An Gwari-Nadelik . The Christmas Game

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angwar i nadel i k.t hec hr i s t masg ame

bar dhgwer i n. m s aunder s

YAWK


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

An Gwari-Nadelik

Tekst gans

Bardh Gwerin

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

The Christmas Game

A Libretto by

Tim Saunders

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Kemerysi:  Mathi, souder mysterek 35 bloedh, kasor yn lu Kernow (faborden)  Abram, tiek 30 bloedh, kasor yn lu Kernow (tenor)  Tygys, hedhlor 20 bloedh, kasor yn lu Kernow (faborden)  Tangi, hedhlor 20 bloedh, kasor yn lu Kernow (tenor) Termyn: Hav 1549

Tyller: Yntra Tamer hag Esk

 Arvest Gynsa  Nessa Arvest

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Characters:  Matthew, a professional soldier of 35 years, volunteer in the Cornish host (bass)  Abraham, a husbandman of 30 years, volunteer in the Cornish host (tenor)  Tacitus, a ploughman of 20 years, volunteer in the Cornish host (bass)  Tangye, ('Firedog') a ploughman of 20 years, volunteer in the Cornish host (tenor) Time: The Summer of 1549

Place: Between the Rivers Tamar and Exe

 First Act  Second Act

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

ARVEST GYNSA

GOLOGVA 1

Kevnos, a-hyns yntra Tamer hag Esk. Y klywyn a-dhia gledh lev Mathi yn-dann gria gorhemmynnow, ha levow an gasoryon yn-dann dhythya lavarow yn kever an Gwari-Nadelik.

Lev Mathi

Kledh … kledh … kledh-dyghow-kledh …

Levow Abram, Tygys,

An gwari-Nadelik …

ha Tangi

Lev Mathi

Kledh-dyghow …

Levow Abram, Tygys,

An gwari-Nadelik …

ha Tangi

Lev Mathi

Kledh-dyghow ...

Yth enter an gasoryon a-dhia gledh, yn-unn geskerdhes dew-ha dew, guw war skoedh Mathi ha gwydhyvyow war skoedhyow an re erell. Yma gans pub huni fardhell war y geyn. Yma yn kyrghynn Mathi jerkynn ledher ha mantell wlan dewl gloutennys ha daskewerys, ha botyas da mes usys. Y'n jeveus ev kledha yn goen worth y glun, ha basnett war y benn. Dillasow tus ameth usi yn kyrghyn an re erell, gwisk Abram ytho nebes gwell hy fismant ha moy y gost.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

FIRST ACT

SCENE 1

Dusk, en route between the Rivers Tamar and Exe. We hear from the left the voice of Matthew crying out commands, and the voices of the colunteers reciting utterances about the Christmas Game.

The Voice of Matthew

Left … left … left-right-left …

The Voices of Abraham, Tacitus,

The Christmas game …

and Tangye

The Voice of Matthew

Left-right …

The Voices of Abraham, Tacitus,

The Christmas game …

and Tangye

The Voice of Matthew

Left-right ...

The volunteers enter from the left, marching two by two, a spear on Matthew's shoulder and billhooks on the shoulders of the others. Matthew is wearing a leather jerkin and a patched and mended dark woolen cloak, and good but worn boots. He has a sword in a scabbard at his hip, and a helmet on his head. The others wear the costume of agricultural workers, with Abraham's appearing slightly better and costing more.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Abram, Tygys, ha Tangi

Greun gwynn avel rew…

Mathi

Kledh-dyghow …

Abram, Tygys, ha Tangi

Halow lomm heb sklew…

Mathi

Kledh … kledh … hedhi … gwrewgh!

Yth hedh an bagas. Y kammenn Mathi teyrgweyth, ha hweles a-dro.

Mathi

Tirya arvow … gwrewgh!

Y tiryons i aga arvow.

Mathi

Gelwyn hynwyn! Tygys?

Tygys

Omma!

Mathi

Jori?

Pols taw.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Abraham, Tacitus, and Tangye

Berries white as frost…

Matthew

Left-right …

Abraham, Tacitus, and Tangye

Moors bare without a shelter…

Matthew

Left … left … squad … halt!

The squad halts. Matthew takes three steps, and turns about.

Matthew

Order … arms!

They order arms.

Matthew

Roll call! Tacitus?

Tacitus

Here!

Matthew

George?

A beat.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Mathi

Klof y arr dhyghow. Pedyr?

Pols taw.

Mathi

Medhow dhe Vosvenegh. Yowann?

Pols taw.

Mathi

Klof y arr gledh. Peran?

Pols taw.

Mathi

Medhow dhe Lannstefan. Abram?

Abram

Omma!

Pols taw.

Mathi

Hikka?

Pols taw.

Mathi

Klof y arr gres. Tangi?

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Matthew

Right leg gone lame. Peter?

A beat.

Matthew

Got drunk in Bodmin. John?

A beat.

Matthew

Left leg gone lame. Piran?

A beat.

Matthew

Got drunk in Launceston. Abraham?

Abraham

Here!

A beat.

Matthew

Richard?

A beat.

Matthew

Middle leg gone lame. Tangye?

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tangi

Omma!

Matthew

Arthur?

Abram

Ny woer den vyth an le.

Mathi

Ha my, Mathi. Ottomma hwath peswar ahanan ni, gwesyon stout ow fistena ha fyski war-lergh agan lu ni. Gwren ni gwaytya bones an dus erell na maga hwymm-hwamm avelon ni. Dewgh, a wesyon, prys dybri yw. Dispersya ... gwrewgh!

Y tispersyons, settya aga arvow yn bern, ha gorra aga fardhellow war-leur.

Mathi

Abram!

Abram

Parys dhe'th hworhemmyn, a Vathi!

Mathi

Ke dhe denna dowr a'n fenten enos.

Abram

War-nug, a Vathi!

Yth avod Abram dhe-gledh, yn-unn dhri lestri-dowr an gasoryon

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tangye

Here!

Matthew

Arthur?

Abraham

'His place is sought in vain'.

Matthew

And me, Matthew. And here are four of us still, steadfast fellows hurrying and hasting after our army. Let's hope those other people are as erratic as us. Come, fellows, it's time to eat. Fall ... out!

They fall out, stack their arms, and put down their packs.

Matthew

Abraham!

Abraham

At your command, Matthew!

Matthew

Go to draw water from that spring yonder.

Abraham

At once, Matthew!

Abraham exits to the left, taking the volunteers' water vessels with him.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Mathi

A Dygys, ty a woer yeth an pow ma. Matthew

Tygys

Ger po dew, a Vathi, lavar po tri.

Mathi

Ke dhe wartha'n run enos, hag yn-hons nebes. Hwither o vo agan lu ni – po an dus erell na – yn-ogas.

Tygys

War-nug, a Vathi!

Yth avod Tygys dhe-dhyghow.

Mathi

A Dangi!

Tangi

Parys dhe'th hworhemmyn, a Vathi!

Mathi

A-nowydh gwra dendil dha hanow, hag enowi dhyn tan brav!

Abram

War-nug, a Vathi!

Y talleth Tangi enowi tan..

Mathi

Peswar yn-mes a dheg … peswar ahanan yn-hesys. Gast an ast! Mes re welis gweth, gwari teg – ha henna yn kever

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Matthew

Tacitus, you know the language of this country.

Tacitus

A word or two, Matthew, an utterance or three.

Matthew

Go to the top of that hill yonder, and beyond a little. Find out whether our host – or those other people – be near.

Tacitus

At once, Matthew!

Tacitus exits to the right.

Matthew

Tangye!

Tangye

Ready at your command, Matthew!

Matthew

Once again, do you earn your name, and light for us a brave fire!

Abraham

At once, Matthew!

Tangye starts to light a fire..

Matthew

Four out of ten … four of us left. [middling expletive]! But I've seen worse, fair play – and that in respect of waged soldiers.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

soudoryon wobrys. Yth enter Abram, ha'n lestri-dowr yn-poes ganso.

Abram

Ottomma lyr glan, lowr rag terri syghes agan lu oll.

Mathi

Meur ras dhis, Abraham. Martesen, agan lu ni a evas a'n fenten enos, nans yw le es dew dhydh.

Abram

Duw mar mynn henna, yth evyn ni oll a'n geth fenten hware lowr.

Y hwever flammow a-rag Tangi.

Tangi

Ottomma tan a lesk dre'n nos.

Mathi

Ha gwitha tebel-greatures dhe-ves.

Abram

Re rollo Duw na dhen an flammow na an gammgryjyoryon!

Yth enter Tygys.

Tygys

Y tremenas agan lu ni nans yw jorna, a Vathi.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Abraham enters, and the water vessels heavy with him.

Abraham

Here is clean running water, enough to quench the thirst of our entire host.

Matthew

Thank you, Abraham. Perhaps, our host drank from that spring yonder, less than two days ago.

Abraham

If it is God who wills that, we shall all drink from the same spring soon enough.

Flames gleam in front of Tangye.

Tangye

Here is a fire that will burn through the night.

Matthew

And keep evil creatures away.

Abraham

May God grant that those flames do not attract the heretics!

Tacitus enters.

Tacitus

Our host passed about a day ago, Matthew.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Mathi

Meur ras dhis, a Dygys. Gesewgh dhymm prederi, ytho ‌

Y hwither Mathi y fardhell, ha tenna yn-mes selsig.

Mathi

Y'n kettermyn, ottoma selsig! ‌

Y tewl Mathi an selsig dhe Dangi, neb a dhalleth y boetha y'n tan. An gasoryon erell a dhalleth hwithra aga fardhellow ha tenna yn-mes boesow.

Abram

Ottomma bara!

Y talleth Abram ranna torth.

Tygys

Ottomma keus!

Y talleth Tygys ranna keus.

Mathi

My a woer an pyth a wren ni. Ottomma ow steuv. Powesyn yn-ta haneth, ha mones yn-kerdh a-varr y'n myttin. Y fydh dewis yntra diw fordh pan dheun ni yn-nes dhe Garesk, fordh an kledhbarth ha fordh an dyghowbarth. Bysi yw dhyn dewis an fordh ewn. Na fors fatell vo, mar keskerdhyn gans nell avorow, ha pesya a-geskerdh bys yn pervedh nos, chons a'ganbeus metya agan lu kyns dell wrellons batalyas an dus

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Matthew

Thank you, Tacitus. Let me think, now ‌

Matthew searches his pack, and pulls out sausage.

Matthew

In the meantime, here is sausage! ‌

Matthew throws the sausage to Tangye, who starts cooking it in the fire. The other volunteers start searching their packs and pulling out foodstuffs.

Abraham

Here is bread!

Abraham starts sharing a loaf.

Tacitus

Here is cheese!

Tacitus starts to share cheese.

Matthew

I know what we shall do. Here is my plan. Let us rest well t onight, and set out in time in the morning. There will be a choice between two roads when we come closer to Exeter, the road of the north and the road of the south.

It is

imperative for us to choose the right road. Anyway, if we march with energy tomorrow, and continue on the march into the guts of night, a chance we shall have to overtake our host

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

erell na.

Tygys

My a vynn gul pub tra oll y'm galloes rag surhe henna.

Y tenn Mathi yn-mes kostrel vyghan yn-faylys yn ledher.

Mathi

Gonn dell vynnydh. Abram, a vynnydh agan ledya ni yn-dann rasya dhe Dhuw a'gan sosten?

Abram

Bydh omma, Arloedh, dhe'gan prys,

Abram ha Tygys

Gordhys re by dres oll an Bys;

Abram, Tygys, ha Tangi

Soen agan boes, ha gront rhyn ni

An Oll

Y'n Nev bos megys genes jy.‌

Yth omsoenons oll, ha Mathi a brof an gostrell dhe bub huni yn y dro. Y kemmer pub huni tenn, ynunn basa nebes rag sowdhan.

Mathi

Hag

ottomma

dowr-bywnans,

yn-res

Lannwedhnek gans morwas a-dhia Iwerdhon.

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dhymm

dhe


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

before they engage those other people.

Tacitus

I will do everything in my power to ensure that.

Matthew pulls out a little bottle bound in leather..

Matthew

I know that you will. Abraham, will you lead us in thanking God for our nourishment?

Abraham

'Be present at our table, Lord;'

Abraham and Tacitus

'Be here and everywhere adored';

Abraham, Tacitus, and Tangye

'Thy creatures bless, and grant that we'

All

'May feast in paradise with Thee'.‌

They all cross themselves, and Matthew offers the bottle to each one in his turn. Each one takes a draught, coughing slightly for surprise

Matthew

And here is water of life, given to me at Padstow from a seafarer from Ireland.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tangi

Bara ‌ hag ottomma acheson an serryans ha'n sordyans oll ...

Abraham

Heb hoc est corpus ny gevyn soen, dhe Dhuw ny yllyn tyli kendoen; ow tybri y gorf yn bara kann y kevyn y sylwyans dhe'gan rann.

Heb korf Krist gwynn ny gevyn nerth, heb Oferenn ny gyv Duw aberth, ha ny wel agan lagasow gwann porth pell Nev yn y wolow splann.

Heb y gig y'gan feth nown, Heb an aberth y'gan trygh Annown; ow tybri y gorf yn bara kann y kevyn y sylwyans dhe'gan rann.

Ot y hwel agan lagasow gwann porth pell an Nev yn y wolow splann; ow tybri y gorf yn bara kann y kevyn y sylwyans dhe'gan rann.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tangye

Bread ‌ and here is the occasion of all the anger and the agitation ...

Abraham

Without hoc est corpus we shall not get a blessing, to God we cannot pay a debt; by eating his body in white bread we shall get his salvation to our portion.

Without the body of Christ we shall not get strength, without a Mass God will not get a sacrifice, and our weak eyes will not see the distant harbour of Heaven in his bright light.

Without his flesh, hunger will overcome us, without the sacrifice the Otherworld will conquer us; by eating his body in white bread we shall get his salvation to our portion.

Behold our weak eyes will see the distant harbour of Heaven in his bright light; by eating his body in white bread we shall get his salvation to our portion.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Mathi

Abram, kemmer tejy an goel gynsa haneth,

Abram

War-nug, a Vathi!

Y kemmer Abram y wydhyv, ha dalleth kylghwoelya.

Mathi

Prys huna, a wesyon vas!

Y tenn Mathi, Tangi, ha Tegys pub a hudhes a'ga fardhellow, ha growedha yn-faylys yn-klys Hag Abram ow kylghwoelya, y lev ev pandr-usi yn y golonn. An re erell a wra ynketella y'ga hosk.

Abram

Gwag ow holonn, gwag ow holonn, gwag ow holonn haneth.

Mathi

Gwag ow holonn, gwag ow holonn, gwag ow holonn haneth,

Tangi

Gwag ow diwvregh, gwag ow diwvregh, gwag ow diwvregh haneth

Abram

Gwag ow holonn, gwag ow holonn haneth heb dha gorf gwynn, ow Arloedh difeth.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Matthew

Abraham, take you the first watch tonight,

Abraham

At once, Matthew!

Abraham takes his billhook, and starts patrolling.

Matthew

Time to go to sleep, good fellows!

Matthew, Tangye, and Tacitus each take out a blanket from their packs, and lie down wrapped up cosily in them. While Abraham is patrolling, he gives voice to what is in his heart. The others do the same in their sleep.

Abraham

Empty my heart, empty my heart, empty my heart tonight.

Matthew

Empty my heart, empty my heart, empty my heart tonight,

Tangye

Empty my two arms, empty my two arms, empty my two arms tonight

Abraham

Empty my heart, empty my heart tonight without your blessed body, my unconquerable Lord.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Mathi

Gwag ow holonn, gwag ow holonn haneth heb dha oeles, ow thasik difeth.

Tygys

Gwag ow holonn, gwag ow holonn haneth, ow Adhwenn, heb dha vennath haneth.

Tangi

Gwag ow diwvregh, gwag ow diwvregh haneth, ow hwegenn, heb dha lithyow'n kespleth.

Abram

Gwag ow holonn, gwag ow holonn haneth heb dha gorf gwynn, ow Arloedh difeth.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Matthew

Empty my heart, empty my heart tonight without your hearth, my unconquerable little father.

Tacitus

Empty my heart, empty my heart tonight, my Athwen, without your blessing tonight.

Tangye

Empty my two arms, empty my two arms tonight, my sweet one, without your limbsa entween.

Abraham

Empty my heart, empty my heart tonight without your blessed body, my unconquerable Lord.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

GOLOGVA 2.

An keth le, ternos dhe vyttin. Re worfennas an gasoryon aga hansel, hag ymons owth ombarysi rag mones yn-kerdh.

Tangi

Pes avon a dreusyn ni hedhyw?

Mathi

Worth Tygys govynn – ev yw agan raghwithrer!

Tygys

Pan dreusyn avon y teun dhe-nes, pan glywyn dasson y teun dhe-nes: Tamer ha Teyvi, awel glor fresk, hwynn-dowr ha sevi, Darans hag Esk.

Abram

Dhe-ves ni a gerdh bys pervers po berdh, hag oll war unn lamm y fesuryn kamm.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

SCENE 2.

The same place, the following morning. The volunteers have finished their breakfast, and they are preparing themselves to set out.

Tangye

How many rivers shall we cross today?

Matthew

To Tacitus ask – it is he who is our reconnaissance man!

Tacitus

When we cross a river we come closer, when we hear an echo we come closer: Tamar and Tavy, fresh cool breeze, waterweed and strawberries, Dart and Exe.

Abraham

Away we walk into adversity or prosperity, and all at once we shall measure step.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Abram

Pan derryn bara y teun dhe-nes, pan vynnyn kana y teun dhe-nes:

Abram ha Tygys

Tamer ha Teyvi, awel glor fresk, hwynn-dowr ha sevi, Darans hag Esk.

Abram, Tygys,

Dhe-ves ni a gerdh

ha Mathi

bys pervers po berdh, hag oll war unn lamm y fesuryn kamm.

Mathi

Pan viryn enos y teun dhe-nes, pan hwilyn hunros y teun dhe-nes:

Abram ha Tygys

Tamer ha Teyvi, awel glor fresk, hwynn-dowr ha sevi,

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Abraham

When we break bread we come closer, when we determine to sing we come closer:

Abraham and Tacitus

Tamar and Tavy, Fresh cool breeze, waterweed and strawberries, Dart and Exe.

Abraham, Tacitus,

Away we walk

and Matthew

into adversity or propserity and all at once,

,

we shall measure step.

Matthew

When we look yonder we come closer, when we seek a dream we come closer:

Abraham and Tacitus

Tamar and Tavy, fresh cool breeze, waterweed and strawberries,

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Darans hag Esk. An Oll

Dhe-ves ni a gerdh bys pervers po berdh, hag oll war unn lamm y fesuryn kamm.

Tygys ow talleth mires dhe-ves, tro ha'n kledh.

Mathi

Trenja ni a dhysk dhedha!

Abram ha Tangi

Trenja ni a dhysk dhedha!

Mathi

Sevewgh!

Abram

Sevyn!

Abram ha Tangi ow sevel.

Tangi

Savav!

Tangi ow sevel.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Dart and Exe. All

Away we walk into adversity or propserity, and all at once we shall measure step.

Tacitus starting to look away, towards the left.

Matthew

Tomorrow we shall teach them!

Abraham and Tangye

Tomorrow we shall teach them!

Matthew

Stand up!

Abraham

We shall stand up!

Abraham and Tangye standing up.

Tangye

I shall stand up.

Tangye standing up.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Matthew

What ails you, Tacitus? Miles away you are.

Tygys

Gav dhymm.

Tygys ow mires yn-bann, ha sevel.

Yn kever Adhwenn yth esen ow prederi.

Mathi

Dha ven?

Tygys

Koedha mar kwrav, y'm oel ow ben, mes mann dagrewi heb ken; rag powes ow enev, hi a bren Oferenn soen Dhuw may sen: ow horf evy yw hemma, hemm yw ow horf, hemm yw ow horf. Koedha mar kwrav, y'm oel ow ben, y'm oel ow ben, y'm oel.

Mathi

Brav agas kowsow, a wesyon vas, mes prys yw mones ynkerdh.

Garda a wra Mathi.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Mathi

Pandra hwer dhis, a Dygys? Mildiryow dhe-ves yth esos.

Tacitus

Forgive me.

Tacitus looking up, and standing up.

About Athwen I was thinking.

Matthew

Your maid?

Tacitus

If I fall, my maid will weep for me, but not shedding tears only; for the rest of my soul, for her part she will buy a Mass wherein God's enchantment resounds: it is my body that this is, this is my body, this is my body. If I fall, my maid will weep for me, my maid will weep for me, she will weep for me.

Matthew

Brave your utterances, good fellows, but it is time to set out.

Matthew stands to attention.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Yn array!

Y kemmerons aga fardhellow ha'ga arvow, ha mones dh'array, Mathi a-enep dhe'n tri arall.

Mathi

Garda … gwrewgh!

Garda a wra an tri arall.

Omordna … gwrewgh!

Omordna a wra an tri arall.

Tremma a-rag … gwrewgh!

Tremma a-rag a wra an tri arall.

Skoedhya arvow … gwrewgh!

An oll a skoedh aga arvow a'ga sav. Y kammenn Mathi teyrgweyth dh'y le y'n bagas, ha hweles a-dro.

Keskerdhes war-yow … gwrewgh!

Keskerdhes a wra an bagas war-barth.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Fall in!

They take their packs and their weapons and fall in, with Matthew facing the others.

Matthew

Atten...tion!

The other three stands to attention.

Right ... dress!

The three others right-dress.

Eyes ‌ front!

The other three eyes-front.

Shoulder ... arms!

All shoulder their arms. Matthew takes three steps to his place in the squad, and about-turns.

Forward ... march!

The squad march off together.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Mathi

Kledh … kledh … kledh-dyghow kledh ...

Abram, Tygys, ha Tangi

An gwari-Nadelik,

Mathi

kledh-dyghow!

Abram, Tygys, ha Tangi

An gwari-Nadelik,

Mathi

kledh-dyghow!

Abram, Tygys, ha Tangi

Greun glas avel hwynn,

Mathi

kledh-dyghow!

Abram, Tygys, ha Tangi

Dagrow didros tynn ...

An Oll

An gwari-Nadelik! An gwari-Nadelik!

Mathi

Hware unn jydh!

An Oll

Hware unn jydh!

37


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Matthew

Left … left … left-right left ...

Abraham, Tacitus, and Tangye

The Christmas game,

Matthew

Left-right!

Abraham, Tacitus, and Tangye

The Christmas game,

Matthew

Left-right!

Abraham, Tacitus, and Tangye

Berries as green as weeds,

Matthew

Left-right!

Abraham, Tacitus, and Tangye

Intense soundless tears ...

All

The Christmas game! The Christmas game!

Matthew

Soon one day!

All

Soon one day!

38


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Mathi

Kledh – dyghow! Kledh - dyghow!

Yth avod an oll dhe-dhyghow.

Levow an Oll

Mes gwari vyth yw da ha pyth an Arloedh ker ha'y vath drudh ker war balv gour Duw gans ger soen luw: hoc est corpus, hoc est corpus, hoc est corpus ...

39


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Matthew

Left – right! Left – right!

All exit to the right.

The Voices of All

But no game is the rightful possession of the dear Lord and his dear precious coin on the palm of the man of God with a word of intense enchantment: hoc est corpus, hoc est corpus, hoc est corpus ...

40


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

GOLOGVA 3.

A-hyns, dhe bervedh nos. Y klywyn levow an bagas.

Lev Mathi

Kledh … kledh … kledh-dyghow-kledh … Dewgh, hwi eydhilyon, kammen po diw hwath, hag y kevyn powes ...

Yth enter an bagas a-dhia gledh.

Kledh … kledh … kledh-dyghow-kledh …

Abram

An gwari-Nadelik …

Mathi

Kledh-dyghow!

Abram ha Tangi

An gwari-Nadelik …

Mathi

Kledh-dyghow!

Abram ha Tangi

Greun gorm avel dar …

Mathi

Kledh-dyghow!

41


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

SCENE 3.

En route, in the guts of night. We hear the voices of the squad.

The Voice of Matthew

Left … left … left-right-left ... Come, you feeble ones, a step or two yet, and we may rest ...

The squad enters from the left.

Left … left … left-right-left …

Abraham

The Christmas game …

Matthew

Left-right!

Abraham and Tangye

The Christmas game …

Matthew

Left-right!

Abraham and Tangye

Berries as dark brown as oaken timber …

Matthew

Left-right!

42


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Abram ha Tangi

Tan war oeles hwar!

Mathi

Kledh … kledh …

Abram ha Tangi

Jorna hwath, ha ni a skatt renkow'n gammgryjyoryon dhe-blatt!

Mathi

Kledh-dyghow … kledh-dyghow … A Dygys, a was, ha kelli dha lev a wrusis?

Tygys

Na gellis, a Vathi.

Mathi

War agan hyns ni yma dha dhiwdroes, lemen war gen hyns yma dha golonn ow tremena … Kledh … kledh … Agor dhymm dha vrys!

Tygys

Adhwenn … ty Adhwenn …

Mathi

Adhwenn, ytho? … Kledh … kledh …

Tygys

Ty Adhwenn … Adhwenn, Ty Adhwenn, Adhwenn … ty yw ow ben.

43


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Abraham and Tangye

Fire on a gentle hearth!

Matthew

Left … left …

Abraham and Tangye

Another day, and we'll scat the ranks of the heretics flat!

Matthew

Left-right … left-right … Tacitus, fellow, is it lose your voice you did?

Tacitus

I didn't, Matthew

Matthew

It's on our route that your feet are, but on another route is your heart passing … Left … left … Open to me your heart!

Tacitus

Athwen … you Athwen …

Matthew

Athwen, then? … Left … left …

Tacitus

You Athwen … Athwen, You Athwen, Athwen … you are my maid.

44


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Ty yw'n lugarn a wolow ow nos, ty yw'n lannergh may fynnsen gortos, ty yw'n lanwes a goedh war ow threth, ty yw'n losow a yaghha hireth: ty yw ow oeles, ty yw ow than, ty yw ow syghes, ty, ow dowr glan: ty Adhwenn, Adhwenn, ty yw ow ben.

Ty yw'n banna gwin a dhifun ow gwen, ty yw'n fenten a las ow bargen, ty yw'n gorhel a gemmer ow gwyns, ty yw'n porth klys dhe benn ow hirhyns: ty yw ow oeles, ty yw ow than, ty yw ow syghes, ty, ow dowr glan: ty Adhwenn, Adhwenn, ty yw ow ben.

45


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

You are the lamp that lights my night, you are the glade where I would remain, you are the tide that falls on my shore, you are the herbs that heal longing: you are my hearth, you are my fire, you are my thirst, you, my clear water: you Athwen, Athwen, you are my maid,

You are the drop of wine that awakens my smile, you are the spring that turns my field green, you are the ship that takes my wind, you are the harbour at the end of my long route: you are my hearth, you are my fire, you are my thirst, you, my clear water: you Athwen, Athwen, you are my maid.

46


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Mathi

Le larj y's tyveus an Adhwenn ma y'th kolonn. Kledh… kledh…

Tygys

An huni a garav yth yw Adhwenn.

Mathi

Kledh-dyghow-kledh… An huni a gerydh, a was yowynk?

Tygys

Worth hy hara yth esov a leun golonn.

Mathi

Kledh... kledh... yn-bann agas treys, hwi glofyon – ny vydh pell y'n eur ma! Nyns eus edhomm geryow poes avael 'kara', sos.

Tygys

Ger poes fatell yw 'kara'?

Mathi

Kledh… kledh… Lien-konna lin, po kylghenn-wyder, a'n fer.

Tygys

Lien-konna? Kylghenn? Ny gonvedhav.

Mathi

Kledh-dyghow-kledh… Po banna korev po gwin, martesen, a'n tavern.

Tygys

Korev? Gwin? Prag?

47


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Matthew

It's an ample space that this Athwen has in your heart. Left... left...

Tacitus

It is the one that I love that Athwen is.

Matthew

Left-right-left … The one that you love, young fellow?

Tacitus

Loving her I am of a full heart.

Matthew

Left... left... up with your feet, you lame ones – it won't be long now! There's no need for heavy words like 'love', pard.

Tacitus

How is 'love' a heavy word?

Matthew

Left… left… A linen scarf, or a glass necklace, from the fair.

Tacitus

A scarf? A necklace? I don't understand.

Matthew

Left-right-left… Or a drop of beer or wine, perhaps, from the tavern.

Tacitus

Beer? Wine? Why?

48


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Mathi

Ha worttalleth ha worttiwedh, lavarow melus a'th taves dha honan. Kledh-dyghow… Hedhi… gwrewgh!

Yth hedh an gasoryon gans aga heskerdhes.

Tygys

Dhe bandra a vydh an re oll ma da?

Mathi

Tirya arvow … gwrewgh!

Y tir an gasoryon aga arvow.

Y hallons i yn kettep penn ri diwseudhel grenn dhe voroen kyn fe.

Abram

Yn pub revrons, y koedh dhis perthi meth.

Mathi

Meth? Prag y'n bys?

Abram

Rag mostya dha dhiwwevus a gepar anwarder.

Mathi

Lavar jy!

49


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Matthew

And to start with and to end with, honeyed expressions from your own tongue. Left-right… Squad… halt!

The volunteers halt in their march.

Tacitus

To what will all these be good?

Matthew

Order ... arms!

The volunteers order arms.

They can each and every one of them give round heels to any maid.

Abraham

In every respect, you should bear shame.

Matthew

Shame? Why in the world?

Abraham

For soiling your lips with such inchastity.

Matthew

Say you!

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tygys

Re Vamm Dhuw, my a de na devis vy ow Adhwenn marnas leuv worth leuv, ha gwevus worth gwevus.

Mathi

Lavar jy!

Y kammenn Mathi teyrgweyth, ha hweles a-dro.

Sevel yn-es ... gwrewgh!

Y sev an gasoron yn-es.

Omma ni a vynn gortos nebes euryow, bys y'n jydh nowydh. A bowesyn ni?

Abram

Powesyn!

Tangi

Powesav!

Mathi

Dispersya ... gwrewgh!

Y tispers an gasoryon, hag yth iger Abram ha Tangi aga fardhellow, tenna yn-mes hudhesow, ha growedha a-hys.

51


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tacitus

By the Mother of God, I swear that I have not touched my Athwen except hand to hand, and lip to lip.

Matthew

Say you!

Matthew takes three steps, and about-turns.

Stand at ... ease!

The volunteers stand at ease.

Here we will wait a few hours, into the new day. Shall we rest?

Abraham

We'll rest!

Tangye

I'll rest!

Matthew

Fall ... out!

The volunteers fall out, and Abraham and Tangye open their packs, take out blankets, and lie down.

52


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Abram, Tangi, gwrewgh huna skonna gylly. My a gemmer an goel kynsa. A Dygys, deus omma. Ottomma dhis tamm bara ha keus. Deus dhe woslowes worthyv.

Ha Tygys ow tybri, y kil ev ha Mathi dhe'n eyl tu. Y kever Mathi a y vys dhe-dhyghow, yn-unn styrya dhe Dygys an pyth y koedh dhodho y wul. Y'n kettermyn, y kan Abram yn y gosk.

Abram

Gwag ow bolghenn haneth; gwag ow bolghenn, bolghenn heb korf ow Arloedh.

Korf ow Arloedh, ow Arloedh ker; mar ladrons korf ow Arloedh, mar ladrons kolonn vys, an ster dhe'n Nor a goedh.

Korf ow Arloedh, ow Arloedh ker; mar kellyn an Oferenn, koll drudh a walgh nown bys, ni oll yn Annown a goedh.

53


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Abraham, Tangye, do you go to sleep as soon as you can. I'll take the first watch. Tacitus, come here. Here's a morsel of bread and cheese for you. Come to listen to me.

While Tacitus is eating, he and Matthew withdraw to one side. Matthew points his finger to the right, explaining to Tacitus what he ought to do. In the meantime, Abraham sings in his sleep.

Abraham

Empty my belly tonight; empty my belly, a belly without the body of my Lord.

The body of my Lord, my dear Lord; if they steal the body of my Lord, if they steal world's heart, the stars to the Earth will fall.

The body of my Lord, my dear Lord; if we lose the Mass, a costly loss that satisfies world's hunger, it is all of us who into the Otherworld will fall.

54


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Korf ow Arloedh, ow Arloedh ker; mar ladrons an Oferenn, mar sygh fentynyow'n bys, An del oll a'n skorr a goedh ... a goedh ... a goedh ...

Y teu Mathi ha Tygys dhe vleyn an eskynnleur, Tygys yn parys dhe vones yn-kerdh.

Mathi

Konvedhes a wredh y'n eur ma?

Tygys

Res dhymm arhiwthra luyow an yskerens, aga nivera i ha'ga savleow, ha diskevra a vo agan lu ni war hyns an kledhbarth po war hyns an dyghowbarth.

Mathi

Poran! Ha pandra a wredh pan gan an kylyek kynsa?

Y talleth Tangi tri yn y hun.

Tygys

Fistena dh'omvetya genowgh hwi worth an sarn byghan yn nans an gwydhegi dhe veneges an kedhlow dhiso jy.

Tangi

Gwag ow diwvregh, gwag ow diwvregh, gwag ow diwvregh hebos.

55


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

The body of my Lord, my dear Lord; if they steal the Mass, if the world's springs dry up, All the leaves from the branches will fall... will fall... will fall...

Matthew and Tacitus come to te front of the stage, Tacitus ready to set out.

Matthew

Do you understand now?

Tacitus

I must examine the hosts of the enemies, their numbers and their positions, and find out whether our host be on the route of the north or on the route of the south.

Matthew

Exactly! And what will you do when the first cock crows?

Tangye starts to turn in his sleep.

Tacitus

Hasten to rendezvous with you at the little causeway in the valley of the clusters of trees to express the informations to you.

Tangye

Empty my two arms, empty my two arms, empty my two arms without you.

56


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tygys

Da lowr – kedhlow a'n dus erell na yn-sur, mes dres eghenn an hyns a holyas agan lu ni.

Mathi

Kemmer dhis banna a'n dowr bywnans ma.

Y kemmer Tygys an dhiwes gans mall.

Gas dha fardhell omma. Ni a vynn hy dri dhis. Edhomm y'th eus a sommys yn-skon. Y'n eur ma, my a vynn kylghwoelya.

Yth a Mathi dhe gylghwoelya, worth emlow an eskynnleur, y arv yn-parys.

Tangi

Gwag ow diwvregh haneth, gwag ow diwvregh, ow diwvregh heb korf ow moroen.

Y tremen Tygys yn-ogas dhe'n dhew yn-dann goska.

Korf ow moroen, ow moroen ger; tavans korf ow moroen, hweg tavans kroghen toemm.

Yrh hedh Tygys, ha mires yn-hwovynnus worth Tangi.

57


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tacitus

Good enough – informations of those other people certainly, but especially of the route that our host followed.

Matthew

Take to you a drop of this water of life.

Tacitus takes the drink eagerly.

Leave your pack here. We will bring it to you. A need you have to move quickly. Now, I will patrol.

Matthew goes to patrol, at the edges of the stage, his weapon ready.

Tangye

Empty my two arms tonight, empty my two arms, my two arms without the body of my maid.

Tacitus passes close to the two sleeping.

the body of my maid, my dear maid; the touch of the body of my maid, sweet the touch of warm skin.

Tacitus halts, and looks curiously at Tangye.

58


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Korf ow moroen, ow moroen ger, mar ny vyrlav ow moroen ger, heb stroethans lithyow klys an ster dhe'n Nor a goedh.

Korf ow moroen, ow Adhwenn ger, mar kollav gwres dha golonn, rybos a'th rowedh a-hys, ow enev dh'Annown a goedh.

Y sell Tygys yn-stag a gestudh

Korf ow Adhwenn, ow Adhwenn ger ... mar fyll dhymm kylgh dha dhiwvregh ...

Y talghenn Tygys yn y benn pols.

Heb unya kneus a-hys ...

Pols y feder Tygys y wydhyv war Dangi.

An del oll a'n skorr a goedh ... a goedh ... a goedh ...

Y hwel Tygys a-dro, ha stramma dhe-ves dhe-dhyghow.

59


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

the body of my maid, my dear maid, if I do not embrace my dear maid, without the binding of warm limbs the stars to the Earth will fall.

the body of my maid, my dear Athwen, if I lose the warmth of your heart, beside you lying at length, my soul into the Otherworl will fall.

Tacitus stares starkly in confusion

The body of my Athwen, my dear Athwen ... if I lack the circle of your arms ...

Tacitus grabs his head for a moment.

Without uniting flesh entirely ...

For a moment Tacitusaims his billhook at Tangye.

All the leaves from the branches will fall ... will fall ...

Tacitus turns around, and strides away to the right.

60


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

NESSA ARVEST

GOLOGVA 1

Pervedh nos a-hyns yntra'n bagas ha'n lu. Yma Tygys ow kilya a-dhia dhyghow worth tu ha ni, tromm ow hweles a dro dhe'gan enep.

Tygys

Re dremenis vy treudhow lies krowji gwerin ...

Lev Tangi

Gwag ow diwvregh ...

Yma Tygys ow talghenna yn y benn.

Tygys

... ha klywes an kyhwedhlow skruthus ...

Lev Tangi

Gwag ow diwvregh hebos ...

Yma Tygys ow teglena y benn.

Tygys

... Re viris vy bys yn tylda aga haslywydh ...

Lev Tangi

Ow diwvregh heb korf ow moroen ...

61


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

SECOND ACT

SCENE 1

The guts of night, between the squad and the host. Tacitus is ow withdrawing from the right towards us, suddenly turning round in our face.

Tacitus

I have passed the threshold of many cottages of the ordinary people ...

The Voice of Tangye

Empty my two arms ..

Tacitus takes hold of his head.

Tacitus

... and hearing the shudder-making rumours ...

The Voice of Tangye

Empty my two arms without you ...

Tacitus shakes his head.

Tacitus

... I have looked into the tent of their commander ...

The Voice of Tangye

my two arms without the body of my maid ...

62


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Yma Tygys ow suedha dh'y dhewlin.

Tygys

... ha klywyes aga husulyow ha'ga steuvow ...

Tangi

Korf ow moroen, ow Adhwenn ger ...

Ott Tygys, yn-unn dheglena y benn yntr'y dhiwleuv, ow keskana a-barth dhe lev Tangi.

Tygys

Gwag ow holonn haneth ...

Lev Tangi

Gwag ow diwvregh haneth ...

Tygys

Haneth gwag ow holonn ...

Lev Tangi

Haneth gwag ow diwvregh ..

Tygys

Heb ow Adhwenn.

Lev Tangi

Heb ow Adhwenn.

Yma Tygys ow hedhi gans deglena y benn.

Tygys

Hebos haneth, hebos haneth, Hebos, hebos, hebos jy. Y'm galarow i a gar,

63


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tacitus sinks to his knees.

Tacitus

... and heard their counsels and their plans ...

The Voice of Tangye

the body of my maid, my dear Athwen ...

Here Tacitus, shaking his head between his hands, sings together with the voice of Tangye.

Tacitus

Empty my heart tonight ...

The Voice of Tangye

Empty my two arms tonight ...

Tacitus

Tonight empty my heart ...

The Voice of Tangye

Tonight empty my two arms ..

Tacitus

Without my Athwen.

The Voice of Tangye

Without my Athwen.

Tacitus stops shaking his head.

Tacitus

without you tonight, without you tonight, without you, without you, without you yourself In my emotional pain it is they who will love,

64


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

gwan dhe'w holonn a dav hwar; y'm trayta i a ront gwres, trokkya plesour ha'n kerth a-fes hebos, hebos.

Yma Tygys ow mires a-dhedro.

Ott agan dedhewis kyns kulyn krin a-rag an gwyns hebdhi, hebdhi, hebdhi hi, hi ha my namoy yw ni, namoy, namoy.

Yma Tygys ow mires yn-bann.

An gwari-Nadelik ... unn kaslu yn-felghys war an gwel gans hager horn yn nerth annawel, an gwari-Nadelik war hyns an kledhbarth.

Yma Tygys owth yskynna war unn penn-glin.

65


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

a stab to my heart with a gentle touch; in the betrayal of me they will grant warmth, exchange pleasure while right is driven away without you, without you.

Tygy looks around.

Behold our former promise shrivelled chaff before the wind without her, without her, without herself, she and I no more are we, no more, no more.

Tacitus looks up.

The Christmas game ... one regiment scythed on the battle field by evil iron in the strength of a storm, the Christmas game on the route of the north.

Tacitus rises up onto one knee.

66


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

An gwari-Nadelik ... Unn kaslu'n sesys yn stroethow tynn, ha'ga higladha a'ga ystynn, an gwari-Nadelik war hyns an kledhbarth

An gwari-Nadelik ... Tanow-goelya'n envi kepar ha'n ster war hyns an kledhbarth, kronk aga threys kepar ha taran der war hyns an kledhbarth.

An gwari-Nadelik ... Re welis a welav hedhyw. An gwari-Nadelik ... Fatell dhiwedhav ow galar byw?

An gwari-Nadelik ... Greun melyn 'vel medh, didhander ha gwledh. Koedha mar kwrav, ny'm oel an ven mes hwerthin a heudh mann len; rag fansi hy folat hi a bren

67


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

The Christmas game ... One regiment arrested in tight bonds, and butchered stretched out, the Christmas game on the route of the north

The Christmas game ... The watchfires of the enemy like the stars on the route of the north, the beat of their feet like eager thunder on the route of the north.

The Christmas game ... I have seen what I shall see today. The Christmas game ... How shall I end my living pain?

The Christmas game ... Berries yellow like mead, delight and banquet. If I fall, the maid will not weep for me but laugh with disloyal fun; for the delight of her fancy man for her part she will buy

68


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

snod kogh dh'y gols pals a-gren: hy horf ny'n piwav nevra, hwekter hy horf.

Lev Abram

Gwag ow holonn haneth ...

Yma Tygys ow mires dhe-gledh, ha dalleth sevel yn-leun.

Tygys

Dre'n nos re geskerdhis, dre'n nos, dre'n nos, dre nans ha bolgh, war an woen ha'n ros.

Lev Abram

Gwag ow holonn haneth ...

Yma Tygys ow sevel a y sav.

Tygys

Kammenn ha kammenn, kemmusur ha kempenn; kammenn ha kammenn, an kledh ha'n dyghow: avorow my a dhysk dhedha.

69


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

a scarlet ribbon for her quivering mass of hair: it is her body that I shall never possess, the sweetness of her body.

The Voice of Abraham,

Empty my heart tonight ...

attenuated

Tacitus looks to the left, and starts to stand up fully.

Tacitus

Through the night I have marched, through the night, through the night, through valley and gap, on the down and the heath.

The Voice of Abraham,

Empty my heart tonight ...

attenuated Tacitus standing upright.

Tacitus

Step and step, proportionate and well-ordered; step and step, on left and the right: tomorrow I shall teach them.

70


AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Lev Abram

Gwag ow holonn, gwag ow holonn haneth, heb dha gorf gwynn, ow Arloedh difeth.

Yma Tygys ow mires yn-stout tro ha'n kledh.

Tygys

A leun golonn, a leun golonn haneth y liav gonis dial difeth.

Lev Abram

Gwag ow holonn, gwag ow holonn haneth, heb dha gorf gwynn, ow Arloedh difeth.

Tygys

A leun golonn, a leun golonn haneth war hyns ow dial y fynnav dalleth.

Yma Tygys ow skoedhya y wydhyv.

Dre'n jydh y keskerdhyn dre'n jydh, dre'n jydh, dre'n prysk ha dre'n gwydh dre'n jydh, dre'n jydh: kammenn ha kammenn, kemmusur ha kempenn; dalleth ha diwedh,

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

The Voice of Abraham,

Empty my heart, empty my heart tonight,

attenuated

without your blessed body, my unconquerable Lord.

Tacitus looks steadfastly towards the left.

Tacitus

Of a full heart, of a full heart tonight I swear to wreak unconquerable vengeance.

The Voice of Abraham,

Empty my heart, empty my heart tonight,

attenuated

without your blessed body, my unconquerable Lord.

Tacitus

Of a full heart, of a full heart tonight on the path of my vengeance I will start.

Tacitus shoulders his billhook.

Through the day we shall march through the day, through the day, through the scrub and through the trees through the day, through the day: step and step, proportionate and well-ordered; beginning and end,

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

an dyghow ha'n kledh. Yma Tygys ow mones yn-kerdh dhe-gledh yn-unn vones yn-mes a wel gans linennow diwettha an gwers.

Avorow my a dhysk dhedha avorow dhedha my a dhysk an gwari-Nadelik war an hyns a droesyn, an gwari-Nadelik war an hyns a droesyn.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

the right and the left. Tacitus sets out to the left, going out of sight with the last lines of the verse.

Tomorrow I shall teach them tomorrow them I shall teach the Christmas game on the path we shall tread, the Christmas game on the path we shall tread.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

GOLOGVA 2.

An guntellva omvetya, dhe vyttin. Yma Mathi hag Abram a'ga growedh yn-unn bowes, ha Tangi adhyghow ow kylghwoelya. Y fir Tangi yn-tromm dhe-dhyghow.

Tangi

Hedh! Piw a dheu?

Lev Tygys

Koweth!

Tangi

Pandr'yw'n kevriner?

Tygys

'Lelder'

Tangi

Deus yn-rag, a goweth.

Yth enter Tygys a-dhia dhyghow, y wydhyv war y skoedh.

Tygys, ow har, y'th kever jy re brederis vy heb hedhi.

Tygys

Henna y'n krysav.

Tangi

Py gedhlow a'th eus?

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

SCENE 2.

The rendezvous point, in the morning. Matthew and Abraham lying down resting, and Tangye on the right patrolling. Tangye suddenly looks to the right.

Tangye

Halt! Who comess?

The Voice of Tacitus

A friend!

Tangye

What is the password?

Tacitus

'Loyalty'

Tangye

Come forward, friend.

Tacitus enters from the right, his billhook on his shoulder.

Tacitus, my friend, about you I've thought without ceasing.

Tacitus

That I believe.

Tangye

What informations have you?

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tygys

Kedhlow

brav!

Ny

dhredhedhas

marnas

hanter

an

gammgryjyoryon an tyller.

Tangi

Ple ma'n hanter arall?

Tygys

Henna y'n lavarav dhis. Mes klyw – yma ow bolghenn owth omlena worth ow askorn-keyn. Y klamderav mar ny gavav tymmik dh'y dhybri.

Tangi

Y kyrghav dhis bara ha keus.

Tygys

Gwas da!

Yth a Tangi dhe gyrghes an boes.

Y'm galar vy y karons, keladow tywl yn mentons war hen drayturi.

Y tehwel Tangi.

Tangi

Tann henna!

Y talleth Tygys dybri yn-skon.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tacitus

Brave informations! Only half of the heretics have reached the place.

Tangye

Where is the other half?

Tacitus

That I shall tell you. But hear – my stomach is sticking to my backbone. I'll faint if I don't get a morsel to eat.

Tangye

I'll fetch for you bread and cheese.

Tacitus

Good fellow!

Tangye goes to fetch the food.

In my pain they love, dark concealment an upholding on an ancient betrayal.

Tangye returns.

Tangye

Take that!

Tacitus starts to eat quickly.

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tygys

Meur ras!

Tangi

Ple ma hanter arall an gammgryjyoryon ytho?

Tygys

Difuna Mathi ty gwra! Dhodho ev yma warnav dever meneges dhe-gynsa oll.

Tangi

Gwir an ger a gewsydh.

Yth a Tangi dhe dhifuna an dhew arall. Mathi a dheu a-barth dhe Dangi, hag Abram a dhalleth padera war benn dewlin.

Tygys

A-dhibarth i a verow yn edrek dibenn garow heb daswel devri.

Ott Mathi ha Tangi ow trehedhes Tygys.

Tangi

Ottava, a Vathi!

Mathi

Yma Tangi ow leverel na dhrehedhas marnas hanter an dus erell na. Ple ma'n hanter arall?

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tacitus

Great thanks!

Tangye

Where is the other half of the heretics then?

Tacitus

Wake you up Matthew! To him I have on me a duty to express first of all..

Tangye

True the word you say.

Tangye goes to wake the other two. Matthew comes along with Tangye, and Abraham starts to pray on his knees.

Tacitus

Separately they'll die in rough unending regret definitely without seeing one another again.

Matthew and Tangye reach Tacitus.

Tangye

Here he is, Matthew!

Matthew

Tangye says only half of those other people have arrived. Where is the other half?

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tygys

Soudoryon-wober neb re dheth aga hontrethow dhe-benn yth yw rann anedha.

Mathi

A pe arghans dhyn ni, ni a allsa goberna an re na.

Tygys

Rann anedha yw fiys dhe-fo.

Mathi

Ott an pyth y karsen vy y wul, wosa gweles nebes a'n dus usi a'gan parth ni.

Tygys

Ha rann a erryas ha mones yn-mes a wel.

Mathi

Kepar ha meur a'gan gwesyon ni! Mes pyneyl a'n dhiw fordh a gemmeryn ni, fordh an kledhbarth po fordh an dyghowbarth?

Tygys

Yma lu an yskerens war fordh -

Tangi

Deus, Abram, dhe glywes kedhlow Tygys! Yma ganso nowodhow brav dhyn ni yn kever tus an envi.

Yma Abram ow trehedhes yn-unn fyski.

Abram

Fatell yw lu an gammgryjyoryon?

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tacitus

It's hired soldiers whose contracts have come to an end that part of them are.

Matthew

If we had money, it's we who could hire them.

Tacitus

Part of them have fled away.

Matthew

That's what I'd like to do, after seeing some of the people who are on our side.

Tacitus

And part have lost their way and disappeared.

Matthew

Like many of our fellows! But which of the two roads shall we take, the road of the north or the road of the south?

Tacitus

The host of the enemies are on the road -

Tangye

Come, Abraham, to hear the informations of Tacitus! He has brave information for us about the people of the enemy.

Abraham arrives fussing.

Abraham

How is the host of the heretics?

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tygys

Ow mones dhe-skatt!

Abram

Yth oel envi Duw yn-tynn pan asveryn Oferenn wynn.

Tygys

A-dhibarth i a verow yn edrek dibenn garow heb daswel devri.

Abram ha Tangi

Hware lowr, ha ni a skatt aga renk ha res dhe-blatt.

Mathi

Henn yw brav, mes lavar dhymm -

Tygys

A-dhibarth i a verow yn edrek dibenn garow heb daswel devri.

Mathi

Da lowr, mes leverel ty gwra dhymm -

Abram

An gwari-Nadelik,

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tacitus

Going scat!

Abraham

God's enemies will weep bitterly when we restore the blessed Mass.

Tacitus

Separately they'll die in rough unending regret definitely without seeing one another again.

Abraham and Tangye

Soon enough, and we'll scat their rank and file flat.

Matthew

That's brave. But tell me -

Tacitus

Separately they'll die in rough unending regret definitely without seeing one another again.

Matthew

Good enough, but do you tell me -

Abraham

The Christmas game,

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tygys ha Tangi

greun du avel glow; an gwari-Nadelik, attamya balyer kow;

Abram, Tygys, ha Tangi

an gwari-Nadelik, an gwari-Nadelik,

An Oll

greun du avel glow, greun du avel glow.

Mathi

Brav, a wesyon! Gwren ni dybri yn-skon, ha Tygys -

Tygys

Ha my a vynn diskwedhes an hyns mayth omvetyn gans an lu!

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Tacitus and Tangye

berries black as coal; the Christmas game, opening up a hollow barrel:

Abraham, Tacitus, and Tangye

the Christmas game, the Christmas game,

All

berries black as coal, berries black as coal.

Matthew

Brave, fellows! Let us eat quickly, and Tacitus -

Tacitus

And it's I will show you the route whereby we shall rendezvous with the host!

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

GOLOGVA 3.

An keth le, hanter eur a-wosa. Yma an gasoryon owth ombarysi rag mones yn-kerdh.

Tangi

Piw na dhot gwari-Nadelik?

Abram

Mann vy, a Dangi, mann vy yn-sur!

Mathi

Na vy yn-sertan!

Tygys

Na vy na hwath, yn-sur sertan!

Abram

Rag henna, a wesyon, dhe dhidhander an goelyow Nadelik y fynnyn ni witha an gwariow-Nadelik oll. Mes mars a gans an gammgryjyoryon gorra gwari-Nadelik yn le an Oferenn wynn, tammow-denti Nadelik y's dybryn yn le korf an Arloedh.

Mathi

My a vynnsa desevos gwell es bara sygh dhe Nadelik.

Tangi

Bara sygh? Kabledh noeth, ha -

Abram

Kabledh? Heb soen an Oferenn, pandra'gan bia a-rag an alter marnas bara sygh? Hedhyw y'n jydh, ha ni a skatt

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

SCENE 3.

The same place, half an hour afterwards, the volunteers preparing themselves to set out.

Tangye

Who doesn't like a Christmas game?

Abraham

Not me, Tangye, not me surely!

Matthew

Nor me certainly!

Tacitus

Nor me either, surely certainly!

Abraham

Therefore, fellows, to the entertainment of the Christmas holidays we will keep all the Christmas games. But if the heretics succeed in putting a Christmas game in the place of the blessed Mass, it is Christmas delicacies that we'll eat instead of the body of the Lord.

Matthew

I would expect better than dry bread for Christmas.

Tangye

Dry bread? Naked blasphemy, and -

Abraham

Blasphemy? Without the enchantment of the Mass, what would we have but dry bread? Today this very day, and we'll scat

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

renkow'n gammgryjyoryon dhe blatt: yth oel envi Duw yn-tynn pan asveryn Oferenn wynn.

Tangi

Budhygolyeth veur a vydh hedhyw.

Tygys

Budhugolyeth na welsis hy far.

Tangi

Y's gorryn a-gil -

Tygys

- aga fesya a'n gwel -

Tangi

- yn Karesk ni a vydh haneth -

Abram

- dhe profya aberth sans an Oferenn!

Mathi

Tewewgh! Klywyewgh! Kewgh dhe gawgha ha stuttya, yn kettep penn!

Yth avod an gasoryon erell, nebes isel aga fennow.

Gwag dha hwesyglenn, gwag dha golodhyon, kestudh y'th kloppenn,

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

the ranks of the heretics flat: God's enemies will weep bitterly when we restore the blessed Mass.

Tangye

A great victory there will be today.

Tacitus

A victory whose like you haven't seen.

Tangye

We'll set them back -

Tacitus

- put them to flight from the battlefield -

Tangye

- it's in Exeter that we'll be tonight -

Abraham

- to offer the holy sacrifice of the Mass!

Matthew

Be silent! Hear! Go to shit and piss, each one of you!

The other volunteers exit, somewhat low their heads.

Empty your bladder, empty your bowels, confusion in your skull,

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

diwskovarn heb son: sav ryb dha goweth heb dri warnas meth.

Na hwil jammes glori, na wayt gwaynya bri, na dorr jy an renkow, na ro spas dhe'n Ankow: sav ryb dha goweth heb dri warnas meth.

Saw prest dha vywnans, dha vywnans drudh sans, ha gwith prest dre hedhyw dha gothman yn-fyw: sav ryb dha goweth heb dri warnas meth.

Ott diw rewl gadarn a withydh bys karn, ha hebdha, gorhemmynn a gell vertu tynn:

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

two ears without sound: stand by your comrade without bringing on yourself shame.

Never seek out glory, do not hope to win renown, do not you break the ranks, do not give an opportunity to the Death: stand by your comrade without bringing on yourself shame.

Save constantly your life, your sacred precious life, and keep constantly through today your mate alive: stand by your comrade without bringing on yourself shame.

Here are two firm rules that you will keep to the hilt, and without them, a command will lose binding force:

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

sav ryb dha goweth heb dri warnas meth.

Y tehwel an gasoryon erell.

Abram

Ottomma ni yn-parys!

Mathi

Parys? A vydhyn ni nevra parys yn-tien?

Tangi

Ty a woer yn-hwell, a Vathi. Gwerrya yw dha vyster jy. Mes martesen yth on ni maga parys dell yllyn ni bones. Ha dhe'n lyha y hwodhon ni y'n eur ma py hyns may kerdhyn.

Mathi

Godhon, grasow meur dhe Dygys. Y fynnyn ni keskerdhes dh'omvetya gans agan lu, hag a-barth dhedha i koedha war an dus erell na na ha'ga fesya a'n gwel. Abram, ow howeth, a via da lowr genes pysi Duw a'gan mires y'n vatel ma?

Abram

Ty Arloedh an Nev ha'n Nor, yuv tes Hav ha Gwenton klor

Tangi

gwith ni pub prys,

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

stand by your comrade without bringing on yourself shame.

The other volunteers return.

Abraham

Here we are ready!

Matthew

Ready? Shall we ever be ready entirely?

Tangye

It's you who know better, Matthew. Making war is your trade. But perhaps we're as ready as we can be. And at least we know now what route we'll walk.

Matthew

We know, great thanks to Tacitus. We will march to rendezvous with our host, and together with them fall on those other people and put them to flight from the fieldl. Abraham, my comrade, would you be willing to ask God to look after us in this engagement?

Abraham

You Lord of Heaven and Earth, prince of the sultry warmth of Summer and of cool Spring,

Tangye

guard us always,

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Abram

dre'n peryll a goedh warnan, dre'n horn pith, ha'n lawnow tan,

Tangi ha Tygys

a vrowagh a lenow'n bys.

Abram

Dre'th hwoe ha'th fernans drudh, dre'th tasserghyans dhe'gan budh,

Tangi, Tygys, ha Mathi

gorr ni dhe'gan hyns;

Abram

degemmer ni dhe'th koskordh may keskerdhyn war dha fordh

An Oll

ha ri oll agan myns.

Y sev Mathi yn gardans.

Mathi

Da lowr, da lowr! Surhewgh bones agas eskisyow yn-kelmys yn-fast! Yn array!

Yth a an tri hasor arall dhe'n array a-dal dhe Vathi.

Garda ... gwrewgh!

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Abraham

through the danger that will fall on us, through the greedy iron, and the blades of fire,

Tangye and Tacitus

with terror that fill the world.

Abraham

Through your woe and your precious death, through your resurrection for our benefit,

Tangye, Tacitus, and Matthew

set us on our route;

Abraham

accept us in your retinue with the result that we march on your road

All

and give our all.

Matthew stands to attention.

Matthew

Good enough, good enough! Make sure your boots are tied up securely! Fall in!

The other three volunteers fall in opposite Matthew.

Atten ... tion!

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Y sev yn tri hasor arall yn gardans.

Omordna ... gwrewgh!

Ott an gasoryon owth omordna.

Tremma a-rag ... gwrewgh!

Y tremm an gasoryon a-rag.

Gorra fardhellow war-leur ... gwrewgh!

Abram

Mes, a Vathi -

Tangi

Pandr'yn kever -

Mathi

Tewewgh! Y teun ni yn-tro dhe'ga hyrghes a-wosa. Y fydh res dhyn sommys yn-skav y'n nebes euryow a dheu. Gorra fardhellow war leur ... gwrewgh!

Y hworrons aga fardhellow war-leur. Y kammenn Mathi teyrgweyth dh'y le y'n bagas, ha hweles adro. Skoedhya arvow ... gwrewgh!

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

The three other volunteers come to attention.

Right ... dress!

The volunteers right-dress.

Eyes ... front!

The volunteers ayes-front.

Lay down your ... packs!

Abraham

But, Matthew -

Tangye

What about -

Matthew

Be silent! We'll come back to fetch them afterwards. We'll have to move lightly and swiftly in the few hours coming. Lay down your ... packs!

They lay down their packs. Matthew takes three steps to his place in the squad, and about-turns.

Shoulder ... arms!

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

Keskerdhes war fordh an kledhbarth ... gwrewgh!

Yth a an bagas yn-kerdh. Yma minhwardh fell war enep Tygys.

Kledh-dyghow! Kledh-dyghow!

Abram

An gwari-Nadelik ...

Mathi

Kledh-dyghow!

Abram ha Tangi

an gwari-Nadelik ...

Mathi

Kledh-dyghow!

Abram, Tangi, ha Tygys

Greun rudh avel ros ...

Mathi

Kledh-dyghow!

An Oll

dhe gothman ha sos ... kledh-dyghow! An gwari-Nadelik, an gwari-Nadelik,

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

On the road of the north ... march!

The squad sets out. There is a cruel smile on the face of Tacitus.

Left-right! Left-right!

Abraham

The Christmas game ...

Matthew

Left-right!

Abraham and Tangye

the Christmas game ...

Matthew

Left-right!

Abraham, Tangye, and Tacitus

Berries red as roses ...

Matthew

Left-right!

All

for mate and pard ... Left-right! The Christmas game, the Christmas game,

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

hedhyw y'n jydh! hedhyw y'n jydh! Kledh-dyghow! Kledh-dyghow!

Keskerdhes war-yow a wrons, yn-unn vones yn-mes a wel war hanter an gwers diwettha.

Mes gwari vyth yw da ha pyth an Arloedh ker ha'y vath kann kler ha'y gorf gwynn byw na grin, na wyw dhe'n gas pan en, dhe'n gas pan en ...

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

today this very day, today this very day! Left-right! Left-right!

They march on, going out of sight half-way through the last verse.

But no game is the rightful possession of the dear Lord and his bright white coin and his living blessed body that will not shrivel, that will not wither into battle when we go, into battle when we go ...

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AN GWARI-NADELIK - Bardh Gwerin THE CHRISTMAS GAME - Tim Saunders

℗ Testenn 2015 Yn Privlach Bardh Gwerin herwydh Ewn Laghys Kernow (H) Testun Tim Saunders 2015 Mae Tim Saunders wedi datgan ei hawl o dan Ddeddf Hawlfraint, Dyluniadau, a Phatentau 1988 i gael ei gydnabod fel awdur y gwaith hwn. © TextTim Saunders 2015 Tim Saunders has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

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