The Land of our Fathers
Wales is a principality, along with England, Scotland and Northern Ireland it makes up the United Kingdom - Great Britain. It covers an area of 8,030 sq. miles (20,800 Sq. m) and has a population of 2, 821,000. Languages are English and Welsh, Welsh is one of Europe's oldest languages
Wales is a principality, along with England, Scotland and Northern Ireland it makes up the United Kingdom - Great Britain. It covers an area of 8,030 sq. miles (20,800 Sq. m) and has a population of 2, 821,000. Languages are English and Welsh, Welsh is one of Europe's oldest languages
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Introduction & History
People, who lived in caves, settled in northeast Wales from prehistoric times. European mainlanders settled in the area around 4000BC, followed 2000 years later by settlers from Central and Eastern Europe. Around 600BC Europeans known as Celts arrived. In 50 AD the Romans, who controlled the country for several hundred years, attacked Wales. After that came the Angles, Jutes and Saxons, all staged their own invasions. Throughout the turmoil the Welsh were able to maintain their independence, although the region was broken into a series of Kingdoms. In the11th century, when William the Conqueror and the Normans took over England, Barons built castles along the English-Welsh border. They expanded their estates in the middle and southern parts of Wales, but in the 12th century the Welsh regained substantial territory. Nevertheless, England controlled the area by the 15th century. In the 16th century England's King Henry VIII annexed Wales after his Welsh predecessor paved the way for the two countries to join. However, the Welsh have strived to preserve their unique culture. In 1998 they narrowly passed a vote for the creation of an assembly to handle Welsh affairs.
Geography
Bordered on three sides by water, Wales is the smallest country in Great Britain. The River Dee forms part of its border with England. Rugged mountains cover North Wales. The country's highest point is Snowdon, at 3,561 ft [1,085m]. The central and southern areas of Wales feature flatter mountains and plateaus topped by a variety of terrain: plains, forests, swamps, wetlands and wastelands. Waterfalls and lakes are found both in the mountains and bays. Wales longest rivers are the Severn and the Wye, which flow into the Bristol Channel. Situated at the mouth of the Severn Estuary is the capital, Cardiff. The Atlantic maritime climate produces varied weather, including heavy snowstorms at higher levels.
Culture and Arts
Known as Cymru in Welsh, Wales is the home to a rich literary and musical tradition that extends as far back as the Dark Ages. During the Middle ages, poet-singers known as bards were extremely popular, a tradition that has continued throughout Welsh history. Daffydd ap Gwilym, a 14th century poet, was known for his tales of romance and adventure. Modern day poet and playwright Dylan Thomas gained international respect for his poems, plays and short stories, including the play "Under Milkwood", about life in a Welsh village.
Wales is also famous for its National Opera and many choral groups. Poetry, music and singing are showcased at art festivals held throughout Wales. The Royal National Eisteddfod, the biggest festival conducted entirely in Welsh [spoken by 19% of the population]. March 1st is the feast of St David, the patron Saint of Wales, who converted the Welsh to Christianity and led them in fierce battles against the Saxons. In one such battle, Saint David told them to wear leeks on their helmets so they would recognise one another. As a result, on 1st March the Welsh wear small stalks of leeks or their national flower, the daffodil in honour of him.
The patron Saint of Ireland Saint Patrick, was actually Welsh. Other famous persons of Welsh descent include 11 American Presidents including Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, founders of both Yale and Havard Universities, British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, Actors Richard Burton, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Cathryn Zeta Jones, and last but by no means least our singers Sir Geraint Evans, Bryn Terfel, Tom Jones, Dame Shirley Bassey, Charlotte Church and the recently discovered soprano Kathryn Jenkins.
Economy
Until recently coal mining and associate industries formed the core of the Welsh economy. Generations of Welsh workers toiled in the depths of the mines. Although nationally owned operations were a sore point for locals, they did provide a source of steady wages. However, in the mid 1990s, the closing of major mines left significant numbers of workers unemployed. The coal industry's collapse was attributed to cheaper imported coal and power stations shifting to gas-fired production. Foreign manufacturing firms have stepped in to employ some of the low salaried workforce, but joblessness is still a massive environmental problem. In 1996 the country's economic troubles were exasperated by a massive environmental disaster when the Sea Empress ran aground and spilled tens of thousands of tons of crude oil along the Welsh coast. The spill occurred near Pembrokeshire National Park during inclement weather, Local populations of aquatic birds and marine life were severely damaged, and tourism and the oyster industry suffered. In 1998 the City of Cardiff was sited to host an economic summit on the European single-currency debate and possible expansion in the European Union, particularly by Eastern European Countries.
People, who lived in caves, settled in northeast Wales from prehistoric times. European mainlanders settled in the area around 4000BC, followed 2000 years later by settlers from Central and Eastern Europe. Around 600BC Europeans known as Celts arrived. In 50 AD the Romans, who controlled the country for several hundred years, attacked Wales. After that came the Angles, Jutes and Saxons, all staged their own invasions. Throughout the turmoil the Welsh were able to maintain their independence, although the region was broken into a series of Kingdoms. In the11th century, when William the Conqueror and the Normans took over England, Barons built castles along the English-Welsh border. They expanded their estates in the middle and southern parts of Wales, but in the 12th century the Welsh regained substantial territory. Nevertheless, England controlled the area by the 15th century. In the 16th century England's King Henry VIII annexed Wales after his Welsh predecessor paved the way for the two countries to join. However, the Welsh have strived to preserve their unique culture. In 1998 they narrowly passed a vote for the creation of an assembly to handle Welsh affairs.
Geography
Bordered on three sides by water, Wales is the smallest country in Great Britain. The River Dee forms part of its border with England. Rugged mountains cover North Wales. The country's highest point is Snowdon, at 3,561 ft [1,085m]. The central and southern areas of Wales feature flatter mountains and plateaus topped by a variety of terrain: plains, forests, swamps, wetlands and wastelands. Waterfalls and lakes are found both in the mountains and bays. Wales longest rivers are the Severn and the Wye, which flow into the Bristol Channel. Situated at the mouth of the Severn Estuary is the capital, Cardiff. The Atlantic maritime climate produces varied weather, including heavy snowstorms at higher levels.
Culture and Arts
Known as Cymru in Welsh, Wales is the home to a rich literary and musical tradition that extends as far back as the Dark Ages. During the Middle ages, poet-singers known as bards were extremely popular, a tradition that has continued throughout Welsh history. Daffydd ap Gwilym, a 14th century poet, was known for his tales of romance and adventure. Modern day poet and playwright Dylan Thomas gained international respect for his poems, plays and short stories, including the play "Under Milkwood", about life in a Welsh village.
Wales is also famous for its National Opera and many choral groups. Poetry, music and singing are showcased at art festivals held throughout Wales. The Royal National Eisteddfod, the biggest festival conducted entirely in Welsh [spoken by 19% of the population]. March 1st is the feast of St David, the patron Saint of Wales, who converted the Welsh to Christianity and led them in fierce battles against the Saxons. In one such battle, Saint David told them to wear leeks on their helmets so they would recognise one another. As a result, on 1st March the Welsh wear small stalks of leeks or their national flower, the daffodil in honour of him.
The patron Saint of Ireland Saint Patrick, was actually Welsh. Other famous persons of Welsh descent include 11 American Presidents including Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, founders of both Yale and Havard Universities, British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, Actors Richard Burton, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Cathryn Zeta Jones, and last but by no means least our singers Sir Geraint Evans, Bryn Terfel, Tom Jones, Dame Shirley Bassey, Charlotte Church and the recently discovered soprano Kathryn Jenkins.
Economy
Until recently coal mining and associate industries formed the core of the Welsh economy. Generations of Welsh workers toiled in the depths of the mines. Although nationally owned operations were a sore point for locals, they did provide a source of steady wages. However, in the mid 1990s, the closing of major mines left significant numbers of workers unemployed. The coal industry's collapse was attributed to cheaper imported coal and power stations shifting to gas-fired production. Foreign manufacturing firms have stepped in to employ some of the low salaried workforce, but joblessness is still a massive environmental problem. In 1996 the country's economic troubles were exasperated by a massive environmental disaster when the Sea Empress ran aground and spilled tens of thousands of tons of crude oil along the Welsh coast. The spill occurred near Pembrokeshire National Park during inclement weather, Local populations of aquatic birds and marine life were severely damaged, and tourism and the oyster industry suffered. In 1998 the City of Cardiff was sited to host an economic summit on the European single-currency debate and possible expansion in the European Union, particularly by Eastern European Countries.
Welsh National Costume
The wearing of the National Costume was encouraged by Lady Llanover, the wife of an ironmaster in Gwent, she was very influential in promoting the wearing of the 'national' dress, both in her own home and at eisteddfodau. She considered it important to sustain the use of the Welsh language and the wearing of a Welsh costume to identify Wales. Lady Llanover succeeded in her aim as many Welsh people felt that their national identity was under threat the wearing of a national costume was one way to promote that identity
Artists and photographers played a large part in the influence of popularising the idea of a typical Welsh costume. Thousands of postcards were produced, depicting one style of costume which inevitably contributed to the stereotyping of this style, rather than various styles that were worn earlier in the century.
The Welsh National Costume still has a place in the 21st Century although more commonly worn on March 1st to commemorate St David's Day, the patron saint of Wales. The typical female costume comprises of:
Tall black hat fringed with white lace, White blouse , Check patterned skirt , White apron , Coat like gown and a Shawl as shown below
The wearing of the National Costume was encouraged by Lady Llanover, the wife of an ironmaster in Gwent, she was very influential in promoting the wearing of the 'national' dress, both in her own home and at eisteddfodau. She considered it important to sustain the use of the Welsh language and the wearing of a Welsh costume to identify Wales. Lady Llanover succeeded in her aim as many Welsh people felt that their national identity was under threat the wearing of a national costume was one way to promote that identity
Artists and photographers played a large part in the influence of popularising the idea of a typical Welsh costume. Thousands of postcards were produced, depicting one style of costume which inevitably contributed to the stereotyping of this style, rather than various styles that were worn earlier in the century.
The Welsh National Costume still has a place in the 21st Century although more commonly worn on March 1st to commemorate St David's Day, the patron saint of Wales. The typical female costume comprises of:
Tall black hat fringed with white lace, White blouse , Check patterned skirt , White apron , Coat like gown and a Shawl as shown below
The Welsh national costume was really the common dress of the peasant, the farm servants and cottagers and was designed for hard wear. Two hundred years ago however the advent of the industrial revolution heralded the end of home-made cloths so only the patterns and a few of the idiosyncracies of the localities have survived today.
Because Wales was isolated geographically from the rest of Britain, many of the individual traits of costume and materials were retained long after they had died out in the rest of the UK.
The early nineteenth century clothing of the Welsh countrywoman consisted of a striped flannel petticoat, worn under a flannel open-fronted bedgown, with an apron, shawl and kerchief or cap. Style of bedgown varied, with loose coat-like gowns, gowns with a fitted bodice and long skirts and also the short gown, which was very similar to a riding habit style.
Because Wales was isolated geographically from the rest of Britain, many of the individual traits of costume and materials were retained long after they had died out in the rest of the UK.
The early nineteenth century clothing of the Welsh countrywoman consisted of a striped flannel petticoat, worn under a flannel open-fronted bedgown, with an apron, shawl and kerchief or cap. Style of bedgown varied, with loose coat-like gowns, gowns with a fitted bodice and long skirts and also the short gown, which was very similar to a riding habit style.
welsh-folk.jpg)
The hats generally worn were the same as hats worn by men at the period. The tall 'chimney' hat did not appear until the late 1840s and seems to be based on an amalgamation of men's top hats and a form of high hat worn during the 1790-1820 period in country areas.
Shawls
At first plain shawls with a woven patterned border attached were the most common. Later many fine examples with allover and border patterns were woven in Norfolk, Scotland and Paris. Shawls of the middle of the century were very large and complemented the full skirts of the period. Shawls were made in other fabrics and patterns, including Cantonese silk and fine machine lace, though it was the paisley pattern which became very popular in Wales along with home-produced woollen shawls with checked patterns.
In later years, although fashionable women no longer wore shawls, smaller shawls were still made and worn by countrywomen and working women in the towns. By the 1870s, cheaper shawls were produced by printing the designs on fine wools or cotton. Even during the early years of the twentieth century woollen, knitted and paisley shawls were widely worn in rural Wales. The paisley shawl even became accepted as part of 'Welsh' costume, though there is nothing traditionally Welsh about it at all.
At first plain shawls with a woven patterned border attached were the most common. Later many fine examples with allover and border patterns were woven in Norfolk, Scotland and Paris. Shawls of the middle of the century were very large and complemented the full skirts of the period. Shawls were made in other fabrics and patterns, including Cantonese silk and fine machine lace, though it was the paisley pattern which became very popular in Wales along with home-produced woollen shawls with checked patterns.
In later years, although fashionable women no longer wore shawls, smaller shawls were still made and worn by countrywomen and working women in the towns. By the 1870s, cheaper shawls were produced by printing the designs on fine wools or cotton. Even during the early years of the twentieth century woollen, knitted and paisley shawls were widely worn in rural Wales. The paisley shawl even became accepted as part of 'Welsh' costume, though there is nothing traditionally Welsh about it at all.
One tradition of shawl wearing which is truly Welsh is the practice of carrying babies in a shawl. Illustrations showing this have survived from the late eighteenth century when Welsh women wore a simple length of cloth wrapped around their body. When shawls became popular, they were adapted to the same use, and some women even today still keep up the tradition.
welshfash.jpg)
The Welsh Kilt and Welsh Tartan
Welsh men did not have a national costume, although Welsh kilts with family tartans are now readily available, taking the men of Wales back to their Celtic roots.
Welsh men did not have a national costume, although Welsh kilts with family tartans are now readily available, taking the men of Wales back to their Celtic roots.
The Welsh wore fashion akin to kilts two thousand years ago, probably with a form of leather trousers or leggings wrapped around with rope. This form of dress remained a feature of Welsh society confirmed by the discovery of a 9th Century stone carving depicting a man wearing a kilt. This evolved through the centuries into the woollen garment we are familiar with today. Initially this would have been made from raw coarse wool and undyed.
welsh tartan.jpg)
When people think of the tartan now, most think of the very colourful pattern of the cloth of the Scottish highlands. But originally the word "tartan" described the way the thread was woven to make the cloth: each thread passed over two threads then under two threads, and so on.... (Indeed, the original "tartan' was a very light, woollen material which couldn't really keep the wearer warm). This gives tartan its distinctive appearance. Unlike a conventional check, there is always a square where the two colours of thread cross creating a speckled blend of the two colours.
The clan designs of Scottish Tartans have a long traditional history, but there is little historic evidence of clan named tartans in Wales. Wales did however have regional tartans. These is evidence that tartans were not even a Celtic invention, the Chinese are thought by some to have invented tartans some 3,000 years ago!
These Victorian post cards (shown above) of Welsh women wearing various tartan or plaid designs as recently as the 1920's. Similar images are on display in the National Assembly for Wales building in Cardiff, David Morgan (the oldest established family run department store in Wales) and St Fagans Museum.
The National tartan of Wales is the 'brithwe Dewi Sant' (St. David's Speckled cloth/plaid) On each piece of the genuine Welsh national you will find the distinctive St. Davids Cross (circa 675ad) which identifies the plaid. In Wales we emblemize Welsh tartan. Look for the rampant lion of the 9th century Prince of Powys tartan.
There is no evidence of the Welsh wearing a sporran. The Welsh used to wear a leather wallet called a 'sgrepan'. A 'sgrepan' is very important part of the regalia serving to decorate and protect the wearer. It is made from leather, Welsh goat hair, Welsh cob hair and has leather straps.
These Victorian post cards (shown above) of Welsh women wearing various tartan or plaid designs as recently as the 1920's. Similar images are on display in the National Assembly for Wales building in Cardiff, David Morgan (the oldest established family run department store in Wales) and St Fagans Museum.
The National tartan of Wales is the 'brithwe Dewi Sant' (St. David's Speckled cloth/plaid) On each piece of the genuine Welsh national you will find the distinctive St. Davids Cross (circa 675ad) which identifies the plaid. In Wales we emblemize Welsh tartan. Look for the rampant lion of the 9th century Prince of Powys tartan.
There is no evidence of the Welsh wearing a sporran. The Welsh used to wear a leather wallet called a 'sgrepan'. A 'sgrepan' is very important part of the regalia serving to decorate and protect the wearer. It is made from leather, Welsh goat hair, Welsh cob hair and has leather straps.
Welsh Emblems
Our Flag
The Welsh Dragon that represents Wales as its national Emblem has its roots far back in history. The poets Aneirin and Taliesin use the Welsh word for dragon - 'draig' in the sense of a warrior or leader. This use is reflected in the Arthurian Legends where the British chiefs in times of extreme danger were conferred the title - 'Pendragon' or head-dragon, investing them with supreme power, such as that granted to Uther Pendragon, King Arthur's father.
Our Flag
The Welsh Dragon that represents Wales as its national Emblem has its roots far back in history. The poets Aneirin and Taliesin use the Welsh word for dragon - 'draig' in the sense of a warrior or leader. This use is reflected in the Arthurian Legends where the British chiefs in times of extreme danger were conferred the title - 'Pendragon' or head-dragon, investing them with supreme power, such as that granted to Uther Pendragon, King Arthur's father.
Dragon1.jpg)
This use is reflected in the Arthurian Legends where the British chiefs in times of extreme danger were conferred the title - 'Pendragon' or head-dragon, investing them with supreme power, such as that granted to Uther Pendragon, King Arthur's father.
The symbol of the dragon seems to have emerged from a combination of folklore and Arthurian Legend. The ancient tales tell of how the wizard Merlin advised the 5th Century Welsh King - Vortigern - of two sleeping dragons, one red and one white, that lay beneath the spot he had chosen to build his fortress which was used to repel Anglo-Saxon invaders. The King ordered the beasts to be awoken and a ferocious battle lasting many years, ensued. The Red Dragon, suffering many injuries at first, triumphed the white. Merlin or 'Myrddin' to the Welsh, interpreted this as a prophecy, showing that the Welsh would ultimately, after suffering for years (like the red dragon) overcome the Anglo-Saxon invaders and keep their land, their language, and their traditions.
The dragon's history in Wales goes back to Roman times, and since then has been used by many Kings and leaders in war. Henry Tudor, a Welshman, incorporated the dragon into his Royal coat of arms when he ascended to the English throne in 1485. Could this have been the fulfilment of Merlin's ancient prophecy?
In 1901, the dragon officially became the symbol of Wales and in 1959, the present Queen made the red dragon on a green and white background the official flag for Wales.
The Welsh dragon is not encorporated into the Union Jack, because Wales had already been united with England before the first union flag was designed in 1606.
The symbol of the dragon seems to have emerged from a combination of folklore and Arthurian Legend. The ancient tales tell of how the wizard Merlin advised the 5th Century Welsh King - Vortigern - of two sleeping dragons, one red and one white, that lay beneath the spot he had chosen to build his fortress which was used to repel Anglo-Saxon invaders. The King ordered the beasts to be awoken and a ferocious battle lasting many years, ensued. The Red Dragon, suffering many injuries at first, triumphed the white. Merlin or 'Myrddin' to the Welsh, interpreted this as a prophecy, showing that the Welsh would ultimately, after suffering for years (like the red dragon) overcome the Anglo-Saxon invaders and keep their land, their language, and their traditions.
The dragon's history in Wales goes back to Roman times, and since then has been used by many Kings and leaders in war. Henry Tudor, a Welshman, incorporated the dragon into his Royal coat of arms when he ascended to the English throne in 1485. Could this have been the fulfilment of Merlin's ancient prophecy?
In 1901, the dragon officially became the symbol of Wales and in 1959, the present Queen made the red dragon on a green and white background the official flag for Wales.
The Welsh dragon is not encorporated into the Union Jack, because Wales had already been united with England before the first union flag was designed in 1606.
The Welsh Dragon that represents Wales as its national Emblem has its roots far back in history.
The poets Aneirin and Taliesin use the Welsh word for dragon - 'draig' in the sense of a warrior or leader.
The poets Aneirin and Taliesin use the Welsh word for dragon - 'draig' in the sense of a warrior or leader.
THE LEEK is known to have been displayed as a Welsh emblem in 1536 and in Henry V, Shakespeare acknowledged this as an ancient custom. One legend tells of a battle between the Welsh and the Saxons fought in a field of leeks. At some time in the past, the leek was an important part of the diet but it is not commonly eaten today. It is delicious when part of the traditional leek and potato soup.
THE DAFFODIL has no such claim to literary and historical distinction. It has become the more favoured emblem of late, however, since some people find that it makes a more attractive buttonhole on St. David's day . Daffodils and new-born lambs herald the summer in Wales.
The Welsh for leek is Cenhinen and the Welsh for Daffodil is Cenhinen Pedr. Over the years they became confused and so the Daffodil along with the Leek was adopted as another emblem of Wales.
THE DAFFODIL has no such claim to literary and historical distinction. It has become the more favoured emblem of late, however, since some people find that it makes a more attractive buttonhole on St. David's day . Daffodils and new-born lambs herald the summer in Wales.
The Welsh for leek is Cenhinen and the Welsh for Daffodil is Cenhinen Pedr. Over the years they became confused and so the Daffodil along with the Leek was adopted as another emblem of Wales.
leek.jpg)
Daffidil.jpg)
Wales
THE PRINCE OF WALES CREST of three white feathers, a modified version of which famously appears on the shirts of Wales’s international rugby team, is distinguished by the motto “Ich Dien” (German for “I serve”). It has been the motto of the Prince of Wales since 1346, when Edward the Black Prince adopted it as his motto in tribute to the blind king of Bohemia who fell at the battle of Crecy fighting for the French.
Welsh National Anthem
Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad,
Tros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.
Cytgan
Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad,
Tra môr yn fur I'r bur hoffbau,
O bydded i'r heniaith barhau.
Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd,
Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i'm golwg sydd hardd;
Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
Ei nentydd, afonydd, i mi.
Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad dan ei droed,
Mae hen iaith y Gymry mor fyw ag erioed,
Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad,
Tros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.
Cytgan
Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad,
Tra môr yn fur I'r bur hoffbau,
O bydded i'r heniaith barhau.
Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd,
Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i'm golwg sydd hardd;
Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
Ei nentydd, afonydd, i mi.
Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad dan ei droed,
Mae hen iaith y Gymry mor fyw ag erioed,
Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.
THE WELSH NATIONAL ANTHEM,
[AN UNOFFICIAL ENGLISH VERSION]
The land of my fathers, the land of my choice,
The land in which poets and minstrels rejoice;
The land whose stern warriors were true to the core,
While bleeding for freedom of yore.
Chorus
Wales! Wales! fav'rite land of Wales!
While sea her wall, may naught befall
To mar the old language of Wales.
Old mountainous Cambria, the Eden of bards,
Each hill and each valley, excite my regards;
To the ears of her patriots how charming still seems
The music that flows in her streams.
My country tho' crushed by a hostile array,
The language of Cambria lives out to this day;
The muse has eluded the traitors' foul knives,
The harp of my country survives.
[AN UNOFFICIAL ENGLISH VERSION]
The land of my fathers, the land of my choice,
The land in which poets and minstrels rejoice;
The land whose stern warriors were true to the core,
While bleeding for freedom of yore.
Chorus
Wales! Wales! fav'rite land of Wales!
While sea her wall, may naught befall
To mar the old language of Wales.
Old mountainous Cambria, the Eden of bards,
Each hill and each valley, excite my regards;
To the ears of her patriots how charming still seems
The music that flows in her streams.
My country tho' crushed by a hostile array,
The language of Cambria lives out to this day;
The muse has eluded the traitors' foul knives,
The harp of my country survives.
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