BIVEHS AND LAKES OF WALES. 129 



the circumstance. It would appear that the rents of many lands 

 were held, to pay so^ much in weight of salmon. The following; 

 lines relate to the subject : 



" In Gwyddno's wear was never seen 

 As good as there to-night hath been. 

 Pair Elphin, dry thy tearful face, 

 No evil hence can sorrow chase : 

 Though deeming thou hast had no gain, 

 Griefs cannot ease the bosom's pain. 

 Doubt not the great Jehovah's power, 

 Though frail, I own a gifted dower 

 Erom rivers, seas, and mountains high, 

 Good to the good will God supply. 

 x % & & % % 



" Though weak and fragile, now I'm found 

 With foaming ocean's waves around, 

 In retribution's hour I '11 be 

 Three hundred salmons' worth to thce. 

 O Elphin ! prince of talents rare, 

 My capture without anger bear : 

 Though low within my net I rest, 

 My tongue with giftecl power is blest," c.* 



Eor many ages after this period, Wales was celebrated, both in 

 prose and verse, for its angling capabilities, and for the number 

 and excellent quality of the fish in its waters. Michael Dray ton, in 

 1612, eulogizes in song the rivers of South Wales. In his descrip- 

 tive poem of the country, he says, 



" That Remney, when she saw these gallant nymphs of Gwent 

 On this appointed match were all so hotly bent, 

 Where she of ancient time had parted as^ a mound, 

 The Monumethian fields and Glamorganian ground, 

 Intreats the Taff along, as gray as any glass ; 

 With whom clear Cunno comes, a lusty Cambrian lass 

 Then Elwy, and with her Ewenny holds her way, 

 And Ogmore, which would yet be there as soon as they, 

 Ey Avon called in ; when nimbler Neath anon 

 (To all the neighbouring nymphs for her rare beauties known ; 

 Besides her double head, to help her stream that hath 

 Her handmaids, Melta sweet, clear Hcpsey and Tragarth) 

 Erom Brecknock forth doth break ; then Dulas, and Cleddaugh, 

 By Morgany do drive her through her watery saugh ; 

 With Tawy, taking part t' assist the Cambrian power : 

 Then Lhu and Logor, given to strengthen them by Gower." 



Up to the present hour Wales has maintained its ancient pisca- 



* Stephen's Literature of the Cymry. 



