............................ | What follows is the original introduction to Lady Charlotte Guest's translation of The Mabinogion, followed by the original contents. Originally published in three volumes, it was later combined into one. TO IVOR AND MERTHYR My Dear Children, Infants as you yet are, I feel that I cannot dedicate more fitly than to you these venerable relics of ancient lore, and I do so in the hope of inciting you to cultivate the Literature of "Gwyllt Walia,"1 in whose beautiful language you are being initiated, and amongst whose free montains you were born. May you become early imbued with the chivalrous and exhalted sense of honour, and the fervent patriotism for which its sons have ever been celebrated. May you learn to emulate the noble qualities of Ivor Hael, and ht a firm attachment to your Native Country, which distinguished that Ivor Bach, after whom the elder of you was named. Your affectionate Mother, C. E. GUEST Dowlais, August 29th, 1838 VOL I:
VOL II
VOL III
1. "Gwyllt Walia": lit. "Wild Wales"--a phrase found in the poem "The Four Pillars of Song," the final poem in the story "Taliesin": Their speech they will keep, Their land they will lose, Except wild Walia. [Wales] | ... |