The historie of Great Britannie declaring the successe of times and affaires in that iland, from the Romans first entrance, vntill the raigne of Egbert, the West-Saxon prince; who reduced the severall principalities of the Saxons and English, into a monarchie, and changed the name of Britannie into England.

THE FIRST PART: (Book 1)

The third Booke.

[illustration] portrait of Nerva

IMP: NERVA CAES: AVG: P. M. TR: P. P. P.

CHAP. I.

Nerva Cocceius succeedeth Domitian in the Empire, lea∣ving the same soone after to Vlpius Trajanus. Adri∣anus, the successour of Trajan, sendeth Iulius Severus into Britannie, to defend the borders of the Province, against the incursions of the Northern Britans. The Emperour himselfe with an Army, entreth the Iland, and buildeth there a wall of Turves, for defence of the Province. Licinius Priscus is Governour of Britannie.

HItherto hath beene declared the successe of times and affaires in Britannie, vnder the first twelve Emperours of Rome; the same being recorded by such Writers, as had best meanes to vnderstand the truth there∣of, and were the principall Registrers of things done by the Romans in those times. As for the occurrents en∣suing the death of Domitian, vntill the raigne of Hono∣rius,

(in whose time the Roman governement ceased) they are imperfectly reported, or a great part of them meerely omitted: so that I am forced, of many things to make onely a bare and briefe relation, as vnwilling, by adding or diminishing, to alter, in substance, what Antiquitie hath left vs, or to fill vp blancks with con∣jectures or projects of mine owne invention. And therefore, howsoever this Booke following, (which comprehendeth the acts of many more yeares then the former) may seeme to carry with it, a kinde of dis∣proportion from the other two, and likewise in respect of the stile and composition, to be somewhat diffe∣ring from them: yet, the cause thereof ought to be imputed to the very matters themselves, (being, for the most part, fragments, and naked memorialls, (the loose ends of Time) without observation of circumstances, or congruitie in substance,) which will hardly admit any method fitting a continuate History: And I owe so much love and reverence to Truth, as I would rather expose her in the meanest and worst habit that Time hath left her, then by disguising her, to abuse the world, and make her seeme a counterfet.

DOmitian the Emperour being slaine, Nerva Coc∣ceius, (a Prince much honored for his vertues) suc∣ceeded in the Empire; But in what estate the affaires of Britannie then stood, the histories of those times make no mention, either for that the Emperour being a man stricken in yeares, and disposed to ease and quietnesse, employed himselfe, rather in reforming abuses at home, then in maintaining warre abroad, or else, for that the short continuance of his government, did not suffer him to enter into any great actions in places so remote; for having held the Empire little above a yeare, he left

the same, by death, to Vlpius Traianus, a Spaniard, whom he had adopted, for his valour and wisedome, (begin∣ning even then the first president of electing strangers.

In his time, some of the Britans, desirous to free themselves from the Roman tyranny, entred into re∣bellion, but wanting meanes to effect what they had begun, they soone gave over the enterprise. Howbeit Aelius Adrianus, (who succeeded Traian in the Empire) having intelligence, that the Northern Britans made in∣cursions into the Province, sent over Iulius Severus to empeach their attempts; but before he could make an end of the war, he was revoked & sent into Syria, to sup∣presse the Iewish rebellion; & Adrian the Emperor him∣selfe came with an Army into Britannie, where he en∣countred those Northern riders, recovered such Forts as they had taken, & forced them to retire to the Moun∣taines and woods, whither the Roman horsemen, with∣out danger, could not pursue them. And then fortify∣ing the borders of the Province, by raising a wall of Turves, about eightie miles in length, (betweene the mouths of the riversa 1.1 Ituna andb 1.2 Tina,) to defend the inhabitants thereof, from the sodaine assaults of their ill neighbours, he returned triumphantly to Rome. This exploit wan much reputation to the Roman Army, and no smal honor to the Emperor himselfe, who was then called, The Restorer of Britannie, and had the same in∣scription figured in the stamp of his Coyne.

Now the Britans dwelling within the Province, see∣med, for the most part; patiently to beare the yoke, (which Custome had made lesse painefull, and they o∣beyed the more willingly, as standing in neede of the Romans helpe against their owne Country men, whose crueltie was now as much feared, as in former times the invasion of strangers. Whereupon they confor∣med

themselves to the Roman lawes, both in martiall and civill affaires, which were then principally directed by Licinius Priscus, who had beene (not long before) employed by Adrian the Emperour, in the expedition of Iurie, and was at that time Propraetor ofa 1.3 Britannie.

CHAP. II.

Lollius Vrbicus is Lievtenant of Britannie vnder An∣toninus Pius, (the successor of Adrian the Emperour.) He erecteth another wall of Turves, for defence of the Province, and appeaseth the Brigantes, (the ancient in∣habitants of the Counties of Yorke, Lancaster, Dur∣ham, Westmerland, and Cumberland,) beginning to revolt. Seius Saturninus Admirall of the Brittish Fleet, gardeth the Sea coasts. M: Aurelius Antoninus surnamed Philosophus, succeedeth Antoninus Pius in the Empire: and Calphurnius Agricola, Lollius Vrbicus (Britannicus) in the Province.

A Ntoninus Pius succeeded Adrianus the Emperour, when (Lollius Vrbicus being Lievtenant) the Nor∣thern people made a road into the Province, but were beaten backe by the Roman forces that lay vpon the borders: and then was there another wal of Turves built by commandement of the Lievtenant, to streng∣then those parts, with a double rampire. In the meane time, a new warre was kindled among theb 1.4 Brigantes, that annoyed some of the Roman confederates: but by the discretion of the Generall, it was quenched before it came to a flame. For Lollius Vrbicus, vpon the first ru∣mor of the revolt, marched thither with part of the army, leaving the rest behind to guard the borders:

and Seius Saturninus, Admirall of the Brittish Fleet, be∣ing well appointed by Sea, lay vpon the North side of the Ile, to defend the Coasts, and (vpon occasions) to further the land-service; by this meanes the Brigan∣tes were easily reduced to obedience, even by the pre∣sence onely of the Lievtenant, who for his good service done in Britannie, during the short time of his imploy∣ment there, obteined the surname of Britannicus.

Antoninus Pius being dead, and Marcus Aurelius sur∣named Philosophus, possessed of the Empire: Calphurni∣us Agricola was made Lievtenant of the Province, who at his first entrance into office, vnderstood of some new tumults raised during the vacation; but partly, by policie, in preventing occasions, and partly, by shew of force, (his very name striking a terror in the inha∣bitants, by reviving the memory of Iulius Agricola) he in short time appeased them, deserving thereby great commendation, though the glory of such exploits, was, for the most part, attributed to the Emperors themselves, (the labour and perill in attempting, and commonly disgrace and envie after victory) remaining onely, as rewards to their ministers.

CHAP. III.

Elutherius the Bishop of Rome, sendeth Preachers into Britannie, to instruct the inhabitants there in the Christian Faith. Lucius, the first Christian Prince in Britannie. The planting and propagation of religion a∣mong the Britans.

NOw was the time come (namely, about one hun∣dred and fourscore yeares after the birth of our

Saviour) when Christian religion, which many yeares together had beene (for the most part) shadowed with the darke cloudes of heathenish superstition, began to discover it selfe more openly in this Iland, by the meanes of Lucius, surnamed Lever-Maur, who by per∣mission of the Roman Lievtenant, did governe, as King, a great part of the Province. For it appeareth by the testimonie of some antient Writers, that Britannie re∣ceived the Christian faith, even in the infancie of the Church, immediately after the death of our Saviour Christ, whose Apostles and Disciples, (according to his commandement) published and dispersed the same in divers Regions, partly by themselves in their owne persons, and partly by their ministers; among whom were sent into Britannie, Simon Chananaeus, that after his peregrination in Mauritania, (as it is reported) was slaine, and buried in the Iland: Aristobolus a Roman, of whom Saint Paul in his Epistles maketh mention: and Ioseph of Arimathia, a Nobleman of Iury, specially re∣membred of posterity, for his charitable act in burying the body of our Saviour. This man was appointed by Philip the Apostle, (then preaching the Christian faith in Gallia) to instruct the antient Britans, among whom he began first, (as some write) to institute an Eremiti∣call life, in a place then called Avalonia, and afterwards Glastenbury, where himselfe, and his companions, imi∣tating the austerity and zeale of solitude, which they had observed in Mary Magdalen, (with whom they tra∣velled out of Iury vnto Marsilia in France) sequestred themselves from all worldly affaires, that they might freely intend the exercise of pietie, which they profes∣sed. Yea, some Writers of former ages have constantly affirmed, that the Apostles, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, in their owne persons at severall times, came into Bri∣tannie:

and that afterwards one Sueton, a Noblemans sonne of that Country, being converted by such Chri∣stians as first planted the faith there, and called (after his baptisme) Beatus, was sent by them to Rome, vnto Saint Peter, to be better instructed and confirmed in Christianitie: and that in his returne homewards tho∣rough Switzerland, he found in the inhabitants there, such a desire and readinesse to receive the Christian faith, as he resolved to continue in that place, where he erected an Oratorie to exercise a Monasticall life, and departed the world about the yeare of Grace, 110. But, who were the very first teachers, and at what time the Christian faith was first of all received there, it is not certainely knowne; howbeit it is likely, (as I have be∣fore remembred) that in the expedition of Claudius the Emperour, (which was about the third yeare of his raigne, and twelve yeares after the assention of our Sa∣viour) some Christians of Rome, and schollers of the Apostles themselves, (by occasion of those warres, and by reason of the entercourse of affaires betweene both Nations) became first knowne to the Britans: who in processe of time, were drawne by the exhortations and examples of their teachers, to imbrace the truth: the vn∣blameable life of those religious men, mooving some∣times even their Princes (though yet vnbeleeving) to protect and regard them, as Lucius then began to doe. Besides that, the Roman Lievtenants also, as well in Bri∣tannie as other Provinces, did sometimes tolerate the exercise of Christian Religion, as not altogether disliking it, howsoever for worldly respects, they forbare to shew themselves openly in favour of it. But Lucius declared his inclination thereto after ano∣ther manner; For inwardly disliking the profane super∣stitions then vsed among the Romans, and being infor∣med

of the great constancy, vertue, and patience of the Christians at Rome, and other places, in suffering perse∣cution and Martyrdome for the faith of Christ, where∣by the number of Christians (whom many men estee∣med for the miracles which they wrought) was (con∣trary to common expectation) daily increased: that Pertinax and Tre••ellius, two worthy Senators of Rome, had beene lately converted from Paganisme, to Chri∣stianitie: that Marcus Aurelius, (the Roman Emperour then raigning) began to conceive a better opinion of them, then himselfe and his predecessors had done: and so much the rather, by reason he had (not long be∣fore) obtained a famous victory against his enemies; the prosperous event whereof, he attributed to the prayers of the Christians at Rome: Vpon these considerations, Lucius determined to be instructed in the Religion which they professed: and first of all, he commanded Elvanus and Meduinus, (two learned men of the Brittish Nation) to goe to Rome, (where Elutherius was then Bi∣shop) to require some meete persons to be sent into Britannie, to instruct him and his people: for which purpose, Fugatius and Damianus, were specially appoin∣ted by Elutherius, with all speede to repaire thither; where they afterwards (not without some danger by tempest vpon the seas) arrived, and applied themselves both by doctrine and example, to performe the charge committed vnto them: the successe therein proving an∣swerable to their endevors. For the Prince and his fa∣milie was by them baptised: some of the inhabitants that had formerly received the faith, were confirmed therein, and others that remained yet in their infideli∣tie, were converted to Christianity.

CHAP. IIII.

Lucius Sendeth to Rome for the Lawes of the Empire. The The counsell of Elutherius Bishop of Rome touching same. Idolatrie suppressed in Lucius his dominions, and Ecclesiasticall iurisdiction established there. The first Archbishop of London.

BVt Lucius the Prince (having received instructi∣ons from the Sea of Rome, for the direction of him∣selfe, and his people, in the profession and exercise of Christian Religion) was desirous also to order his temporall estate, according to the Roman policie, and to that end solicited Elutherius the Bishop, to send vnto him the lawes of the Empire, out of which he might collect, and compose some certaine ordinances for the administration of civill Iustice; whereupon Elutherius sent Letters to the Prince, commending therein his former zealous disposition in embracing the Truth: then exhorting him to reade, with humilitie and reve∣rence, the holy Scripture (the divine law) which he had lately received in his dominions, and out of that (by Gods grace and advise of faithfull Counsellors) to col∣lect meet observations for the framing of lawes necessa∣rie for the preservation of his estate: which observations so collected, and lawes so framed, he did affirme to be much better, then the Imperiall Constitutions of the Romans, or any other whatsoever: that, to make lawes, and execute Iustice, was the proper office of a Prince, who was vpon earth the Vicar of God himselfe, and re∣ceived from him that title and authoritie, to the end he should vse the same to the good of the Catholike Church, and of the people living vnder his obedience. Hereup∣on

Lucius began first of all to provide for establishment of that Religion, whereof he was become at the selfe same time, both a professor and practiser. Then was the worshipping of Images forbidden. The seates of the Arch-Flamins at London, Yorke, and Chester, were chan∣ged into the Seas of three Arch-bishops in the same pla∣ces, and those of the Flamins, into so many Bishoprikes, whereby the Temples vowed by Idolatrous Priests to prophane gods, were consecrated to the service of the onely true God. His temporall estate also he adorned with good & profitable lawes, comformable to the rule of Christian Religion; whereupon ensued the blessings of Plentie and Peace in his dayes.

It is reported, that he was founder of a Church at Cornhill in London, which he dedicated to Saint Peter, placing therein one Thean, an Arch-bishop, to have a superintendence over the other Bishops within his principalitie: and that the Metropolitan seat continued there in the succession of 13. Archbishops (about the space of 400. years) vntil the comming of Augustine the Monk, who translated the Archbishoprike from London to Can∣terburie.

And now Christianitie (being thus generally recei∣ved among the Britans) kept on her course vntainted, and without opposition, till the time of Dioclesian the Emperour, who kindled the fire of that raging perse∣cution (the last and longest in the Primitive Church) which consumed the lives of many Christian Mar∣tyrs, as well in Britannie, as other places. But retur∣ning to the raigne of Lucius, and considering the state of Britannie vnder his government: we may justly ad∣mire the felicitie of those times, ascribing to the Britans for their greatest glory, that among all other nations, they had the happinesse to see and enjoy the first Chri∣stian Prince.

CHAP. V.

The Northern Britans breaking downe Adrians wall vpon the borders, enter and annoy the Province. Vlpius Marcellus, being sent by Commodus the Emperor to take charge of the armie in Britannie, beateth them backe. The rare vertues of Vlpius Marcellus the Go∣vernor. He is dimissed of his office.

THis was the state of the Church in Britannie, when new troubles began to the disturbance of the Pro∣vince. For the Northern Britans making a breach in the wall, which Adrian the Emperour had built, and finding the borders but weakly garded, entred the Pro∣vince, and surprising the Roman General, killed many of his Souldiers, then ranging the countries: they wasted and spoyled everie where without resistance, till Vlpius Marcellus being sent over by Commodus the Emperour, stayed their furie, and with great difficultie, forced them to retire within the Wall. By which meanes the Pro∣vince being quieted, he applied himselfe to reforme abuses in his Camp, reviving the ancient discipline of warre, which had beene for a time discontinued a∣mong the Roman souldiers, whom long service, and many victories had made bold to say, and do oft times more then became them. For Marcellus indeed was a man somewhat austere, in reprooving and punishing: otherwise verie temperate: diligent in time of warre: not idle in peace: his diet was the same which the common Souldier vsed: in quantitie more sparing: for he would eate no bread, but such as was brought from Rome: which he did, to the end he might avoid

excesse, and take no more then sufficed Nature (the stalenesse of the bread having taken away all taste, that might either please the sense, or provoke the appetite.) The day time, for the most part, he spent in viewing his Camp, in training young Souldiers, and giving di∣rection to Officers. In the night he wrote Letters, and made his dispatches into diverse parts of the Province, (as occasion required.) He slept verie little, by rea∣son of his thin diet, and much businesse (wherewith he was continually occupied;) for he thought [that he which slept a whole night togither, was no meete man, to be either a Counseller to a Prince, or the Commander of an Armie.] Everie Evening he vsed to write instructions vpon twelve Tables made of Lin∣den tree, which Tables he delivered to one of his ser∣vants, appointing him to carrie them at sundrie houres of the night, to certaine of his Souldiers, who thereby supposing that their Generall was still waking, and not gone to his bed) were the more carefull in keeping the watch, and preventing sodaine attempts in the night season. He was severe in execution of justice: not to be led by fauour: nor to be corrupted by bribes. He levied money, onely as necessarie for the warre, not to enrich himself, or his friends, as other governors in for∣mer times had done; for he never preferred his owne private, before the publike; nor a wealthie estate before an honourable reputation. The fame of these vertues as they made him much respected, both of his owne Souldiers, and of the Britans: so they procured Envie, which alwayes followeth Vertue inseparably, as a sha∣dow doth the bodie. For Commodus the Emperour vn∣derstanding, how Marcellus had carried himselfe in Bri∣tannie, was much displeased therewith; and doubting lest he should grow too great, he thought it best to cut

him off. But some accidents happening in the meane time, to make him change that purpose, he onely sent Letters of discharge, and so dismissed him of the Office.

CHAP. VI.

A Mutinie in the Roman armie. Perennius vndertaketh to appease it. He is accused, and put to death. Helvius Pertinax being sent by Commodus to pacifie the tu∣mults in the armie, is in danger to be slaine. He maketh sute to be discharged of the Lievtenancie.

AFter departure of Marcellus, the armie having beene kept in by hard hand, and finding now the reine let loose, vpon asuddaine began to be mu∣tinous, and refused openly to acknowledge Commodus for their Emperour. These disorders, Perennius, one of his favorites tooke vpon him to redresse, by displacing such persons as he suspected, and committing their of∣fices to men of meaner qualitie: wherewith the Legi∣ons were much discontented, disdaining, that in steed of Senators, and men of Consular degree, they should now be governed by vpstarts, and base Companions. In the heate of these broyles, about fifteene hundred Souldi∣ers forsooke the armie, and went to Rome, where they exhibited to the Emperour, a Bill of Complaint against Perennius, whom they charged as the chiefe Authour of the dissention in the Armie, by bringing in new cu∣stoms, by exceeding his commission, & doing things de∣rogatory to the maiestie of the Roman Empire. These, & other things, (as wel false as true) were objected against him by the multitude, who for the most part, dislike such as exercise authoritie over them, and keepe no

measure in their affections, either of love, or hatred. But, (that which touched to the quicke) was an accu∣sation of treason put vp against him, for conspiring a∣gainst the life of the Emperour, and in seeking to ad∣vance his sonne to the Empire. This point was quick∣ly apprehended by Commodus, who thought that the suspition of the fact, or the report onely to have inten∣ded it, was a sufficient cause of condemnation, howso∣ever the partie accused was indeed, either guiltie, or in∣nocent. Hereupon Perennius was declared Traitor, and delivered to the Souldiers, who stripped him of his ap∣parrell, whipped him with rods, and in the end, cruelly murdered him.

Then Helvius Pertinax (a man of meane fortune by birth, as having risen from the state of a common Soul∣dier to the dignitie of a Commaunder) was sent into Britannie to appease the tumults there. He was one of them that Perennius had before discharged from bea∣ring office, and sent into Liguria, where he was borne. At his first entrance, he attempted by force to suppresse the rebellion of the armie, adventuring so farre in a skir∣mish, that though he escaped with life, yet was he left among the dead, and supposed to be slaine. Afterwards proceeding with better advise, and successe, he compo∣••ed the troubles, severely punishing the principall offen∣••••••••, and vsing some rigor in revenging his owne inju∣••••es; by which meanes growing odious to the Souldier, and distrusting his owne safetie, he made sute to be dis∣charged of the Lievtenantship.

CHAP. VII.

Clodius Albinus succeedeth Pertinax in the governement of the Province. He is honoured with the title of Caesar. Being suspected of Commodus the Emperor, he retireth himselfe from affaires. Helvius Pertinax, and Didius Iulianus are elected Emperours successively after the death of Commodus. Severus succeedeth Iulianus in the Empire. Heraclianus is Governor of the Province, which he afterwards resigneth to Virius Lupus. Warre betweene Severus the Emperour, and Clodius Albi∣nus. The death of Albinus.

THen was the governement of the Province assig∣ned to Clodius Albinus, a man of noble birth, ve∣ry forward, and for the most part, fortunate in his attempts: for which the Emperor Commodus, either vpon feare, or favour, did honour him with the title of a Caesar, though Albinus seemed vnwilling to accept it; and afterwards discovered his disposition more open∣ly, in affecting the antient free state. For, vpon a false re∣port of the death of Commodus, he made an oration to the Legions in Britannie, in favour of the Senate, whose governement he had commended, and preferred the same before that of the Emperours. But Commodus be∣ing advertised thereof, sent Iunius Severus with all speed, to take charge of the Army. In the meane time, Albinus retired himselfe from affaires, till Commodus was dead, and Pertinax elected Emperour. Then he combined himselfe with Didius Iulianus, whom the souldiers (that then made open sale of the Empire,) had elected after the death of Pertinax. But Iulianus being infamous for

his vices, and failing to performe his promise made to the Souldiers, was in a short time forsaken of them, and afterwards murdered. Vpon report of Iulianus his death, Septimius Severus (a man adorned with excellent gifts of nature) was declared Emperour; and for that he feared Clodius Albinus, (who then had recovered the governement of Britannie) he made him his associ∣ate in the Empire, and sent Heraclianus to be Lievtenant of the Province, which, Heraclianus soone after resig∣ned to Virius Lupus. But desire of Soverainty, (that can∣not long indure equality of degree) made the one jea∣lous of the other, and the fire of ambition (that had beene smothered for a time) burst out at length into a flame. For Severus having pacified some tumults in the West part of the world, and after many conflicts sub∣dued, Pescenius Niger, (who vsurped the Empire in the East) pretended the breach of Association, as a colour to make warre vpon Albinus, who vnderstanding there∣of, transported over the seas, a mighty Army, furnished with abundance of vittaile out of the Ile it selfe, which then (through the industry of the inhabitants, apply∣ing themselves to tillage and husbandry,) yeelded plenty of graine, and served the Romans as the Garner of the West Empire, out of which they carried yearely great quantities of corne, to maintaine their Armies in Gallia and Germany. Neerea 1.5 Lugdunum in Gallia, Seve∣rus encountred with Albinus, whose forces were there defeated, and himselfe slaine.

CHAP. VIII.

Severus the Emperor, maketh preparation for a voyage into Britannie. The civill governement of the Province, committed to Geta his younger sonne, whom Papini∣anus the famous Lawyer assisteth in the administra∣tion of Iustice there. Severus with Bassianus his elder sonne, marcheth towards Caledonia. Mortalitie in the Roman Camp. The Caledonians obtaine peace vpon conditions. Bassianus taketh the charge of the armie, and Severus his father returnes into the Pro∣vince.

THen Severus made preparation for his voyage into Britannie, which by reason of the often change of Governours, was growne much out of order; and although the Britans, vpon intelligence of his purpose, did send over Ambassadors, to offer their voluntarie submission: yet the Emperour (in whom neither age nor sicknesse had abated the heate of ambition) would not directly accept thereof, but entertained them with delaies, till all things were in readinesse for his expe∣dition: [So earnest a desire he had to passe into the fur∣thest part of Britannie, and to purchase the surname of Britannicus, as an honourable addition to his other ti∣tles.] His two sonnes Bassianus (commonly called Ca∣racalla) and Geta, he tooke with him, as doubting their agreement in his absence. To Geta his younger sonne, after his arrivall in Britannie, he committed the govern∣ment of the Province there for civill causes, wherein Aemilius Paulus Papinianus the famous Lawyer, (who as cheefe minister of Iustice vnder him, had his Tribu∣nall

seate ata 1.6 Eboracum) was appointed to assist and di∣rect him.

Severus himselfe, and Bassianus with the Army, mar∣ched Northward against theb 1.7 Meatae, a people borde∣ring vpon the Caledonians, and in league with them. Vi∣rius Lupus (but a little before) had assaied to enter the Country by force, when the Meatae (standing vpon their owne strength) withstood him, and forced him in the end, to purchase his peace with mony. Then Se∣verus hastned into Cal••donia, where finding the passa∣ges vncertaine and dangerous, by reason of the fennes, ••oods, and deep waters; he caused trees to be felled, and bridges and cawseis to be made, for his Souldiers to ma••ch over. The Caledonians in the meane time, salli∣ed out of the woods, and charged the Romans, who were much encombred for want of firme ground, and were oftentimes forced to trace the Country, and to disperse themselves in severall companies, seeking pla∣ces of advantage: by which meanes, a great number of them perished, while the barbarous people (lying in ambush, and sometimes leaving their cattell abroad, as a traine to draw them within danger) suddainly sur∣prised and killed them, before they could recover their Campe. This was an vnfortunate journey to the Ro∣mans, who, besides the losse which they sustained by their enemies, were afflicted with diseases, by reason, partly of the vnwholesome waters which they dranke, and partly of the contagious ayre that infected their spirits: yea, many times they killed one another; for such as through feeblenesse could not keepe ranke in marching, were slaine by their owne fellowes, that they might not be left a prey to their savage enemies. There died in this enterprise, about fiftie thousand Romans; Yet would not Severus withdraw his forces thence, till

the Caledonians made offer to treate of peace, whereto he then hearkned the more willingly, for that he saw the difficultie, and (in a manner) impossibilitie to bring that Northerne part of the Ile, wholy vnder subjecti∣on, by reason of the rocks, mountaines, and marishes: as also for that the Country, being (for the most part) bar∣ren and vnfruitfull, the benefit thereof was not dee∣med likely to countervaile the charge, in getting, and keeping it.

The conditions were, That the Caledonians should first dis-arme themselves, and deliver part of the Country, (lying next the Province,) into the Romans possession, and that from that time forward, they should attempt nothing against the publike peace:

Which Articles agreed vpon, and assurance taken for the performance, Severus retired himselfe into the Pro∣vince, leaving his sonne Bassianus to take charge of the Army, which after the Emperors departure, grew care∣lesse and dissolute: wherewith the Generall seemed no∣thing displeased, either for that he was by his owne na∣ture inclined to the worst; or else, for that he hoped thereby to win the Souldiers favour, as a meane for his advancement to the Empire, after his fathers death, which he had oftentimes attempted by indirect practi∣ses, most vnnaturally to procure.

CHAP. IX.

The Caledonians invade the Roman Camp, and carrying away the booties which they had taken, are pursued, and put to the sword by the Romans. Severus the Emperor repaireth Adrians wall, cutteth a Trench, and carrieth it thwart the Iland from Sea to Sea. He falleth sicke at Yorke. His counsell to his sonnes. His death.

IN the meane while, the Caledonians, (notwithstan∣ding the late contract) vnderstanding what disorders were in the Roman Camp, sodainely invaded it, kil∣ling, and taking booties, which they shared with their neighbours (borderers of the Province) that had assi∣sted them in the enterprize. Severus being greatly in∣censed therewith, sent part of the Armie to pursue the Caledonians, expresly commaunding, that they should be all put to the sword, without respect of age, or sex. This sharpe manner of proceeding, did somewhat quaile the hope of the Northern Britans, who fled into the remote parts of Caledonia: and Severus having rather stayed, then ended the troubles, (as intending to prose∣cute the war with more advantage) spent some time in repairing and enlarging Adrians Wall, which hee carryed th'wart the Iland, from Sea, to Sea, intrenching and fortifying it with bulwarks and square towers, in places most convenient (to give warning one to ano∣ther vpon any sodain assault) for defence of the borders. Then being wearied with age, sicknesse, and travaile, having his mind also much grieved with the disloyall and vnnaturall practises of his sonne Bassianus, he with∣drew himselfe toa 1.8 Eboracum, a Colonie of the Romans,

being then the Station of the Sixt Legion, called Victrix, and afterwards growing to be one of the chiefe places of account among the Brigantes. For these Stations of the Roman Legions, were commonly the seed-plots of townes and cities, both in this Ile, and divers other parts of the Empire.

It was reported, that in his passage thither, a Moore, with a Cypresse garland on his head, did meet and salute him by the name of a God: and that, at his entrance in∣to the Citie, he was by error of the Soothsayer, (that guided him) brought into the temple of Bellona: and that black beasts, being appointed for sacrifice, did of themselves follow him to his Pallace. These things, howsoever they fell out accidentally: yet they were in∣terpreted as ominous, in respect of the event. And now Severus perceiving his death to approach, called before him some of his Counsellers and chiefe Captaines, vn∣to whom he is said to have spoken in this manner:

It is now about eighteene yeares, since I was first de∣clared Emperour by the Army in Pannonia; during which time, with what care, paine, and travaile, I have weilded this vast body of the Empire, my continuall employment in wars, both at home and abroad, may witnesse sufficiently. For, at my first entrance, I found the State incumbred every where, and now I shall leave it peaceable, even to the Britans. The future prosperitie whereof, must depend vpon the mutuall agreement of my two sonnes. For neither multitude of men, nor a∣bundance of treasure, are so availeable to defend and maintaine Common-weales, as Amity and Vnity be∣tween Governors. For, by Concord, (we see,) that smal things grow to greatnes, whereas by Discord the grea∣test fall to ruine. I must now leave to them (as my suc∣cessors,) the Imperiall Diadem, that which Bassianus hath

so long thirsted after, though he know not yet, whether it be a thing to be wished, or feared, as having not pro∣ved the difference betwixt a Prince, and a private per∣son. But ambitious mindes are carried blind-fold, they wot not whither, in desiring that, which having once obtained, they can neither keepe, without great care, nor leave, without extreame perill; such a thing is So∣verainty, whose greatnesse is not contained in it selfe, but consisteth, for the most part, in the opinion, and de∣pendeth vpon the dispositions of other men. It is Ver∣tue onely, not glorious titles, which makes men truely great. My selfe at this present may serve for an exam∣ple, to shew, vpon what a weake foundation, humane greatnesse is built. For, I have beene all things, though now it availe me nothing: seeing I must pay my debt to Na∣ture, and after all my exploits in the East & West parts of the world, (I) must die (as I may say) out of the world, in a strange Country, if any Country may be termed strange to the Romans, who have now by con∣quest, made all Countries their owne. I exhort you therefore, as you tender the welfare of the Roman Em∣pire, of your owne selves, and your posteritie, be true and faithfull to my sonnes, as you have beene to me, assisting them with your counsel, and perswading them to mutuall concord, as the maine pillar to support, both their estates, and your owne.

When he had vttered these, or the like speeches, hee turned aside, and shortly after yeelded vp the Ghost.

CHAP. X.

Bassianus practiseth with the armie to make him sole Empe∣rour, by excluding Geta his yonger brother. The crueltie of Bassianus. The Funerals of Severus the Emperour. The state of Britannie from Bassianus to Gallienus, not mentioned in Histories. Some of the Thirtie Ty∣rants vsurpe the government in Britannie in the time of Gallienus. Bonosus a Britan doth the like in the raigne of Aurelianus. Victorinus a favorite of Probus the Emperour, murdereth the Governor of the Province. Vandals, and Burgundiaus, seate themselves in Bri∣tannie. The Britans licenced to plant Vines. Carus succeeding Probus in the Empire, assigneth Britannie to Carinus one of his sonnes, who possesseth it, till Dio∣clesian is declared Emperour. C. Carausius Admirall of the British fleet, is sent to sea to gard the Coasts of Gal∣lia, and Britannie, against Pirates.

BAssianus being advertised of his fathers death, prac∣tised with the Souldiers, by bribes, and faire promi∣ses, that he might be declared sole Emperor: wher∣to when he could not perswade them, for the reverence they bare to his father Severus, he made a league with the Northern Britans that then assailed the borders, and returned to Eboracum, to meet with Iulia the Empresse his mother in law, and Geta his brother. There he cau∣sed the Physitians to be put to death, for not ridding his father sooner out of the way, as he had commanded them. Then he appointed secretly to the slaughter, all those, that for their vertue and wisdom had beene estee∣med, and advanced by his father, and all such, as having beene Tutors to him and his brother, advised them to

mutuall concord. This done, he entred into consulta∣tion about his fathers funerals, which were solemnised by the armie with all due rites, according to the anci∣ent custome in times of warre. The ashes of the dead bodie being put into a Golden Vrna, were afterwards by Iulia the Empresse (accompanied with the two Cae∣sars) carried to Rome, where Severus, after the vsuall ce∣remonies, was consecrated a god.

Now the affaires of Britannie, for the space of about fiftie yeares togither, were passed over in silence, as being either omitted, through the negligence of Writers in that age, or perishing, through the cala∣mitie of the times that ensued vnder the Emperors fol∣lowing, namely, Popilius Macrinus, (the successor of Bas∣sianus) Varus Heliogabalus, Alexander Severus, Maxi∣minus, Gordianus the first, second, and third, Philippus Arabs, Decius, Valerianus. But when Gallienus (who succeeded Vacerian) had obtained the Empire, the Ro∣man state was much encumbred, and oppressed with her owne forces, while certaine Captaines (commonly called, The Thirtie Tyrants) disdained the government of so cruell, and dissolute a Prince as Gallienus, and being chosen Emperors by the armies which they comman∣ded, vsurped absolute authoritie in diverse Provinces. Among these, Collianus, Victorinus, Posthumus, Tetricus, and Marius, (as Histories report) ruled in Britannie. The Roman Empire, Flavius Claudius, Valerius Aurelianus, Ta∣citus, & Valerius Probus, held successively after Gallienus.

In the time of the forenamed Aurclianus the Empe∣rour, it is not to be forgotten, that Bonosus a Britan by birth, and famous for excesse in drinking, invaded the Empire with Proculus, vsurping Britannie, Spaine, and a 1.9Gallia Braccata. But being afterwards vanquished by Probus the Emperor, he hanged himselfe; whereof there

went a common jest among the Souldiers, that [a drinking vessell, not a man was hanged vp]

Then the Gouernor of the Province in Britannie be∣ing preferred to the office, by meanes of Victorinus a Moore (a man in great favour with Probus the Emperor) began to raise sedition among the Souldiers there; with which practise Probus secretly acquainted Victorinus, who supposing himselfe touched with the imputation of his crime, whom he had recommended and advan∣ced to the government there, desired leave of the Em∣peror to go into Britannie, where (giving it out, that he fled thither for safegard of his life) he was curteously entertained by the Governor, whom he afterwards murdred privily in the night, & then speedily returned to Rome: having, by this devise, appeased the tumults in the Province, & approved his fidelitie to the Emperor.

About this time (as it is reported) certaine Vandals and Burgundians (which had invaded Gallia) being van∣quished by Probus, were sent into Britannie, where they seated themselves, and did afterwards good service to the Romans, in suppressing rebellious attempts there: though the Emperour then sought to win the Britans favour, rather by clemencie, then rigor: licencing them to plant Vines, and make wine, and to do other things, as well for their pleasure as profit.

Then Carus succeeding Probus in the Empire, assigned Britannie, Gallia, Spaine, and Illyricum, to Ca∣rinus, one of his sonnes, who possessed the same, till Dioclesian was declared Emperor: in whose time the Province was peaceably governed, the borders being strongly garded with forts, and bulwarks against forrein invasion; but the sea coasts, both of Gallia and Britannie, were much annoyed with Pirats of lower Germanie, a∣gainst whom, C. Carausius, as Admiral of the British fleet, was sent to sea.

CHAP. XI.

Carausius vsurpeth the Empire in Britannie, in the ioynt raignes of Dioclesian and Maximianus, who assume to them Maximinus, and Constantius Chlorus for assistants by the name of Caesars. Carausius is slaine by Alectus, and Alectus by Asclepiodatus. London taken, and sacked by the Franks (the ancestors of the French) whom the Romans encountring, deprived of their booties.

CArausius was a man, by birth of low degree, thogh otherwise worthie of the highest, if his owne am∣bition, & the guiltines of his actions, had not pric∣ked him forward, to seeke it by vnlawfull courses, and to boulster out wrong by that authoritie, which is the ordinarie meane appointed to punish it; for in short time he grew verie rich, by taking great store of ship∣ping and treasure, which he detained to his owne vse, without restoring the same to the right owners, or ren∣dring account therof to the Emperors officers. Wher∣upon Maximianus Herculeus (whom Dioclesian had ta∣ken to be his Associate in the Empire) being then ma∣king warre in Gallia, surprised the principall men of Carausius his faction ata 1.10 Gessoriacum, and gave comman∣dement, that Carausius himselfe should be made away. But Carausius being privily advertised thereof, and knowing, that then there remained for him no meane fortune betwixt the life of a Prince, and the death of a Traitor, entred forthwith into actuall rebellion, making his partie strong both by sea and land, in drawing dis∣contented persons into the action, and alluring the

Northern Britans to joyne with him, vpon hope of spoiles to be gotten in the province, which he then ru∣led with a kind of absolute authoritie, and soone after v∣surped there the Imperiall ornaments.

The Roman state being shaken in diverse places, ei∣ther by the negligent government, or ambitious at∣tempts of Captaines, and Commanders of armies, (which gave occasion to whole Nations and Provinces to revolt:) The two Emperours declared Galerius Maxi∣minus and Constantius Chlorus, as their assistants by the name of Caesars. Then was Maximinus sent into Persia, and Constantius into Britannie against Carausius, But be∣fore Constantius arrived there, Carausius was slain by the practise of C. Alectus his familiar friend, who then vsur∣ped the Empire, as Carausius had done before. And vn∣derstanding that Constantius was comming over with a great power, he resolved to meete him vpon the Sea, and impeach his landing; for which purpose he lay with his Navie vpon the Coast of the Ilea 1.11 Vectis; but his hopes failing him, by reason the Romans in a thicke mist did recover the land, before he could discover them, he prepared his forces to encounter them in a set battaile neere the shore. Constantius (having determined to trie the vtmost of his fortune) to take away from his Soul∣diers all hope of returne, did first set his ships on fire, and afterwards gave the charge vpon Alectus, whose Armie was (for the most part) composed of Merce∣narie men, consisting of Britans, Franks, Germans, and diverse other Nations, who fought not all with like courage: for after the first encounter, some of them turned their backes, forsaking their Commander, whoescaped the furie of the battaile by flight, though he was shortly after taken, and slayne by Asclepio∣datus theb 1.12 Praefectus Praetori••. Thec 1.13 Francs that ser∣ved

vnder Alectus, fled to the Citie of London, which (being weakly garded) they rifeled and sac∣ked, though they did not long time enjoy the spoile; for part of the Roman Armie comming thither (ra∣ther by errour in mistaking their way, then of set purpose) assayled them, tooke away their booties, and put the most part of them to the sword. This victorie restored againe to the Roman Empire, the Province of Britannie, which had beene vsurped a∣bout seaven yeares by Carausius, and three yeares by Alectus.

CHAP. XII.

The persecution of Christians in Britannie vnder Diocle∣sian the Emperour. The death of Saint Alban the first British Martyr.

NOw began the storme of persecution for Chri∣stian Religion to arise vnder Dioclesian, who com∣manded, that throughout the Dominions of the Empire, the people should offer sacrifice onely to the gods of the Emperours, and that such as refused so to do, should be punished with diverse kinds of cruell death. Hereupon the Christians, (being then disper∣sed in diverse parts of the world,) not fearing any tor∣ments that tyrannie could devise, made publike pro∣fession of their faith, which they constantly maintei∣ned, and willingly sealed with their blood. Amongst many others that died in Britannie for that cause, Al∣ban, an Inhabitant of the famous free Cittiea 1.14 Veru∣lamium, is specially remembred as the first British Mar∣tyr, who being yet but a Pagan, received into his house

a Christian, one of the Clergie named Amphibalus, that fled from his persecutors: and observing his devo∣tion in watching, fasting, and praying, became in the end a follower of his faith and vertue. And to the end that his guest might escape the hands of them that pursued him, he put on his garments, offering himselfe to the Souldiers that were sent to search his house, and in that habite was presented to the Iudge, before whom he made confession of his faith, reprooving the prophane rites of heathenish superstition. Where∣upon he was committed to the Tormentors to be whipped, and persisting in his constancie, was after∣wards beheaded on the top of an high hill neere the Citie.

It is reported, that the Tormentor (who was first ap∣pointed to behead him) perceiving a miracle wrought by him, as he went to the place of execution, refused to do his office, casting the sword out of his hand, and prostrating himselfe at Saint Albans feete, desired ear∣nestly that he might either die for him, or with him, ra∣ther then live to be the minister of his death; wherupon as a professor of that faith, whereof he had beene long time a persecutor, he dranke of the same cup with Saint Alban, and in steed of the sacramentall signe of Baptism, was washed in the bath of his own blood. It is also writ∣ten of Saint Alban his executioner, that his eyes fell out of his head at the verie instant, that the Martyrs head (being severed from the bodie) fell to the ground; But whether it were the pleasure of God in the first plan∣ting of his truth here, to approve the same by miracles; or whether the incredulitie of that Age, might give Writers occasion to report more then the truth, I will not take vpon me to censure. There suffered also ina 1.15 Le∣gecestria about the same time, and for the same cause,

Aaron and Iulius: and in sundrie other places of this Ile many other, as well women as men, who gave testi∣monie of their patience, in praying for their persecu∣tors, and also of their pietie by doing things miracu∣lous, which moved the Pagan Princes at the last to cease their tyrannie, as being rather wearied with afflicting the Christians, then the Christians themselves with en∣during the affliction; Such power hath man being assi∣sted with divine grace, to do, and suffer, even above, and against Nature it selfe. The maner of Saint Al∣bans death being engraven vpon a Marble stone, was set vp within the Citie for a terror to the Christians, who afterwards erected a Temple in that place, which was accounted venerable for many ages after the de∣struction of Verulamium: out of whose ruines, an o∣ther Towne was raised, continuing the name and me∣morie of Saint Alban the Martyr even to this day. Not many yeares after, Amphibalus also (who converted S. Alban) being apprehended by the Roman Souldiers, for preaching the Christian faith vnto the Britans, was put to death, neere the place where Saint Alban his dis∣ciple had suffered Martyrdome before him.

CHAP. XIII.

A briefe Relation of the state of the British Church, from the raigne of Dioclesian, vnto the comming of Au∣sten the Monke, who converted the Saxons and Eng∣lish to the christian Faith.

THe storm of persecution afterward ceasing, when Dioclesian yeelded vp the government, gave free passage to the profession of christian religion, both

in Britannie, and other parts of the Western Empire, till such time as Arrius, a Priest of Alexandria, (whose heart inwardly boyling with discontentment, for not ob∣taining the Bishopricke of that place, which he ambi∣tiously affected,) burst out at the last into open blas∣phemy and impietie, against the divinitie and omnipo∣tencie of the Sonne of God; which heresie (like a con∣tagious disease, infecting most parts of the world) inva∣ded also this our Iland, the inhabitants whereof in those daies, (as men delighting in novelties) were carried hi∣ther and thither with every blast of vaine doctrine, re∣taining nothing in matters of religion for certaine, but their owne vncertaine opinions: But the Arrian here∣sie being afterwards condemned by the general Coun∣sell of Nice, in the raigne of Constantine the Great, the number of the professors and favourers thereof, as well in Britannie as other places, daily diminished, and the truth of Christianitie was generally imbraced by the Britans, whose Bishops conformed themselves to the doctrine and ceremonies of the Church of Rome, with∣out difference in any thing specially remembred, save onely in celebration of the feast of Easter, after the antient manner of the Iews: imitating therein, the cu∣stome of the Greeke Churches in Asia, who solemni∣zed that feast vpon the fourteenth day of the Moone of March, on what day of the weeke soever it fell: whereas the West Churches did celebrate it vpon the first Sunday after the full Moone of the same moneth, in regard that Sunday was properly accounted and cal∣led, The Lords day, as being dedicated in the Apostles time, to the eternall memory of Christs resurrection. And this custome of celebrating the feast of Easter, af∣ter the manner of the Iewes, and of the East Churches, continued in vse among the Britans, even till the com∣ming

of Austen the Monke, albeit it had been condem∣ned by divers publike Decrees and generall Coun∣sells. Neither is it to be forgotten, that in this third Age after Christ, there were among the Britans, divers men of speciall note for pietie and learning, as namely, in the time of Constantine the Great, and Pope Sylvester Resti∣tutus, a Bishop of London was present, and subscribed to the Synod, held at Arles in France, about the yeare of our redemption 325. Likewise, by the testimonie of A∣thanasius, certain British Bishops appeared at the Coun∣sell of Sardica, which was summoned in the behalfe of that holy Father, against the Arrian heretikes, about the yeare 350. and also at the Counsell of Ariminum, where Saint Hillarie greatly commendeth the Bishops of Bri∣tannie, for their zeale and constancie in maintaining the truth against Arrianisme, which was then dispersed in most parts of Christendome. And it is not to be doub∣ted, but that there were many others also worthy of re∣membrance, if Time had not worne out the knowledge of their names and doings.

But that which most disturbed the peace of the Church in Britannie, was the heresie of Pelagius the Bri∣tish Monke, who in the age next ensuing, maintained the power and free will of man, against the vertue of divine grace, with other divelish positions, which being plausible to flesh and blood, were easily admitted, but proved in the end, verie pernicious. These occurrents in the estate Ecclesiasticall, (howsoever severed by di∣stance of time) I have thought good to set downe to∣gether, rather then to mix them with the relations of matters civill: and yet not omitting (as occasion shall require) to touch them againe in their proper places.

CHAP. XIIII.

Constantius Chlorus stayeth the persecution in Britan∣nie. He dieth at Yorke. Helena his wife, (the mother of Constantine the Great) travaileth to Ierusalem to seeke out the Crosse whereon our Saviour suffered. Her pietie and zeale towards the advancement of Christian Religion. The vertues of Constantius Caesar her husband.

DIoclesian and Maximianus, having resigned their authority, Constantius Chlorus stayed the per∣secution in Britannie, & afterwards went thither himselfe, renforcing the garrisons, both within the Province, and vpon the borders, and establishing a ge∣nerall peace throughout the Iland; which done, he re∣paired to Eboracum, and there fell sicke of a languishing disease. In the meane time, Constantinus his sonne, (be∣ing left at Rome as his fathers pledge) escaped from his keepers, and houghing the post horses, (as he passed the Countries) that he might not be overtaken by pursuit, came at length into Britannie, where he was received with great joy by Constantius his father, who being then past hope of life, signified in the presence of his Counsellers and Captaines;

That he willingly and gladly imbraced his death, since he should leave a me∣morable monument of himselfe in the life of his sonne, who (he hoped) should succeede him in the governe∣ment, to protect the innocent from oppression, and to wipe away the teares from the Christians eyes: for therein, above all other things, he accounted himselfe most happy.

Thus died Constantius Caesar, a wise and vertuous Prince, as being not subject to those vices which com∣monly accompany the highest fortunes. He was first called from the degree of a Senator, to be a Caesar, not affecting the title for ambition, nor refusing it in re∣spect of the danger. Helena his wife, the mother of Con∣stantine the Great, was (as some have written) the daughter of Coil a British King, though by others it be otherwise reported. But of what Country or kindred soever she was, it appeareth by consent of all Writers, that she was a wise and vertuous Lady, worthy to be the Wife of such a Husband, and the Mother of such a Sonne. She was an earnest professor of Christianitie, and vpon religious zeale, travailed to Ierusalem, where she found out the Manger wherein Christ was laid at the time of his birth, and the Crosse whereon he was nailed when he suffered. By this Crosse many diseases were cured, and strange miracles wrought, (if credit may be given to such as have written thereof.) Her constant desire to advance the Christian faith, first mo∣ved Constantius her husband to favour the Christians, who having in times of danger hidden themselves (for the most part) in desarts and dennes, did then come a∣broad againe into the view of the world, reedified their old Churches, founded new, instituted holy daies to be celebrated in honour of their Martyrs, and exercised religion freely and peaceably, as being licensed so to doe by publike Edicts. In all vertues beseeming a Prince, there were few of his degree, either before his time, or since, that might worthily be compared with Constantius, who in the administration of Iustice in ci∣vill causes, carryed so even a hand, as he never vsed to make difference of persons, or to be mis-led by affecti∣on. He was no wastefull spender of his subjects trea∣sure:

no greedie horder vp of his owne, for he esteemed money onely, as a thing to be vsed, not kept: and hee would oft times say, [That it was more behoovefull for the Common-weale, that the wealth of the land should be dispearsed in subjects hands, then barred vp in Princes coffers.] For glorious apparrell and other outward ornaments, (wherewith Princes vse to dazell the eyes of the common people,) he was more meanly furnished, then beseemed the greatnesse of his estate. His diet was neither curious, nor costly: and when he feasted his friends, he borrowed his silver vessell, sup∣posing it a thing vnnecessarie, to have any of his owne; and considering perhaps, that the mettall whereof they were made, might be converted to a better vse. In times of war, he was diligent and industrious: yet not vsing force, where pollicie might prevaile; for he so much esteemed the life of a man, as he would never ha∣zard it in desperate attempts for his owne glory: which wan him great reputation among his Souldiers, who for the love they bare him, did presently after his death, elect Constantine his sonne to succeede him; (other Na∣tions supposing this our Iland most happie, in first see∣ing him saluted Emperor.)

CHAP. XV.

Constantine the Great is declared Emperour at Yorke. He subdueth Maxentius and Licinius, the one vsur∣ping the West Empire, and the other the East. He establi∣sheth a new forme of governement in Britannie, appoin∣ting Pacatianus to rule the Province there, as Deputie to the Praefectus Praetorio of Gallia. He translateth the seate of the Empire from Rome to Bizantium. His three sonnes, Constantinus, Constans, and Constan∣tius, raigne successively after his death. Gratianus Fu∣narius hath the charge of the Armie in Britannie, when Constans the Emperor is staine by Magnentius. Mar∣tinus Deputie in Britannie vnder Constantius. Pau∣lus Catena a Commissioner, to enquire of Magnenti∣us confederates.

THen Constantine residing at Yorke, although he see∣med at the first vnwilling to accept the Imperiall Title, and protested openly against it: yet when the Senate had confirmed the election, he tooke vpon him the government of those Provinces, which his fa∣ther had held in the West parts, and with an Armie of Britans and other Nations, he first setled France and Germany, being then in Armes against him, and after∣wards subdued Maxentius, Maximians sonne that vsur∣ped the Empire in Italy. Then, with like successe, he made war vpon Licinius his Associate, who persecuted the professors of Christianitie in the East parts of the world. By which meanes, Constantine alone enjoyed the Empire, and for his many and glorious conquests, was worthily surnamed the Great. In his time the forme of government in Britannie, both for Civill and

Martiall causes, was altered, and new lawes established. The civill governement of the Province there, he com∣mitted to Pacatianus, who ordered the same as Deputy to the Praefectus Praetorio of Gallia, (an Officer institu∣ted by him) with a limitation of place and restriction of that power, which the antient Praefectus Praetorio had vnder the first Emperors.

Then Constantine intending to make war in Persia, ei∣ther to defend, or enlarge the limits of the East Empire, removed the Imperiall seate from Rome, to the Citie Bizantium, (which he reedified, and caused the same to be called of his owne name Constantinopolis:) drawing thither the Legions in Germany, that garded the fron∣tires of the Westerne Empire, which was thereby laid open to the incursions of those barbarous people, that afterwards assailed it, and in the end, possessed the grea∣test part thereof. The borders also of the Province in Britannie were weakened, by removing the Garrisons there into other Cities and Townes, which being pe∣stered with Souldiers, (for the most part vnruly guests) were abandoned by the antient inhabitants.

After the death of Constantine the Great, Constantinus his eldest sonne, enjoyed Britannie as a portion of his dominion, till making some attempts vpon his brother Constans, for the enlarging of it, he was by him slaine. Then was the Empire divided betweene Constans and Constantius, the two younger brethren. Constans seised vpon the Provinces which Constantinus his brother had held, and made a voyage into Britannie, where Gra∣tianus an Hungarian by birth, had then charge of the Armie. This Gratianus was surnamed Funarius, for that, being a young man, he was able (as it is written of him) to holde a rope in his hand against the force of five Souldiers, assaying to pull it from him. But Constans af∣terwads

following ill counsell, (the ready way to Princes ruines) and giving himselfe over to all kinds of vice, was slaine by Magnentius Taporus, (the sonne of a Britan) who then invaded the Empire, vsurping the go∣vernement of Gallia and Britannie, till (after three years warre with Constantius, the successour of Constans his brother) finding himselfe vnable any longer to vphold his greatnesse, he murdered himselfe.

Then was Martinus (an aged man) made Deputy of Britannie, when Paulus a Spaniard, surnamed Catêna, (a name well sorting with nature) was sent thither as a commissioner, to inquire of such as had conspired with Magnentius; But vnder colour of his authoritie, he cal∣led in question such as were not faulty, either vpon false information, or private displeasure, & sometimes, to make a gaine of those that were accused: which course Martinus the Deputy disliking, intreated him, That such as had been no actors in rebellion, might be no partners in punishment with offenders. Whereu∣pon Paulus, charging the Deputy himselfe as a favou∣rer of Traytors, and privie to the conspiracie, did so far forth incense Martinus, that (being either impatient of reproches, or perhaps not altogether giltlesse) he strook at Paulus with his sword, intending to have killed him, but failing in the execution, hee presently thrust the sword into his owne bodie. Gratianus Funarius, though he were not specially bound by oth to the Emperor, as some others had beene: yet, for that he had received Magnentius into his house, was adjudged to forfeit all his goods: the rest of the accused persons being fet∣tered, and presented to the Emperour, were condem∣ned, some to death, and some to exile.

CHAP. XVI.

The government of Gallia, and Britannie is assigned to Iu∣lianus. Lupicinus, and Alipius, are at severall times sent into Britannie: Iovinian succeedeth Iulianus in the Empire, which Valentinian the first, ioyntly with Valens his brother, doth governe after the death of Io∣vinian. The Picts, and Scottish-men invade the Pro∣vince. The originall and maners of both Nations. Mu∣tinies in the Roman armie, appeased by Theodosius.

NOw was the government of Gallia and Britannie, assigned to Iulianus (afterwards called the Apo∣stata) whom Constantius had made a Caesar. Then Lupicinus Maister of the Armour to the Emperour, (a good souldier, but notorious for his pride, covetous∣nesse, and crueltie) and after him Alipius, were sent into Britannie, to represse the barbarous people that had in∣vaded the Province there, while Iulianus himself remai∣ned in Gallia, not daring to passe into the Ile, both for that he feared the Gauls, who were readie (vpon the least occasion) to revolt, and also doubted the Almains, who were then vp in Armes: But with what successe Lupicinus, and Alipius prosecuted the warre in Britannie, I find no certaine report.

After the death of Constantius, Iulianus possessing the Empire (which he had vsurped in the life time of Constantius) banished Palladius an honourable person into Britannie, and sent Alipius to repaire the walles of Ierusalem, in which attempt, God discovering his wrath, by terrifying the builders with thunder and lightning, and killing many thousand Iewes, gave an apparant testi∣monie,

how vaine a thing it is for the power of man to oppose it selfe against his Imperiall decree.

Iovinian succeeded Iulianus in the Empire, which he held but few moneths. About this time the Picts, Sax∣ons, Scottishmen, and Attacots invaded the Roman Pro∣vince in Britannie (Valentinianus the first of that name then governing the Empire, togither with Valens his brother.) These Picts and Scottish-men (as some wri∣ters report) came first out of Scythia, though it be not improbable that the Picts were any other, then such Britans, as being either borne in the Northern Pro∣montorie of the Ile, or flying thither out of the South parts, entred into confederacie with the Scottish men, and retained for a time their ancient name of Picts, as being so called by the Romans (in respect of the old cu∣stome of painting their bodies) to distinguish them from the Britans then dwelling within the Province. Neither is there any mention made in Histories of their name, before the time of Dioclesian, and Maxi∣mian. These Picts, increasing in number, did afterwards inhabite the Iles of the Orcades, and being, for the most part, rude, and savage (as the Scottishmen also then were) did oft-times harrow the borders, and grievously an∣noy their civill Country-men (there being commonly no greater hatred, then that which is bred and nouri∣shed among the people of one Nation,) when they are severed each from other by difference of maners and customes. The name of Picts in processe of time (be∣ing changed into that of the Scottishmen, as of the more populous nation) was in a maner clean forgotten, when by societie and aliance they became both one people.

That the Scottish-men had their originall from the Scythes, their verie name may seeme, in some sort, to dis∣cover; howbeit, diverse stories affirme, that they travai∣led first into Cantabria in Spaine, where (perhaps disli∣king

that barren soyle) they continued not long, but sailed into Ireland, and from thence a great number of them came over into Britannie, landing in the North part of the Ile, where afterward they seated themselves. They were people of great courage, and boldnesse: of stature, tall: strong of bodie: their complexions some∣what ruddie and high coloured: their apparell was ei∣ther verie slender, or none at all, save only to cover their shame. They were, for the most part, addicted to warre, vsing peace onely but as a means to repaire their losses. Neither was their peace altogither idle: for even then they accustomed their bodies to labours, no lesse pain∣full then warre it selfe, and oft-times no lesse dangerous. To ride with swift pace vp a steepe hill, to swim over lakes, and standing meeres; to passe over bogs, and fen∣nie grounds, were things in ordinarie vse with them, as being accounted exercises of recreation onely. But above all others, the nobilitie & better sort were deligh∣ted with hunting & that in such measure, as they could more patiently endure the want of meate, drinke, and sleepe, then restraint from that pastime, which they esteemed manly and generous. In their consultations they were verie secret; and sodaine in the execution of whatsoever they had projected, by which meanes they often-times, strooke terror and amazment into the harts of their enemies, & much annoyed the Roman Province in Britanny. They were better contented with the neces∣sities of nature, & more able to endure all extremities of fortune then the Britans in those times, as being lesse ac∣quainted with the vaine superfluities & delicacie of the Romans: In behaviour the Britans were noted to be more civill, but the Scottishmen (as a people vnconquered, & admitting no customs but their own) refused to imitate them, who were brought vnder the subjection of stran∣gers,

or to be reputed like to any other then to them∣selves. Wrongs and indignities offred as well to others as themselves, they sharpely revenged: the slaughter, wounding, or disgrace of any of their kinred, alies, or companions, being commonly the occasion of rooting out the whole familie of him that first gave the offence. Violent pursuits: seasing by strong hand the goods and possessions of their neighbors: burning of houses, and killing (vpon cold blood) such as they had taken in warre (which others termed crueltie) they accounted manhood, and policie: supposing the assurance of their estate to consist, rather in diminishing the number of their enemies, by open acts of hostilitie, then by preten∣ded reconciliations, and leagues of amitie, which are ei∣ther kept or broken at the will of him that hath the greater power. Their name is first mentioned in Hi∣stories about the reigne of Constantine the great: though the Scottish writers affirme, that they were governed by Kings of their owne Nation, many hundred yeares be∣fore his time. But of things so ancient to have the cer∣taine knowledge, it is no easie matter: neither is Anti∣quitie in it selfe verie much to be regarded, where true Nobilitie and vertue is wanting. For all Nations at the first were of barbarous, & vncivill behaviour, till Time taught them other customes, and emulation kindled the hearts of the better sort to seeke fame by their owne va∣lour, rather then the Genealogies of their Ancesters. These Scottish-men and Picts, being now assisted with forrein power, presumed more boldly to assaile the Bri∣tans, both by sea and land, killing Nectaridius the Admi∣rall of the British fleete, and surprising Bulchobaudes one of their chiefe Captaines, (the mutinie at that time in the Roman Campe giving them oportunitie, and bold∣nesse to do, in a maner, what they listed.) For the Le∣gionarie

Souldiers refused to obey their Leaders, and even the Deputies themselves, complaining of the par∣tialitie of their Generals, who punished the least of∣fence of the common Souldier, and winked at the great abuses of Commanders and Officers. Hereupon a war∣like troope of Almans was sent over vnder the con∣duct of Fraomarius their King, who exercised there the authoritie of a Tribune, Severus, the Emperors steward of houshold, and Iovinius were appointed to second him, with certaine Auxiliarie forces out of Gallia. By this meanes the furie of those warlike Nations was somwhat restrained, til the comming of Theodosius, who first appeased the mutinie among the Souldiers in Bri∣tannie, and afterward prosecuted the service there with such good successe, as he restored the decayed Townes, strengthned the borders, appointing night-watches to be kept there, and in the end, recovered the Province, which was then contented to admit of Go∣vernors, (as in former times) and as a new conquered state, had a new name given it; For in honour of the Emperour Valentinian, the Province was (for a time) called Valentia. Not long after, one Valentinian a Pan∣nonian entred into a new conspiracie there, which be∣ing discovered before it was ripe, the perill like to have ensued thereby, was easily avoyded.

CHAP. XVII.

Gratianus the successor of Valentinian the first, electeth Valentinian the second, and Theodosius the yonger, to be his associates in the Empire. Clemens Maximus commanding the armie in Britannie, vsurpeth the sove∣raigntie. Gratianus the Emperour murdered. Saint Ambrose is sent from Valentinian to Maximus, to treate of peace. Theodosius the yonger pursueth Maxi∣mus, who is taken, and put to death. The Britans that follow Maximus, seate themselves in Amorica (in France,) which thereupon tooke the name of Britannie.

THen Gratianus (succeeding Valentinian) elected Va∣lentinian the second, his brother, and Theodosius (the sonne of Theodosius afore-named) to be his associates in government: But Clemens Maximus then ruling the Armie in Britannie, (vpon emulation and envie of Theodosius glorie) vsurped the Empire there: and having transported the strength of the Province into Belgia, (the German Armie being also revolted to him) he placed his Imperiall seate among thea 1.16 Treviri, from whence Gratianus intended, by force, to have ex∣pulsed him; but that as he marched through Italie with his army (the most part of his souldiers forsaking him) he fled tob 1.17 Lugdunum in Gallia, where he was entrap∣ped by a treacherous devise; for, a rumor being spred (by direction of Maximus) that the Empresse his wife was comming to visite him, he lightly gave credite thereto; and thereupon attended with a few persons, went foorth in private maner to meete her; but in the Chariot (where he supposed to have seene his wife) he found Andragathius, one of Maximus Captaines, secret∣ly

hidden, who forthwith leaped out, and murdered the innocent Emperour, while his attendants, being vn∣armed, and amazed with the sodainnesse of the fact, made little or no preparation for defence. Maximus ha∣ving his mind lifted vp with his fortune, created his sonne Victor a Caesar, and vsed great crueltie against those that had served vnder Gratianus. Whereupon Valentinian doubting his owne estate, sent Saint Am∣brose the Bishop of Millain vnto him, as an Ambassa∣dor to desire peace, which in the end was granted vpon conditions. But Maximus ambitiously affecting the sole government, did soone after breake the peace, invading Italie, and attempting to have taken Valentinian himself, who to prevent that danger, fled with his mother vnto Theodosius his associate (then ruling the East Empire) im∣ploring his ayde against Maximus that vsurped Italie, and other parts of his government. Hereupon Theodosius prepared an armie to encounter Maximus, who in Pan∣••onia being overthrown, fled to Aquileia, where by the treason of his own souldiers (while he was paying them their wages) he was delivered to Theodosius, dis-robed of his Imperiall ornaments, and speedily put to an igno∣minious death. This end had Maximus, after he had v∣surped the Empire five yeares.

The like calamities also befell his friends and fol∣lowers. For Victor his sonne was afterwards slaine in Gallia by Arbogustes. Andragathius the murderer of Gratian drowned himselfe, and diverse of Maxi∣mus his Captaines being taken, were put to the sword.

Howbeit the Britans, by whose power Maximus had raised himselfe to that greatnesse (as men desiring rather to trie new fortunes abroad, then to returne home) resolved to stay in Armorica in France, where

some of their Country-men had remained (as diverse writers affirme) since the conquest of Gallia by Constan∣tine the Great. By this meanes, in processe of time (part∣ly by force, and partly by policie,) they grew so strong, as they left the possession of a great part of that Coun∣try to their posteritie, which being rooted therein by many discents, did afterwards enjoy it entirely as their owne (the name of Britannie continuing there among them even to this day.) This victorie of Theodosius was so much esteemed, as the Senate appointed by Decree, that yearly feasts should be celebrated in remembrance thereof.

CHAP. XVIII.

Stilico is sent into Britannie by Honorius (the successor of Theodosius (his father) in the Westerne Empire) to de∣fend the Province against the Picts and Scottish-men. Emperors elected and deposed by the army in Britannie. Chrysanthus the Deputie of the Province is made Bishop of Constantinople. The Romans send over one Legion out of France into Britannie. They grow wearie of the government there. The Britans implore their ayde.

NOw the Roman Monarchy was drawing on to her fatall period, when Honorius (succeeding Theodosius his father in the Westerne Empire,) sent Stilico into Britannie, to defend the Britans against the Picts and Scottishmen, who assailed them in most parts of the Ile, working vpon the weaknesse of the Province, in which (the most choise and able men having beene from time to time transported and wa∣sted in the Roman warres with other Nations) there remained not then sufficient to defend it selfe.

The common Souldiers there, seeing the state in com∣bustion, tooke vpon them to elect and depose Empe∣rours, first proclaiming Gratian a free Citizen of Rome; but not long contented with his governement, they murdered him, & elected one Constantine (for the name sake onely) supposing the same to be auspitious. Con∣stantine transporting the floure and strength of all Bri∣tannie into Gallia, made many dishonourable leagues (to the prejudice of the Empire) with the barbarous Nations that then invaded it, and sent his sonne Con∣stans (whom of a Monke he had made a Caesar) into Spaine, where Constans (having put to death some prin∣cipall men, whom hee suspected to favour Honorius) committed the governement of the Country to Ge∣rontius his chiefe Captaine, by whom he was after∣wards slaine at Vienna in Gallia: and Constantine his fa∣ther, having run through many fortunes, was in the end besieged at Arl••s, where he was taken, and slaine by the Souldiers of Honorius the Emperour, who then recovered Britannie.

Chrysanthus, (the sonne of Martianus a Bishop) a man of consular dignitie, was then Deputy of Britannie, where he wan so great reputation for his vertue and integritie in the governement, both of the Church, (which was then tainted with the gracelesse heresie of Pelagius the Britan) and also of the weale publike of the Province, as he was afterwards (thogh against his will) preferred to the Bishopricke of Constantinople.

Now the Romans, about foure hundred and seventie years after their first entrance into the Ile, waxed weary of the governement of Britannie, and the Britans, that had beene many times assailed by their vncivill neigh∣bours, (consorted with strangers of divers Nations) perceived themselves vnable to make resistance, as in

former times; whereupon they sent Ambassadors to Rome, requiring aid, and promising fealtie, if the Romans would reskew them from the oppression of their ene∣mies. Then was there a Legion sent over into the Iland, to expulse the barbarous people out of the Province: which being with good successe effected, the Romans counselled the Britans, for their better defence, to make a stone wall betweenea 1.18 Glota andb 1.19 Bodatria, (the two Armes of the sea that ran into the Iland,) and so depar∣ted thence. But this wall was afterwards made onely of Turves, and not of Stone, as they were directed, (the Britans having not then any skill in such kind of buil∣dings;) by which meanes it served to little purpose: For the Scottishmen and Picts, vnderstanding that the Romans were gone, passed over the water in boats at both ends of the wall, invaded the borders of the Province, and with maine force, bare downe all be∣fore them. Whereupon Ambassadors were sent againe out of Britannie, to declare the miserable state of the Province, which without speedy succour, was likely to be lost.

CHAP. XIX.

A second supply of forces sent by the President of Gallia, into Britannie. The Romans erect a wall of stone for defence of the Province. The Picts and Scottishmen breake it downe. The Pelagian heresie is suppressed in Britannie, by the meanes of Germanus and Lu∣pus, two French Bishops. The Scottishmen are con∣verted to the Christian faith by S. Palladius, the Picts by S. Ninianus, and the Irishmen by S. Patricius.

VPon the complaint and earnest solicitation of the Britans, there was another Legion sent overby

Aetius the President of Gallia, vnder the conduct of Gal∣lio of Ravenna, to aide the distressed Britans; and the Ro∣mans having reduced the Province into her former state, did tell the Britans, that it was not for their ease, to take any more such long, costly, and painefull jour∣neies, considering that the Empire it selfe was assailed, and in a manner over-run by strangers: and therefore, that from thence forth, they should provide for their owne safetie, that they should learne to vse armor and weapons, and trust to their owne valor. Howbeit the Romans (in regard of the good service done by the Bri∣tish Nation in former times) beganne to build a wall of stone from East to West, in the selfe same place where Severus the Emperour had cast his Trench, (the labour and charges of the worke being borne, partly by the Ro∣mans, and partly by the Britans themselves.) This wall contained about eight foote in breadth, and twelve in height, (some reliques thereof remaining to be seene at this day.) Vpon the sea coasts towards the South, they raised Bulwarkes (one somewhat distant from another) to empeach the enemies landing in those parts; and this done, they took their last farewell, transporting their Legions into Gallia, as men resolved to returne hither no more. Assoone as they were gone, the barbarous people (having intelligence thereof) presumed confidently, that without any great resi∣stance, they might now enter the Province. And there∣upon accounting as their owne, whatsoever was with∣out the wall, they gave an assault to the wall it selfe, and with grapples, and such like engines, pulled downe to the ground a great part thereof, while the Britans inha∣biting the borders, being awaked with the suddainnesse of the enterprize, gave warning to the rest of their countrymen within the land, to arme themselves

with speede, and to make resistance.

About this time also, (which was the yeare of our redemption 430.) the state of the Church in Britannie, was much incumbred with the heresie of Pelagius, who being by birth a Britan, by profession a Monke, and (as some thinke) trained vp in the Monastery of Bangor, travailed first into Italy, then into Sicilia, Aegypt, and o∣ther East parts of the world, to learne and studie, as he professed; whereby he wownd himselfe into the good opinion of many men of great fame in those daies, for learning and pietie; as namely of Paulinus, Bishop of Nola, and (by his meanes) of Saint Augustine, till the he∣retical assertions which himselfe and his disciple Celesti∣us, a Scottishman secretly taught, being by Saint Hierom discovered, were afterwards condemned by the Bishop of Rome, Innocentius the first: Whereupon they retur∣ned againe into Britannie, being obstinately bent to maintaine their former heresie: which Agricola, the sonne of Severianus, a Bishop of that sect, had (not long before) brought thither, whereby the same, in short time, was received and approoved among the Chistians in divers parts of the Ile: so that betwixt he∣resie among the Britans themselves, and paganisme pro∣fessed by their enemies, the light of Christian religion seemed, for a time, to be eclipsed. Howbeit, some of the Britans (disliking those hereticall opinions, which as yet they were vnable by knowledge in the Scriptures to confute:) and perceiving withall, what dangerous inconveniences to the State arose oft times, by reason of their disagreement one from another in matters of religion; earnestly required the Bishops of France, to send over some godly, wise, & learned men, that might defend the truth of Christianitie, which seemed to be borne downe by the subtill allegations of humane rea∣son.

Heereupon the Bishoppes there called a Synod, wherein Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre, and Lupus, Bishop of Troyes in Champaigne, were appointed to goe into Britannie, and to vndertake the cause, which they afterwards prosecuted with so good successe, as many heretickes among the Britans, were openly convinced, and Christians confirmed in the faith. About the same time, Ninianus Bernitius (of the race of the British Princes) was sent into Pict-land, to convert the inhabi∣tants there to Christianitie: Palladius a Graetian, was likewise appointed by Coelestine, Bishop of Rome, to preach the Gospel in Scotland, vnto such there, as re∣mained yet in infidelitie, and to suppresse the Pelagian heresie, newly sprung vp in that Kingdome, to be the first and chiefe Bishop of the Church there: for which purpose also Patricius, surnamed Magonius, (borne in Britannie of a Senators house) was by the same Bishop of Rome, sent to the Irish and Scottishmen, that then dwelt in the Iles of the Orcades and Hebrides. These three re∣ligious Fathers were much honoured in those daies for the reverent opinion which most men had of their learning and integritie of life: and they are accounted the Apostles and Patrons of the Scottish, Irish, and Pi∣ctish Nations, as being the severall instruments of the generall conversion of each of them.

CHAP. XX.

The distressed Britans flie into Wales, Cornewall, and Bri∣tannie in France. The end of the Roman governement in the Iland.

WIthin few yeares after, the Britans were againe hotly pursued by the Scottishmen and Picts, who swarmed over a great part of the Land, taking from the Britans for a time, all oportunities of convening and assembling themselves together, as in former dangers they had beene accustomed; whereby no small number of the Inhabitants of the Province (despairing of better successe) retired themselves, gi∣ving way to the present necessitie, while each man (as in common calamities oft times it falleth out) laying a∣side the care of the publike, made provision for his own safetie: leaving the enemie in the meane time to take and kill such as resisted.

Some of the Britans being driven out of their owne houses and possessions, fell to robbing one of another, encreasing their outward troubles with inward tu∣mults and civill dissention; by which meanes, a great number of them had nothing left to sustaine them, but what they got by hunting and killing of wilde beasts. Others burying their treasure vnder ground, (whereof great store hath beene found in this age) did flie (them∣selves) either into the Countries of thea 1.20 Silures and b 1.21Ordovices, or into the West part of the Ile, (where the c 1.22Danmonians then inhabited) or else to their owne Countrymen in Armorica in France: the rest being hemmed in with the sea on the one side, and their ene∣mies

on the other, sent to the Emperor for aide, which they could not obtaine; for that the Goths and Huns in∣vading Gallia and Italie, the greatest part of the forces of the Empire was drawne thither for defence of those places. By reason whereof, (the state of Britannie now declining with the Empire, and shrinking vnder the burden of barbarous oppression) the Britans sent Ambassadours againe to Aetius the President in Gallia, desiring him to releeve their necessities, declaring with∣all, that themselves were the small remnant which sur∣vived after the slaughter of so many thousands, whom either the sword, or the sea had consumed; for the bar∣barous enemie drave them vpon the sea, the sea againe vpon the enemie; betweene both which, they suffered two kinds of death, as being either killed, or drowned: that it imported the majestie of the Roman Empire to protect them, who had so many hundred yeares, lived vnder their obedience, and were now plunged into the depth of intolerable miseries: for besides the cala∣mities of war, both civill and forraigne at one instant, they were afflicted with dearth and famine, which for∣ced them sometimes to yeelde themselves to the mer∣cilesse enemie. But their complaints availed nothing: for the Romans plainely denyed to send them any more succour: whereof the Scottishmen and Picts being cer∣tainely advertised, and knowing how small a number of ablemen remained in the Province, to withstand their attempts, assailed first such places of strength as garded the borders, and afterwards entred the Pro∣vince it selfe, where, by continuall course of conquests, they found a passage into the heart of the Ile, spoiled the people of their wealth, burnt their Cities, and brought the inhabitants thereof vnder a miserable ser∣vitude.

Thus, about five hundred yeares after the Romans first entrance, and foure hundred fortie and six after the birth of our Saviour Christ, the Ile of Britannie, (which had beene, not onely a principall member of the Em∣pire, but also the seate of the Empire it selfe, and the Seminarie of Souldiers, sent out into most parts of the world) was now, in the time of Honorius berea∣ved of the greatest part of her antient in∣habitants, and left as a prey to barba∣rous Nations.

The end of the first Part of the Historie of Great Britannie.

Notes

• a 1.1

  The river Eden in Cum∣berland.
• b 1.2

  The river Tyne in Nor∣thumberland.
• a 1.3

  Lievtenant.
• b 1.4

  The antient inhabitants of the Counties of Yorke, Lan∣caster, Durham, Westmerland, and C••mber∣land.
• a 1.5

  Lyons in France.
• a 1.6

  Yorke.
• b 1.7

  The antient inhabitants of the hither part of Scotland.
• a 1.8

  Yorke.
• a 1.9

  That part of France which at this day conteineth the Provin∣ces of Nar∣bonne, Pro∣vence, and Dauphine.
• a 1.10

  Bolein in Picardie.
• a 1.11

  Ile of Wight▪
• b 1.12

  Captaine of the Emperors gard.
• c 1.13

  The ancient Inhabitants of Franconiae in Germanie, that after∣wards seated themselves in France.
• a 1.14

  An ancient City somtime neere Saint Albans.
• a 1.15

  Leyceste••.
• a 1.16

  The ancient people of France inha∣biting betwixt Belgia and the river Mosella.
• b 1.17

  Lions in France.
• a 1.18

  The Firth of Dunbretton in Scotland.
• b 1.19

  Edenborough Firth.
• a 1.20

  South-wales.
• b 1.21

  North-wales.
• c 1.22

  The antient inhabitants of Cornwall and Devonshire.