Shakespeare has a substantial part of a scene in Henry IV.1 (III.i) in Welsh, though the text used has not survived. Many editors suggest Jacques' 'ducdame' in As You Like It is easiest to explain as either 'dewch da mi' or 'dameg' - both of which give the meaning Jacques offers.
Ben Jonson in his masque For the Honour of Wales has a character speak in recognisable Welsh for part of a scene.
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James Howell - the author of the Familiar Letters - has left a poem commemorating his gift to Ben Jonson of Davies' 'Welsh Grammar.' This implies that Ben Jonson at least was seriously interested in the language.
Last edited by Christopher ONeill; 03-23-2012 at 12:12 PM.
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