spectacles as big as tea-saucers.  On my remarking to a bystander, that I was not aware knee-breeches were worn in the time of the ancient kings, I was condescendingly informed that this David was not the celebrated Monarch-Minstrel, but a Mr. Pryce David, the founder of the Cymreiggddyon Society.  But the most amusing David was one depicted on a banner carried in front of a company of barbers belonging to the order of Odd Fellows.  In that magnificent work of art David was represented bewailing the death of Absalom, that unhappy young man being seen hanging by his hair from a tree.  Out of the mouth of David issued a scroll, on which was inscribed the following touching verse:—­

  “Oh, Absalom!  Oh, Absalom! 
    Oh, Absalom, my son! 
  If thou hadst worn a good Welsh wig,
    Thou hadst not been undone!”

It was with no little trouble that I elbowed my way into the great temporary hall where the exercises were to be held:  but by dint of much pressing forward, I at length reached the reporters’ bench.  Directly in front was a raised platform, and on two sides of the tent galleries had been erected for the bards and orators.  On the platform table were arranged prizes to be given for the best playing, singing, and speaking,—­and also for articles of domestic Welsh manufacture, such as plaids, flannels, and the like.  A large velvet and gilded chair was placed on a dais for the president, and on either side of this, seats for ladies and visitors.  In a very short time every corner of the spacious area was crammed.

And a pretty and a cheerful spectacle was presented wherever the eye turned.  As in almost all other gatherings of the kind, the fair sex were greatly in the majority; and during the interval which elapsed between the opening of the doors and the beginning of business, the clatter of female tongues was prodigious.  The sex generally are voluble when in crowds; but as for Welsh women, their loquacity was far beyond anything of the kind I had ever conceived of.  And there were some wonderfully handsome specimens of girlhood, womanhood, and matronhood among that great gathering; though I am compelled to admit that in Wales beauty forms the exception, rather than the rule.

But the bards are in their places,—­the front rows of either gallery; the president has taken his seat; the leading ladies of the county are in their chairs; and while the large audience are settling down into their places, let us glance at two or three of the celebrities present.

On the foremost seat, to the right of the chairman, sits a lady who is evidently a somebody, since all the gentlemen, on entering, pay her especial respect.  She is rather past the middle age, but has worn well; her eye is still bright, her cheek fresh-colored, and her skin smooth.  Evidently she takes much interest in the proceedings,—­and little wonder,—­for it is mainly owing to her exertions that the Festival has not become one of the things that were.  Her