Pater Mereadoci pombabit hic
Pater Mereadoci:
- Me yw gylwys duk Bryten
- ha seuys a goys ryel,
- ha war an gwlascur cheften
- nessa dhen myterne vhell,
- kyng Conany.
- Aye lynneth purwyr y thof,
- gwarthevyas war gwyls ha dof,
- doutis yn mysk arlydhy.
- Vn mab purwyr dhyn y ma,
- Meriasek y hanow.
- dhe scole lemmyn y worra
- me a vyn heb falladow,
- dysky dader may halla.
- Mersyw gans du plygadow,
- y karsen y exaltya
- may fo perhennek gwlasow.
Mater:
- Arluth, henna yw gwrys da
- Y exaltye yredy.
- Perfect ef a wore redya:
- Grammer angeffa edeffry
- Y vyea tek
- Ha worshypp wosa helma.
- Yv dhe voth mos a lemma,
- lauer dhynny ov map wek.
Meriadocus:
- A das a mam, ov megyans
- Yv bos gorrys dhe dhyskans,
- rag attendie an scryptur.
- Gothvos ynweth decernya
- omma ynter drok ha da
- yv ov ewnadow pup vr
Pater:
- Beneth du dhys, meryasek!
- Pup vr ty yv colonnek,
- parys rag adysky dader.
- Meseger, scon alemma
- kegy gans ov mab kerra
- bys yn mester a grammer.
Text from: Whitley Stokes (ed.), Beunans Meriasek (London, 1872), ll. 1–22
Enter Meriasek’s father
[Meriasek’s father]
- I am called the Duke of Brittany
- and raised from royal blood,
- and chieftain over the country,
- [and] closest to the high lord,
- King Conany.
- Right truly of his lineage am I,
- overlord over wild and tame
- feared among lords.
- A son right truly have we,
- Meriasek his name.
- To school now I shall send him
- Without fail,
- that he can learn goodness.
- If it is God’s pleasure
- I would wish to exalt him
- That he be the owner of countries.
[Mother]
- Lord, that is done well
- To exalt him readily.
- Perfectly he can read:
- Indeed it would be fine
- if he could have grammar
- and honour after this.
- Is it your will to go from here,
- Tell us, my sweet son?
[Meriasek]
- Father and mother, my delight
- Is to be set to learning,
- To understand the Scripture.
- To know likewise how to distinguish
- Here between good and evil
- Is always my desire.
[Father]
- God’s blessing to you, Meriasek!
- You are always hearty,
- Ready to learn goodness.
- Messenger, take my dearest son
- forthwith from here
- to the master of grammar.
Translation from: Whitley Stokes (modified)
