The Battle of Argoed Llwyfain

Attributed to Taliesin

On Saturday morning there was a great battle
From sunrise to sunset
Fflamddwyn advanced with four companies;
While the army of Goddau and Rheged was gathering
Summoned from Argoed and as far as Arfynydd
They shall not delay even for a day
Fflamddwyn shouted with great boasting
'Will they give me hostages? Are they ready?'
Owein answered, the ravager of the east
'They will not give them. They were not, they are not ready;
And a brave whelp of Coel's breed would be sore afflicted
Before he gave a single hostage.'
Urien, lord of Yr Echwydd, shouted
'If there be talk of peace,
Let us raise a rampart on the mountain.
Let us raise our faces over the top.
Let us raise our spears over our heads men,
And charge Fflamddwyn in the midst of his host
And slay him and his companions.'
By the Elm Wood there were many corpses
Ravens were blooded by the warriors
And men rushed forward with their chief.
For a year I will sing a song to their victory!