Arthur presided, being himself an irregular bard, and admitted, on this public occasion, to all the efficient honours of a Bard of Presi dency. To preside in the Bardic Congress was long a peculiar privilege of the kings of Britain. It was exercised in the seventh century by King Cadwallader. King Arthur was assisted by twelve umpires, chosen by the bards, and confirmed by the king. The Court, of course, occupied the stations of honour, and every other part of the theatre was crowded with a candid and liberal audience. The bards sate in a circle on that part of the theatre corresponding with the portion which we call the stage. Silence was proclaimed by the herald; and, after a grand symphony, which was led off in fine style by the king's harper, Geraint, Prince Cei came forward, and made a brief oration, to the effect that any of the profane, who should be irregular and tumultuous, would be forcibly removed from the theatre, to be dealt with at the discretion of the officer of the guard. Silence was then a second time proclaimed by the herald. Each bard, as he stood forward, was subjected to a number of interrogatories, metrical and mystical, which need not be here reported. Many bards sang many songs. Amongst them, Prince Llywarch sang GORWYNION Y GAUAV. THE BRILLIANCIES OF WINTER. Last of flowers, in tufts around Shines the gorse's golden bloom : Mid the flowerless heath and broom: Bright are holly-berries, seen Red, through leaves of glossy green. Brightly, as on rocks they leap, Shine the sea-waves, white with spray; Brightly, in the dingles deep, Gleams the river's foaming way; Brightly through the distance show Mountain-summits clothed in snow. Brightly, where the torrents bound, Which the black rocks, dripping round, And the flying spray have made : Bright the icedrops on the ash Leaning o'er the cataract's dash. Bright the hearth, where feast and song Crown the warrior's hour of peace, While the snow-storm drives along, Bidding war's worse tempest cease; Bright the hearthflame, flashing clear Bright the torchlight of the hall Close the portals; pile the hearth; Mead and love, are winter's due. Spring to purple conflict calls Swords that shine on winter's walls. Llywarch's song was applauded, as present ing a series of images with which all present were familiar, and which were all of them agreeable. Merlin sang some verses of the poem, which is called AVALLENAU MYRDDIN. MERLIN'S APPLE-TREES. Fair the gift to Merlin given, On a green hill-slope, that lies Basking in the southern sun, Where bright waters murmuring run. Just beneath the pure stream flows; |