is certainly best. I only wrote something that came uppermost, to egg
you on to do better. Your notion of _Maelienydd_ is wrong. You have
been imposed upon by Camden, Selden, or perhaps, by Girald. Cambrensis;
or by some of those strangers that knew nothing of the matter.
_Maelienydd_ was the country to the south and east of those mountains.
But this is besides my purpose. Well, as you think the unity of design,
scene, and action of your poem was about _Llyn Teifi_, I shall not urge
the description of _Teifi_ as low as the sea (for there it goes.) And I
could have wished you had done it; for nobody else in Cardiganshire is
able to do poor _Teifi_ that kindness. As for your sheltering under
Horace's adage, I mind it as nothing. He was a stranger to our methods,
handed down to us by his masters, the druidical bards; who knew how to
sing before Rome had a name. So never, hereafter, mention such moderns
as Horace and Virgil, when you talk of British poetry. Llywarch Hen,
Aneurin, and followers of the Druids, are our men; and nature our rule.
With respect to your borrowing Gronw's manuscript, you may make yourself
easy about it. I dare say he would sooner part with his wife, and, for
aught I know, children too; but his wife I am sure. Your sentiments of
Gronw's capacity as a poet, are I believe just; for he has had greater
opportunities than any poet since the Norman Conquest. But, if you take
my word, you will not be behind him, if you stick to it. And, that you
may not complain for want of the necessary requisites, as soon as ever I
have any leisure, I will send you an ode or two of the ancients, which
are not in Gronw's book, to whet your Awen with. I have a fine
collection of the eleventh and twelfth centuries, which I value more than
their weight in fine gold.
Your most humble Servant,
LEWIS MORRIS.
_London_, _Nov._ 13, 1756.
* * * * *
The same to the same.