--P. H. E.




THE LONG-LIVED ANCESTORS.

The Eagle of Gwernabwy had been long married to his female, and had
by her many children; she died, and he continued a long time a
widower; but at length be proposed a marriage with the Owl of Cwm
Cwmlwyd; but afraid of her being young, so as to have children by
her, and thereby degrade his own family, he first of all went to
inquire about her age amongst the aged of the world. Accordingly he
applied to the Stag of Rhedynfre, whom he found lying close to the
trunk of an old oak, and requested to know the Owl's age.

"I have seen," said the Stag, "this oak an acorn, which is now
fallen to the ground through age, without either bark or leaves, and
never suffered any hurt or strain except from my rubbing myself
against it once a day, after getting up on my legs; but I never
remember to have seen the Owl you mention younger or older than she
seems to be at this day. But there is one older than I am, and that
is the Salmon of Glynllifon."

The Eagle then applied to the Salmon for the age of the Owl. The
Salmon answered, "I am as many years old as there are scales upon my
skin, and particles of spawn within my belly; yet never saw I the
Owl you mention but the same in appearance. But there is one older
than I am, and that is the Blackbird of Cilgwri."