C Y M R A E G

William Owen Pughe to Iolo Morganwg, 28 August 1800

(NLW 21282E, Letter 342)



Address: Mr Edward Williams, Marble Mason, Flimston near Cowbridge, S. Wales Postmark: PAID; GPP; Penny Po[st] pd 1d. Penton Ville; PAI[D] AU 28 1800; (in hand) post paid
Source: NLW 21282E, no. 342


Penton Street, Pentonville, London, August 28 1800

Dear friend,
Supposing that by this time you have reached home, I send you some particulars for your consideration and opinion.
You know that the printing of the first volume of poetry is just finished. There must be some preface to it, pointing out some of the most remarkable events and things relating thereto, the manuscript sources which furnished the collection &c. I wish you would fulfil O. Myvyr's wish, by drawing out a sketch of such a preface directly, without loss of time. I suppose that every volume should have something said separately, therefore the observations must be so divided as to be appropriate to the different volumes, and not to interfere with each other.
The collection of triads which you lately sent are most surprising and interesting things. Myvyr's judgement of them was "These things are worth all that you have printed". I regret that no more of them can be recovered. They are now printing, to fill the three half sheets left for them. I should like that you would immediately set about a complete translation of all the triads, with remarks and notes, to be ready for the press by the time the prose volume of the Archaiology is out, or else somebody else, with but little knowledge of the subject, will be induced, from their importance, to do so as soon as the book is published. Think of this, as it is of consequence; for if you will not set about the work I shall almost be tempted to do it myself, with all my want of time &c.
Some of the persons in the triads are admirable subjects for your awen [muse]. A volume of odes to them would surprise the world if you could be prevailed on to give it.
I have a Gazette Extraordinary to publish to you. - The indefatigable Wilford has lately discovered at Benares an ancient Sanscrit book, wherein is contained a description of Britain earlier than the time of Cesar, wherein is given amongst other particulars the names of mountains and rivers, an account of the religious worship of the natives in circles of stones, and identifying it with the worship of the Hindus &c, &c. Dont you think this wonderful news? It is a favorite idea with you, and I like it, that there will be a recovery of all things revealed to mankind. This is a happy instance of such a work going on. Your bardic history will [be] the most important part which the Cymry [Welsh] will be able to furnish therein. Do not let it lie at rest, as you insinuated at Dolgellau.
Did you copy the old music at Blaenau? I hope you were able to do so.
Phillips of St Pauls' Church Yard carries on a yearly volume of very extensive circulation, called Public Characters. He wants much to have you in it, connecting with a sketch of your life an account of the bardic institute and Welsh literature in general. I wish you would furnish as much as would fill a dozen 8vo pages, in the third person, of such an account. It would be of service to the cause, but it should be done soon.
The printing of 'Brut y Tywysogion' is going on, therefore if you have any thing to furnish, send immediately and, if there is, to save the expence of carriage, send such other things as you intend to come.
I wish to prevail upon you to furnish a speedy answer to the foregoing particulars.
Sal desires to be remembered to you. Remember me also to Mrs Williams and to the children. I remain,
Dear friend, your wellwisher,
William Owen

Do not lose sight of arranging your proverbs.

Endorsement: William Owen, 1800
Soliciting a preface, one to each volume. Wilfords Hindoo discovery. Philip's request.
Important.


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