After depositing their offerings, and partaking of a little refreshment, twelve of the bridegroom’s friends, headed by Ianto Gwyn the harper, mounted their ponies and called at Catti’s house, to demand the bride; and Wat the mole-catcher and _Gwahoddwr_, who added to these functions the character of father to Catti, expecting their arrival, at length heard without appearing, the following lines, delivered by the merry harper, from the back of his poney. Open windows, open doors, And with flowers strew the floors. Heap the hearth with blazing wood, Load the spit with festal food. The _chrochon_ {62} on its hook be placed, And tap a barrel of the best! For this is Catti’s wedding day; Now bring the fair one forth I pray. On which Wat, with the door still closed, made this reply without appearing. Who are ye all? ye noisy train! Be ye thieves, or honest men? Tell us quick what brings ye here, Or this intrusion costs you dear. Ianto Gwyn then rejoins, Honest men are we, who seek A dainty dame both fair and meek, Very good, and very pretty, And known to all by name of Catti; We come to claim her for a bride; Come father! let the fair be tied To him who loves her ever well:— Wat, still within, answers, So ye say, but time will tell; My daughter’s very well at home, So ye may pack and backward roam. Ianto Gwyn resolutely exclaims, Your home no more she’s doom’d to share, Like every marriageable fair Her father’s roof she quits, for one Where she is mistress: woo’d and won. It now remains to see her wedded, And homeward brought and safely bedded; Unless you give her up we swear The roof from off your house to tear, Burst in the doors, and batter walls, To rescue her whom wedlock calls. Another of the bridegroom’s party then called aloud in a tone of authority, Peace, in the king’s name here! peace! Let vaunts and taunting language cease; We, the bridesmen, come to sue The favor to all bridesmen due, The daughter from the father’s hand, And entertainment kindly bland.