Rhianne and Swansea Jack have set me thinking about the song, 'Myfanwy' . It has been sung by Bryn Terfel andRhidian, the Morriston Orpheus choir, Donny Osmond and many others.

What is it that makes this song so enduring?

The words are thatof a lover, addressinghis dear one, Myfanwy. Hewants to know why she is angry and the sadness in the words is echoed in the strains of the music.It isabout romantic love that encounters misunderstanding.

Not everyone believes in romantic love. It is a concept full of difficulties.In the Age of Chivalry the troubadors travelled around castles serenading fair ladies who sighed with longing when they heard them. This wascourtly love, not beastly or carnal, but romanticised.

Shakespeare said that 'love is not love that changeth when it alteration finds', but I disagree.

Idealised love cannot admit reality. Everyonechanges, sometimes causing their loverto leave them. The problem with romantic love is that lovers fail to see each others faults at first. Later, whenthingssag and creak, love can change to hate.

In 'Starburst' I have described this situation:

'Love is a jewel', you sighed, splattering

Crystallised blossoms, emerald on the grass.

Diamond dew drops, my lips glittering

As I lie, whispering: 'All things are brass'.

I love, you love, we love love, love you, too;

Clasped in lovers' knots and forget-me-knots.

Sapphires pledge fidelity, berry-blue

Eternity, when stars are merely dots.

I tossed the diamonds into the bin.

If I stop loving you, it ain't no sin-

You've got to learn: the moon is only tin.

Sour cherries, sour cream, sour dough.

Love is a jewel, by now I should know.