# The Book of Taliesin - Author: [Taliesin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/taliesin.md) - Quotes: 81 - Book page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/taliesin/the-book-of-taliesin ## Quotes > Ye have committed wickedness > > Against the Creator. > > A hundred thousand angels > > Are to me witnesses, > > Who came to conduct me > > After my hanging, > > When hanging cruelly, > > Myself to deliver me > > In heaven there was trembling > > When I had been hung. > > When I cried out Eli! > Thrice three protections, > > Returning to the old places, > > With a steed used to the field. > To my deprivation, to my sorrow, sinew was brave. > > The world would not be if not for my offspring. > > I am a bard to be praised. The unskilful > > May he be possessed by the ravens and eagle and bird of wrath. > I have been a sow, I have been a buck, > > I have been a sage, I have been a snout, > > I have been a horn, I have been a wild sow, > > I have been a shout in battle. > > I have been a torrent on the slope, > > I have been a wave on the extended shore. > > I have been the light sprinkling of a deluge, > > I have been a cat with a speckled head on three trees. > > I have been a circumference, I have been a head. > > A goat on an elder-tree. > > I have been a crane well filled, a sight to behold. > > Very ardent the animals of Morial, > > They kept a good stock. > > Of what is below the air, say the hateful men, > > Too many do not live, of those that know me. > It broke out with matchless fury. > > The rapid vehement fire. > > Him we praise above the earth, > > Fire, the fiery meteor of the dawn. > > Above the high gale, > > Higher than every cloud. > > Great his animal. > '''The value of my cry great will be its advantage to degrees. > > The chief of men, shield of warriors. > > The extensive booty of the ashen shaft is my fair Awen. > > A shield before a prince, bright his smile, > > Heroic, aspiring, the most heroic is Urien > Do not thy passions counteract > > What thy lips utter? > > Thy going in thy course into valleys, > > Dark without lights. > > And mine were his words. > > And mine were his languages. > Those that placed me on the cross > > I knew when young. > > That drove me on the tree, > > My head hung down. > > Stretched were my two feet, > > So sad their destiny. > > Stretched with extreme pain > > The bones of my feet. > > Stretched were my two arms, > > Their burden will not be. > > Stretched were my two shoulders, > > So diligently it was done. > > Stretched were the nails, > > Within my heart. > > Stretched was the spiking, > > Between my two eyes. > > Thick are the holes > > Of the crown of thorns in my head. > > The lance was struck > > And my side was pierced. > > It will be struck to you also, > > As your right hand (struck me). > > To you there will be no forgiveness, > > For piercing me with spears. > > And the Ruler we knew not > > When thou wert hung. > There was a calling on the Creator, > > Upon Christ for causes, > > Until when the Eternal > > Should deliver those whom he had made. > > The Lord answered them, > > Through language and elements: > > Take the forms of the principal trees, > > Arranging yourselves in battle array, > > And restraining the public. > A wave do ye displace, > > A shield do ye extend > > To the travelling woe, > > And violent exertion through grief. > > And inflaming through fury > > Between heaven and earth. > When the trees were enchanted, > > In the expectation of not being trees, > > The trees uttered their voices > > From strings of harmony, > > The disputes ceased. > > Let us cut short heavy days, > > A female restrained the din. > > She came forth altogether lovely. > > The head of the line, the head was a female. > > The advantage of a sleepless cow > > Would not make us give way. > > The blood of men up to our thighs, > > The greatest of importunate mental exertions > > Sported in the world. > > And one has ended > > From considering the deluge, > > And Christ crucified > > And the day of judgement near at hand. > The praising thy mercy. > > There hath not been here; > > O supreme Ruler; > > There hath not been; there will not be, > > One so good as the Lord. > > There hath not been born in the day of the people > > Any one equal to God. > > And no one will acknowledge > > Any one equal to him. > > Above heaven, below heaven, > > There is no Ruler but he. > > Above sea, below sea, > > He created us. > Sure-hoofed is my steed in the day of battle: > > The high sprigs of alder are on thy hand: > > Bran by the branch thou bearest > > Has Amathaon the good prevailed. > I have been a course, I have been an eagle. > > I have been a coracle in the seas: > > I have been compliant in the banquet. > > I have been a drop in a shower; > > I have been a sword in the grasp of the hand > > I have been a shield in battle. > > I have been a string in a harp, > > Disguised for nine years, > > in water, in foam. > > I have been sponge in the fire, > > I have been wood in the covert > I saw a feeding about a lion for plants, > > I saw leaves of luxuriant growth. > > I saw a branch with equal blossoms. > > Did I not see a prince? most liberal his customs, > > I saw the ruler of Cathraeth beyond the plains > > Be my oak the gleaming spirit of the Cymry. > Songs and minstrels. > > And the hymns of angels, > > Will raise from the graves, > > They will entreat from the beginning. > > They will entreat together publicly, > > On so great a destiny. > > Those whom the sea has destroyed > > Will make a great shout, > > At the time when cometh > > He, that will separate them. > I have been in a multitude of shapes, > > Before I assumed a consistent form. > > I have been a sword, narrow, variegated, > > I will believe when it is apparent. > > I have been a tear in the air, > > I have been the dullest of stars. > > I have been a word among letters, > > I have been a book in the origin. > > I have been the light of lanterns, > > A year and a half. > > I have been a continuing bridge, > > Over three score river mouths. > The love-diffusing [Lord] will separate us. > > The land of worldly weather, > > A wind will melt the trees: > > There will pass away every tranquillity > > When the mountains are burnt. > > There will be again inhabitants > > With horns before kings; > > The mighty One will send them, > > Sea, and land, and lake. > > There will be again a trembling terror, > > And a moving of the earth, > > And above every field, > > And ashes the rocks will be; > > With violent exertion, concealment, > > And burning of lake. > O God, the God of formation, > > Ruler, strengthener of blood. > > Christ Jesus, that guards. > > Princes loud-proclaiming go their course > > For a decaying acquisition. > The heath was victorious, keeping off on all sides. > > The common people were charmed, > > During time proceeding of the men. > > The oak, quickly moving, > > Before him, tremble heaven and earth. > > A valiant door-keeper against an enemy, > > his name is considered. > > The blue-bells combined, > > And caused a consternation. > > In rejecting, were rejected, > > Others, that were perforated > Eagle of the land, extensive thy glance. > > I would have requested an active courser > > Of vigorous trot, the price of the spoil of Taliesin. > > One is the violent course on the bottom and the summit, > > One is the gift of a baron to a lord. > > One is the herd of stags in their fight. > > One is the wolf not covetous of broom, > > One is the country where a son is born, > > And of one form and one sound is the battle-place of warriors. > Ruler of heaven, Ruler of every people! > > We knew not, O Christ! that it was thou. > > If we had known thee, > > Christ, we should have refrained from thee. > Am I not with hosts making a din? > > I would not cease, between two hosts, without gore. > > Am I not he that is called Gorlassar? > > My belt was a rainbow to my foe. > Pleasant, the word that utters the Trinity; > > Also pleasant, extreme penance for sin. > > Pleasant, the summer of pleasantness; > > Communion with the Lord, in the day of judgment. > When God comes > > A great noise will pierce us, > > The day of judgment terribly. > > Messengers from the door, > > Wind, and sea, and fire. > > lightning and thunder > > A number without flattery. > > The people of the world groaning > > Will be concealed. > I shared my shelter, > > a ninth share in Arthur's valour. > > I broke a hundred forts. > > I slew a hundred stewards. > > I bestowed a hundred mantles. > > I cut off a hundred heads. > > I gave to an old chief > > very great swords of protection. > Do not the brave know > > The greatness of their progeny? > > A country present will meet thee, > > And while it may possibly be yours, > > Three hundred thousand years save one, > > A short hour of the day of everlasting life. > Sure-hoofed is my steed impelled by the spur; > > The high sprigs of alder are on thy shield; > > Bran art thou called, of the glittering branches. > The dawn smiles, repelling gloom, > > At the dawn with violence, > > At every meet season, > > At the meet season of his turnings, > > At the four stages of his course, > > I will extol him that judges violence, > > Of the strong din, deep his wrath. > > I am not a man, cowardly, gray, > > A scum near the wattle. > Abiding in heaven was he, my desire, > > Against the eagle, against the fear of the unskilful. > > I am a bard, and I am a harper, > > I am a piper, and I am a crowder. > > Of seven score musicians the very great enchanter. > May the countenance of Prydain be bright for my guidance. > > Sovereign of heaven, let my messages not be rejected. > Kings will shudder [that] day, > > Woe awaits them! > > When the recompenser shall appear, > > Let the heaven appear below. > > A ruddy wind will be brought > > Out to the cinder, > > Until the world is as desolate > > As when created. > In manliness he will greet my trouble, > > Should I be bled, I should evidently get better; > > Truly I saw no one before, who saw not in me > > Every indisposition, he will cultivate his business. > I have not been without battle. > > Bitter affliction was frequent > > Between me and my cousins. > > Frequent trials fell > > Between me and my fellow-countrymen. > > There was frequent contention > > Between me and the wretched. > Pleasant, liquors of the mead-brewer to the multitude; > > Also pleasant, a songster generous, amiable. > > Pleasant, the open field to cuckoos and the nightingale; > > Also pleasant when the weather is serene. > The Cymry will be lamenting > > While their souls will be tried > > Before a horde of ravagers. > > The Cymry, chief wicked ones, > > On account of the loss of holy wafers. > I am not meet for petty men, slack their habit: > > They know not, they, on what day who was made, > > what hour of the fine day was born to whom, > > who made him who went not to the dale of Tefwy. > > They know not, they, the great Speckled Ox in headgear > > with seven-score links in its collar-chain. > > And when we went with Arthur, a sorry visit, > > Save for seven none came up from Fort Divine Height. > I adore the sovereign lord of the royal land - > > May his dominion extend over the reaches of the cosmos! > I am not meet for petty men, the book a boss: > > They saw not Arthur's virtue beyond the Fort of Glasses. > > Three score centuries of men stationed on the wall: > > to speak with its sentinel was not easy. > > Three fulnesses of Prydwen we went with Arthur, > > Save for seven none came up from Fort Hindrance. > Pleasant to bring back the divisions of a parish; > > Also pleasant to us the time of paradise. > > Pleasant, the moon, a luminary in the heavens; > > Also pleasant where there is a good rememberer. > I am old. I am young. I am Gwion, > > I am universal, I am possessed of penetrating wit. > Composed for renown am I, a verse heard > > four times over in the four-quartered fort > > in the song of the cauldron when first it gave voice, > > warmed by the breath of nine maidens. > > The Chief of Annwn's cauldron, who finished > > the rim around its edge with pearl, > > swore never should it cook a coward's food? > > A bright flashing sword was raised to it > > and it was left in the hand of Llenlleawc > > and lanterns shone before Hell's mouth's door > > and when we went in with Arthur trouble glittered: > > Save for seven none came up from Fort Mead-mad. > I am not meet for petty men, slack their spirit: > > They know not, they, what day the Chief was made, > > what hour of the fine day was born the owner, > > what a beast they keep with its silver head. > > When we went with Arthur, a sorry strife, > > Save for seven none came up from Fort Hoar-side. > A hallowed grave in dying, with the grave an altar: > > I adore the sovereign lord, the great, > > That I be not sad, Christ grant me. > Composed for renown am I, a verse heard > > on the stone-doored isle in the four-quartered fort. > > Tranquillity and obscurity mingled > > shiny wine their drink before their retinue. > > Three fulnesses of Prydwen we went upon the main, > > Save for seven none came up from Castle Rigor. > And entreating his exalted weight, > > Under the stars, saints he planted. > It is a fit time to go to the drinking, > > With the skilful men, about art, > > And a hundred knots, the custom of the country, > > The shepherd of the districts, support of gates, > > Like going without a foot to battle. > And what is pleasant to me is no worse. > > And the paternal horn by mead-nourished payment. > > Pleasant, the directing of fish in the pond; > > Also pleasant, calling about to play. > Let them make their war. > > Whence come night and day? > > Whence will the eagle become gray? > > Whence is it that night is dark? > > Whence is it that the linnet is green? > > The ebullition of the sea, > > How is it not seen? > Monks mass like a pack of wolves > > from disputing with the masters who instruct them - > > They know not when deep dark and dawn divorce > > nor who sends the wind, nor who moves it, > > where it disappears to, what land it strikes. > Pleasant, a steed with a thick mane in a tangle; > > Also pleasant, crackling fuel. > > Pleasant, desire, and silver fringes; > > Also pleasant, the conjugal ring. > There will be commotions and turbulent times, > > Seek no peace — it will not accrue to thee. > > The Ruler of Heaven knows thy prayer. > > From his ardent wrath thy praise has propitiated him > > The Sovereign King of Glory addresses me with wisdom > > Hast thou seen the dominus fortis? > > Knowest thou the profound prediction domini? > Perfect was Gweir's prison in the Faery Fort. > > Due to the ministry of Pwyll and Pryderi > > none before him had entered therein. > > In the heavy blue chain a faithful servant kept him > > and for the Spoils of Annwfn keenly he chanted > > and unto Doom shall continue in bard-orison. > > Three fulnesses of Prydwen we entered in: > > Save for seven none came up from Fort Faery. > I will offer a prayer to the Trinity, > > May the Eternal grant me to praise thee! > > In the present course, dangerous > > Our work; destruction is a slight impulse of wrath. > > They reckon of the saints a tribe, > > King of heaven, may I be eloquent about thee! > > Before the separation of my soul from my flesh. > Who was confessor > > To the gracious Son of Mary? > > What was the most beneficial measure > > Which Adam accomplished? > Seven scores, seven scores, seven hundreds of saints, > > And seven thousands and seven ten scores, > > November a number implored, > > Though martyrs good they came. > Excellent in every way around the glens > > The two skilful ones make inquiries > He would not journey without a foot. > > He would not breed nuts without trees, > > Like seeking for ants in the heath. > > Like an instrument of foolish spoil, > > Like the retinue of an army without a head, > > Like feeding the unsheltered on lichen. > The number that have been, and will be, > > Above heaven, below heaven, how many there are. > > And as many as have believed in revelation, > > Believed through the will of the Lord. > > As many as are on wrath through the circles, > > Have mercy, God, on thy kindred. > > May I be meek, the turbulent Ruler, > > May I not endure, before I am without motion. > > Grievously complaineth every lost one, > > Hastily claimeth every needy one. > Which was first, is it darkness, is it light? > > Or Adam, when he existed, on what day was he created? > > Or under the earth’s surface, what the foundation? > > He who is a legionary will receive no instruction. > I am a harmonious one; I am a clear singer. > > I am steel; I am a druid. > > I am an artificer; I am a scientific one. > > I am a serpent; I am love; I will indulge in feasting. > > I am not a confused bard drivelling, > > When songsters sing a song by memory, > > They will not make wonderful cries; > > May I be receiving them. > > Like receiving clothes without a hand, > > Like sinking in a lake without swimming > > The stream boldly rises tumultuously in degree. > I am a bard; I will not disclose secrets to slaves; > > I am a guide: I am expert in contests. > > If he would sow, he would plough; he would plough, he would not reap. > > If a brother among brothers, > > Didactic Bards with swelling breasts will arise > > Who will meet around mead-vessels, > > And sing wrong poetry > > And seek rewards that will not be, > > Without law, without regulation, without gifts. > > And afterwards will become angry. > The rock wave-surrounded, by great arrangement, > > Will convey for us a defence, a protection from the enemy. > > The rock of the chief proprietor, the head of tranquillity. > > The intoxication of meads will cause us to speak. > > I am a cell, I am a cleft, I am a restoration, > > I am the depository of song; I am a literary man; > > I love the high trees, that afford a protection above, > > And a bard that composes, without earning anger; > > I love not him that causes contention; > > He that speaks ill of the skilful shall not possess mead. > Pleasant, the heath when it is green; > > Also pleasant, the salt marsh for cattle. > > Pleasant, the time when calves draw milk; > > Also pleasant, foamy horsemanship. > Monks throng like a kennel of pups > > from disputing with the masters who instruct them > > whether the run of the wind is one, or one the ocean's waters > > or one the spark of fire - an illimitable clamour. > Heroic numberer of languages, > > A conspicuous sea-shoal of goodly increase. > > A number that God will watch with extreme love. > > In heaven, in earth, at the end, > > In straits, in expanse, in form, > > In body, in soul, in habit, > > Prudence far from the presence of kings. > > I adore thee, Ruler of the land of peace. > > Let my soul be in a condition of life; > > For ever in court; > > A servant of heaven, he will not refuse me. > Pleasant, the eagle on the shore of the sea when it flows; > > Also pleasant, sea-gulls playing. > > Pleasant, a horse with gold-enamelled trappings; > > Also pleasant to be honest in a breach. > Dominus virtutum > > Has gathered together those that were in slavery, > > And before I existed He had perceived me. > > May I be ardently devoted to God! > > And before I desire the end of existence, > > And before the broken foam shall come upon my lips, > > And before I become connected with wooden boards, > > May there be festivals to my soul! > There are three fountains > > In the mountain of roses, > > There is a Caer of defence > > Under the ocean’s wave. > > Illusive greeter, > > What is the porter’s name? > Pleasant, summer, and slow long day; > > Also pleasant to pass out of chastisement > > Pleasant, the blossoms on the tops of the pear-trees; > > Also pleasant, friendship with the Creator. > The number of saints in scores, > > Valiant men, golden their party. > > Before kings a career of praise, > > Warriors, no one was before them in demanding. > > In straits, in expanse, in every need, > > May they be a city to our body and our soul! > Pleasant, a steed in a leather halter; > > Also pleasant, alliance with a king. > > Pleasant, the hero that destroys not the yielding; > > Also pleasant, the splendid Cymraec language. > Twelve thousand in the convention > > Believed through the voice of John. > > They worship, they deserve a portion, > > In heaven they will not be angry. > A pleasant virtue, extreme penance to an extreme course; > > Also pleasant, when God is delivering me. > > Pleasant, the carousal that hinders not mental exertion; > > Also pleasant, to drink together about horns. > I will declare when I am in the gravel, > > From the maintenance of gifts, > > From being numbered, from going to be a martyr > > In the reckoning of Saint Segerno. > > From a word when sin may be to me, > > Let there be no sigh from those that hear me. > Book-learning scarcely tells me > > Of severe afflictions after death-bed; > > And such as have heard my bardic books > > They shall obtain the region of heaven, the best of all abodes. > Meditating were my thoughts > > On the vain poetry of the bards of Brython. > > Making the best of themselves in the chief convention. > > Enough, the care of the smith’s sledge-hammer. > > I am in want of a stick, straitened in song, > > The fold of the bards, who knows it not? > Whence come night and flood? > > How they disappear? > > Whither flies night from day; > > And how is it not seen? > Multitudes, of beautiful works, > > Believed, served with us. > Pleasant, berries in the time of harvest; > > Also pleasant, wheat upon the stalk. > > Pleasant the sun moving in the firmament; > > Also pleasant the retaliators of outcries. > The number of saints, a synod without desire, > > From God the divine prophesy. > > In every tongue they compose, > > About the earth they were, > > And so many wisely prophesied > > Christ, and before he was, they were.