Three Fatal Disclosures

The earliest Welsh prose literature is the Triad, said to be of Druidic origin. It is a curious kind of literature peculiar to Wales, though it was imitated for a time in Ireland. The Triads are either the setting forth of historical events in series of three, or a sort of maxims in triplets, each containing a moral principle. This style of composition appears as early as the 12th century, the earliest specimen being the "Triads of the Horses." The Triads of Arthur and his warriors are perhaps as late as the 13th century. Among these Welsh Triads in the island of Britain are Three Closures and Three Fatal Disclosures.

First.--The head of Viran the Blessed was buried under the White Tower of London, and so long as it remained there no invader would enter the island. But King Arthur caused it to be disclosed, that is exhumed, because he refused to reign except by his own right and might.

Second.--The bones of Vortimer, surnamed "The Blessed," were buried in the chief harbor of the island. So long as they remained there no hostile ship would approach the coast. But Vortigern, out of love for Rowena, daughter of Hengist, the Saxon, caused them to be disclosed.

Third.--The dragons were buried by Lludd, son of Beli, in the city of Pharoon, in the Snowdon rocks. But Vortigern, in revenge of the Cymryan displeasure against him, caused them to be disclosed, that is disentombed; having done this he invited over the Saxons in his defence.