The Death-song of Aeddon Mor
The Book of Taliesin XLV
from The Four Ancient Books of Wales
Disturbed is the isle of the praise of Hu, the isle of the severe recompenser
Mona of the good bowls, of active manliness. The Menei its door.
I have drunk liquor of wine and bragget, from a brother departed.
The universal sovereign, the end of every king, the ruinator.
Sorrowful (is) the Dean, since the Archdeacon is interred.
There has not been, there will not be in tribulation his equal.
When Aeddon come from the country of Gwydyen, the thickly covered Seon.
A pure poison came four nightly fine-night seasons.
The contemporaries fell, the woods were no shelter against the wind on the coast.
Math1 and Euuyd2, skilful with the magic wand, freed the elements.
In the life of Gwydion and Amaethon, there was counsel.
Pierced (is) the front of the shield of the strong, fortunate, strong irresistibly.
The powerful combination of his front rank, it was not of great account.
Strong (in) feasting; in every assembly his will was done.
Beloved he went first; while I am alive, he shall be commemorated.
May I be with Christ, so that I may not be sorrowful, when an apostle,
The generous Archdeacon amounts angels may he be contained.
Disturbed (is) the isle of the praise of Hu, the isle of the severe ruler.
Before the victorious youth, the fortress of the Cymry remained tranquil.
The dragon chief, a rightful proprietor in Prydein.
A sovereign is gone, alas! the chief that is gone to the earth.
Four damsels, after their lamentation, performed their office.
Very grievous truly on sea, without land, long their dwelling.
On account of his integrity (it was) that they were not satiated with distress.
I am blamable if I mention not his good action.
In the place of Llywy, who shall prohibit, who shall order?
In the place of Aeddon, who shall support Mona's gentle authorities?
May I be with Christ, that I may not be sorrowful, for evil or good.
Share of mercy in the country of the governor of perfect life.
From W.F. Skene's The Four Ancient Books of Wales. Aeddon is Taliesin's son, as said in the Mabiongion's "Dream of Rhonabwy".
NOTES
1. The references to Gwydion, Math, and Amaethon are
reminiscent of the Cad Goddeu; the mention of a "Dragon Chief" would in Welsh be "Pendragwn"--Pendragon, the title of King Arthur.
2. Euuyd: Eufydd, which John Rhys noted is linguistically descended from Ogmios, the Gaulish god to whom Lucan attributed eloquence and strength (Cymmrodor XXI, p. 62, 1908); this is still an accepted derivation for Euuyd, and implies that Euuyd is a son of Don, similar to Ogma being of the Tuatha De Danann.