Concealed beneath a tumbled heap
His hurried search had missed
All glowing from his rosy sleep
The cherub boy he kissed.

Nor scathe had he, nor harm, nor dread,
But, the same couch beneath,
Lay a gaunt wolf, all torn and dead
Tremendous still in death.

Ah, what was then Llewellyn’s pain!
For now the truth was clear;
His gallant hound the wolf had slain,
To save Llewellyn’s heir.

William Robert Spencer(1769-1834)

A Sanskrit Parallel to the Legend of Gelert

A Brahman by the name of Mahava lived in the city of Oujein.  The Brahman was in charge of his newborn babe while his wife was fulfilling ceremonies pertaining to her purification.  Soon after her departure, the king sent for the Brahman to serve in the Parvana Shradha, or ceremonies in honor of his ancestors. 

The Brahman reasoned with himself thus: “I am poor, and if I do not go at once someone else will go and will receive my portion.  But I have no one to look after my child, unless indeed I give its charge to my mongoose, which is almost as dear to me as is my child.”  So that he did, and set off for the palace.

Soon after he had gone, the mongoose saw a blacksnake creeping by, not far from the child, and made for it. The mongoose tore the snake to pieces and then devoured it.

When the Brahman returned, the affectionate mongoose ran to meet him, rolled itself about his legs, its feet and mouth covered with blood.  “It has eaten my child!” thought the terrified Brahman, and with one angry blow he struck the mongoose dead before him.