Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race - Knowledge Rush

325beneath his dignity to take vengeance on a mouse.Next day he went up to the Mound of Narberth and set uptwo forks for a gallows on the highest part of the hill. As hewas doing this a poor scholar came towards him, and he wasthe first person Manawyddan had seen in Dyfed, except his owncompanions, since the enchantment began.The scholar asked him what he was about and begged himto let go the mouse—“Ill doth it become a man of thy rank totouch such a reptile as this.” “I will not let it go, by Heaven,”said Manawyddan, and by that he abode, although the scholaroffered him a pound of money to let it go free. “I care not,” saidthe scholar, “except that I would not see a man of rank touchingsuch a reptile,” and with that he went his way.As Manawyddan was placing the cross-beam on the two forksof his gallows, a priest came towards him riding on a horse withtrappings, and the same conversation ensued. The priest offeredthree pounds for the mouse's life, but Manawyddan refused totake any price for it. “Willingly, lord, do thy good pleasure,”said the priest, and he, too, went his way.Then Manawyddan put a noose about the mouse's neck andwas about to draw it up when he saw coming towards him abishop with a great retinue of sumpter-horses and attendants. Andhe stayed his work and asked the bishop's blessing. “Heaven'sblessing be unto thee,” said the bishop; “what work art thouupon?” “Hanging a thief,” replied Manawyddan. The bishop [377]offered seven pounds “rather than see a man of thy rankdestroying so vile a reptile.” Manawyddan refused. Four-andtwentypounds was then offered, and then as much again, then allthe bishop's horses and baggage—all in vain. “Since for this thouwilt not,” said the bishop, “do it at whatever price thou wilt.” “Iwill do so,” said Manawyddan; “I will that Rhiannon and Pryderibe free.” “That thou shalt have,” said the (pretended) bishop.Then Manawyddan demands that the enchantment and illusionbe taken off for ever from the seven Cantrevs of Dyfed, and