I.

He was a man in mind, in years a youth, {79a} And gallant in the din of war; Fleet, thick-maned chargers {79b} Were ridden {79c} by the illustrious hero; A shield, light and broad, Hung on the flank of his swift and slender steed; His sword was blue and gleaming, His spurs were of gold, {80a} his raiment was woollen. {80b} It will not be my part To speak of thee reproachfully, A more choice act of mine will be To celebrate thy praise in song; Thou hast gone to a bloody bier, Sooner than to a nuptial feast; {80c} Thou hast become a meal for ravens, Ere thou didst reach the front of conflict. {80d} Alas, Owain! my beloved friend; It is not meet that he should be devoured by ravens! {81a} There is swelling sorrow {82a} in the plain, Where fell in death the only son of Marro.