keen a sense of the ridiculous in manners and conversation as the Welsh,
should not spice their literature with examples of humorous writing. We
shall furnish in the fourth part of this collection a few specimens from
the writings of some of the humorists of Wales.

Sentiment, which may be defined as the emotion of the human heart, mixes
freely in verse and sentimental poetry, forms a considerable portion of
the lays of every country. There is in this particular no distinction
between the early and modern history of nations, for sentiment enters the
metrical effusions of every period alike. Pathos and taste appear to be
the foster mothers of this quality, which is a distinguishing trait of
the poetry of Wales, as shown by the examples furnished in the fifth part
of this collection.

If any trait be more distinctive of the Welshman than another, it is his
love for his bible, his chapel and church, and this has furnished the
richest store of spiritual song. The hymnists of Wales are many; but
distinguished beyond and above every other, is the celebrated Williams of
Pantycelyn, whose hymns are sung in every chapel and cottage throughout
the Principality, and are now as refreshing to the religious tastes and
emotions of the people as at their first appearance; and, from their
intrinsic beauty and warmth, they are not likely to be lost so long as
the Welsh language remains a spoken or written tongue. The sixth part of
this collection will furnish the reader with an insight into the
transcendent merit and fervour of this prince of religious song.




PART I. THE SUBLIME.