Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd quotes

One I have loved, uneluding, dearly possessed,
Two I have wooed, by greater praise be they blessed –
Three, yea, and four, with fortune lavish of gold,
Five maidens I've won their white flesh fair to behold,
And six more bright than the sun on my city's strong walls
With never a treacherous rede to blemish delight;
Seven by heaven! though hardly won was the fight –
Yea eight of whom I have sung: but to bridle the tongue
Lest heedless a careless word slip – the teeth they are strong! (Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd)

I love a bright fort on a shining slope, Where a fair, shy girl loves watching gulls. I'd like to go, though I get no great love, On a longed-for visit on a slender white horse To seek my love of the quiet laughter, To recite love, since it's come my way.

Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd

O England's hate is my love unsleeping, Gwynedd my land, Golden on every hand to the myriad reaping. For her bounty of mead I love her, winter content, Where turbulent wastes of the sea but touch and are spent; I love her people, quiet peace, rich store of her treasure Changed at her prince's pleasure to splendid war.

Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd