A TOUR ROU^D NORTH WALES. 203 



If a difciple of any degree, was dif- 

 covered in taverns, or fecret places, 

 playing for money at dice, or any 

 other game, any perfon was autho- 

 rized to take from him whatever mo'ney 

 was found in his purfe. For mockery 

 and derifion, and the invention or pro- 

 pagation of falfehood, they were punifh- 

 ed by fine and imprifonment ; for the 

 laws fay the Bards mall be eafy and 

 peaceful in their manners, friendly in 

 their difpofitions, and humble in their 

 fervices to their prince, and his adhe- 

 rents. 



The Eifteddfod, was a rigid fchool. 

 The poetical, or muiical difciple, who 

 at the expiration of his triennial term 

 was not able to obtain a higher degree, 

 was condemned even to lofe that which 

 he had already pofleffed. 



The Bards were ever held in the 

 higheft repute, by the Britifli Kings, 

 and Nobles. The Court Bard, or Lau- 

 reat Bard, was in rank the eighth offi- 

 cer 



