The Grand Gordovigion Eisteddfod 04.07.1840
The Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette and Merthyr Guardian
There is a land renowned for song and glaive
Where bard and hero won the glorious wreath,
Where despot never ruled, and never slave
Sigh’d out existence in a living death.
Hail, Cambria, hail! the harp is not unstrung
That oft hathswell’d in honour of thy name,
Nor is the spirit fled that nobly sung
The deeds that crown thee with eternal fame
LUTHMAN
The Liverpool Cymreigyddion Society have gained deserved honour for the exertions they have made in the cause of Welsh literature, and the eisteddfod which was lately held there has attracted the attention of the whole kingdom, which has witnessed with pleasure the displays of talent that have been made by the descendants of those gallant Britons who in bygone days filled Europe with the fame of their exploits in war and in peace, in the tented field and in the courtly hall. Would our space permit we should not leave out a line relating to this brilliant display, but would glean every, where and add it to our own resources of intelligence, but as this is impossible we have thought it best to omit what we could best spare, regretting to spare anything and give the essential part, viz., the distribution of the prizes on the several days on which this great festival was celebrated. It began on Wednesday, June 17, and continued during the three following days. The ceremonies that marked the proceedings were of the most imposing kind, and were participated in and witnessed by some of the most distinguished names in Wales, and the number of persons of rank and talent who thronged to Liver- pool to enjoy the spectacle and the “flow of soul” that there took place added much to the splendour and importance of the festival.
On entering the theatre we found that it bad been conveniently fitted tip for the occasion. On the stage was a raised platform where the president’s chair was placed. On each side, and in front of it, were benches for the accommodation of the harpers, bards, and singers and behind, raised benches for the accommodation of the members of the Druid’s Society.
The Rev. D. James, of Kirkdale, camo forward to state that the committee had sent an invitation to the Hon. Edward Mostyn Lloyd Mostyn to preside at the present Eisteddfod, to which he had acceded lie therefore begged leave to propose that that gentleman would take the chair. The proposition was received with acclamation and the hon. gentleman took the chair.
We noticed, among other gentlemen who supported the Hon. Chairman, and sat at the table, the following: General Sir Love Parry, the Rev. John, Williams, Archdeacon of Cardigan, the Rev. H. Parry, Llanasa, Rev. W. Williams. Ysceifiog, Rev. T. Price, Crickhowell (Carnhuanauc). Rev. E. Evans, of Christleton, Rev. W. Jones, Llanbeulan, Dr. Hughes, the Rev. D. James, the Mayor of Liverpool; Sir John Salusbury Prizzi Salusbury, Knight D. Rienfend, Esq. Rev. John Jones (Tegid), Precentor of Christ Church, Oxford; Rev. David Meredith, B.A., Yorkshire; Kev. David Williams, Llandwrog, Carnarvonshire; Rev. John Williams, M. A. (Cynhafal), near Bala; W. Dutton, Esq, Halewood; Rowland Williams, Esq., Cambridge; Corlett, Esq., manager of the North and South Wales Bank; J. Richards, Esq.; John Jones, Esq., surgeon Ellis Owen, Esq., Cefn y meusydd, Carnarvonshire; Captain Denman, R.N.; Rev.T. S. Bowstead Rev. H. Wynne Jones; Andrew Kurtz, Esq.; Dr. Philip Jones; Major Williams; H. Hughes, Esq.; T. Edwards, Esq.; T. Roberts, Esq.; Lewis, Esq. Evans., Esq. T. Harris, E-q.; W. Hatton, Esq., &c., &c.
After a flourish of trumpets the following Englynion, composed for the occasion, were recited by their respective authors.
I’nIlaifur yn Llynlleifiad-gwelir
Argoelionadfywiad
Daw’r Awen o’idirywiad,
Weithian, a glwysiaith ein gwlad.
Hael ddoniau mil oddynion – yn ddiau
A ddeuantyrawrhon
l’rgoleuo’uhargelion,
Trwy’r fawr-glod Eisteddfod hon.
Daw’nberffaith ein iaithniweithion –ein dysg
A’ dawn gantddyrehafion;
A’r un les i’r A wen lon
A faga’rGordofigion.
Dewisoesi ‘ngwlad y Saeson – awnawn
Ni oll yn heddychlon,
Ar ein gwylrhown o galon
Oleudyddar y wlad hon.
Heddyw ein hawenyddion – adwaenir
A doniau v Brython
Pa fantais i Sais fydd son
Am fawrddvsggemau i feirddion.
Dymunolydywmwyniant – ein cenedl,
Amcanwneillesiant;
Ein Hogyddionceinion cant-wyrmawrion
A boneddionhwybawba’unoddant.
THOS. PIERCE
Rhvglyddawl iawn Arglwyddi, – Barwniaid
0 rinwedduchelfri,
Yw plaid aweneleni
A gwyr mawr yw eigrym hi.
DymaBarnasushoffusawl-mynydd
Mwyniantawenyddawl;
Llehoff in’ ermeithrinmawl,
Hoenfiwsig and clianfoesawl.
Am “arfnoeth” er mawr ofn,weithian -ing in’,
Ni yngeniryma;
Nawddgeir i gynnydd y gan;
Awenyddsy’neihanian.
Mwyniant allesiant, c’wrddllon – wyranwyl
Gorono’chamcanion
Boddhad a gwiw rad yr Ion
Fo’neiddoich’ foneddion.
I’R LLYWYDD
Enwog, galluogwrsy’nllywio, – Meistr
Mostyn uchelGymro;
Rhywfrenin wrth fyddino
Gwalia gynt in’ geilw i go’.
JOHN WILLIAMS, neu loan Mai
Golwgsy’ntanio’r galon-yw gweled
Gwyliau’rGordofigion;
Weleharddyw’rardal hon
Hen dirhedd ein Derwyddon.
O! welenawdd i Lenyddion-ein tud
Cant odiaethwobrwyon;
Yn y lwysymdrechfa Ion,
Dyn a geirdaneigoron.
A chodir, trwy’uhymdrecbiadau, – o’rllaid
A’r llwch, bigiondoniau;
Awen i glodddaw yn glau,
Heblediaith yn eiblodau.
Mawredd a bri’rGomerion – daydyw’n
GodidogLywtirion
Enwogwrdaneigoron
Diaucair yr adeg hon.
R. JONES, Bethesda, nett Risiart Glan Ogwen.
I faguGordofigion, – a byrddio
Ein beirdd a’ncerddorion,
Nawddhir, is adnydd Ion,
I eilborth Ynys Albion.
JOHN JONES, O Langollen
Goidofigion gwyr dafagad,-heddyw,
O haeddolgymeriad,
Dysgedigion, mwynion, mad,
Wna’ullefydd yn Llynlleifiad.
Bu’naddasgan ein Bonedrlion-roddi
I’r hyddysg, wobrwyon,
Coronir, herddir yn hon,
Gilgwri* ac ail goron.
Wele, ‘nawrwiwLenorion, – ynllawen
Dan ein Llywydd rhadlon,
Wele! harddyw’regwyl hon,
FwynnoddirganFoneddion.
Cywirdeb, undeb, ac iawnder-i Brydydd
Ba raid i nidrymder?
Daliwnbawb y delynber,
I ga’moltelyn Gomer.
DANIEL JONES, Strickland Street, Everton.
*The part of Cheshire from Parkgate to Liverpool.
These Englynion were all applauded by the company
The Cantorion from Merthyr Tydvil, seven in number, sang after the manner of South Wales. Their voices, though not powerful, were melodious; and they sang well together. At the conclusion, they were warmly applauded by the company.
The distribution of prizes then commenced.
1. For the best Welsh poetical composition on “The resources of Liverpool, and its claims to the name of modern Tyre,” (Am y bryddestawdoreu, arunrhywfesur a ddewiso y cyfansoddydd. “Ar dref a phorthladdLlerpwll, a’ihawl o barthcyfoeth a marsiandiaeth i gaeleigalwTyrusnewydd.) A medal, value £3, and a premium of £2. Sylwernafyddedddiodl.
There were four competitors. The successful bard was the Rev Daniel Jones, who, amid the sounding of trumpets and the clapping of hands, was invested with the medal by the hon. chairman.
2. For the best English poetical composition on the same subject,-A gold medal, value £5.
There were three compositions sent in, but Dr. Hughes stated that in the opinion of the judges, none of them came up to the standard laid down by them. The prize, therefore, was not awarded, but will be reserved for further competition.
3. For the best Welsh and English Essay on the” Character of the Welsh, as & nation, in the present age.” (Nodweddiad y Cymry, felcenedl, yn yr oes hon). A medal, value £5. For the second best 011 the same subject, a medal, value £2.
Four essays were sent in. The first prize was obtained by the Rev Wm J ones, of Llanbeulan, and the second by the Rev John Williams.
Duet, by two females, sweetly sung, and enthusiastically encored.
By Friends of the deceased.
4. For the best Ode, (in Welsh) to the “Memory of the late Mr John Owen, Liverpool, an eminent Welsh bard.” (Am yr awdl oreu o goffadwriaeth am y diweddarhyglodfardd loan Powys.) A medal, value £3.
Five compositions were sent in. The Rev W. Ambrose, of Port Madoc, was the successful candidate.
By W, Williams, Esq. Aberpergwm
5. For the best English “History of lestyn ab Gwrgant, Prince of Morganwg.” (Hanes Iestyn ab Gwrgant, Tywysog Morganwg.) – A premium of £5
Three candidates. Mr Thomas Stephen, Glyn Nedd, Morganwg, gained the prize.
6. For the best “History (in Welsh or English) of the Welsh Indians in America.” (Hanes yr Indlald Cymreig yn America.) – A medal value £3, and a premium of £5.
The only composition sent in was deemed by the judges unworthy of the prize. No award.
Two harpers played the tune of “Triban Gwyr Morganwg.”
By the Rev. Joseph Hughes, Meltham
7. For the six best stanzas (in Welsh) on Elijah’s ascension into Heaven. (Am y chwechpennillgoreu – hir a thoddaid – arEsgyuiad Elias 1 r nef. 2 Bren. ii. 11.)-A medal, value £3 3s.
There were twenty seven competitors for this prize, which was awarded to Mr Ebenezer Thomas, school- master, of Clynog, Carnarvon. The victor was loudly applauded; he had previously gained three medals at other Eisteddfodau, which were hanging round his neck. His abilities and general diameter were highly lauded by Sir Love Parry Jones Parry, who spoke of him as of a friend, and, on investing him with the medal, warmly complimented him on his success.
The interval between the awarding of this and the succeeding prize was occupied with singing.
8. For the best ode (in Welsh) on“Job’s afflictions, patience, and restoration.” (Awdl argystuddiau, amynedd. ac adferiad Job) – The chair medal, value £5, with a premium of £21.
For the second best on the same subject, a medal value £3.
For this, the chair medal, there were nine candidates. The successful one was the victor in the last contest, Mr. Ebenezer Thomas. The second prize was awarded to Mr Peter Jones, of Liverpool. Mr Thomas, the winner of the grand prize, was conducted into the bardic chair, amidst very animated applause, and according to ancient custom, by two graduated bards, the Rev E. Evans and Sir Love Parry.
His worship the Mayor, here entered the amphi-theatre, and on the fact being announced, be was greeted with much applause.
Some pennillion singing followed, and the last prize of the day was then awarded.
9. For the best stanza (in, Welsh) to the Goat (am yr englyn goreu i’r Afr.) – A goat’s horn, tipped with silver, value £3.
No less than 109 stanzas were sent in. The successful candidate, whose fictitious name was Idwal, did not appear; and the proper name was not announced, from the difficulty, we believe, of deciphering it correctly.
The Rev D. James announced that the subject for the bards to compete on the compositions would have to be written during the ensuing night, as they were to be repeated on the following morning was the Hon. E. M. Lloyd Mostyn, the chairman.
Some glee singing followed, and then
Sir Parry Jones, stated that the interesting competition for the prizes for singing and playing on the harp was reserved for the next day. He then alluded to the visit of the Mayor, to the character of the two meetings at which he had that day been presiding, and moved that an address of congratulation to the Queen and Prince Albert, on their providential escape from assassination, should be drawn up by the committee, and adopted by the friends of the Eisteddfod.
The Rev Archdeacon Williams seconded the motion.
The proceedings of the first day terminated shortly before four o’clock.
At seven o’clock in the evening, about seventy gentlemen sat down to dinner at the York Hotel There was on the table ample provision for a much larger number of guests, and of the quality we can speak in the very highest terms of approbation. The Hon. E. M. Lloyd Mostyn presided, and was supported on the right and left by several of the gentlemen who occupied that station in the previous part of the day.
SECOND DAY.
The enthusiasm of Wednesday was this day considerably augmented, both, as we thought, amongst the bards, harpers, and speakers, and the public. The latter were, indeed, gratified by the performances they had heard, and doubtless carried a favourable report home to their friends. The former (the actors on the occasion) were, we may assume, inspired by the warm and kindly reception they had met with from the intelligent inhabitants of what the bards have justly celebrated, on this occasion, as “the modern Tyre.”
1. The Chairman said, the first prize to be awarded today, was that given by the Rev. Evan Evans, of Christleton, near Chester, for the best Welsh poetical composition on Youthful Reminiscences.” (Am y Bryddestawdoreu, arunrhywfesur a ddewiso y Cyfansoddydd, ar“HiraetharolMabolaeth, ueuAdgofiantleuenctid.”) A medal, value £3, and a premium of £2. “Na fyddedddiodl.” Eighteen compositions on the subject bad been received, including one from America. The two best of the compositions were so nearly on a par, that the judges, not able to decide which was the superior, bad recommended that the prize should be divided between the candidates, and recommended that the writer who had signed “Athletes,” should receive the medal, and that the premium should be given to “Henadur.” The parties were then called upon to step forward to receive the prize. Mr Stephen Davies, of Dysarth, Flintshire, answered to the name of “Athletes,” and Mr Robert Williams, of Newborough, to that of “Henadur.”
2. The next prize to be awarded was one given by Mrs T. B. Horsfall, of Liverpool, for the best English Essay, “showing the necessity and propriety of appointing Welshmen to the bishoprics of Wales.” (Am y Traethawdgoreu (yn Saesoneg) er“Dangos yr angenrheidrwydda’r priodoldeb o benodiCvmru i’r EsgobaetbauCymrei.”) A premium of £5, or a medal of the same value. For this prize there were four competitors, namely signed, “Nizontacitusonian,” “Cleirw,” “A Welshman,” and” Essyllt” It was stated, that although the productions upon the subject were not destitute of merit, still it was the opinion of the judges that not any of them came up to the standard which had been laid down, requiring an excellent essay, and, therefore, they (the judges) bad declined giving an opinion, and recommended a postponement in order that the present competitors might amend their productions, or furnish new ones, and that other competitors might come forward if they thought proper.
3. For the best English Essay, showing that there is sufficient talent and piety in the native clergy of the principality to fill the episcopal bench. Deferred.
4. The next prize was for the best Set of Variations to the Air called “Mock Nightingale.” (Am yr Amrywriadaugoreu i’r Don a cJwyr“Dynwared yr Eos.”)- A medal value £5, and a premium of £3. There were two competitors, who had signed their productions “Wenynen” (John Hughes, Wrexham-first), and “Llangwnna” (Miss Georgina Wyatt, Doncaster.)
5. The next prize awarded was one standing No. 8 in the proceedings of the preceding day, and was for the best original Welsh Air, adapted to the style of singing in the Principality. (Am y Don Gymraegnewyddoreu, yn ol dull o ganu yn y Dywysogaeth.) A medal, value £3, and a premium of £3. For this prize there were no fewer than twenty-three competitors.
Mr James read the opinion of Mr Parry on the merits of the compositions. That gentleman recommended that the medal should be given to “Philo Musico,” (Mr Richard Mills, of Llanidloes), whose composition, in his opinion, was the best, and that the premium should be given to “Mwyalchen y Graig.”
Grand contest for the Prize Harp and the Silver Harp
Probably the most interesting contest of the Eisteddfod now took place for the following prize:
To the best Performer on the Triple Harp, (I’r Telynor goreuar y Delyn Deir-ahes,) the Silver Harp, together with a new Triple Harp, value £21. To be called the Gordovig Royal Harp (Telyn Cadair Gordofig.)
The players performed one after the other, as usual, and the most intense interest, and, we may add delight, was manifested throughout. Indeed, it was such a treat as can but rarely be enjoyed by the lovers of that elegant instrument, or the general admirers of genuine music.
1. Mr Ellis Roberts, originally from Dolgelly, a young man, and now, we learned, residing in Liverpool. A Welsh air, with variations.
2. Mr Reece Jones, of Llanrwst. Air, “Pen Rhaw.”
3. Mr Henry Green, of Shrewsbury, a young man. Air, “Sweet Richard”
4. Mr Benjamin Rogers, of Liverpool. A Welsh air.
5. Mr Richard Pugh, of Corwen, who wore a medal won in a former contest. A Welsh air.
6. Mr John Robinson, of Bangor, Air, “Sweet Richard.”
7. Mr Robert Edwards, of Llangollen, quite a youth. A Welsh air.
8. Mr Thomas Griffith, of Monmouthshire. “Sweet Richard, with variations.
9. Mr Edward Jones. Same air. He wore a medal. Tenth.
10. Mr William Jones, of Beaumaris, a blind old gentleman.
The Rev. Mr Parry, one of the secretaries, explained to the meetingthat the air of ‘-Sweet Richard.” which had been played four times during the contest by as many competitors, was composed by a bard of Carnarvon on the death of Richard II. It had outlived several dynasties. It had outlived the house of York, the house of Lancaster, the Tudors, and the Stuarts; and it was now running parallel with the house of Brunswick, which he hoped would, like that air, endure as long as the mountain of Snowden itself. Dr. Hughes remarked, that the variations to “Sweet Richard” were by Richard Roberts, the celebrated blind harp player, who was then present. (Cheers)
The venerable Mr Roberts, decorated with a large gold harp, another of silver, and a number of medals, was seated on the stage, and was greeted by the audience.
The judges, having now made a selection of three of the best performers for this prize, requested them to perform again singly.
1. Ellis Roberts;
2. Henry Green;
3. John Robinson,
each played successively beautiful airs, with variations, which were received with, if possible, increased applause.
The Rev. Mr Price announced that the decision of the judges was in favour of Ellis Roberts. (Loud cheers and clapping of hands)
The Major’s Grand Entertainment
On the evening of Thursday (being the second day of the bardic meeting) the Worshipful the mayor, Joshua Walmsley, Esq, as in days of old the princes and noblemen of Wales were wont to do, gave a grand entertainment in t fie magnificent suite of rooms in the Town hall, to the leading parties in this national celebration, and to other gentlemen, natives of the principality, or connected with it by marriage, or possessing estates therein. There were 85 guests present.
The dinner was provided by Mr Towers, of the Angel Hotel, in his usual style of excellence; and to the great delight of the party, there was introduced, with a flourish from the trumpet by men in the olden Beefeaters’ dress, a baron of beef, according to the old baronial custom. Mr Towers also provided in great abundance all the delicacies of the season.
Among the toasts were: “May the Welsh Language last till the end of the world,”’ “The Queen, God bless her,” “Prince Albert” “The Mayor of Liverpool ” “The Welsh Bishops and Bishop of Chester” “The Army, and the Duke of Wellington” “The Navy,” to which Captain Denham ably replied.
The following glees were sung by the parties named, in most excellent style, and all of them were encored.
Glee: Trowchl y Tant,” arranged by Mr Parry, sung by Mr J. Thomas and his pupils, Mr William Morgan, Mrs Ann Rees, and Miss Jane Watkins.
Glee: “Sir Harri Ddu,” arranged by J. Thomas, sung by Mr Thomas and his pupils, Mr Wm. Morgan, Mrs Ann Rees, and Miss Jane Watkins.
“Hob y Derri,” a duet, arranged by Parry, sung by Mr Wm. Morgan and Mrs Ann Rees (Eos Fach).
Glee: “SerchHudol,” arranged by J. Thomas, and sung by him. Mr Wm. Morgan, Mrs Ann Rees, and Miss Jane Watkins. The meeting separated about twelve, after having spent a most delightful evening.
THURSDAY
The attendance this morning was very considerable, but not as numerous as on the preceding day. There was, however, no diminution of interest or enthusiasm. The hon. president took his seat at half-past eleven o’clock.
The business commenced with the recitation by the bards; of epigrammatic stanzas, chiefly in praise of the president and the objects of the meeting.
In the course of the subsequent proceedings there was a great variety or singing and harp playing. The prizes were then distributed.
By John Hughes. M.D.
11. For the best English Essay, “Showing that there is sufficient talent and piety in the native clergy of the Principality to fill the Episcopal Bench. (Traethawd yn dangosfoddigonolgymhwysder o barthDysg a Duwioldeb, yn Offeiriad y Dywyso- gaetb, i lenwi y swyddEsgobawl.) A premium of £5 or a medal of the same value.
Two compositions were sent in, but as neither came up to the required standard, no award was made.
12. For the best Poem (in Welsh’ on the “Battle of Bosworth Field,” (Am y Cywydd goreuarFrwydr Maes Bosworth.) A medal, value £3, and a premium of £2. For the second best on the same subject, a medal, value £2.
There were seven competitors for these prizes, but no award was made, as none were of sufficient merit, in the opinion of the judges, to deserve the prizes. There were no competitors for the Gwent and Morganwg HirlasHorn, which, with a premium of £30, was offered for the best account of the distinguished men of North Wales.
13. For the best Elegy, in Welsh, to the “Memory of the late Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, of Wynnstay, Bart, M.P.. Lord Lieut. of the counties of Denbigh and Merioneth.” (Am y Bryddestawdoreu, ar un-rhywfesur a ddewiso y Cyfansoddydd, ar “Farwolaeth y diweddarBendefig, clodfawrSyr Watkin Williams Wynn, or Wynnstay, Barwnig, A.S.) A medal, value £5, with a premium of £5.
There were twelve competitors. The prize was won by Mr Griffith Wm. Edwards, of Llanberis, who had on a previous occasion gained a medal for the best Elegy on the death of the late Sir Watkin’s lady.
14. To the best performer on the Triple Harp, of the air-called the “Allurement of Love.” (I’r Chwarpuyddgoreu, ar y DelynDeir-rhes, ar y D611 “SerchHudol.”) A new Triple Harp, value £21. To be called the Gwent and Morganwg Harp. (Observe – The winner of the Gordovig Harp was not allowed to compete for this.)
The competitors were ten in number, named Richard Pugh, of Corwen; Reece Jones, of Llanrwst; William Jones, of Beaumaris; John Robinson, of Bangor; Mrs Hearne, of Corwen; Miss Mary Davies, of Liverpool, a girl seven years of age; Thomas Griffiths, of Tredegar; Henry Green, of Shrewsbury, Miss Jones, of Corwen and Benjamin Rogers, of Liverpool. The judges awarded the prize to John Robinson, a youth of about 19.
The mayor, at this stage of the proceedings, entered the amphitheatre, and was loudly applauded.
15. For the best Ode (in Welsh) on the “Disastrous Hurricane, with which Liverpool, and other parts of the United Kingdom were visited on the 6th and 7th of January. 1839.” (Awdl ar y Rhuthrwyntdinystriol a Ymwelodd a Llerpwll a manauereillo’rDevrnas, ar y 6ed a’r 7fed o lonawr, 1839.) A medal, value £3, and a premium of £5. For the second best on the same subject, a medal, value £2.
Five odes were sent in. The first prize was gained by the Rev. Thomas Pearce, of Liverpool; the second was awarded to the writer assuming the name of “Ardremydd.”
16. To the best Singer with the Harp, after the manner of North Wales, (T’rDatgeiniadgoreugyda’r Delyn yn oltrefn Gwynedd.) A medal, value £3, and a premium of £2. To the second best Singer, a medal value £2. (Rhaid i’r Datgeiniadfod o nodweddiadparcbus, a’ucanuau yn foesawl; osamgen, attelirhwy yn y fan.)
The first prize was gained by Wm. Evans, of Newmarket, the second by Thomas Edwards, of Corwen.
-
- To the best Female Performer on the Triple Harp, (i’r Delynoresoreuar y Delyn Deir-rhes.) The Mostyn Gold Harp.
Miss Margaret Jones, of Corwen, Miss Taylor, of Bagillt, Miss Mary Davies, of Liverpool, and Mrs Deane, of Corwen, were the competitors. The last named carried off the prize.
- To the best performer on the Triple Harp from among the general competitors (I’r Telvnarneu y Delynoresoreuar y Delyn Dairrhes o fysg yr ho L gymreigyddion). A premium of £5.
To shorten the performance, the judges called forward those only who had in the previous contests shown decided merit, namely, Richard Pugh, Thomas Griffiths, Henry Green, and Benjamin Rogers. The victor was Thomas Griffiths, of Tredegar.
The performances concluded, at six o’clock with “God Save the Queen.”
In the evening the harpers, bards, cantorion, datgeiniad, and others dined at the York Hotel.
The committee offered a premium of £5 for the best six stanzas on the mayor of Liverpool, and his noble and munificent conduct.
Votes of thanks were respectively passed to the mayor of Liverpool, to the hon. chairman, to Gen. Sir Love Parry, to Dr. Hughes, to the Judges, to the Rev. T. Price and the friends of the Eisteddfod in Gwent, to Archdeacon Williams, to the managing committee, and others.
FOURTH DAY
The Gorsedd, or, Ordination of Bards, &c
This novel meeting was held in the “open air,” at the Old Infirmary Yard, at nine o’clock this morning. The following gentlemen were present: Major General Sir Love Parry Jones Parry, K.G.H.; the Venerable Archdeacon of Cardigan; Rev. Rowland Williams; Rev. H. Parry; Rev. J. Jones, Precentor of Christ Church, Oxford; the Rev. W. J ones, Anglesey Rev. E. Evans, Christleton: John Richards. Esq., Customs; J. Hughes. Esq., M.D.; Richard Philip Jones, Esq., M.D., Chester, &c.
A circle, outlined by twelve stones, with a largo stone in the centre, had been formed. At the altar, or throne, the Rev. Evan Evans, the Bardic Druid, took his position. On the centre stone (the throne1 was a sheathed sword, banded with a blue ribbon. The Rev. E. Evans, with his right hand, drew the sword from its sheath, and, slightly advancing, said aloud, in Welsh, Who is here that has received the degree of Bard?” The Rev. J. Jones (Tegid), Oxford, and John Richards, Esq., Bardic Druids, advanced into the circle, bare headed, to assist the minister in the performance of his sacred duty.
By the Rev. E. Evans. “Who is here that wishes to receive the degree of bard, according to the custom of the Isle of Britain?” Upon this every one took his hat off. Mr Ebenezer Thomas, the chair bard, who won the chief bardic prize, was now handed into the circle to be ordained. Mr Ebenezer Thomas is given the naked sword, which he grasps with his right hand, while (Tegid) ties a blue ribbon round his right arm, above the elbow, Mr E. T., at the same time reciting a Welsh Stanza, and, when asked what bardic name be chose, said aloud, “Eben Fardd.” The sword was then sheathed.
The minister again asked aloud, “Does anyone lay claim to this throne?” The same ceremony was then gone through with the following gentlemen cacti applicant was required to repeat, extempore, Englynion, as a test of his bardic ability.
- John Williams (loan Mai), Carnarvon.
- John Jones (loan Ddu o Ferwyn), Llangollen
- Morris Jones (Meirig Idris), Dolgelly
- Jonathan Reynolds (Nathan Dyfed), Merthr Tydvil.
- Thomas Ellis, surgeon (Eos Tegeingl), Caerwys.
- Stephen Davies (Stephan), Dyserth. Flintshire
- Hugh Jones (Hywel Ddu), Beaumaris.
- Evan Jones (Ieuan ap Ioan). Holywell.
- John Jones Peuymaes, (Iota), Holywell.
- William Davies (Gwilym Gwyd), Liverpool.
- William Hughes (Gwilym Glan Diffroys), Llangwm
- Richard Jones (Glan Ogwen). Bethesda, Carnarvonshire.
- Robert Jones (Bardd Du 0 Fon), Holyhead.
- John Jones (loan Lleyn). Liverpool, ovate.
- John Hughes, M.D. (loanSciont), Liverpool, ovate.
- D James (Dewi 0 Ddyfed), Kirkdale, bard and Druid.
- William Jones (Gwilym o Fon), Anglesey.
- Joseph Thomas (Josephus 0 Eryri), Carnarvonshire.
- Robert Lloyd Morris (Rhuvoniawc), Liverpool, Awenydd, or Bardic Disciple.
The ministerial bard now called upon J. Richards, Esq., to deliver the Gorsedd charge, who ended it with the words, “The truth against the world.”
The question put to each candidate on being ordained, was to this effect: “Do you promise not to bear naked weapons against any one, and to keep universal peace and goodwill to all men?” Answer: “I do.” All entitled bards, druids, or ovates, according to the “Rights and Institutes of the Bards of the Island of Britain.”
The whole ceremony was performed in the ancient British language,
N.B. The prize compositions, in honour of the worshipful the mayor of Liverpool and the nuptials of the Queen, are not to be sent in till the 20th of July.