Page:My people stories of the peasantry of West Wales.djvu/280



humility and subjection, for is it not written that the meek shall inherit the Kingdom? He sold live stock to pay his rent, and this stock he was never able to replace. After the birth of Samuel Shan miscarried two children, and the price of two pigs provided them with coffins and graves.

In his bitterness Owen turned to his wife and said: “Pity the Big Man has made you such a spoilful curse.” Shan spread her hands over her wasteful breasts, and moaned:

“Make you not that speech, little Owen. Have you not Samuel? Did not the Great Husband send him in answer to your prayer?” “Right true, Shan. Now indeed, pious the boy bach is.”

“Iss-iss. Does he not tongue prayers like a preacher? And his learning is more than the old Schoolin’s.” “Why you speak stupid for, woman?