The Dialogue of Taliesin and Ugnach
The Black Book of Carmarthen XXXV.
From The Four Ancient Books of Wales
Taliesin:
A HORSEMAN resorts to the city,
With his white dogs, and large horns;
I, who have not before seen thee, know thee not.
Ugnach:
A horseman resorts to the river’s mouth,
On a stout and warlike steed;
Come with me, let me not be refused.
Taliesin:
I will not go that way at present;
Bear with the conduct of the delayer;
And may the blessing of heaven and earth come (upon thee).
Ugnach:
Thou, who hast not seen me daily,
And who resemblest a prudent man,
How long wilt thou absent thyself and when wilt thou come?
Taliesin:
When I return from Caer Seon [Jerusalem? Seon > Sion > Zion?],
From contending with Jews,
I will come to the city of Lleu and Gwydion.
Ugnach:
Come with me into the city,
Thou shalt have wine which I have set apart,
And pure gold on thy clasp.
Taliesin:
I know not the confident man,
Who owns a lire and a couch;
Fairly and sweetly dost thou speak.
Ugnach:
Come with me to my dwelling,
Thou shalt have high foaming wine.
My name is Ugnach, the son of Mydno.
Taliesin:
Ugnach a blessing on thy throne!
And mnayst thou have grace and honour!
I am Taliessin who will repay thee thy banquet.
This odd little poem presents Taliesin as joining the Crusades.
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