A grievous descent was made in front of the extended riches, {138b} But the army turned aside, with trailing {138c} shields, And those shields were shivered before the herd of the roaring Beli. {138d} A dwarf from the bloody field hastened to the fence; {139a} And on our side there came a hoary headed man, our chief counsellor, {139b} Mounted on a prancing iebald psteed, and wearing the golden chain. The Boar {139c} proposed a compact in front of the course—the great plotter; Right worthy {139d} was the shout of our refusal, And we cried “Let heaven be our protection, Let his compact be that he should be prostrated by the spear in battle, {139e} Our warriors, in respect of their far famed fosse, {139f} Would not quarrel if a host were there to press the ground.” XL. For the piercing {140a} of the skilful and most learned man, {140b} For the fair corpse which fell prostrate on the ground, For the cutting {140c} of his hair from his head, For Gwydien, the eagle of the air, {140d} Did Gwyddwg {141a} bring protection to the field, {141b} Resembling and honouring his master. Morien of the blessed song, brought protection To the ruined hall, {141c} and cleft the heads Of the first in youth, in strength, and in old age. Equal to three men, though a maid, was Bradwen; {141d} Equal to twelve was Gwenabwy, the son of Gwen. {141e} XLI. For the piercing of the skilful and most learned woman, Her servant bore a shield in the action, And with energy his sword fell upon the heads of the foe; In Lloegyr the churls cut their way before the chieftain. {142a} He who grasps the mane of a wolf, without a club {142b} In his hand, will have it gorgeously emblazoned on his robe. {142c} In the engagement of wrath and carnage, Bradwen perished,—she did not escape. XLII. Carcases {142d} of gold mailed warriors lay upon the city walls; None of the houses or cities of Christians {142e} was any longer actively engaged in war; {142f} But one feeble man, with his shouts, kept aloof The roving birds; {143a} Truly Syll of Virein {143b} reports that there were more That had chanced to come from Llwy, {143c} From around the inlet of the flood; He reports that there were more, At the hour of mattins, {143d} Than the morning breeze could well support. XLIII. When thou, famous conqueror! Wast protecting the ear of corn in the uplands, Deservedly were we said to run {144a} like marked men; {144b} The entrance to Din Drei {144c} was not guarded, There was a mountain with riches {144d} for those who should approach it, And there was a city {144e} for the army that should venture to enter; But Gwynwydd’s name was not heard where his person was not seen. {144f} XLIV. Though there be a hundred men in one house, I know the cares of war, {145a} The chief of the men must pay the contribution. {145b} LXV.