The Celtic Pages

Y Gododdin

Celtic Historic Literature by Aneirin, translation by Joseph Clancy

38

He rushed in the front rank to battle.
He drove back the attack, drew the line, spear-thrusting lord, laughing in combat.
Enchanted his courage, like Elffin, renowned Eithinyn, war's wall, strife's bull.

39

He rushed in the front rank to battle.
In return for mead and wine at court he planted his blades between two hosts,
Fine horseman before the Gododdin, renowned Eithinyn, war's wall, strife's bull.

40

He rushed to battle before cattle rose.
The likeness of a lion is yours, at Gwananhon, for mead, highest courage,
And slow to give ground, splendid chieftain, renowned Eithinyn, Boddw Adaf's son.

41

Excellent men, they left us, on wine and mead they were nourished.
By Mynyddawg's banquet I am stricken with grief, by a warrior's loss:
Like peals of thunder the shields resounded from Eithinyn's sword-strokes.

verses 42, 43 & 44