Taliesin

When I was younger I was really into Arthurian literature--not all of it, of course. Stephen Lawhead wrote my favourite version of things and I love his portrayal of Taliesin as a young man, who doesn't really believe he is the last true bard, who doesn't know his own power, and who just wants the girl he loves to love him back. I got the first two verses from here (it is translated from The Mabinogion). Every album needs a love song! The title is what Elphin said when he pulled Taliesin from the waves; it means "This is a radiant brow."

I think this is going to be a tenor solo, except for the first two verses which will maybe be alto/soprano duet? There will probably be an instrumental bridge separating them from the rest of the song as well. I think 'cello, trumpet, oboe, piano so far?

Dyma Dal Iesin

Fair Elffin, cease your lament!
....Though I am weak and small,
On the wave crest of the the surging sea,
I shall be better for you
Than three hundred shares of salmon.

Elffin of noble generosity,
Do not sorrow at your catch.
Though I am weak on the floor of my basket,
There are wonders on my tongue....''

I was fed on words, words, words
But also on love
And I love your long shadows and gunpowder eyes
Grey-with-an-a and grey-with-an-e

I have been slave and hare, fish and bird
And all too beautiful to kill
But I would kill for the taste of your hair
I would die for the look in your eyes

If I lived a thousand years from now, I'd
Bury my love in seven inches of echo
I would happily end all the tales there are
If only to see your face aglow

Come sing with me, and be my love
And we will some purpose, some pleasure, prove
There's nothing but trouble outside my head
Nothing but miracles within

I once dreamt I had you
Thus I have you!
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
All our joys are but fantastical!