The quarrel arose from some fight for the Crown And at it they went like some cats of renown; And although we are poor, I am ready to swear That Stephen and Madlen are freer from care. Now let me impress on this whole family, To think on the message delivered by me; Lest the youth and his wife, through not getting enough, Should say that my idleness caused lack of stuff. A welcome you'll get there I guarantee you, With bread and cheese plenty, and prime beer, too; I know, for I have tried it, and everybody there Can have 'bacco and pipes enough and to spare. It delights me a jovial assembly to see, For it is wiser sometimes to forget misery; There are times for complaining and song, too we're told, In the proverb of old, which is true as it's old. A bumping big cup and a lot of bright men, Bring before me the jolly old times o'er again, And I wouldn't be angry if some one now even Would shout from some corner "Will you have a glass Stephen?" Good day to you now, for away I must hie, Over mountains and hillocks with often a sigh, Exposed as I am to keen storms, rain, and sleet, While you cosily sit in your warm corner seat." Another well-known Gwahoddwr about 50 years ago was Thomas Parry, who lived at the small village of Pontshan in the parish of Llandyssul. A short time ago, when I was staying in that neighbourhood in quest for materials for my present work, I came across a few old people who well-remembered him, especially Mr. Thomas Evans, Gwaralltyryn, and the Rev. T. Thomas, J.P., Greenpark, both of whom, as well as one or two others, told me a good deal about him. Like a good many of the Gwahoddwyr or Bidders, he seemed to have been a most eccentric character, of a ready wit and full of humour, especially when more or less under the influence of a glass of ale. Mr. Rees Jones, Pwllffein, a poet of considerable repute in the Vale of Cletwr, composed for T. Parry, a "Can y Gwahoddwr," or the Bidder's Song, which song in a very short time, became most popular in that part of Cardiganshire, and the adjoining districts of Carmarthenshire. This Parry the Bidder, whenever he was sent by those intending to marry, went from house to house, through the surrounding districts, proclaiming the particulars, and inviting all to the Bidding and the Weddings, and he was greeted with smiles wherever he went, especially by the young men and young women, who always looked forward to a wedding with great delight, as it was an occasion for so much merriment and enjoyment, and where lovers and sweethearts met. Food was set before the Gwahoddwr almost in every house, bread and cheese and beer, so that it is not to be wondered at that he felt a bit merry before night. He tramped through his circuit through storms and rain, but like most Bidders, he was but poorly paid, so he was often engaged as a mole trapper as well.