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This holy mission travelled over a considerable part of Wales, principally of South Wales, and the records of the journey, as composed by Giraldus, in Latin, are now for the first time submitted to the public in English, in the work before us. Giraldus afterwards attended King Henry on his military expedition into France: was elected Bishop of St. David's by the canons of that church; and went to Rome, to solicit confirmation in his see; but the Pope annulled the election. He afterwards resigned his offices of archdeacon and canon, to his nephew, Philip de Barri; retired from public life, lived seventeen years in privacy, and died at St. David's in the seventy-fourth year of his age.

We are not to estimate the character of Giraldus by associating with it our ideas, familiarised to science by the advantages of modern times. When literature was not assisted, as it is now, by extensive communications from the press, and by free intercourse among the learned, the man who acquired knowledge in history sacred and profane, who was eminent in classical studies as well as theological, deserves applause proportionate to the difficulties he overcame. He is, moreover, entitled to many allowances for the remaining weaknesses of his mind: nor, should we censure him with too great severity, when relating incidents, some credible, and others incredible, which in the current language of his day were termed miraculous. To have described them under any other distinction would have been thought profane by his readers; although, at this time, they would scarcely excite surprise in the veriest rustic. Giraldus was a man of no ordinary abilities; and had the principles of the Reformation been then promulgated, his zeal, activity, and resolution, might have entitled him to the admiration and gratitude of ages.

As we cannot communicate to our readers an adequate idea of the course he pursued, we shall not follow the archbishop in his progress; but must refer those who interest themselves in the study of our antiquities, to these elegant volumes. Giraldus originally divided his work into chapters; to which the editor has added numerous notes, on the respective pages, with more copious annotations at the end of each. Some of these additions are longer than the chapter they illustrate: but this is the result

of considerable investigation and inquiry. Leland has been useful on many occa sions; and his authority, as it ought to be, is treated with respect. We shall insert an extract by way of specimen of the author's style and manner. It is from chap.

vii. Part II.

From Bangor, we crossed over a small arm of the sea to the island of Mona, distant from thence about two miles, where Roderic, the younger son of Roen, attended by nearly all the inhabitants of the island, and many others from the adjacent countries, came in a devout manner to meet us. Confession having been made in a place near the shore, where the surrounding rocks seemed to form a natural theatre, many persons were induced to take the cross, by the persuasive discourses of the Archbishop, and Alexander, our interpreter, Archdeacon of that place, and of Sirillus, Abbot of Stratfleur. Many chosen youths of the family of Roderic were seated on an opposite rock, and not one of them could be prevailed upon to take the cross, although the Archbishop and others most earnestly exhorted them, but in vain, by an address particularly directed to them. It came to pass within three days, as if by divine vengeance, that these with young men many others, pursued some robbers of that country; being discomfited and put to flight, some were slain, others mortally wounded, and the survivors voluntarily assumed the cross they had before despised, Vol. II. p. 102.

The island of Mona is a dry and stony land, rough and unpleasant in its appearance, similar in its exterior qualities to the land of Pebidion, near St. David's, but differvery ent as to its interior value; for this island is incomparably more fertile in corn than any other part of Wales: from whence arose the British proverb, "Mon mam Cymbry," Mona mother of Wales; and when the crops have been defective in all other parts of the country, this island, from the richness of its soil and abundant produce, has been able to supply all Wales. p. 103.

Then follows the history of a miracu lous stone resembling a human thigh: to whatever distance this stone might bẹ carried, it returned home of its own accord the following night. But, a pleasanter miracle, well suited to the manners of the people, is related, as permanent"in a small island, almost adjoining to Anglesey, which is inhabited by hermits, living by manual labour, and serving God. It is remarkable, that when, by the influence of human passions, any discord arises among them, all their provisions are devoured and infected by a

species of small mice, with which the island abounds; but, when the discord ceases, they are no longer molested.” When the punishment of strife was starvation, we might hope for profound tranquillity: that smaller chastisements were inadequate to this purpose, may be inferred from a remark of our author, in the foregoing page, "that the Welch and Irish are more prone to anger and revenge than other nations: the saints likewise any of those countries appear to be of a more vindictive nature."

The editor has been particularly been particularly attentive to the Cathedral of St. David's. The ruinous state of some parts of this edifice, he feelingly laments.

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Three distinct but adjoining buildings, says he, form this massive groupe of varied architecture, the Cathedral, College, and Episcopal Palace; the two latter of which are in ruins, and are the most picturesque in their appearance. On entering the Close through a fine octagon gateway, they unexpectedly burst upon the sight, and form a coup which cannot fail to excite the surprise and admiration of even the most indifferent spectator: but how much more impressive would this view appear if the modern Chapter House was removed; for it unfortunately intercepts the most interesting building in the whole groupe, the Bishop's Palace. Vol. II. p. 22.

On the north and south sides of the altar, under recesses, are the figures of two knights in armour, well executed in free stone. The effigy on the south side represents a man rather advanced in years, in a recumbent attitude, clothed in armour, with his vizor raised, booted and spurred, his head reposing on a helmet; on his left side he carries a sword suspended by a rich belt; a lion rampant is sculptured on his breast plate, and there is an animal of the same species at his feet. This interesting monument, intended to perpetuate the memory of the illustrious Prince Rhys, who died A.D. 1196, is in a good state of preservation. p. 25

This neglected cathedral of St. David's is rendered interesting to the antiquarian by many particularities which it still retains, and such as are not frequently met with in other cathedrals, among which are the penitentiary, the rood-loft, and the shrine of the saint to whom the church is dedicated. The antiquarian, however, will have reason to regret that the numerous monumental effigies, which once enriched this cdifice, have been so barbarously mutilated and robbed of their inscriptions, by which so wide a field has been left open to conjecture, and so uncertain a clue for modern ages to determine their right and original owners. p. 31.

Yet to the shrine of this Cathedral, princes formerly came barefooted: witness William the Conqueror in 1609. Henry II. in 1171. Edward I. with his Queen Eleanor. Its riches were so great, and the offerings to it so abundant, that the monks are said to have divided them every week, by dishfuls; the quantity being so massive as not to allow leisure to tell it.

We should be glad to present our readers, if our limits permitted, with the sentiments of Sir R. C. H. on the incursions of Cæsar, and the progress of the Roman arms in Britain. The first attempt of that consummate general (before A. D. 55) was, we know, a mere landing. The second, in the next year, was productive of more important consequences. Our author accompanies the Roman army from its station at Deal, when, quitting the coast it advances into the interior of the island, by a route not very distant from that of the present high road. He supposes that Cæsar had a skirmish with the Britons at Newington, near London, where the name of Key Col seems to be a modern corruption from Caii Collis; and where the Romans were surprised in the act of fortifying their camp. They however crossed the Thames at Richmond, and penetrated as far as Verulam, which they took by assault; the Britons leaving vast numbers of cattle behind them. Here ended the progress of Cæsar; nor could he be said to have conquered so far as this capital of Cassibelaunus; he had indeed terrified into submission the southern nations; but he left Britain unsubdued; and the poet Lucan even hints that he shewed his back to the Britons :

Territa quæsitis ostendit terga Britannis.

The campaign of Plautius A. D. 43 was a more serious inroad: and the natives being divided into separate states, without harmony, zeal, or combination, were gradually subjugated by their better disciplined invaders. Sir R. C. H. supposes that Plautius continued in the neighbourhood of the Thames after receiving the submission of Cataratarus, Togodmus, others; and he places at Dorchester, on this river, that surprize of the Britons in their camp, which other writers have understood as happening on the banks of the Severn. He then examines the campaign of Claudius; to which he allots the marshy districts on the Essex coast, near the

and

mouth of the river. He differs also from other writers, by supposing that the chain of forts erected by Ostorius, along the banks of the Ancona, and Sabrina, extended from Stratford upon Avon to Peterborough; rather than from the Avon at Bath, to the Severn. And by way of supporting this proposition, he informs us, that a friend of his found an unusual number of fortified posts along the river Nen in the proper direction for this purpose. It seems, therefore, that the geography of our ancient history is not yet absolutely settled. Ostorius carried his arms into Wales: the scene of his action with Caractacus, our author places at Brandon camp, and Coxall Knoll; the first a little to the west of the great Roman road, leading from Kenchester to Wroxeter. The second within sight, a little above the village of Brampton Brian. The river Teme runs through the vale. Agricola in the year 78 completed the conquest of Wales, after an obstinate and continued struggle of many years. Sir R. C. H. then proposes certain principles, in aid of junior antiquaries when endeavouring to ascertain the Roman roads, or the original British communications; which appear to have been chosen not unskilfully. Most of these he has examined, with every assistance derived from history or learned dissertation. A sketch of Cambrian events from the days of the Romans to A. D. 1188 Connects these introductory chapters with the account of Archbishop Baldwin's progress, and his success in procuring recruits, for his pious and military expeditio..

The "Description of Wales" by Giraldus Cambrensis, comprises in the first book eighteen chapters, and these exhibit an equal number of excellencies in the character of this people. In the third chapter, Giraldus remarks that the Welsh bards, and singers, or reciters, have the genealogies of their princes, written in the Welsh language, in their ancient and authentic books, and also retain them in their memory, from Roderic the Greatfrom whom they ascend to Sylvius, Ascanius, Æneas-Adam. He says in chap. vii. that Cambria was so called from Camber, son of Brutus, who divided the kingdom of Wales between his three sons, Locrinus, Albanactus, and Camber. He commends the sober suppers and frugal fare of the people. We extract the tenth

chapter, as a pleasing picture of their hospitality, liberality, and mutual confidence.

No one of this nation ever begs, for the houses of all are common to all; and they consider liberality and hospitality among the first virtues: so much does hospitality here rejoice in communication, that it is neither offered nor requested by travellers, who, on entering any house, only deliver up their arms, when water is offered to them; if they suffer their feet to be washed, they are received as guests; for the offer of water to wash their feet, is with this nation an hospitable invitation. But if they refuse the proffered service, they only wish for morning refreshment, and not lodging. The young men move about in troops and families under the direction of a chosen leader; attached only to arms and ease, and ever ready to stand forth in defence of their country; they have free admittance into every house as if it were their

own.

Those who arrive in the morning are entertained till evening by the conversation of young women, and the music of the harp; for each house has its young women and harp, allotted to this purpose. Two circumstances here deserve notice: that as no nation labours more under the vice of jealousy than the Irish, so none is more free from it than the Welsh; and in each family the art of playing on the harp is held preferable to any other learning. In the evening, when no more guests are expected, the meal is prepared according to the number and dignity of the persons assembled, and according to the wealth of the family which entertains; the kitchen does not supply many dishes, nor highly seasoned incitements to eating; the house is not adorned with tables, cloths, and napkins; they study nature more than splendor; for which reason they place all the dishes together upon mats, with large platters or trenchers full of sweet herbs; they also make use of a thin and broad cake of bread, baked every day, which in old writings was called Lagana; and they sometimes added chopped meat with broth. Such tables were formerly used by the noble youth, from whom this nation boasts its descent, and whose manners it still imitates, according to the words of the poet:

Heu! mensas consumimus, inquit Iulus. While the family is engaged in waiting on the guests, the host and hostess stand up, paying unremitted attention to every thing, and take no food till the company are satisfied; that in case of any deficiency it may fall upon them. A bed made of rushes, and covered with a coarse kind of cloth manufactured in the country, called Brychan, is then placed along the side of the room, and

they all in common lie down to sleep; nor is their dress at night different from that by day, for at all seasons they defend themselves from the cold only by a thin cloak and waistcoat; the fire continues to burn by night as well as by day, at their feet; and they receive much comfort from the natural heat of the persons lying near them: but when the under side begins to be tired with the hardness of the bed, or the upper one, to suffer from cold, they immediately leap up, and go to the fire, which soon relieves them from both inconveniencies; and then returning to their couch, expose alternately their sides to the cold, and to the hard bed. Vol. II. p. 294.

Part of the preceding extract will recal to the mind of the scholar, incidents he has met with in Homer; they may, also, be assimilated to various patriarchal occurrences in Holy Writ. The bread called Lagana is evidently, that made in haste by the good housewives of old; which we believe is still called plank bread, because baked on a plank of iron. It is a sort of household bread, or thin cake, called, says Mr. Owen, Bara Lech, and Bara Llochan; griddle, or gradell bread, from being baked on the iron plank, called a griddle.

The following, which is the thirteenth chapter, seems to describe something approaching closely to a knowledge of counterpoint; which, if certain, would distinguish the musical proficiency of the Cambrians, and rank it above that of any other nation at the time.

In their musical concerts they do not sing in unison like the inhabitants of other countries, but in many different parts; so that in a company of singers, which one very frequently meets with in Wales, you will hear as many different parts and voices as there are performers, who all at length unite with organic melody, in one consonance, and the soft sweetness of B flat. In the northern district of Britain, beyond the Humber, and on the borders of Yorkshire, the inhabitants make use of the same kind of symphonious harmony, but with less variety; singing only in two parts, one murmuring in the bass, the other warbling in the acute or treble. Neither of the two nations has acquired this peculiarity by art, but by long habit, which has rendered it natural and familiar; and the practice is now so firmly rooted in them, that it is unusual to hear a simple and single melody well sung; and, what is still more wonderful, the children, even from their infancy, sing in the same manner. As the English in general do not adopt this mode of singing, but only the northern countics, it

seems probable that these parts of the island were more frequently invaded, and remained longer under the dominion of the Danes and Norwegians, from whom the natives contracted their mode of singing, as well as of speaking. p. 320.

We shall only add the following description of what in modern days are known under the appellation of Coracles; and which appear to have been in use from the remotest antiquity.

The boats which they employ in fishing or in crossing the rivers are made of twigs, not oblong nor pointed, but almost round, or rather triangular, covered both within and without with raw hides: when a salmon thrown into one of these boats strikes it hard with his tail, he often oversets it, and endangers both the vessel and its navigator. The fishermen, according to the custom of their country, in going to and from the rivers, carry these boats on their shoulders; on which occasion that famous dealer in fables, Bledhere, who lived a little before our time, thus mysteriously said, There is among us a people, who when they go out in search of prey, carry their horses on their backs to "the place of plunder; in order to catch "their prey, they leap upon their horses, and " and when it is taken, carry their horses "home again upon their shoulders."

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The boats described by Herodotus, lib. i. as used on the Euphrates, and those described by Pococke as employed on the Nile, and of which he gives a print, bear great resemblance to these of the ancient and modern Britons.

The second book exhibits the defects which disfigure the Cambrian character, such as inconstancy, rapine, want of steadiness in battle, family dissention, and other evil dispositions. As these are comprized in ten books, while what redounds to their credit and glory occupies eighteen, we presume that the balance of moral qualities is quite as favourable in the inhabitants of Wales as among mankind, in general, or among whatever nation may be brought into comparison with these Antient Britons.

Sir R. C. H. has favoured us with a supplement to this Itinerary, in which he presents a summary, but pleasing, course of remarks, on the principal objects which occur in the journey; such as Churches, Monasteries, Abbeys, Castles, and other substantial constructions.

We cannot quit this article without expressing our satisfaction at the modern

!

improvements of this interesting country. Our author informs us that,

Till within these few years the southern parts of Wales had a decided superiority, in point of good roads and other necessary accommodations, so requisite for the comfort of a traveller; but of late the appearance of the northern provinces has been totally changed; large tracts of land have been rescued by embarkments from the ravages of the sea: new inns have been built; and the new roads of communication have been cut through the most mountainous and apparently impracticable districts. And here let me pay a just and grateful tribute to the laudable zeal and disinterested exertions of an English nobleman (Lord Penrhyn) who has devoted the profits of a large estate to the public good; who at his own expense, has formed an extensive tract of excellent road, has established a sea-port, and introduced into the very bowels of the mountains an industrious and numerous population.—But the most important improvement of the country has been totally overlooked, namely, Planting :- - the native woods diminish daily.-In a very few years many estates will not furnish even an oak for a gate post.

The work closes with a view of the progress of Architecture, from a period nearly coeval with the Conquest, to the sixteenth century; illustrated by a series of designs taken from existing remains in South Wales, and arranged systematically. We consider some of the principles proposed in this dissertation, as well intitled to attention; and the progress of the pointed arch, from its rise to its maturity and decay, is displayed with perspicuity, and supported by well selected examples. Sir R. C. H.supposes it possessed its greatest strength, and beauty, when corresponding with the proportions of an equilateral triangle. After it became lower, and consequently broader, it declined to absolute dulness and deformity.

We must here close our account of this splendid publication.-The views are executed by the late Mr. Byrne, whose talents as an engraver of landscape, were long acknowledged by the public; the antiquities are by Basire. The work is printed by Bulmer. The whole does honour to the taste and liberality of the Editor.

We regret, however, Sir R. C. H's. imperfect acquaintance with the Welsh language; but, the assistance of Mr. Owen has rendered this little sensible. Mr. O. has also contributed a judicious essay on the Bardic system; of which very few moderns possess equal knowledge.

The Beneficial Effects of Christianity on the Temporal Concerns of Mankind, proved from History and from Facts. By the Right Reverend Beilby Porteus, D.D. Lord Bishop of London. Second Edition. Cadell, pp. 90. Price 5s. 1806.

RELIGION is that intimate resident in every man's bosom, which directs and controuls his principles and actions. Secret, but powerful is the influence it exerts; not always understood by the subject himself, and conspicuous only on oc. casions of moment, or on incidents peculiarly adapted to rouse it into action. But Religion is of different kinds, and takes

different directions: it is internal or external; principle or practice; happy those in whom it is a due mixture of both!

When what is denominated religion, evaporates in rites and ceremonies, and when the performance of certain solemnities is considered as having fulfilled the duties of religion, weak indeed is the effect of such worship on the heart. The man remains unconscious of any injunctions, opposing his vicious inclinations, or of any invigorating virtue, which may confirm his wiser judgment, and give effect to his better intentions. Yet such was the religion of the antient world.

The deities of paganism were originally mortals like their worshippers. Subject to all the weaknesses of humanity, they were soothed by the servilities of flattery, they were dazzled by the glittering magnificence, of which they were the objects, they were won by entreaty and solicitation; and, like other men, they naturally desired to be remembered with veneration. by those on whom they had conferred favours, or those who professed more than ordinary attachment to their interests. Hence their votaries, wherever they migrated, retained those external services in which their deities had taken delight. Hence originated pompous ceremonies, and expensive oblations; prolonged parade amused the eye, and music the ear, perfumes were employed to gratify the sense of smell, and sacrifices to regale the sense of taste. And, because the person thus worshipped could not be every where present, nor prolong his life to meet his devotees in succeeding ages, an idol was substituted; to receive the same homage as was paid to himself. Apprehension of a distant (though living) power, from which the votary expected neither visit nor scrutiny, was little competent to correct

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