Charles Henry Williams

“ Llewellyn is said to have made a display of the effects of that justice in the manner shown in this Ballad.
It is but right, however, to add that, though the subject of popular rhymes and traditions, the story of the intrigue is denied by authorities worthy of respectful consideration.
By the castle of Llewellyn
⁠One age-hollowed oak doth stand,
Bearing fruit—no other like it
⁠Grows upon Llewellyn’s land.
One huge fruit—’tis centuries vanished
⁠Since upon’t an acorn grew;
Giant trees have long while perished
⁠Which from it their life-sap drew ”

“ Llewellyn ap Jorwerth, Prince of Wales, and representative of its ancient line of kings, married Joan, natural daughter of King John. When they had been some years married Llewellyn unfortunately captured William De Brâose, a Norman noble, who, being related to Llewellyn, was treated by him with all kindness and courtesy. This treatment De Brâose is said to have repaid by an intrigue with the Princess Joan, the wife of Llewellyn ”

“ The unlucky Prelate was Camelac, or, as called by the Welsh, Cyfeiliog, whose episcopacy dates about the reign of Edward, the father of Athelstan, by whom, according to one account, he was ransomed. I have not, however, thought it necessary to apply to the King, as cathedral endowments were, there is reason to think, even in those early days, amply sufficient for maintenance, for charity, and for something more.
I.
Ho! ”