[Michael Juster]

I am desperate for some help with this Middle Welsh line: Sidwas weniethus hydwyll. I'm thinking it means something like "A scheming flatterer of the gullible."

I will offer one explanation of an impenetrable piece of Boston slang in exchange.

Thanks!

[Michael Juster]

I'm pretty sure now that "Sidwas" is "Judas."

[Jayne Osborn]

I'm really sorry I can't answer your question, Mike, but I do like the notion of being ''Welshish" and I shall start describing myself in that way now (I'm qualified to do so!).

Jayne

[Michael Juster]

Jayne:

Well, at the time it both seemed very Tolkienish and inclusive of those who would like to be Welsh.

Thanks for trying!

Mike

[Ann Drysdale]

I'm still on the case - I can find no evidence for Judas, but hydwyll is gullible all right. If there are any other shades of meaning I'll try and track them down. I have sent the sentence as it stands to a couple of Welsh speakers of my acquaintance and it might help to know the source of the original. Are we still with Gwerful Mechain?

[Michael Juster]

Yes, we are still enraptured by Gwerful Mechain.

I'm trying to do penance for the bawdy ones by doing her long religious one, "Dioddefaint Crist."

Thanks, Ann!