M. RENAN ON WALES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1975, 28 November 1889, Page 1

M. RENAN ON WALES.

M. Eenan recently received at hia country residence, Eosmapamon, an interesting visit from the Welsh Archaeological Association, who have been exploring Brittany. The excursionists were introduced by Professor John Rhys, Celtic Professor at Oxford University. In reply, M. Renan made a speech, pointing out the common origin of the Welsh and the Bretons. Here are a few extracts ; “ When I went to London a few years ago, Lord Tennyson told me a curious anecdote. Taking a tour through Brittany, as you are doing now, he spent a night at Launion. When he called for his bill in the morning, the woman who kept the inn refused to receive a penny, ‘ Oh no, sir. Have you not been the bard of our King Arthur?’ This innkeeper was evidently an educated woman, and I should say her case was an exceptional one. But when our sailors go to Cardiff, they can easily understand your countrymen, and have no difficulty in making themselves understood. You, yourself, M. Rhys, have spoken with our countryfolk, and understand all they say, while they, with a few explanations, can easily follow you. That is not to be wondered at, for the people of this district originally came from Cardigan, so that Mr Rhys and that town are in a measure relatives. [Here M. Eenan and the professor shook hands]. I have often said to myself that if the storms which our unfortunate country France has to go through compelled me to seek a refuge in England —not that that is likely, as I am an old man—l should take advantage of it, were it but to remind the public «f the old law of Edward the Confessor, which enacts that 4 those who come from Lesser Britain must be received as good and true citoyens of this realms because they once departed from the body of this realm.’ In those days the teachings of history were not forgotten. After all, we have not changed much. We are an obstinate race, always behind our times. Our good old saints were very obstinate, too, All those good old Breton saints, all of Welsh or Irish origin, are the special objects of my devotion. I do not like modern saints. I consider they are too intolerant.” M. Eenan was loudly cheered by his Welsh visitors.