Wild Wales: Its People, Language and Scenery by George Henry Borrow
page 232 of 922 (25%)
page 232 of 922 (25%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
A little way beyond the town a man came out of a cottage and walked beside me. He had a basket in his hand. I quickened my pace; but he was a tremendous walker, and kept up with me. On we went side by side for more than a mile without speaking a word. At length, putting out my legs in genuine Barclay fashion, I got before him about ten yards, then turning round laughed and spoke to him in English. He too laughed and spoke, but in Welsh. We now went on like brothers, conversing, but always walking at great speed. I learned from him that he was a market-gardener living at Bangor, and that Bangor was three miles off. On the stars shining out we began to talk about them. Pointing to Charles's Wain I said, "A good star for travellers." Whereupon pointing to the North star, he said: "I forwyr da iawn - a good star for mariners." We passed a large house on our left. "Who lives there?" said I. "Mr Smith," he replied. "It is called Plas Newydd; milltir genom etto - we have yet another mile." In ten minutes we were at Bangor. I asked him where the Albion Hotel was. "I will show it you," said he, and so he did. |
|