I listened, awaiting my turn to speak, but it did not come. Brocmal began a lengthy account of the undertaking and how the labours had been divided among the various members of the scriptorium Libir added observations from time to time, and Bishop Cadoc asked many questions of them both. The bishop then asked us to describe our work. He is most desirous of seeing what you have achieved.' Three additional cups had been poured in anticipation of our arrival, and when the abbot had distributed these, he said, his broken voice a thin whisper, 'I have been telling Bishop Cadoc about our contribution to the book. Come in and sit with us.' The abbot motioned us to places on the floor between their chairs. Now that the feast was begun, such luxuries were allowed. The abbot called us to his lodge where he and the bishop were sitting together with their secnabs, enjoying a cup of Easter mead.

Now, I had never heard a trumpet before, but if anyone had told me that it sounded like the Bishop of Hy singing a hymn I would have believed it.Īfter the meal, Brocmal, Libir and myself were presented to Cadoc.

This trait, as I have it, he shared with his kinsmen trueborn Cymry loved nothing better than hearing their own voices soaring in song. If, despite his vigour, any uncertainty still lingered, Cadoc had only to speak and doubt would vanish, for his voice was a powerful instrument, rich and full and loud, and prone to burst into song at any moment. Small of stature and well filled with years, he nevertheless possessed the grace and dignity of a king, and exuded the health of a man still in the flush of youth. Looking at the little bishop, it seemed to me appropriate that illustrious men should seek to celebrate his friendship. The excellent Sedulius-or Saidhuil, as he was known to us-had once written a poem in commemoration of a fine debate held between them. It was said that as a boy he had studied at Bangor-ys-Coed under the renowned Elffod, and as a young man he had travelled all throughout Gaul, teaching and preaching, before returning to Britain to lead the community at Candida Casa where he often held discourse with the most learned Eruigena. Cadoc, like my old teacher Cybi, was a Briton.

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