“Discit enim citius meminitque libentius illud Quod quis deridet, quam quod probat et veneratur.”
Among the pursuits, therefore, most worthy of commendation, this holds by no means the lowest rank; for history, as the moral philosopher declares, “is the record of antiquity, the testimony of ages, the light of truth, the soul of memory, the mistress of conduct, and the herald of ancient times.”
This study is the more delightful, as it is more honourable to produce works worthy of being quoted than to quote the works of others; as it is more desirable to be the author of compositions which deserve to be admired than to be esteemed a good judge of the writings of other men; as it is more meritorious to be the just object of other men’s commendations than to be considered an adept in pointing out the merits of others. On these pleasing reflections I feed and regale myself; for I would rather resemble Jerome than Croesus, and I prefer to riches themselves the man who is capable of despising them. With these gratifying ideas I rest contented and delighted, valuing moderation more than intemperance, and an honourable sufficiency more than superfluity; for intemperance and superfluity produce their own destruction, but their opposite virtues never perish; the former vanish, but the latter, like eternity, remain for ever; in short, I prefer praise to lucre, and reputation to riches.
BOOK I CHAPTER PAGE I. Length and Breadth of Wales, the Nature of its 155 Soil, and the Three Remaining Tribes of Britons II. Of the Ancient Division of Wales into Three 156 Parts III. Genealogy of the Princes of Wales 157 IV. Cantreds—Royal Palaces—Cathedrals 158 V. Mountains and Rivers of Wales 159 VI. Concerning the Pleasantness and Fertility of 163 Wales VII. Origin of the Names Cambria and Wales 164 VIII. Concerning the Nature, Manners, and Dress, the 166 Boldness, Agility, and Courage, of this Nation IX. Their Sober Supper and Frugality 168 X. Their Hospitality and Liberality 170 XI. Concerning their cutting of their Hair, their 171 Care of their Teeth, and Shaving of their Beard XII. Their Quickness and Sharpness of Understanding 174 XIII. Their Symphonies and Songs 175 XIV. Their Wit and Pleasantry 177 XV. Their Boldness and Confidence in Speaking 183 XVI. Concerning the Soothsayers of this Nation, and 179 Persons as it were possessed XVII. Their Love of High Birth and Ancient Genealogy 183 XVIII. Their Ancient Faith, Love of Christianity and 185 Devotion BOOK II I. Concerning the Inconstancy and Instability of 189 this Nation, and their Want of Reverence for Good Faith and Oaths II. Their living by Plunder, and Disregard of the 190 Bonds of Peace and Friendship III. Their Deficiency in Battle, and Base and 192 Dishonourable Flight IV. Their Ambitious Seizure of Lands, and 193 Dissensions among Brothers V. Their great Exaction, and Want of Moderation 194 VI. Concerning the Crime of Incest, and the Abuse 195 of Churches by Succession and Participation VII. Their Sins, and the consequent Loss of Britain 196 and of Troy VIII. In what Manner this Nation is to be overcome 198 IX. In what Manner Wales, when conquered, should 202 be governed X. In what Manner this Nation may resist and 204 revolt