The Description of Wales
by Geraldus Cambrensis
Book II
Chapter X
In what manner this nation may resist and
revolt
Having hitherto so partially and elaborately spoken in
favour of the English, and being equally connected by birth
with each nation, justice demands that we should argue on
both sides; let us therefore, at the close of our work, turn
our attention towards the Welsh, and briefly, but
effectually, instruct them in the art of resistance. If the
Welsh were more commonly accustomed to the Gallic mode of
arming, and depended more on steady fighting than on their
agility; if their princes were unanimous and inseparable in
their defence; or rather, if they had only one prince, and
that a good one; this nation situated in so powerful,
strong, and inaccessible a country, could hardly ever be
completely overcome. If, therefore, they would be
inseparable, they would become insuperable, being assisted
by these three circumstances; a country well defended by
nature, a people both contented and accustomed to live upon
little, a community whose nobles as well as privates are
instructed in the use of arms; and especially as the English
fight for power, the Welsh for liberty; the one to procure
gain, the other to avoid loss; the English hirelings for
money, the Welsh patriots for their country. The English, I
say, fight in order to expel the natural inhabitants from
the island, and secure to themselves the possession of the
whole; but the Welsh maintain the conflict, that they, who
have so long enjoyed the sovereignty of the whole kingdom,
may at least find a hiding place in the worst corner of it,
amongst woods and marshes; and, banished, as it were, for
their offences, may there in a state of poverty, for a
limited time, perform penance for the excesses they
committed in the days of their prosperity. For the perpetual
remembrance of their former greatness, the recollection of
their Trojan descent, and the high and continued majesty of
the kingdom of Britain, may draw forth many a latent spark
of animosity, and encourage the daring spirit of rebellion.
Hence during the military expedition which king Henry II.
made in our days against South Wales, an old Welshman at
Pencadair, who had faithfully adhered to him, being desired
to give his opinion about the royal army, and whether he
thought that of the rebels would make resistance, and what
would be the final event of this war, replied, "This nation,
O king, may now, as in former times, be harassed, and in a
great measure weakened and destroyed by your and other
powers, and it will often prevail by its laudable exertions;
but it can never be totally subdued through the wrath of
man, unless the wrath of God shall concur. Nor do I think,
that any other nation than this of Wales, or any other
language, whatever may hereafter come to pass, shall, in the
day of severe examination before the Supreme Judge, answer
for this corner of the earth."
The Description of Wales
Book II
by Geraldus Cambrensis
Chapter IX
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