_Folk Lore of Wales_: _Shewri-while._--There is a legend connected with one
of the Monmouthshire mountains (_Mynydd Llanhilleth_), that was, until very
recently, implicitly believed by most of the residents in that
neighbourhood. They stated that the mountain was haunted by a spirit in the
form of a woman, and known by the name of "Shewri-while." Her principal
employment appears to have been misleading those whose business or
inclination led them across the mountain; and so powerful was her
influence, that few, even of those who resided in the neighbourhood, could
cross the mountain without losing their way. If some unlucky wanderer
hesitated in which direction to go, Shewri would attract his attention by a
loud "whoo-whoop," and with upraised arm beckon him on. If followed, she
glided on before him: sometimes allowing him to approach so near, that the
colour and arrangement of her dress could be distinguished; at other times,
she would only be seen at a distance, and then she frequently repeated her
call of "whoo-whoop." At length, after wandering over the mountain for
hours in the hope of overtaking her, she would leave her weary and
bewildered pursuer at the very spot from which he had first started.
C[reversed-C].
_Charm for the Tooth-ache._--The following doggerel, to be written on a
piece of parchment, and worn round the neck next to the skin:
"When Peter sat at Jerusalems gate
His teeth did most sorely eake (ache)
Ask counsel of Christ and follow me
Of the tooth eake you shall be ever free
Not you a Lone but also all those
Who carry these few Laines safe under clothes
In the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghoste."
(_Copied verbatim._)