Of burning cressets . . .
. . . I can call spirits from the vasty deep.'


And few among the lower orders in the principality would think of
asking Hotspur's irreverent question in reply.

Among other traditions preserved relative to this part of the Welsh
hero's character, is the old family prophecy which gives title to
this tale. When Sir David Gam, "as black a traitor as if he had been
born in Builth," sought to murder Owen at Machynlleth, there was one
with him whose name Glendwr little dreamed of having associated with
his enemies. Rhys ap Gryfydd, his "old familiar friend," his
relation, his more than brother, had consented unto his blood. Sir
David Gam might be forgiven, but one whom he had loved, and who had
betrayed him, could never be forgiven. Glendwr was too deeply read
in the human heart to kill him. No, he let him live on, the loathing
and scorn of his compatriots, and the victim of bitter remorse. The
mark of Cain was upon him.

But before he went forth--while he yet stood a prisoner, cowering
beneath his conscience before Owain Glendwr--that chieftain passed a
doom upon him and his race:

"I doom thee to live, because I know thou wilt pray for death. Thou
shalt live on beyond the natural term of the life of man, the scorn
of all good men. The very children shall point to thee with hissing
tongue, and say, 'There goes one who would have shed a brother's
blood!' For I loved thee more than a brother, oh Rhys ap Gryfydd!
Thou shalt live on to see all of thy house, except the weakling in