important member of the royal household, for the court was not complete
without the Bard President, the Chief of Song, and the Domestic Bard. The
laws of Hywel the Good, King or Prince of Wales in the tenth century,
enact:--

"If there should be fighting, the bard shall sing 'The Monarchy of
Britain' in front of the battle."

"The Bard President shall sit at the Royal Table."

"When a bard shall ask a gift of a prince, let him sing one piece;
when he asks of a baron, let him sing three pieces."

"His land shall be free, and he shall have a horse in attendance from
the king."

"The Chief of Song shall begin the singing in the common hall."

"He shall be next but one to the patron of the family."

"He shall have a harp from the king, and a gold ring from the queen
when his office is secured to him. The harp he shall never part
with."

"When a song is called for, the Bard President should begin; the first
song shall be addressed to God, the next to the king. The Domestic
Bard shall sing to the queen and royal household."

The bard therefore in ancient times performed important functions. In
peace he delighted his lord with songs of chivalry, love and friendship.