencer and Sidney revelled in the feudal halls and enchanted vistas of
the middle ages; Shakespeare delineated the British mind in its grave and
comic moods; Milton reflected the sober aspect and spiritual aspirations
of the Puritanical era; while at later periods Pope, Goldsmith and Cowper
pourtrayed the softer features of an advanced civilization and milder
times.
Following the same rule, the history of Wales is its literature. First
came the odes and triads, in which the bards recited the valour,
conquests and hospitality of their chieftains, and the gentleness, beauty
and virtue of their brides. This was the age of Aneurin, of Taliesin and
Llywarch Hen. Next came the period of love and romance, wherein were
celebrated the refined courtship and gay bridals of gallant knights and
lovely maids. This was the age of Dafydd ap Gwilym, of Hywel ap Einion
and Rhys Goch. In later times appeared the moral songs and religious
hymns of the Welsh Puritans, wherein was conspicuous above all others
William Williams of Pantycelyn, aptly denominated "The Sweet Psalmist of
Wales.
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