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OF THE OWL.
79

BARD.

Rich in golden stores— Oh, grief!
Maiden, who art called “the Morn;”
Who then wrought this fearful change?

OWL.

Gwdion, son of Don, in scorn,
With his wand of magic sway,
Changed my beauty’s proud array,
For the aspect you behold!
In revenge, because of old
Gronwy, Pevyr, Garanhir,
Of tall form and noble cheer,
Penllyn’s lord—to me was dear[1].


THE HOLLY GROVE.


Sweet holly grove, that soarest
A woodland fort, an armed bower!
In front of all the forest
Thy coral-loaded branches tower.

  1. The Mabinogi, or ancient Welsh legend, on which this poem is founded, has been published in the Cambrian Quarterly Magazine, by Dr. William Owen Pughe. Blodeuwedd (‘Flower Aspect’) was changed into an owl by Gwdion ap Don, a celebrated enchanter, as a punishment for her infidelity to her husband.