The poetic debate of Edmwnd Prys and Wiliam Cynwal

The article surveys the Welsh poetic debate (1581–8) between Edmwnd Prys, archdeacon of Merioneth, a Cambridge-educated humanist, and the professional poet, Wiliam Cynwal. It examines Prys's morally based critique of the Welsh professional poets which focused on the alleged mendacity of eulogy. Prys is shown to advocate a new Welsh poetic, one where eulogy would be replaced by divine poetry based on Scripture and with scientific poetry, a vision demonstrably influenced by his familiarity with contemporary Renaissance literary fashions. Cynwal's response is shown to be negative and rooted in medieval attitudes impervious to Renaissance ideals.