for the present, we shall close our few introductory remarks with a quotation from the "Mythology and Rites of the Druids," wherein the learned author takes a general but judicious view of a question, which, however, we think, the particular character of his work might have justified him in discussing much more minutely.

"for

"How are we to account," observes Mr. Davies *, such a coincidence in the mythology of nations so widely separated? Perhaps, it would not be an unreasonable supposition, that the rudiments of those fanciful systems, which prevailed over the Gentile world, whatever changes they may afterwards have undergone from local corruption and mutual intercourse, were laid before the nations separated from the patriarchal stock. How are we otherwise to account for the prevalence of the same fabulous relations and commemorative symbols in the east of Asia and amongst a sequestered people in the west of Europe? I am aware, that this difficulty has generally been solved by the supposition, that certain Eastern sages, in some distant age, found their way into these remote regions. But the experience of our countrymen and neighbours, for the last three hundred years, may serve to convince us, that a new religion, essentially different from that of an established society, whether polished or barbarous, is not easily introduced. However this may have been, it is curious to observe in the old poems and tales of the Britons, and in the ancient books of the Hindoos, the same train of superstitious ideas."

CONFORMITY BETWEEN INDIAN AND BARDIC THEOLOGY +.

"To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine."

"SIR,-Whenever I have the curiosity to look into books, which treat of the antiquities of India, I am surprised what a close affinity is to be discovered between the original language of that part of the world and the bardic system and language of Wales. This has made me very anxious for the acquaintance of a scholar in the Shanscrit, and I have altogether been unsuccessful; but, perhaps, Sir, there may be, amongst the

* Mythology and Rites, &c. p. 227.
+ Monthly Magazine, vol. iv. p. 342.

readers of your Magazine, some one capable of communicating many curious illustrations upon the subject*. The following comparison is made of notes, which I took in reading Sir W. Jones's translation of the Laws of Menu, and are offered to your notice as a specimen of the affinity which I have mentioned.

*Should any of the readers of the CAMBRO-BRITON possess any information of this nature, we need scarcely add, that it would be most gratefully received. The author of the late Gwyneddigion Prize-poem on the "Fall of Llywelyn" states, in a note, something on this subject, with reference to some lines of Taliesin, which it would be very desirable to have more fully explained.

+ See CAMBRO-BRITON, vol. ii. pp. 389, 390.

"This comparison might be extended to a great length; but I am induced to conclude, lest it should not appear sufficiently interesting. I remain, Sir, your's &c.

WELSH MUSIC.-No. XIV.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE CAMBRO-BRITON.

SIR," Mentra Gwen," Venture Gwen, is a peculiarly elegant melody, and possesses much originality; though the last eight bars are very similar to "The Melody of North Wales." Yet the commencement is strikingly novel. The words, adapted to it by Mr. J. Jones, are very appropriate; it is a serenade called "Ellen Dear." The note, which accompanies it, may amuse those who are strangers to the ancient customs of the Cymry; I shall therefore transcribe it :

"Serenading used to be very prevalent in Wales formerly. There is still a curious custom on May-day morning, when the swains deck a bough of rosemary with white ribbands, &e. and place it at the chamber-window of the fair ones whom they admire. But a different present is left at the doors of those, whom they are not on friendly terms with: a penglog, i. e. a horse's head, is procured from a tan-yard, and made fast to the latch, to the no small annoyance, and even disgrace, of the nymphs, who are anxiously looking out for the "Garland of Love:"

"Meillionen," The Trefoil, but better known as Sir Watkin's Delight, follows Mentra Gwen, with words adapted to it by one, of whom I could say much, were I addressing any other person but the author of "The Heroes of Cymru," which appeared in No. 14 of the CAMBRO-BRITON.

"Wyres Ned Pugh," Ned Pughe's Grand-daughter, is a favourite air, with the pennillion-singers; the metre is similar to that of Llwyn Onn. "The Exile of Cambria," written by a lady expressly for this work, is a song calculated to warm the calonau of the Cymry, when distant from the "Hills of their Fathers:"

"Rheged "-Query-whether Reged, or Rheged, the Welsh for liberality, bounty, &c. &c. or Urien Rheged, a distinguished chieftain who flourished about the latter part of the fifth century. The melody is a most elegant, flowing composition, and, if it be very ancient, it certainly bespeaks more refinement and feeling than are generally attributed to a rude people; such as

some authors would fain make us believe our forefathers

were.

Tri chant o Bunnau,”—Three Hundred Pounds. This bold and energetic air was noticed in my seventh letter, (vol. i. p. 416) and is merely mentioned here, because the fine song of the "Hirlas Horn," written by Mrs. Hemans, was inserted in the last Number* of the CAMBRO-BRITON, as adapted to this melody.

Rhyvelgyrch Gwyr Harlech,”—The March of the Men of Harlech. This fine and characteristic air has also been noticed in vol. i. p. 95. The subject of the words, adapted to it, is "The Death of Llywelyn," written by the author of the "Heroes of Cymru," who, I hope, will gratify your readers by inserting the poem in the CAMBRO-BRITON.

Very few can conceive the difficulty there is in writing English words to some of the Welsh Melodies; the tune must be altered, the irregularity of the rhythm and metre must be attended to, and, above all, the character of the composition must be preserved, or my countrymen will not be satisfied.

In reviewing the Second Number of the Welsh Melodies, one of the papers observes, "Among the sixteen airs which this publication contains, besides four harmonized, there are several of a striking character, and several very pretty, which will afford delight to players. Others have an oddness of measure, which must have rendered writing to them a very difficult task, so abrupt, as apparently to defy melody,—and so quaint, as to bother rhythm worse than if they had been Irish." All this is very gratifying to us Cambrians; we like the oddness and quaintness of our national airs. What Cymro would allow his "Noble Race of Shenkin" to be considered second to any composition of the kind; or, would have his "Hob y deri" yield to the most scientific of the Italian Buffas? The Welsh music seems wedded to the language—and they certainly agree, considering the length of time they have been united, far better than most married folk now-a-days!

I have endeavoured to procure words for the different airs, written in close imitation of the Welsh songs and Pennillion ; how far I have succeeded I will leave to those who love the songs of olden times to decide, most earnestly inviting them to

*No. 25.-Ed.