The Lovers Fled To Glamorgan, Where Ifor Hael, Not Much To His Own Credit, Received Them With Open Arms, Probably Forgetting How He Had Immured His OWN Daughter In A Convent, Rather Than Bestow Her On Ab Gwilym.

Having a hunting-lodge in a forest on the banks of the lovely Taf, he allotted it to the fugitives as a residence.

Ecclesiastical law, however, as strong in Wild Wales as in other parts of Europe, soon followed them into Glamorgan, and, very properly, separated them. The lady was restored to her husband, and Ab Gwilym fined to a very high amount. Not being able to pay the fine, he was cast into prison; but then the men of Glamorgan arose to a man, swearing that their head bard should not remain in prison. "Then pay his fine!" said the ecclesiastical law, or rather the ecclesiastical lawyer. "So we will!" said the men of Glamorgan, and so they did. Every man put his hand into his pocket; the amount was soon raised, the fine paid, and the bard set free.

Ab Gwilym did not forget this kindness of the men of Glamorgan, and, to requite it, wrote an address to the sun, in which he requests that luminary to visit Glamorgan, to bless it, and to keep it from harm. The piece concludes with some noble lines somewhat to this effect

"If every strand oppression strong Should arm against the son of song, The weary wight would find, I ween, A welcome in Glamorgan green."

Some time after his release he meditated a second elopement with Morfudd, and even induced her to consent to go off with him.

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