Y DRINDOD: YN NGHYD A CHYWYDD Y DARAN, MARWNAD IORWERTH RHISIART, A CHAN O GAN DAFYDD IONAWR. CAERFYRDDIN: ARGRAFFWYD GAN J. L. BRIGSTOCKE, AC AR WERTH GAN HOLL LYFR-WERTHWYR CYMRU. PREFACE. OWING to the turbulence of the times, the author thinks it necessary to premise, that his work has nothing to do with French revolutions, nor British politics. His preface, probably, may abound with Welshisms: the learned reader, therefore, is humbly requested, not to be too rigorous in censuring the style of a poor Welshman from the wilds of Merionethshire. Some men of gravity and of seeming importance have been offended at the title of this Work (Cywydd y Drindod), thinking it presumptuous. To prevent all future mistakes upon this subject, let the reader observe that the work treats of the Creation of the World, the Redemption and Sanctification of Mankind, and he can be no longer offended at the title. Worthily to celebrate the praises of the Almighty exceeds the sublimest strains of poetry. Even the highest order of angels may say: "Lo, these are parts of his ways; but how little a portion is heard of Him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?"-Though men and angels cannot return adequate praises to Him, "whose glory filled heaven with amazement at his love to man ;" yet it is the duty of a Christian to express his gratitude to his Redeemer for unspeakable and unmerited favours. Should it be asked, what motive could induce any one to compose a work of such magnitude, at so late a period, in the Welsh language? and to what end? Before he answers these questions, the author begs leave to divide his readers into three different classes. The first shall consist of those whose taste is so exquisite and just as to be capable of relishing the beauties of poetry, without inquiring by whom, or in what century, such a work was composed. The second, of those who admire nothing but what antiquity has consecrated. The third, and the most numerous class, shall be the great and the little vulgar, who regard all poetry, both ancient and modern, with the most sovereign contempt. The first class, though very few in number, yet being infinitely the most respectable, shall first be spoken to. Having nothing but the truth to declare, it shall be done in a few words. In youthful years I secretly conceived a strong inclination to compose a sacred poem. The creation of the world and the redemption of mankind filled my soul with astonishment. Trusting in the Almighty for assistance, I resolved to write upon those most wonderful subjects. Being but a mere boy, and having no instructor to direct my studies, and but very few books to read besides |