CWM BYCHAN. 277 



cessf'ul attacks on small bodies of their troops. Intelligence was at 

 length brought of his retreat, and a sordid traitor proffered for a 

 reward to betray his benefactor and his king ! A strong detach- 

 ment was immediately sent to secure the ill-fated monarch, under 

 the command of Mortimer, one of Edward's generals. This officer, 

 though a young warrior, combined with an ardent and a daring soul 

 all the kindlier and more generous feelings that constitute the true 

 hero. Bold and sanguine in the field, cool and temperate in the 

 council, bland and gentle amongst his associates, he was alike 

 feared by his enemies and beloved by his friends. 



The party moved slowly and cautiously through various moun- 

 tain passes, guided by the heartless betrayer, until they gained a 

 •sequestered hollow. This was deeply embosomed amid rugged 

 crags and overhanging precipices, so begirt with inaccessible rocks 

 that it might be deemed impregnable, but for treachery which ren- 

 ders vain alike all the defences of nature and the precautions of art. 

 In this retired hold they found David with his hardy band, who, 

 though surprised, were not dismayed at the signal of the approach 

 of the hostile force, and each one flew to arms, resolving to sell his 

 life as dearly as possible But it was in vain to struggle against 

 the superior numbers which now poured upon them : one by one 

 they fell unconquered even in death. The prince placed himself 

 against a rock ; and, like the Roman Dentatus, for some time kept 

 his foes at bay. At his side, though somewhat sheltered by a pro- 

 jecting rock, stood a boy, who watched with a vivid and an intensely 

 painful gaze every motion of the monarch's arm, and frequently 

 apprised him of his danger. At length the youth fell severely 

 wounded. The king turned for an instant to look on his prostrate 

 form and thus neglected his guard. The assailants rushed upon 

 him, seized and bound his hands, and bore him away a prisoner. 



History records that this prince was tried, condemned, and igno- 

 miniously executed, for no other reason than that of having defend- 

 ed his native land from the usurpation of a tyrant. In the mean 

 time the boy Thalwyn, who had shewn some indications of return- 

 ing life, was carried by the humane directions of Mortimer to his 

 own tent. The young commander himself frequently watched the 

 sick-bed side, and ministered to the various wants of his charge. 



Some time elapsed before the youth exhibited any symptoms of 

 recovery. The anguish of his mind aggravated the pain of his 

 wound, and materially retarded his convalescence. Mortimer tried 

 by every art to sooth and divert his grief, sometimes cheering him 

 with the hopes of renewed health, and sometimes beguiling the 



