The Battle of the Trees
Before I attained a congenial form.
I have been a narrow blade of a sword.
(I will believe it when it appears.)
I have been a drop in the air.
I have been a shining star.
I have been a word in a book.
I have been a book originally.
I have been a light in a lantern.
A year and a half.
I have been a bridge for passing over
Three-score rivers.
I have journeyed as an eagle.
I have been a boat on the sea.
I have been a director in battle.
I have been teh string of a child’s swaddling clout
I have been a sword in the hand.
I have been a shield in the fight.
I have been the string of a harp,
Enchanted for a year
In the foam of water.
I have been a poker in the fire.
I have been a tree in a covert.
Ther is nothing in which I have not been.
The Battle of the Trees, Cad Goddeu, 1 – 25
Retreating from happiness,
They would fain be set
In forms of the chief letters
Of the alphabet.
*
With nine sorts of faculty
God has gifted me:
I am fruit of fruits gathered
From nine sorts of tree –
Plum, quince, whortle, mulberry,
Raspberry, pear,
Black cherry and white
With the sorb in me share.