Page:Memories of Virginia.djvu/44

 Matthews, a son of fighting sires, From founding days of the Old World. Men of conquest, men of crusades, Descendants of Welsh chieftains bold. Men of King Alfred's day, that stood With Galahad, the Ap Matthew, Disciple of the Druid creed, To soil brave men are ever true. The native sons of Albion, The mountain men of British fame; Welshmen who fought for Harold bold, The northmen of King Edward's name. The Welsh mountains their kingdom home, Ages before the conqueror won; Defenders of old Briton's lands, Chiefs long before the quest of Rome.

After the conquest, 1066, The Matthew chief of valor won, A daughter of Louis of France, To give to Wales an allied son. A knight, he stood in the crusades, Under the banner of Lorraine. A shield he won, a crest of might, The Holy Bull of Roman fame. David, first lord of Cardingshire, Ninth removed from Galahad's reign; Great great grandson of Louis VI, Allied with Baldwin of Lorraine. Sir John, grandson of David First, Won English bride on Dover's shore; The Alpha Matthews to unite, The mountain bull with lion and bear.