“The Maid of Llanwellyn”
Pencil, pastel, and watercolor
4 December 2020
This portrait (which I’ve done unsuccessfully three times before now) came off like a breeze this afternoon. I was able to finish it after talking with my 83 year old father, who’s been married to my mother since 1959. He can’t visit my/our dear cousin Martha (also 83 years old) in the hospital (she had a stroke three days ago), but he’s doing all he can to protect my mother, while he (used to getting whatever he happens to want during most of his adult life) is doing the best he can during this pandemic. Listening to him this afternoon, I thought of this old song…..and finished this painting. And, yes….it’s about enduring love…….
Kate Rusby’s version can be heard at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo05meaz97I
“No sheep on the mountain nor boat on the lake
No coin in my coffer to keep me awake
Nor corn in my garner, nor fruit on my tree,
Yet the Maid of Llanwellyn smiles sweetly on me.
No sheep on the mountain nor goats,
No horses to offer nor boats,
The hens I have by me,
Are but one, two, and three,
Yet the Maid of Llanwellyn smiles sweetly on me.
Rich Owen will tell you, with eyes full of scorn,
Threadbare is my coat and my hosen are torn.
Scoff on, my rich Owen,
for faint is thy glee
When the Maid of Llanwellyn smiles sweetly on me.
The farmer rides proudly to market and fair
Whilst the clerk at the ale house still claims the great chair,
But of all our proud fellows, oh the proudest I’ll be,
For the Maid of Llanwellyn smiles sweetly on me….”