It
has been conjectured that this poem referred to the tradition of the
Welsh, that the whole island had been possessed by their ancestors, who
were driven into a corner of it by their Saxon invaders. When the prince
had received his share of the spoils, the bard, for the performance of
this song, was rewarded with the most valuable beast that remained.--See
JONES'S _Historical Account of the Welsh Bards_.
{88} Ynys Prydain, the ancient name of Britain, signifies the Fair, or
Beautiful Island.
{91} This lady was born near the beautiful Breidden hills in
Montgomeryshire.
{92} The bards.
{94a} King of Britain, and of Bretagne in France, celebrated for his
prowess. He and his famous Knights of the Round Table are the themes of
much romance.
{94b} A great battle was fought at Gamlan, between the Welsh and Saxons
in 512, where King Arthur was slain.
{96} The death of Rhun overwhelmed his father (Owain Gwynedd) with
grief, from which he was only roused by the ravages of the English, then
in possession of Mold Castle; he levelled it with the ground, and, it is
said, forgot his sorrow in his triumph.
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