The Celtic Pages

Y Gododdin

Celtic Historic Literature by Aneirin, translation by Joseph Clancy

49

No shame was borne by Senyllt's court and its cups filled with mead.
He devoted his sword to kinsman, he devoted his strides to warfare.
He bore bloodstained men in his arms before Deifr's and Brennych's army.
The way of his court: swift steed, spears and dark gear of battle,
Long brown shaft in his hand, and rushing in his wrath,
Smile giving way to a frown, sullen and sweet by turns.
Men did not see his feet in flight, cup-bearer, each land's preserver.

50

His foe trembles before his blade, fierce eagle, laughing in battle.
Sharp his stags' horns, sharper his stag-horn, stained fingers crush a head
Varied his moods, genial, baneful, varied his moods, thoughtful, mirthful.
Briskly Rhys strode on the hill of battle, not like men whose assault may falter.
None may escape what overtakes him.

51

His foe trembles before his blade, fierce eagle, laughing in battle.
Sharp his stags' horns, sharper his stag-horn, stained fingers crush a head
Varied his moods, genial, baneful, varied his moods, thoughtful, mirthful.
Briskly Rhys strode on the hill of battle, not like men whose assault may falter.
None may escape what overtakes him.

verses 52, 53, 54 & 55