Myfanwy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Myfanwy (← annwyl, ‘beloved’) is a popular Welsh song, composed by Joseph Parry and first published in 1875. Parry wrote the music to lyrics written by Richard Davies ('Mynyddog'; 1833-77). Some sources say it was written with Parry's childhood sweetheart, Myfanwy Llywellyn, in mind, although the lyrics were probably inspired by the fourteenth-century love-story of Myfanwy Fychan of Dinas Brân, Llangollen and the poet Hywel ab Einion. That story was also the subject of the popular poem, 'Myfanwy Fychan' (1858), by John Ceiriog Hughes (1832-87).
The song, although now considered by some rather old-fashioned, is still a favourite with Welsh male voice choirs. A version has been performed by John Cale.
[edit] Lyrics
- Paham mae dicter, O Myfanwy,
- Yn llenwi'th lygaid duon di?
- A'th ruddiau tirion, O Myfanwy,
- Heb wrido wrth fy ngweled i?
- Pa le mae'r wên oedd ar dy wefus
- Fu'n cynnau 'nghariad ffyddlon ffôl?
- Pa le mae sain dy eiriau melys,
- Fu'n denu'n nghalon ar dy ôl?
- Pa beth a wneuthum, O Myfanwy,
- I haeddu gwg dy ddwyrudd hardd?
- Ai chwarae oeddit, O Myfanwy
- Â thanau euraidd serch dy fardd?
- Wyt eiddo im drwy gywir amod
- Ai gormod cadw'th air i mi?
- Ni cheisiaf fyth mo'th law, Myfanwy,
- Heb gael dy galon gyda hi.
- Myfanwy boed yr holl o'th fywyd
- Dan heulwen disglair canol dydd.
- A boed i rosyn gwridog iechyd
- I ddawnsio ganmlwydd ar dy rudd.
- Anghofia'r oll o'th addewidion
- A wnest i rywun, 'ngeneth ddel,
- A dyro'th law, Myfanwy dirion
- I ddim ond dweud y gair "Ffarwél".
[edit] English translation
- Why is it anger, O Myfanwy,
- That fills your eyes so dark and clear?
- Your gentle cheeks, O sweet Myfanwy,
- Why blush they not when I draw near?
- Where is the smile that once most tender
- Kindled my love so fond, so true?
- Where is the sound of your sweet words,
- That drew my heart to follow you?
- What have I done, O my Myfanwy,
- To earn your frown? What is my blame?
- Was it just play, my sweet Myfanwy,
- To set your poet's love aflame?
- You truly once to me were promised,
- Is it too much to keep your part?
- I wish no more your hand, Myfanwy,
- If I no longer have your heart.
- Myfanwy, may you spend your lifetime
- Beneath the midday sunshine's glow,
- And on your cheeks O may the roses
- Dance for a hundred years or so.
- Forget now all the words of promise
- You made to one who loved you well,
- Give me your hand, my sweet Myfanwy,
- But one last time, to say "farewell".
