other by a wood, remarkable for the projection of its rocks, and the
height of its hazel trees. On the right hand of the promontory,
between the castle and the church, near the site of a very large
lake and mill, a rivulet of never-failing water flows through a
valley, rendered sandy by the violence of the winds. Towards the
west, the Severn sea, bending its course to Ireland, enters a hollow
bay at some distance from the castle; and the southern rocks, if
extended a little further towards the north, would render it a most
excellent harbour for shipping. From this point of sight, you will
see almost all the ships from Great Britain, which the east wind
drives upon the Irish coast, daringly brave the inconstant waves and
raging sea. This country is well supplied with corn, sea-fish, and
imported wines; and what is preferable to every other advantage,
from its vicinity to Ireland, it is tempered by a salubrious air.
Demetia, therefore, with its seven cantreds, is the most beautiful,
as well as the most powerful district of Wales; Penbroch, the finest
part of the province of Demetia; and the place I have just
described, the most delightful part of Penbroch. It is evident,
therefore, that Maenor Pirr is the pleasantest spot in Wales; and
the author may be pardoned for having thus extolled his native soil,
his genial territory, with a profusion of praise and admiration.

In this part of Penbroch, unclean spirits have conversed, nor
visibly, but sensibly, with mankind; first in the house of Stephen
Wiriet, {114} and afterwards in the house of William Not; {115}
manifesting their presence by throwing dirt at them, and more with a
view of mockery than of injury. In the house of William, they cut
holes in the linen and woollen garments, much to the loss of the
owner of the house and his guests; nor could any precaution, or even
bolts, secure them from these inconveniences. In the house of