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Introduction to Process Control 2nd
Romagnoli Solution Manual
SECTION II
(Modeling for Control)
II.1 Consider a continuous blending process where the water is mixed with slurry to give
slurry the desired consistency (Figure II.1). The streams are mixed in a constant volume
(V) blending tank, and the mass fraction of the solids in the inlet slurry stream is given as
xs, with a volumetric flow rate of qs. Since xs and qs vary, the water make-up mass flow
rate w is adjusted to compensate for these variations. Develop a model for this blender
that can be used to predict the dynamic behavior of the mass fraction of solids in the exit
stream xe for changes in xs, qs, or w. What is the number of degrees of freedom for this
process?
Solution:
Let us assume that we have perfect mixing and no volume changes due to mixing. Water
stream is considered to be pure water and t is the density of solid. The mass flow rates of
each stream are designated by w and the volumetric rates are by q. Then, by definition,
we have the following,
w s = sq s
ws 1
s = =
x s w s (1 −x s ) w s x s (1 −x s )
+
+
t t
1
e =
x e (1 −x e )
+
t
d( e )
V = ws + w − w e
dt
d(x e e V)
= w x −w x
s s e e
dt
Or,
d(x ) d( )
= −V + w x − w x = −x (w + w − w ) + w x − w x
e e
V
s s e e e s e s s e e
dt dt
This equation along with the definitions of the densities, forms the model of this process
to help predict the variations in the mass fraction of solids in the exit slurry as a function
of other process variables.
• Constants: V, , t
• Number of Equations: 4 (one mass balance + one component balance + two
algebraic relations)
• Number of variables: s, e, w, we, ws, xe, xs
The number of degrees of freedom is 3. Note that one usually needs to specify the
upstream solids content (density or solids fraction) and the flow rate as well as the water
flow rate to fully define the system.
II.2. A binary mixture at its saturation point is fed to a single-stage flash unit (Figure
II.2), where the mixture is heated at an unknown rate (Q). The feed flow rate and feed mole
fractions are known and may vary with time. Assume that x represents the mole fraction of
the more volatile component (e.g., xf is the mole fraction of the more volatile component in
the feed stream) and the molar heat of vaporization is the same for both components. Flow
rate is given in moles per unit time. H represents the molar liquid holdup.
Figure II.2: Schematic of a flash unit.
1. Derive the modeling equations for this system. State your assumptions clearly
and explicitly.
2. Derive the transfer function between the overhead mole fraction of the more
volatile component and its feed mole fraction. (Hint: Assume constant molar
holdup.)
Solution:
The control volume is the flash tank. We make the following assumptions:
x D = K (T , P)x B
Total Energy = U + K + P
Here, U, K, P represent the internal, kinetic and potential energies of the system,
respectively. Assuming thermal equilibrium between the vapor and the liquid streams, we
can also neglect the energy balance on the vapor phase.
dt dt dt dt
dU dH
dt dt
H denotes the total enthalpy of the liquid in the tank (vapor holdup neglected).
Furthermore,
H = Hc p,B,av (T − Tref )
Where:
cp,B,av : average molar heat capacity of the liquid in the tank
Tref : reference temperature where the specific enthalpy of the liquid is assumed to
be zero.
The average molar heat capacities of the liquid streams can be expressed as:
c p,F ,av = x F c p, A + (1 − x F ) c p,C
c p,B,av = x B c p, A + (1 − x B ) c p,C
+
Energy supplied by steam
time
Or
d Hc p , B ,av (T −Tref )
= Fc p,F ,av (Tin − Tref ) − Bc p,B,av (T − Tref ) − D[c p,D,av (T − Tref ) + ] + Q
dt
where is the molar heat of vaporization, and Tin = T . At steady-state, this reduces to,
Q = D
Overall material balance yields,
d (H M )
= MF − MD − MB
dt
where HM is the mass holdup of the unit and Mi are the mass flow rates. We can express
the mass flow rate as, for example:
d ( Hx B )
= FxF − Bx B − Dx D
dt
II.3. An oil stream is heated as it passes through two well-mixed tanks in series (Exercise
I.11). Assuming constant physical properties, develop the nonlinear state-space model for
this process to predict the time evolution of the temperatures in both tanks. State your
assumptions clearly and explicitly.
Solution:
In this problem the state variables are T1 ,T2 . Possible time-varying inputs are the heat
input and the oil flow rate.
Since the volumes are assumed constant we only need to perform an energy balance
around each tank
+
Energy supplied by the coil time
time
E = U + KE + PE ,
where U is the internal energy, KE is the kinetic energy and PE is the potential energy.
Since the tank is not moving,
dKE dPE
= =0.
dt dt
Thus
dE dU
= ,
dt dt
and for liquid systems,
dU dH T
=
dt dt
where, HT is the total enthalpy of material in the tank. H may be written as,
AhC p (T − Tref )
where Tref : is the reference temperature. The energy balance for Tank 1 may be written
as:
d (V1C p (T1 −Tref )) = FC (T − T ) − FC (T − T ) + Q
p in ref p 1 ref
dt
= (Tin − T1 ) +
dT1 F Q
dt V1 C pV1
Thus the set of Equation representing the dynamic of the temperatures in the tanks is
given by
d (T1 ) F Q
= Tin − FT1 +
dt V1 C pV1
d (T2 )
=
F
(T1 − T2 )
dt V2
The equations are ‘slightly’ nonlinear due to the multiplication between the flow rate and
the temperatures. Rearranging and taking the Taylor series expansion,
dT1 F Q
= (Tin − T1 ) + = f 1 (F ,T1 ,Q)
dt V1 c pV1
F Q
(Tin − T1 ) + + a1 (F − Fs ) + a 2 (T1 − T1s ) + a 3 (Q − Q s )
V c V
1 p 1 ss
dT F
2
= (T1 − T2 ) = f 2 (F,T1 ,T2 )
dt V2
F
(T1 − T2 ) + b1 (F − Fs ) + b2 (T1 − T1s ) + b3 (T2 − T2s )
V 2 ss
II.4. Consider the stirred-tank heater shown in Figure II.3. The steam is injected directly
in the liquid. A1 is the cross sectional area of the tank. Assume that the effluent flow rate
Solution:
a) State Variables: h , T2
b) Total mass and energy balance.
Total mass balance
accumulation input output
= −
time time time
d ( Ah )
= F1 − F2 + Q
dt
At constant density:
dh Q
A =F −F + Equation 1
1 2
dt
Total energy balance
E = U + KE + PE ,
where U is the internal energy, KE is the kinetic energy and PE is the potential energy.
Since the tank is not moving,
dKE dPE
= =0.
dt dt
Thus
dE dU
= ,
dt dt
and for liquid systems,
dU dH T
=
dt dt
where, HT is the total enthalpy of material in the tank. Total mass in the tank is
V = Ah .
H may be written as,
AhC p (T − Tref )
where Tref : is the reference temperature. The input of total energy into the tank is:
F1 H 1 + H
where, H is the heat supplied by 40 psi steam per unit volume. The output of total
energy from the tank is: F2 H 2 . The energy balance may be written as:
d (hT2 ) H
A = F1T1 − F2T2 +
dt C p
Using the product rule:
d (hT2 ) dT dh
A = Ah 2 + AT2
dt dt dt
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Substituting this into the above equation, we get:
dT H dh
Ah 2 = F T − F2T2 + − AT
C p
1 1 2
dt dt
From Equation 1, we have the term A dh in the above equation. Therefore, the energy
dt
balance results in the following equation:
dT2 H Q
Ah = F1T1 − F2T2 + − T2 F1 − F2 +
dt C
p
dT2 H Q
Ah = F T − F1T2 + − T2 Equation 2
C p
1 1
dt
II.5. Most separation processes in the chemical industry consist of a sequence of stages.
For example, sulfur dioxide present in combustion gas may be removed by the use of a
liquid absorbent (such as dimethylalanine) in a multistage absorber. Consider the three-
stage absorber displayed in Figure II.4.
Figure II.4: Schematic of a three-stage absorber.
H is the liquid holdup in each stage and assumed to be constant, and x and y represent
liquid and vapor compositions, respectively. Also, = H / L is the liquid residence time,
S = aG / L is the stripping factor and K = G / L is the gas-to-liquid ratio. A and b are
constants.
a. How many variables are there? How many equations (relationships)? What is
the degree of freedom?
b. Is this system underdetermined or overdetermined? Why?
2
Seborg, D.E, T.F. Edgar. D.A. Mellichamp, Process Dynamics and Control, Wiley
c. What additional relationships, if necessary, can you suggest to reduce the
degrees of freedom to zero?
Solution:
Here we also included the gas phase compositions (of SO2) although they do not appear
explicitly in the modeling equations. We have three equations that result from the
application of the component balances in each stage and three defining equations for
three variables (given in the problem statement). One can also write the following
equilibrium relationships that must be satisfied at each stage:
xi = f i ( y i ) i = 1,2,3
With these, we have a total of nine equations. The degree of freedom analysis yields:
F = 13 − 9 = 4
This is an underdetermined system. To fully define the system and have a feasible
control problem, we need to remove four degrees of freedom. We can do that by the
following specifications:
1. The SO2 content of the liquid feed should be zero (there is no reason why
dimethylalanine should contain any SO2). x f = 0
specified target, y 3,t arg et , manipulate the flow rate of the liquid, L. That establishes a
Hence, we now have one specification, two disturbances, and a feedback mechanism,
resulting in four new relationships, thereby reducing the degrees of freedom to zero.
t i=1 q m,i
In this model, c is the concentration of solute in the mobile phase, and q is the adsorbate
concentration. Also, u 0 is the superficial velocity, and t are column void fraction and
total void fraction respectively, DL is the axial dispersion coefficient, q m is the maximum
adsorbate concentration, and k a, j and k d , j are the adsorption and desorption rate
Solution:
This yields 5N+4 variables. We have 2N equations. The degrees of freedom at this
point are:
F = (5N + 4) − 2N = 3N + 4
Can we come up with more relationships? Following assumptions are appropriate:
• Void fractions ( , t ) are constant.
• Maximum adsorbate concentration q m, j is a constant.
This yields N + 2 additional relationships. The adsorption and desorption rate constants
can vary with time during the chromatographic process. They can also be related to the
intrinsic adsorption/desorption rate constants (Lin et al., Ind. & Eng. Chem. Research,
1998). We will assume that they can be expressed as:
k d , j = f (k d , j , q m, j , c0,i ,.....)
k a, j = f (k a, j , q m, j , c0,i ,.....)
This yields 2N more relationships. Finally, the dispersion coefficient can be expressed
as:
d p u0
= 0.2 + 0.011Re 0.48
DL
In summary, we have
F = (3N + 4) − (N + 2) − 2N −1 = 1
c. What we, as process control engineers, would do is to use a controller to affect one
variable by manipulating another variable, thus providing one additional relationship
and reducing F to 0. For example, it might be advantageous to control the exit
concentration of one of the species by manipulating the velocity (or the flow through)
u 0 . The feedback yields one additional relationship between two variables, thus
reducing the degrees of freedom to zero.
II.7. Consider a distillation process (Figure II.5) with the following assumptions: binary
mixture, constant pressure, constant relative volatility, constant molar flows, no vapor
holdup, equilibrium on all stages, and a total condenser. The modeling equations are
given as follows:
dmi
=L − L +V −V
i+1 i i−1 i
dt
The above equations apply to all stages except the top (condenser), the feed and the
bottom (reboiler) stages.
From the assumption of constant molar flows and no vapor dynamics, we arrive at the
following expression for the vapor flows:
Vi −1 = Vi = V
The liquid flows depend on the liquid holdup on the stage above. We may use Francis'
Weir formula:
Li = f (mi )
The vapor composition yi is related to the liquid composition xi on the same stage
through the vapor-liquid equilibrium relationship:
x i
yi =
1+ ( −1)x i
Feed Stage: i=nF
dmi
= Li +1 − Li +Vi −1 −Vi + F
dt
d(mi xi )
= Li+1 xi +1 − Li xi + Vi −1 y i −1 − Vi y i + Fz F
dt
dm i
= −Li +Vi −1 − D = Vi −1 − R − D
dt
d(mi x i )
= −L x +V y − Dx = V y − (R + D)x
i i i −1 i −1 D i −1 i −1 D
dt
Reboiler: i=1
dm i
= Li +1 −Vi − B = Li +1 − B −V
dt
d(m i x i )
= Li +1 x i +1 −Vi y B − Bx B = Li +1 x i +1 − (B +V )x B
dt
1. How many variables are there in this model? How many equations
(relationships)? What is the degree of freedom?
2. Is this system underdetermined or overdetermined? Why?
3. What additional relationships, if necessary, can one suggest to reduce the degrees
of freedom to zero?
Solution:
Variables:
mi ; Li ; xi ; yi ;V ; B, D; F; z F ; R
Thus, we have 4N+6 variables and is a parameter to be specified.
Equations:
We need to specify some variables and/or define possible control loops to reduce the
DOF to zero.
Feed conditions F and zF are specified from conditions elsewhere in the plant
(disturbances) this reduces the degrees of freedom to 4.
We can define the following control loops which will add additional relationships among
the variables:
• Distillate flow rate (D) can be adjusted to control the level of the condenser drum
• Bottom flow rate (B) can be adjusted to control the level of the reboiler
• Reboiler heat duty can be adjusted to control the amount of vapor in the system
• Reflux flow rate can be adjusted to control the composition on the top of the
column
Solution:
We assumed constant molar holdup, hence, we have the following component balance:
d ( xB )
H = Fx F − Bx B − Dx D
dt
Using the equilibrium relationship (and also the fact that T and P are constant), we have:
x D = Kx B
This results in,
H d (xD ) B
= Fx F − x D − Dx D
K dt K
B
= Fx F − + D x D
K
In standard form
H d (xD ) B
= Fx F − + D x D
K dt K
B + KD x
= Fx F − D
K
H d (xD ) KF
= xF − xD
B + KD dt B + KD
d (xD )
+ x D = kx F
dt
H KF
where and k = .
B + KD B + KD
This is a linear equation (as all flows are constant now). Defining deviation variables,
x D = x D − x D,s
x F = x F − x F ,s
And taking Laplace transform and rearranging, we have the following transfer function:
sx D (s) + x D (s) = kx F (s)
k
x D (s) = x F (s)
s + 1
x (s) k
g(s) = D =
x F (s) s + 1
where we have
H KF
and k =
B + KD B + KD
We assume that the vessel has a constant volume, operates isothermally (constant
temperature) and is well mixed.
For this system:
1. Derive the process transfer function between the outlet (tank) concentration and
the feed concentration of component A.
2. Obtain the time evolution of the concentration as function of the feed
concentration and the process parameters. Hint: use partial fraction expansion.
3. For the design and operating parameters, F0 = 0.1 mol/m 3 , V = 2 m 3 ,
3 3
Solution:
From Example 4.5 in the book, the state equation for our reactor that provides the time
evolution of the reactant composition is given as
dC A F F
= C − C − kC
A0 A A
dt V V
Rewriting
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F
+ + k C A = CA0
dC A F
dt V V
V dC A F
C
C
+ A= A0
F + Vk dt F + Vk
dC A
+ C A = kC A0
dt
Note that k in the last equation is the steady-state gain. Defining deviation variables and
taking Laplace transform to both sides of the equation
C A (s) k
= g(s) =
C A0 (s) (s + +1)
V F0
where: = and k = .
F0 + V F0 + V
s As Bs 1
s=0 = + =A =A
A B 1
C A (s) = kM + = kM −
s (s + 1) s (s + 1)
C A0 (1 − e −t / )
F0
C (t) = C +
F0 + V
A As
A0
For the conditions
F = 0.1m 3 /min V = 2m 3 C A0 = 0.8mol/m 3 = 0.0501/min C = 1 mol/m 3
First we need to find the steady-state value for the concentration CAs.
dC
A + C A = kC A0
dt
At steady-state
0.1
C As = kC A0s = 0.8 = 0.4
0.1 + 2 0.05
A
( ) (
C (t) = 0.4 + 0.5 1 − e −t /10 = 0.4 + 0.5 1 − e −40 /10 )
For t=40 min = 0.4 + 0.5(1 − 0.0183)
= 0.4 + 0.498 = 0.8908
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
1. Derive the process transfer function between the outlet (tank) concentration
for component B (product) and the feed concentration of component A.
2. Obtain the time evolution of the concentration as a function of the feed
concentration and the process parameters and compare your results with those
of Exercise II.9.
3. Assuming the same design and operating conditions as before what is the
value of the concentration when t = V / (F + Vk ) and t = 40 min ?
Solution:
Balance on CB
dC B F
=− C + kC
B A
dt V
dC B F
+ C = kC
B A
dt V
V dC Fk
B + CB = C
A
V
F dt
dC B
1 + C B = k1C A
dt
where k1 is the new steady-state gain.
1 sC B + C B = k1C A
( 1 s +1)C B = k1C A
CB k1
=
C A ( 1 s + 1)
V Fk
1 = k1 =
F V
C A (s) k
=
C A0 (s) (s + +1)
Thus,
C B C A (s) k k1
=
C A C A0 (s) (s + +1) ( 1 s + 1)
CB kk1
=
C A0 (s) (s + +1)( 1 s + 1)
M C A0
C A0 ( s) = =
s s
kk1 M
C B (s) =
(s + +1)( 1 s + 1) s
C B (t) = kk1 M 1 + 1 e −t / 1 − 2 e −t / 2
2 −1 2 −1
1
= kk1 M 1 + (
1e −t / 1 − 2 e −t / 2 )
2 −1
C B (t) =
F F
C A0 1 +
1
( e
1
−t / 1
− e
2 −t / 2
)
(F + Vk) Vk 2 −1
A0
V 2
1 = = = 20
F 0.1
C B (t) =
+
0.1 0.1
1 +
(0.1 2 0.05) (2 0.05)
1
−
(
10e −t / 10 − 20e −t / 20 )
20 10
CAs=0.4 then
F 0.1
C = C = 0.4 = 0.4
Bs As
Vk 2 0.05
For t=
C B (t) = 0.4 + 0.5(1 + 0.1(10e −10 /10 − 20e −10 / 20 )) = 0.4774
For t=40
C B (t) = 0.4 + 0.5(1 + 0.1(10e −40 /10 − 20e −40 / 20 )) = 0.7738
0.9 CA
0.8
CB
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
From Example 4.5 in the book, the state equation for our reactor that provides the time
evolution of the reactant composition is given as
dC A F F
= C − C − kC 2
A0 A A
dt V V
We have to linearize,
VkC 2 = (VkC 2 ) + (2VkC )(C − C )
A As As A As
Substituting
dC A
V = F (CA0 − C A ) − (VkC As2 ) + (2VkCAs )(C A − C As )
dt
At steady-state,
0 = F (C − C ) − VkC 2
Substracting A0s As As
dC A
V = F(C A0 − C A ) − (C A0s − C As ) + (2VkCAs )(C A − C As )
dt
= F (CA0 − C A ) + (2VkC )C A
dC A
V
dt As
dC A
V = FC A0 − FC A + (2VkC As )C A
dt
= FC A0 − F + (2VkC As )C A
V dC A F
+C = C
F + 2VkC As dt F + 2VkC
A A0
dC A
+ C A = kC A0 As
dt
where:
V F
= and k =
F + 2VkC As F + 2VkC As
and the definition of the steady-state gain should be clear. Taking Laplace transform of
both sides of the equation
sC A (s) + C A (s) = kC A0 (s)
(s + +1)C A (s) = kC A0 (s)
Finally,
C A (s) k
= g(s) =
C A0 (s) (s + +1)
s As Bs 1
s=0 = + =A =A
A B 1
C A (s) = kM + = kM −
s (s + 1) s (s + 1)
e −t /
C A (t) = kM 1 − = kM (1 − e −t / )
Substituting
C A0 (1 − e −t / )
F
C A (t) = C As +
F + 2VkC As
For the conditions
A0
F = 0.1m /min V = 2m C A0 = 0.8mol/m = 0.0501/min C = 1mol/m 3
3 3 3
First we need to find the steady-state value for the concentration CAs. At steady-state,
F
0 = C A0 FC 0= −FC
V V A
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pulling it over his ears, and holding it there, while Moses took the
wink from his patron, and walked off with a most choice article,
which he had selected from the whole lot.
Here was a predicament for a respectable old tradesman! Our hero
fairly held his sides with laughter as the old curmudgeon sprawled
about, vainly endeavouring to free himself from the pot, in which his
terrible shouts for help were entirely lost. Having tied his hands
behind his back, Twm left him howling and sweating beneath his
huge extinguisher, and made as he took his departure, this
consolatory speech—“Had there not been a hole in it how could that
large stupid knob of yours have entered such a helmet?”
Twm left the enraged ironmonger to get out of his dilemma as best
he could, having very little sympathy with him in his distress. When
once more in the street, he found that the people were all moving in
one direction, and Twm discovered shortly that there was some
unusual attraction at the Town Hall. As the assemblage increased,
the way, like a choaked mill-dam, became more and more impeded,
until the whole restless mass was consolidated, and stood still
perforce.
Our hero had forced his way till near the entrance of the hall, where
he ventured to ask what cause had drawn together such a crowd;
but he got no immediate answer, as many came there, like himself,
drawn by the powerful influence of curiosity.
At length he heard his own name buzzed about; one said that Twm
Shon Catty whose humorous tricks were the themes of every
tongue, was discovered to be a great thief: and that he who had
fought against highwaymen, had at last become one himself, and
committed all the robberies which had taken place in that country
for years past. One said that he could never be taken; and a third
contradicted that assertion, declaring that he was then fettered in
the hall, and waiting to be conveyed to Carmarthen gaol. One
assigned him to the gallows as his due, while another tenderly
replied that hanging was too good for him. Opposing the sentiments
and opinions of all these, more than one declared that the hemp was
neither spun nor grown that would hang Twm; and pity it should, as
he was a friend of the poor, and an enemy to none but the stupid,
the cruel, and the oppressive.
The disputed argument was disposed of summarily by the
appearance of an important functionary, resplendent in the gorgeous
dress which he wore in virtue of his exalted office. This individual,
who was the town crier, obtaining silence, informed the assembled
multitude that the magistrates who were now sitting, required that
any “person or persons” who might have been defrauded in the fair,
should now come forward, so as to form a clue towards the identity
of the robber, which it was generally believed was no other than the
notorious Twm Shon Catty. The crier retired, and in a few minutes
re-appeared, and read the court’s proclamation, offering a reward of
twenty pounds to any person who would apprehend the said Twm
Shon Catty; which was answered with loud hisses by the majority of
the crowd, and effectually drowned the applause of the rest.
This was a most flattering ovation for Twm, and his spirits rose
accordingly; while, at the same time, he felt himself aggrieved by
this public proclamation concerning him by the authorities, who, he
considered, had, in this instance, somewhat exceeded their
vocation. He resolved to “beard the lion in his den,” or in other
words, to enter the hall and give the lie to any base-minded cur who
should dare to associate his name with common robbers and felons.
Softly, Twm, softly, my boy! On second thoughts he came to the
conclusion that that would not be quite prudent—he would make his
way into the Hall of Justice, and preserving his disguise, see how
matters were progressing, and try if he could not secure a little
personal entertainment for himself.
Daring Twm! thy genius adapted itself to circumstances; many
people would be doubtless astonished that our hero should venture
on such cause, but when enthusiasm, and the pride of achievement,
even in a worthless cause, actuates the passion-fraught breast,
supplanting the place of reasoning calculation, the wonder vanishes.
The desperate outlaw, whose temerity is applauded, feels the gust
of heroism in as warm a degree as the generous patriot whose claim
to renown is better founded and graced with national approbation.
Twm soon found himself in the hall; for it was his own native
energies stood him in better stead than the fabled cap of
Fortunatus: he wished, and obtained; hated, and was revenged;
desired to tread a difficulty under foot, and gained his purpose;
while the generality of men would be analyzing every shadow of
obstruction that impeded their aim.
He took his stand in a conspicuous place near the bench, the “awful
judgment-seat,” which was at this time filled by three magistrates
including his laughter-loving friend Prothero, whose ruddy happy
round face deprived law itself of half its terrors. Before him, he
found his old friend Evans of Tregaron, who had been sputtering a
confused account of our hero’s gracelessness from his childhood, to
the last trick he had played him, by stealing his grey horse at
Machynlleth. How he had cheated the heir of Graspacre-Hall of the
horse at Welshpool; and how the same horse was traced into the
possession of a simple fellow in straw boots and cow-hide breeches,
who that very day had sold it to his friend Mr. Powell; which sale, he
contended, could not stand good, as the stolen horse was his
property to all intents and purposes, which he could prove by
credible witnesses.
This recapitulation of Twm’s tricks tickled the gravity of Prothero
amazingly; and at every pause which Evans made in his narration,
he was answered by the loud “ho, ho, ho!” of that merry magistrate.
Mr. Powell then told his story, and, in conclusion, said he was in the
commission of the peace in the town of Brecon. “Ho, ho, ho!”
roared Prothero, “here we are, three magistrates, ho, ho, ho! three
magistrates, and all fooled by Twm Shon Catty.—Clever fellow, ho,
ho, ho! wild dog, ho, ho, ho!—means no great harm—never keeps
what he steals—gives all to the poor fellows that want—ho, ho, ho!
Never mind, gentlemen, the fun of the thing repays the loss, which
can be shared between you. Let Mr. Evans take the horse, on
paying Mr. Powell what he gave young cow-breeches, ho, ho, ho!
better than lose all.”
Mr. Powell immediately acceded to the arrangement, but the
unaccommodating Evans insisted on having the horse without the
payment, and made some tart remarks on conniving at a rascal’s
tricks and villanies. “For my part, I’d shoot him dead like a dog!”
cried the reverend preacher of peace and concord; drawing at the
same time, a pair of pistols from his pocket, and replacing them, in a
fiery fit of passion. “Ho, ho, ho!” roared Prothero, “but you’d catch
him first, brother, ho, ho, ho!—too cunning for you, for me, and all
of us—might be here this moment, laughing in his sleeve at us, for
what we know, ho, ho, ho!”
Twm thought it was now time to be taking a more active part in the
scene, so taking out a small book, while appearing to be deeply
absorbed in its perusal, he gave a deep groan as if much moved by
what he read, and the mourning sound at once attracted notice.
Prothero, alive to everything allied to comicality, burst out into a loud
ho, ho, ho! Evans arrayed his naturally gloomy brows in a
magisterial frown, and Powell smiled, with an expression of wonder.
“What are you reading, friend?” asked Prothero, chuckling as he
surveyed the black Welsh wig. “The wisdom of Solomon,” quoth the
man of solemnity, drawing the muscles of his face most ludicrously
long; “but mark you, worshipful gentlemen, I mean not the Solomon
of the scriptures, but our own Cambrian Solomon—that is to say,
Catwg the Wise, the excellent and erudite abbot of Llancarvan, and
teacher of the Bard Taliesin.”
“That’s all right enough. Catwg was doubtless a clever man, but
why do you bring him here?” enquired Prothero, with a broad smile
on his face. “Wherever I go, I have resolved to make his wisdom
known, and to reprove all deviators from it, in the sage’s own
words,” quoth Twm. “Poor man, poor man, he’s crazy, his brain
turned, perhaps by too much study,” observed Prothero. “An
impudent fellow!” cried Evans; “but you are strangely lenient here in
Carmarthenshire; were I the king, I would have such fellows put in
Bedlam.”
Twm looked at the clerical magistrate, then read from the book, “If a
crown were worn by every fool, we should all of us be kings.”
“Gentlemen, he calls us all fools!” cried Evans. Twm, without raising
his eyes from the book, read on, “were there horns on the head of
every fool, a good sum might be gained by showing a bald man.”
“Gentlemen, he makes us all cuckolds!” cried Evans, in his usual
sputter; “however it may fit you, gentlemen, I can safely say, that no
disgrace as a horn belongs to my brow.”
Twm read on:—“If the shame of every one were written on his
forehead, the materials for masks would be surprisingly dear.” “Ho,
ho, ho!” roared Prothero, till the hall echoed with his loud laughter,
which the Cardiganshire magistrate seemed to take as a personal
affront, and sulkily observed, that this was no place for foolery, but
for gravity, wisdom, and truth.
Twm read on:—“If no tongue were to speak other than truth and
wisdom, the number of mutes would be astonishingly great.” The
consequential Inco, mumbled something about his own mode of
doing business at Cardigan, and declared that he would commit such
a fellow to gaol for three months, at least, for disturbing a court of
justice. Twm cut him short with another passage from Catwg:
—“Were the talkative to perceive the folly of his chattering, he would
save his breath to cool his broth.”
Here Powell of Brecon entered a little into the spirit of the scene, by
quoting also from the well-known aphorisms of Catwg, applying the
passage to Twm himself;—“If the buffoon were to see the vanity of
his feat, he would leave it off for shame.” This feeble hit excited the
applause of the good-humoured Prothero, who clapped the speaker
heartily on the back, and, amid his eternal ho, ho, ho! exclaimed,
“Well said, brother, well said; better silence him with wit than by
authority; well done, well done.”
Twm was not slow in taking up the gauntlet which the Breconshire
magistrate had thrown at his feet, and so turning pointedly to him,
he read;—“If the lover were to see his weakness, terror would drive
him to a premature end.” A general laugh at the expense of Powell,
instantly followed. To him that passage was considered peculiarly
applicable, as the unsuccessful woer of the gay widow of Ystrad
Feen. It was a tender string to touch so roughly. Losing his ease
and temper at the same instant, he cast a most ungracious frown at
the utterer of proverbs, and said in an undertone of threatening
energy, “Whoever you may be, it were not wise of you to repeat
such conduct towards me again.” “Again?” said Twm, pretending to
misunderstand him, “Oh, certainly, I’ll give you the passage again, or
any other, to you; ‘If the lover—’” here Powell’s face blazed with
anger, as he clenched his fist, and cried, “You had better not.”
Twm began again,—“If the lover—of war, were to see his cruelty, he
would fear that every atom in the sunbeam might stab him as a
sword.” The dexterous evasion, with the point given to the words
“of war,” had its full effect in restoring the good humour, so suddenly
disturbed; but that beautiful passage from the aphorisms of the old
Welsh abbot failed to elicit the applause which its moral merits
deserve.
At this moment the attention of all present was attracted by the
noisy entrance of the ex-proprietress of the flannel, who almost
deafened them by the vehemence of her complaints; which,
however, were too incoherently expressed to be immediately
understood.
“Oh! my roll of flannel, my fine, my excellent flannel! all of my own
spinning too,—eight and twenty good yards, and a yard and a half
wide—my wooden shoe too, that I lost in the crowd—and my poor
corns trod off by the villains—my dear sweet flannel, all of my own
carding and spinning—nobody but the devil himself, or his first
cousin Twm Shon Catty, could have taken it in such a manner—it
was whisked from me as if a whirlwind had swept it away.”
At length she paused for want of breath, and Twm approached her
with the air of a comforter, and read from his book,—“Were a
woman as quick with her feet as with her tongue, she would catch
the lightning to kindle her fire in the morning.” It is probable that
she did not perfectly hear this passage, as on perceiving Twm, she
gave a shout of joy, and then as incoherently as before, appealed to
the magistrate; “This honest man, your worship, knows it all. I told
him, the moment I lost my flannel—this worthy man, your worship—
a good man, a man who reads books, your worship, he can witness.”
This vehement outburst of eloquence was brought to a sudden
termination, and the old woman’s wordy complaint effectually
strangled by the laughter and applause which greeted the
appearance of a more ridiculous applicant for justice and his right.
Supported by two constables, who rather dragged forward, than led
him, came Twm’s friend the hardwareman, crowned with the
identical iron pot before named, which the officers, as a matter of
official formality, or to indulge their own facetiousness, refused to
remove, till in the presence of a magistrate. When his laughter had
a little subsided, Prothero ordered the pot to be removed, and his
hands untied. The hardwareman then told his lamentable tale in a
few words; in conclusion, he declared, that having overheard certain
words between the robber and his accomplice, he had learned that
the thief was no other than Twm Shon Catty. His eye now caught on
the figure of our hero, and with a yell as astounding as if the eternal
enemy of man stood before him, he cried, “There he is! there he is!
As heaven shall save me, there stands the man, or devil, who
crowned me with the iron pot, while his accomplice ran off with the
other.”
“And who robbed me of my flannel!” roared the old woman, who
now changed her opinion, as her earliest suspicions became thus
suddenly confirmed.
“And who stole my grey horse!” bawled Evans of Tregaron.
“And who sold it to me when disguised in straw boots and cow-hide
breeches!” cried Powell of Brecon, who had now closely examined
his features.
Things looked desperate as far as Twm was concerned, as an attack
was now made upon him by three or four of his most determined
enemies; but Twm eluding their eager attempts to grasp him, sprang
upon the table before the bench, and drawing a couple of pistols
from his coat pockets, held one in each hand, and kept them all at
bay, protesting he would shoot the first who would advance an inch
towards him. Loud was his laughter when they all started back: but
Prothero, now sat silently on the bench, alarmed for his safety,
which he had thought to secure by giving him warning of his danger,
in the feint of his proclaimed reward for his apprehension.
As he stood in this manner, with extended arms, watchful eyes, and
grasping the pointed pistols with a finger to each trigger, Powell of
Brecon exclaimed, “Thou art a clever fellow, by Jove, Twm! very
clever for a Cardy; but wert thou with us, the quick-witted sons of
Brecon, thou wouldst soon find thyself overmatched. I dare thee to
enter Brecon, to trust to thy cunning—come there, and welcome,
and thou shalt stand harmless of me, in the affair of the grey
horse.” Twm smiled, and nodded, in token of having accepted his
challenge.
Rather daunted by the failure of their first attempt to seize Twm, his
assailants had held back awed by his resolute and defiant attitude,
but recovering their courage on reflecting upon the odds against
him, they now, headed by Evans of Tregaron, got behind him, and
clung to his right arm, but with one violent effort Twm shook them
away, as the mighty bull throws off the yelping curs that dare to
attack him. Then, with a single leap, he sprang from the table into
the crowded court, where a lane was formed for him, and rushed
out of the door unimpeded, and pursued by his accusers. They soon
lost sight of him among the moving multitude, some of whom
dispersed from fear of accidents, while others followed him as
spectators.
To the great astonishment of his pursuers they next caught a view of
him mounted on that grand subject of contention, the grey horse.
He took the route of Ystrad Feen, followed by several constables in
the employ of Evans of Tregaron, and many disinterested persons
from the fair. Loud were the shouts of the numerous riders; loud the
tramp of galloping horses; and wild the disorder and terror created,
as Twm at different intervals turned on his pursuers, and fired his
pistols. This caused a powerful retrograde movement among them,
by which the foremost horses fell back to those behind them,
unhorsing some who lay groaning and crying with fright on the
ground, and frightening others altogether from the pursuit.
It was on this occasion that a bard of that day wrote the stanza
which appears on the title page, thus translated by the late Iolo
Morganwg:—
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