Papurau Newydd Cymru

Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau

8 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

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ON LIFE.

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THE REV. DAVID HEWITT.

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

THE REV. DAVID HEWITT. ON Monday, the 6th instant, a public dinner was given to the Rev. David Hewitt by the Welsh residents of this town, when a handsome silver cup aftd cover, valfte £ 50, was presented to that gentleman,atteran"at and appropriate address by IVilliam Williams, Esq., who presided on the occasion. The cup bore the following inscriptions in the Welsh language Presented Rynat.ives.O.tliePriiicip;,tlity reisdentin Liverpool to the Rev. David Hewitt, A.B., President oftheCam- bro Literary Society, as a testimony of their admiration of his speedy ac.. quirementof the Ancient British Language. And as a token of their gratitude for his kind at- txntioh t<Whe Welsh Congregation at St. John's Church, June 6th, 1825. The Rev. David Hewitt, A.B., was graduated an Ovate, and Druid by the name of Ednyfed leithydd, according to the rites of the Ancient Bri- tons, 12st December, 1824. After the presentation, Mr. Richards, (loccyn ddu ap Ithel,) being called upon by the Chairman addressed the meeting to the following effect: Gennmen.-After the eloquent address of our worthy Chairman, any observations of mine may appear to you perfectly unnecessary yet, inasmuch as he has called upon me to deliver my sentiments as a bard on this very interesting oc- casion, I cannot remain altogether silent. Isliall not. however, trespass upon yotii- pzttioneefoi-niinr considerable length of time, as our President has, in fact, anticipated the few trifling remarks which I proposed to offer to your consideration. Let me, then, briefly address you, our learned and re- verend guest, as the sole origin of this respectable -e..0 assemblage. From the smiling and encouraging countenances which surround you, you may judge, Sir, of the high estimation in which you are held by the Welsh residents in Liverpool. We are met together this evening to testify our admira- tion of one who, despising the prejudices of the Ignorant, has made an unprecedented progress in the ancient British language our respect for one who, born an Englishman, has been associated with our nation by adoption; our delight in one who cherishes the customs and antiquities of our native country, and our gratitude to one who has never regarded his personal convenience when he had an opportunity of serving even the humblest of our countrymen in his ministerial capacity. Lest, however, you might mistrust the sincerity of our professions, we resolved to give you a substantial proof of our esteem in the trifling gift which our Chairman has presented to you this evening. I need not inform you, Sir, that the attachment of a Welshman to his native language is proverbial; and I do not think myself guilty of presumption when I assert, that our latest pos- terity mast always cherish it with enthusiasm, as it is a language from which many others are deri- ved a language which still retains its primitive purity to a wonderful degree a language which glories in its own unchangeabless, and which, this very day, from the craggy summits of Snow- don and Plinlimmon, looks down with contempt oil the changes and corruptions which have taken place in other tongues. Our delight, therefore, in having gained an additional proselyte to the good old cause is not to be wondered at and it behoves us, as lovers and professors of a language which even the most inveterate sceptic must admit to be that of the aborigines of Britain, to foster and encourage all who foster and encourge it. In conclusion, allow me to say a few words respect- ing the inscription on the cover of your cup. Your sacred office entitled you to he elected Druid, whilst your knowledge of natural- philosophy qualities you for the degree of Orate, the em- blems of which orders you now wear the one (*),si,,riiifyiiig I)itrity an(i I)c(tee, the olll,,r (+) -,in emblem of the verdant dresses of nature. Believe me, Sir, you have no cause to blush at having the name of Ednyfed IeiUiydd enrolled amongst those of our venerable Druids, whose knowledge as philosophers, astronomers, and physiologists was far-famed in days of yore; whose constant care in the barbaric ages was to exalt virtue, to cherish peace, and to cultivate morality. Inasmuch as you have been graduated Y'n_Zwyt-ieb vr Haul ac yn llygad y Goleuni yn ol braint a defawd Beirdd ynys Prydain;' inasmuch as you ha ve t'n- listed under the banners of the Ancient Britons, it is one of your principal duties to continue to support and encourage the cultivation of Welsh literature; and let this be your future motto: Y gwir yn erbyn y byd»' The following was Mr. Hewitt's reply to this address: Mr. President, Mr. Vice-president, and Gen- tieme.ii,-When I commenced the study of the an- cient British language, I had no further object in view than to increase my store of useful informa- tion. If there be any truth in the old Welsh adage, Icai-iting cons tit fjeittilit.il, .vtiat other inducement could be necessary I Indeed, gentle- men, the flattering proofs of regard which I have received at your hands this day were altogether unexpected on my part, and. fear, in a great degree unmerited. Has not your partiality Con- siderably over-rated my humble talents ? I am thoroughly convinced, that any man posessed of moderate ability and common perseverance could scarcely fail to make considerable progress in a language which so strikingly displays its own ex- cellencies, and which only requires a very short acquaintance with its many valuable propertiesto I obtain universal admiration. Gentlemen, I shall always number the present moments among the happiest of my existence, and .shall never forget the respect and esteem which I have invariably experienced from the descendants of the ancient Britons. I trust, likewise, that I may nwver prove deficient in gratitude for this elegant token of your approbation: highly, however, as I shall alwavs value it, t am more particularly indebted to you for these orders of Ovate and Druid. wish which the bards in Liverpool have thought pro- per to invest me. I must ever revere, I will en- deavour never to disgrace them but, cheered and dea vour never to disgrace thelll; hI! t. cheered and encouraged by your fostering support, continue to cultivate your venerable and expressive lan- guage, until I have qualified myself to he a fit resi- dence for the Cambrian muse, and be deemed worthy, at some fnture period, to be admitted to the highest degree of bardic honour. In reply to the observation of Mr. Richards, respecting my atterition to the Welsh congregation at St. John's (,hurch, I merely did what every other clergyman would have done, under similar cir- cumstances. And if f have really bePII even of the least service to my Welsh friends, I am more than repaid, not merely by your approval of my conduct, but likewise by the gratification of my own feelings. Toyoutlipn, gentlemen, my most grateful acknowledgments are due. for the patience with which you haveconstanily listened to mv imperfect attempts, as well as for the kind- ness with which you have overlooked my ddiei- ences in the language, giving me credit for the sincerity of my intentions. Believe me gentlemen, next 1o the land of my .nativity. I shall always feel the liveliest interest in the prosperity of the principality and. more particularly wishing the welfare of the Welsh inhabitants of Liverpool, I. I I drink their healths from litis cup, which l shall always regard as an emblem of Cambrian liber- aljiV, and as a testimony of your esteem." I White. (?) Greet). The whole proceedings of the meeting were conducted in the Welsh language, and in the conre of the evening an eloquent address to the Welsh Literary Society, frolll the Rev, Mr: Ri- chards, of oil the occasion of the meeting, was read by the Vice-president. —<s*»-

AN AFFECTING CASE.

EXTRACT FROM 0'H\R\; \ NOVEL.

HOUSE OF COMMONS, TUB DAY…

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