PREFACEHerewith is the poetic work of the famous patriot and lover of literature, David Williams, Esq., (Alaw Goch), in one concise volume. It is the heartfelt wish of his son, His Honour, the Judge Gwilym Williams, Miskin, and his revered family to honour the memory of his dear father by publishing his work. Although only a few copies - for the family and a small number of friends – have been printed, every volume will reflect everlasting praise to the son for undertaking this work. The author bequeathed a mound of manuscripts; and at the request of his honour, the Judge, I have undertaken their organisation for printing and I have found it a most pleasant task. Alaw Goch’s name will remain endeared for the goodness he achieved independently of this volume of commemoration as long as Ynyscynon, Aberdâr, stands. His love for Welsh literature was immeasurable and he sacrificed a great deal for its sake. It was he who rescued the newspaper, “Y Gwladgarwr”, which was published in Aberdare, when it was at death’s door; and it was he who sustained it until it was able to stand on its own two feet once more. No one knows the extent of his expenditure concerning establishing firm and permanent foundations for the National Eisteddfod. His fellow labourers in that great, national work were Sir Hugh Owen, London; Archdeacon Griffiths, Neath; Mr J. Griffiths (Y Gohebydd), London; and others. They succeeded, by their efforts, in creating the revival of the Eisteddfod in Wales, through the initiation of a new age for the National Eisteddfod. Through their efforts it was arranged that it should be held in North and South each alternate year; and the first of the new era was held in Aberdare in 1861. It was there that the literati of North and South were united in one amiable brotherhood.