The Celtic Literature Collective

The Dialogue of Taliesin and Ugnach
The Black Book of Carmarthen XXXV.
From The Four Ancient Books of Wales

Taliesin:
A HORSEMAN resorts to the city, 
With his white dogs, and large horns; 
I, who have not before seen thee, know thee not.

Ugnach:
A horseman resorts to the river’s mouth, 
On a stout and warlike steed;
Come with me, let me not be refused.

Taliesin:
I will not go that way at present;
Bear with the conduct of the delayer;
And may the blessing of heaven and earth come (upon thee).

Ugnach:
Thou, who hast not seen me daily, 
And who resemblest a prudent man, 
How long wilt thou absent thyself and when wilt thou come?

Taliesin:
When I return from Caer Seon [Jerusalem? Seon > Sion > Zion?], 
From contending with Jews, 
I will come to the city of Lleu and Gwydion.

Ugnach:
Come with me into the city, 
Thou shalt have wine which I have set apart, 
And pure gold on thy clasp.

Taliesin:
I know not the confident man, 
Who owns a lire and a couch;
Fairly and sweetly dost thou speak.

Ugnach:
Come with me to my dwelling, 
Thou shalt have high foaming wine. 
My name is Ugnach, the son of Mydno.

Taliesin:
Ugnach a blessing on thy throne!
And mnayst thou have grace and honour!
I am Taliessin who will repay thee thy banquet.


This odd little poem presents Taliesin as joining the Crusades.


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