Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
England: Vols. I–IV. 1876–79.

Wales: Cardiff

Cardiff Castle

By Taliesen Williams (1787–1847)

Rhymed Version of the Preceding

OAK that grew on battle mound,

Where crimson torrents drenched the ground;

Woe waits the maddening broils where sparkling wine goes round!

Oak that grew on verdant plain,

Where gushed the blood of warriors slain;—

The wretch in hatred’s grasp may well of woes complain!

Oak that grew in verdure strong,

After bloodshed’s direful wrong;—

Woe waits the wretch who sits the sons of strife among!

Oak that grew on greensward bourn,

Its once fair branches tempest torn;—

Whom envy’s hate pursues shall long in anguish mourn!

Oak that grew on woodcliff high,

Where Severn’s waves to winds reply;—

Woe waits the wretch whose years tell not that death is nigh!

Oak that grew through years of woe,

Mid battle broil’s unequalled throes,—

Forlorn is he who prays that death his life may close.