July 23, 1896.




ALUN.


John Blackwell (Alun), was born of very poor parents at Mold in 1797.
Beginning life as a shoe-maker, his successes at the Eisteddfods of
Ruthin and Mold in 1823 attracted the attention of the gentry of the
neighbourhood, and a fund was formed to send him to the University. He
took his degree from Jesus College, Oxford, in 1828, and died rector of
Manordeifi 1840. His works were published under the title of "Ceinion
Alun," in 1851 (Isaac Clarke, Ruthin), and his poems were re-published in
1879, by Mr. Isaac Foulkes of Liverpool, in the "Cyfres y Ceinion."



Song of the Fisherman's Wife.


Hush, restless wave! and landward gently creeping,
No longer sullen break;
All nature now is still and softly sleeping,
And why art thou awake?
The busy din of earth will soon be o'er,
Rest thee, oh rest upon thy sandy shore.

Peace, restless sea; e'en now my heart's best treasure