Meic Stephens
Ker Ys
What’s new in the town of Ys
where the young men are so wild?
I can hear the harp and bagpipe.
Nothing’s new in the town of Ys
save the brawls by day and night.
It’s the same old story there.
The cathedral doors are shut,
the place is thick with brambles.
Dogs are being set on beggars.
Ahes, king Gradlon’s daughter,
is leading the town to downfall.
Hell’s fire is in her heart.
Saint Gwennol, that holy man,
has been to see the girl’s father,
with tears in his eyes, saying
Gradlon, my beloved lord,
beware your daughter’s debauch.
God’s anger will be great on Ys.
The old king, in his terror,
has pleaded with the princess.
But he cannot mend her ways.
Ahes has built, for her lovers,
a fine palace by the floodgates.
She sleeps in the sea’s boom.
The Prince keeps her company.
His cloak is red, his beard black,
his eyes are burning bright.
What’s new in the town of Ys?
It’s the same old story there.
(Adapted from an old Breton song)
Page(s) 12
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