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 SECOND PART of the Historie of Great Britannie. (Book 2)

The first Booke.

[illustration] portrait of Vortigern

VORTIGER. VLT: PRINC: BRIT:

The first CHAPTER.

A repetition of the Contents of the former part. A briefe Re∣lation of the condition of the Britans vnder the Picts and Scottishmen, from the Romans departure thence, vntill the beginning of the raigne of Vortiger, the last Brittish Prince.

THe Conquest of Britannie (as hath beene afore shewed) was first at∣tempted by the Romans in the time of Iulius Caesar, whose short aboad in the Ile, and occasions of imploi∣ment else-where, would not per∣mit him to go forward therewith.

After him, Caius the Emperor, vpon lightnesse and ambition, pretended a voyage thither, which Claudius his successor prosecuted with effect; for he entred the

Iland in his owne person, and subdued a small part thereof, which he brought into the forme of a Pro∣vince, placing there Aulus Plautius the first Lievtenant, vnder whom Vespasian, and Titus his sonne (being then but private men) bare office in the camp. Thence-forth men of special note & regard were commonly sent thi∣ther, namely Ostorius Scapula (that tamed the Silures, and Ordovices, and tooke Caractacus their Captaine pri∣soner:) Suetonius Paulinus (that conquered the Ile of Anglesey, and recovered the Province well neere lost by the generall revolt of the Britans:) Petilius Cerealis (that brought the Brigantes vnder subjection) & Iulius Agrico∣la, (who enlarged the limits of the Province, and mar∣ched with his forces even to Caledonia, making the Ro∣mans Lords (in a maner) of the whole Iland, as com∣manding all, both by sea, and land.

Within few yeares after, Adrian the Emperor him∣selfe, having transported an armie thither, to expell the Picts & north-Britans, (that then invaded the Province) began first of all to reare a Wall of Turfes to defend it: and this example Lollius Vrbicus (the Lievtenant vnder Antoninus Pius) advisedly following, raised another wall also of like stuffe, to strengthen the borders with a double rampire; which fortresses the Northern Britans boldly assailed, greatly annoying the Province, till by Vlpius Marcellus they were opposed, and repulsed. After whose departure there chanced in the Roman Campe diverse mutinies, which Pertinax (that soone after ob∣tained the Empire) fortunately appeased. Then lived the Britans in peace for a time, till Clodius Albinus the Lievtenant (affecting innovation in the state, and presu∣ming vpon the strength and valour of the armie in Bri∣tannie) assumed there the title of Caesar, and carried over with him into France, a great number of the most war∣like

Britans, to renforce his armie, for support of his v∣surped Soveraigntie: by which meanes the Province was much weakned, and the Picts encouraged againe to assaile it.

Severus the Emperour also, for desire of glorie, made a voiage thither with Caracalla, and Geta (his two sonns, and successors in the Empire) intending the conquest of the most remote and Northerne part of the Ile beyond Adrians wall: but his ill successe in the begin∣ning, and despaire of better, made him soone give over the enterprise, and to retire himselfe vnto the borders of the Province, where (having repaired the decayed wall, and cut a trench thwart the Ile from sea to sea) he ended his life at Yorke.

What was done there from the time of Caracalla to Gallienus the Emperour (whose state as well in Britannie as other places was disturbed, by the Thirtie Tyrants, the hystories now extant make little mention, till Ca∣rausius the Admirall of the Brittish fleete, and after him Alectus, vsurped the Empire in Britannie: at what time Constantius Caesar ruled the Province, and afterwards (dying there) left it, as a member of the Empire to his sonne Constantine surnamed the Great, who was first de∣clared Emperor in Britannie, whence he transported no small number of the Inhabitants that had beene trai∣ned vp vnder the Roman Legions there, to make warre in France and Germanie, which were then in Armes for Maxentius.

After the death of Constantine, the discord betweene his three sonnes gave advantage also to Magnentius Ta∣porus (whose father was a Britan) to vsurpe the Empire in Britannie: and even then was the Province in dan∣ger to have beene over-run by the Scottish-men and Picts, if Theodosius had not providently repressed their

furie. Clemens Maximus in like maner, vpon emulation of Theodosius glory, attempted the Empire, and shipped over the flower of all Britannie into Belgia, and France, where such as escaped the sword of the enemie, did af∣terwards seat themselves, leaving to their posteritie, the continuance of their name in that place, even to this day.

Then ensued confusion of all things in Britannie, the Souldiers there swaying them at their owne will: now naming Emperours; then deposing them againe, and declaring others in their stead: among whom they proclaimed one Constantine (for the names sake onely) a man fatally ordained to be the instrument of the sub∣version of the Province: For by transporting into France the remnant of the Brittish Souldiers, he vtterly dis-furnished it, and laid it open to all oportunities of annoyance by the Picts and Scottish-men, who, after∣wards (waxing insolent with their prosperous suc∣cesse, in subduing a great part of the Province, and now and then falling at variance and open warre among themselves, about the distribution of such spoyles, and booties as they had taken) did thereby give intermission and time of breathing to the distressed Britans, that stood (for the most part) vpon doubtfull termes, as wa∣vering betweene hope and despaire, and yet sometimes (like men not vtterly dejected, or neglecting occasions of advantage, when they were offered) resuming cou∣rage againe, and resolving rather to die with their coun∣trie, then to abandon it. Whereupon (as Beda repor∣teth) they assembled themselves togither from diverse places, and assailed their enemies, forcing them to re∣tire within their borders, by which meanes the Britans (for certaine yeares) lived in peace, and fell to tillage, and other handy works. After that ensued great plentie

of graine, and other fruits of the earth, which the Bri∣tans abused, mis-spending them riotously in gluttonie and drunkennesse. Then pride and dissolute living, (the common causes of the change & ruine of estates) raigned, aswell among the Clergie, as the Laitie, both whom the hand of God severely punished, by afflicting them with a grievous pestilence and mortalitie, which in short time wasted so many of them, as the quicke were scarse sufficient in number to bury the dead. How∣beit (the infection once ceasing) the Britans fell to their old disorders, drawing therby a greater plague vpon them, even the vtter subversion, and (in a manner) rooting out of their name and nation, as by that which followeth may partly appeare.

CHAP. II.

The Britans elect Vortiger to be their King. They send for the Saxons to aide them. The originall and manners of the Saxons.

AFter the Romans had given over the government and protection of Britannie, the inhabitants of the South parts of the Ile, being altogether vna∣ble, by their owne strength, any longer to withstand the furious assaults of the Scottishmen and Picts, (who were already come with their power, as farre as Stam∣ford vpon the river Welland:) assembled themselves to∣gether in severall companies; and the most antient and best respected among them, entred into consultation, what meanes might then be vsed for defence, in a case of such necessitie. But first of all, for that they had found by their late experience, what dangerous effects pro∣ceede

from civill jarres: they resolved with common consent, to run all joyntly one and the same course: and for the better strengthning of this their purpose, they elected a King, (whose name was Vortiger) a man much esteemed, both for the nobilitie of his birth, (as being extract from the line of the Brittish Princes) and also, for the generall good opinion conceived of his suffi∣ciencie to vndergoe so weightie a charge, though the eminencie of his degree, did (soone after) lay open those vices and infirmities, which his private life had concealed. To him did all the pettie Princes in the Ile submit themselves.

Then they entred into consultation together, and called to minde, the conditions of such Nations as were most knowne vnto them, considering well with themselves, that from the Romans, there was no more reliefe to be expected, (Italy it selfe, the seate of the Empire, being invaded by strangers:) that France was assailed as well as Britannie: that Germany (though a mightie and ample region) was not altogether free from incumbrance. For, this Country had formerly beene the common receptacle of those Northern peo∣ple, that (dwelling beyond the rivers of Rhene and Da∣now, and being very fruitfull in generation) came vsu∣ally thither to disburden themselves, and to seeke new habitations: by reason whereof, the Germans them∣selves were much distressed, and now and then forced to abandon their native soyle; being sometimes also (by consent among themselves) chosen out by lots for that purpose; howbeit those strangers, (which had there planted themselves) were for the most part, better able to annoy other countries, then to maintaine in peace, what by intrusion and violence they had gotten. A∣mong al the Germans, there was at that time no one na∣tion,

which for great adventures both by sea and land, was more renowned then the Saxons. For, touching the qualities of the minde, they were bold, hardie, and vaine-glorious, patiently enduring labour, hunger, and cold, whereto by the very constitution of their bodies, and temperature of the climate, they seemed to be fra∣med, as being verie strong, and yet not vnwealdy, tall of stature, but not vncomely, or out of due proportion. For the North Region, by reason of the coldnesse of the ayre, (which driveth the naturall heate inward) bringeth forth commonly, men of greater courage and abilitie of bodie, then those Countries that lie neerer the Sunne. Their diet was simple and home-bred; nei∣ther knew they any other a long time, till by attaching some of the Romans ships, stragling about the Coasts of France and the Lower Germanie, they became first acquainted with their manner of vittailing. Their ha∣bite was neither verie costly, nor cumbersome, but ser∣ving indeede, rather for decencie and ornament, then for defence against the sharpnesse of ayre, or such like annoyances. For their garments were commonly of linnen or yarne, woven with divers colours, and han∣ging loose about them: the lockes of their haire (which in former times they had beene accustomed to shave) being then curled and spred abroad in compasse, so that they covered their shoulders and vpper parts of their cassocks. The weapons which they ordinarily vsed in fight, were long speares, round targets, and battle-axes; having also (trussed vp behind at their backs) certaine short swords, which they did weare continually for readinesse vpon all occasions. In the Art of Naviga∣tion they were verie expert, and lived at the first by pilfering, and afterwardes by open robberie, be∣ing trayned vp therein, even from their child-hoode,

vnder a kinde of discipline. Stormes at sea, vnseaso∣nable weather, perills of rockes and sands, losse of goodes and shipwrackes, (which terrifie other men) they carelesly contemned, while they seemed to have, not onely a certaine knowledge of them, but also a kinde of familiaritie with them. The offices of Soul∣diers and Marriners, they executed with like skill, and oftentimes with equall advantage. There was no kind of crueltie in a manner new, or strange vnto them: nei∣ther were they altogither voide of policy, in watching oportunities of time and place, to further their des∣seins, albeit they were (for the most part) more sodaine in attempting and procuring other mens harmes, then warie, or well advised in avoyding their owne. Supe∣riority in degrees they hardly admitted, but each man commanded and obeyed, as the case required, being as readie to learne of his fellowes, what he knew not, as to instruct others in those things wherein he happened to be more skilfull then the rest. Of their owne blood they were nothing at all sparing, but they exercised crueltie, sometimes even vppon themselves, as ma∣king lesse account, to cast away their owne lives, then to indure any publicke shame, scorne, or dis∣grace.

When they did set foorth to sea vppon anie voy∣age, their custome was, to choose out of the number of their captives, every tenth man to be murdered, and offered vp as a purging sacrifice to their profane gods, esteeming it a worke of religion, and much more behoovefull for them, then to receive any ran∣some for redemption of such prisoners as they had ta∣ken.

The Ancestors of these Saxons, (as approoved Writers report) did fetch their originall from the

Sacae, (a people of Asia) that came first out of Scythia in∣to Europe with the Gothes▪ Suevians, and Dacians, and (being either by nature inclined to warre, or by neces∣sitie constrained thereto, for supplying their owne wants) ranged oft times from place to place, as men alwaies ready, vpon hope of spoile, to be drawne into any action, or to encounter any perill whatsoever. In processe of time they seated themselves in Cimbrica Chessonesus, (now called Denmarke:) and in the raigne of Dioclesian the Emperour, became famous for their piracies committed vpon the coasts of Britannie, and the Lower Germanie; when Carausius (being sent forth with a Navie to represse them) vnder colour of that service, attempted and (with some difficultie) attai∣ned the Empire. Afterwards, (passing over the river of Elbe) they intruded themselves by little and little, into the antient seate of the Suevians, encroching also vpon Friseland and Holland: (then called Batavia) the greatest number of them planting themselves in that part of Germanie, which is now called Saxonie. These were the men, whom the Britans supposed best able, and most likely to assist them: and thereu∣pon messengers were sent to declare vnto them, that the fame of their valour and experience in warrelike actions, had moved the Britans to require their aide, against a barbarous and bloodie people, which assai∣ed by force, to subdue the whole Iland: that (next the Romans, who had now abandoned it) they knew no Nation more worthie then theirs: that the verie terror of the Saxons name, (if they should but once set foote in the Ile) was able to daunt their enemies, who were (for the most part) men vnarmed, vnskilfull in militare affaires, and many times confounded by their owne multitude: finally, that if they would vn∣dertake

this warre, they should want, neither provi∣sion of victuall nor any thing else for their mainte∣nance; the Iland being verie large and fruitfull, yeel∣ding aboundance of all things, that might serve, either for profite, or delight.

The Saxons being very glad of this occasion of employment, (which themselves would have sought, if it had not beene thus offered) promised to satisfie the Britans request, by sending over (with speede) such able men as they had then in readinesse, till fur∣ther provision could be made. And so the messengers were dismissed.

CHAP. III.

The Saxons vanquish the Scottishmen and Picts. Hen∣gist deviseth how he may get possession of the East part of the Iland.

THe messengers had scarcely made report of their negotiation at their returne into Britannie, when the newes came; that certaine Saxons, vnder the conduct of Hengist and Horsa, (two brethren) were landed vpon the coast of Kent: whereupon the Bri∣tans from most parts there about, ranne to meete them, receiving them with salutations, songs, and feastings, after their Country guise. [The time of the Saxons first arrivall, heere (by the testimonie of their owne Writers) was in the yeare of our redemp∣tion 450.]

But Vortiger the King, and the chiefe of the British Nobilitie, entertained them in other manner: giving them thanks for the great care and diligence, which

they had shewed, by their speedie repaire into the Iland: and acquainting them furher with the pre∣sent state of their affaires. Then was there a contract made betweene both Nations: namely, that the Sax∣ons should vndertake the warre against the Picts and Scottishmen, and that the Britans should provide for them all things necessarie thereto, as vittailes, ar∣mour, and souldiers wages: the charge whereof should be borne by the Britans onely, who were to leavie the same by way of tax, to be imposed vpon e∣verie inhabitant within the Province, according to his abilitie: which contract, with other articles de∣pending thereupon, being ratified on both parts; Hengist (considering wisely the nature of the people with whom he was to encounter, and the likely advan∣tage of sodaine attempts) thought it best to take the first opportunitie, by leading the Saxons (who were verie desirous to fight) and such of the Britans also as he supposed fit for service, into those parts where the barbarous enemie was lodged: and to that end, provision of vittaile and other necessaries was made, in such measure, as the shortnesse of the time would permit.

The Scottishmen and Picts, albeit they did not great∣ly feare the Britans, (whose courage was much aba∣ted by the ill successe that accompanied their late con∣flicts:) yet, (hearing that new supplies of strangers were arrived to assist them) they waxed more wary, kee∣ping themselves, for the most part, in their strength: and now, (vpon certaine intelligence of the approach of a well ordered Armie) they resolved to trie with them the fortune of a set battaile: wherein they found themselves more hardly matched, then in former times, by reason that the Saxons, (nimbly avoyding the

darts and speares wherewith they were assailed) did fircely rush vpon the Picts, and with their keene swords and weightie axes, made way thorow their thickest troopes: so that (having borne downe the most vali∣ant before them) they enforced the rest to forsake the field, and save themselves by flight. After this victo∣rie, they returned to the Ile of Tanet, (which at their first arrivall, was assigned to them for a place of resi∣dence) and Hengist their Captaine, fortified there di∣vers places for defence: hoping by that meanes, both to keepe his owne Territorie in surety, and also (as oc∣casion might serve) to inlarge it. For he apprehended it as a matter of no great difficultie, to make a conquest of the East part of the Ile; considering that the naturall inhabitants were alreadie brought vpon their knees, the King himelfe given over to ease and pleasure, and in his owne conceit, the more secure, the lesse he inter∣medled with publike affaires:) that the state of the warre now in hand, rested meerely in his owne directi∣on, and the more freely he was trusted, the more safe∣ly he might deceive: that (though he was sent for to helpe the Britans,) yet (this faire occasion being offe∣red, which Fortune seemed to have cast into his lap) he had no reason to neglect it, by seeking other mens advantage rather then his owne. As for the contract made with them, he was no further bound to it, then the Britans themselves, who had alreadie failed in performance of some covenants, that the breath of one dissolveth all the rest: and finally, that in him, who hath power, (to prevaile where he attempts) nothing can be adjudged vnlawfull. With these, or the like co∣gitations, he nourished his ambitious humor; howbe∣it, knowing well, that the forces which were alreadie brought into the Ile, would not be sufficient to accom∣plish

the enterprize: hee perswaded Vortiger, it was verie necessarie, that more aide should be sent for out of Germanie: and to that end he named his brother Octha, and his sonne Ebusa, (men of approved valour) who might be directed to land with a power in the Picts owne Country, and to assaile the inhabitants there, while himselfe in the South parts pursued the rest of them, (with whom he had alreadie encoun∣tred:) whose forces being by that meanes diverted from the heart of the Ile, to succour their Country∣men at home, or wanting their wonted supplies, which should then of force be employed else-where for de∣fence, there might be some hope of a speedie and full end of the warre: the event whereof, otherwise was now more to be feared then in former times, if the North-Britans, (whetted with desire of revenge, and having space of breathing given them) should make head, and assaile them againe. This counsell seeming profitable, (howsoever it prooved pernitious in the end) was allowed by the King, eyther for that he fore∣saw not the perill likely to ensue thereupon: or else, for that such things as God himselfe hath determined, are doubtlesse (though sometimes foreseene) yet ne∣ver prevented.

CHAP. IIII.

Saxons, Iutes, and Angles, arrive in Britannie. Vorti∣ger marrieth Hengists daughter. He is deposed.

IN the meane while, the Germans (inflamed with con∣tinuall reports of the wealth and fruitfulnesse of the Ile) and sollicited by Hengist (who discovered to them the weake estate of the Britans, and the facillitie of sup∣planting them,) hired certaine small vessels; wherein themselves, their wives, children, and families were transported into diverse parts of the Land: at which time, Rowen the daughter of Hengist (a woman of ex∣cellent beautie, and not of the worst behavior) (having beene specially sent for by her father) arrived in Kent, and was forthwith conveyed to the pallace, where Vor∣tiger, and Hengist made their abode.

Of those Germans that then came over, there were three severall kinds of people: namely, Saxons, Iutes, and Angles, though the Saxons seemed to beare the most sway, by reason both of the generall respect of that Nation, for their many and great exploits, and also for the authoritie of their Captains, Hengist, and Horsa, who were of the linage of Woden, from whom the Sax∣on Princes (that afterwards reigned in the Ile) vsed al∣wayes (for honours sake) to derive their discent. From these Saxons, the East, West, and South Saxons had their originall. The Iutes (as some writers report, and as the affinitie of the names may seeme in some sort to inferre) were discended from the Getes, and Gothes, and dwelt in the vpper part of Denmarke, which is at this day called Iuitland. From them the Kentishmen, with the Inhabi∣tants

of the Ile of Wight, and of that part of the firme land (which lieth over against it) had their beginning▪ The name of the Iutes, was of no long continuance in Britannie: notwithstanding, their posteritie was incor∣porated into the Saxons, and Angles, who were accoun∣ted but one Nation, the name of either of them being indifferently vsed, as common to both; till in the end, the Angles possessing the greatest part of the land, they were all knowen, and called by that name alone.

The Angles in those dayes were a people well estee∣med among the Germans, and in number exceeded both the Saxons, and Iutes. Touching their ancient seat, the opinions of Writers are differing, though it be most probable, that they did sometimes inhabit that part of Denmarke (yet retaining the name of Angle) which lieth betweene Iuitland, and Holsatia. From them came the East Angles, the Mercians, and Northumbers.

But Hengist knowing well, that fraud, and cunning practises ofttimes prevaile, where force it selfe cannot, resolved (as occasion might serve) to make vse of both; and to that end (observing well the Kings humor) he applied himselfe in all things to follow it: specially, by soothing and nourishiug him in those vices, to which by Nature he was most addicted, supposing thereby to strengthen his owne estate, and with more securitie, to accomplish his desire: while the King intended nothing more, then the satisfaction of his immoderate appetite in sensuall pleasures, which had alreadie brought him into contempt and hatred with his people, and would by all likelihood open the way to his speedie destruc∣tion. Whereupon one day (inviting Vortiger to a feast) he appointed Rowen his daughter, to attend vpon him as his Cup-bearer: at which time (by her fathers in∣struction) she behaved herselfe in such maner, as the

King fell in love with her: and although he had a wife then living, yet was he not ashamed to tell Hengist in plaine termes, that he earnestly desired to become his sonne in law, if he might attaine his consent for the ma∣riage of his danghter. Hengist (who had cast out his bait of purpose to catch him) pretended respect of Vor∣tigers owne reputation, which (as he said) should be too much impaired by matching with a poore Maiden, a stranger by birth, farre inferior to him in degree, and no way worthy of so great fortune; howbeit, in the end he seemed by intreatie to yeeld to that, which himselfe would voluntarily have offred: and so (making vse of the occasion) he was content to take the thanks, which he of right should have given. Hereupon Vortiger ha∣ving cast behind him all regard, both of divine and hu∣mane lawes, did put away his lawfull wife (by whom he had three children) and (contrarie to the advise of his faithfull Counsellers) married Hengist the Saxons daughter. Vpon the conclusion of this marriage, a great part of the Countrey of Kent (which had beene many yeares togither governed by Guorongus, as the Kings deputie there) was assigned to Hengist, who like a wilie Serpent, having now gotten in his head, found meanes in a short time to wind in his whole bodie.

It is reported by some Writers, that Vodin (then Archbishop of London) reprooving the King for his incontinencie, and other vices (which drew him down with his Realme to ruine) was by the commandement of Hengist put to death, with many other Priests, and religious Votaries, as persons too well affected to their Country, and odious to the Saxons for profession of Christianitie.

This inconsiderate match, and immesurable boun∣tie of the King, was much disliked by the Britans, for

that the Saxons, presuming of the Kings favour, by rea∣son of his new affinitie with them, came over dayly in great numbers, pestering the East parts of the Ile, and many times offering abuse to the naturall Inhabitants. Whereupon the Brittish Nobilitie complained to the King, that their estate was now much woorse then before the Saxons arrivall: that Strangers (vnder the colour of friendship) robbed them of their goods, and bereaved them of their lands: that secret prac∣tises of such as they trusted, were no lesse to be fea∣red, then open hostilitie: and that if speedie order were not taken to expell them, they would in short time roote out the ancient Britans, and make them∣selves Lords of the whole Iland. But Vortiger (whose affection to his wife, and her kindred weighed downe all other respects whatsoever) neglected their com∣plaints, till by his owne experience he was taught, what daungerous inconveniences proceede from wil∣full rashnesse, and mis-government. For the Britans (disdaining to be any longer commanded by such a Prince, as had neither power to command his owne affections, nor care to provide for the safetie of his Subjects) declared him vncapable, and by generall consent, deprived him of all regall authoritie.

CHAP. V.

Vortimer succeedeth his father in the government. Vor∣tiger is restored. The most noble of the Britans are trecherously murdered by the Saxons vpon Salisbnrie Plaines.

THen Vortimer his sonne (a man in disposition of his mind much vnlike his father) was declared King, & renued the warre with the Saxons, whom he encountred in a pitched field neere Ailsford in Kent. In that conflict Catigern his brother, and Horsa the brother of Hengist, fighting hand to hand, were both slaine, whereby though the Saxons perished in greater number then the Britans: yet by the losse of the Ge∣nerals on both sides, the fortune of the battaile seemed in a maner to be equall. On the part of the Britans there died no man of name, save onely Catigern, in remembrance of whose death there was afterwards a Sepulchre of stone erected, where the battaile was fought. The like Monument was also built by the Saxons for Horsa, their Captaine, though Time hath now defaced it: howbeit the memorie of the place it selfe (if credite may be given to the Inhabitants there,) is continued among them even to this day, by a small Village in East Kent, yet bearing his name. After this, the Britans made diverse attempts vp∣on their enemies, sometimes winning, sometimes loosing; and then recovering againe, that which they had lost, when Vortimer the King ended his dayes, either by a naturall death, or by the trecherie of Rowen his Stepmother. He was a Prince of great cou∣rage

adorned with many Morall vertues, and (as some writers have reported) a favorer and professor of the Christian religion.

Then was Vortiger the King (either vpon hope that adversitie had wrought in him a reformation of mind, or else, for feare lest any civill discord should arise by the election of any other) revoked with common con∣sent of the Britans, and restored to his former estate. During his Sonnes raigne (as the Brittish Storie repor∣teth) he lived a private life neere Radnor in Wales, where he bestowed much cost in building a Castle for defence (as himselfe vainly imagined against any sud∣daine assault.

In the meane time, the strength of the Saxons en∣creased by new supplies, which came dayly out of Germanie: and the Britans now doubted their owne estates so much the more, by reason that the Picts and Scottish-men (their ancient enemies) were disper∣sed in most parts of the Ile: the Saxons also, for their owne aduantage, entring oftentimes into secret confe∣deracie and mutuall leagues with them.

But Hengist (supposing that he could not with safetie enjoy the possession of that territorie, which Vor∣tiger had assigned vnto him, so long as the chiefe, and most valiant of the Brittish Nation remained alive) de∣vised by a cunning practise (vnder pretence of hospi∣talitie and friendship) to draw them togither into one place, and on the suddaine to surprise them. To this end he prepared a solemne Banquet, at which the King, with diverse Noble personages (as bidden guests) were present, suspecting nothing lesse, then what was intended against them. For the Britans being warme with good cheere, and wine (whereof they had drunke immeasurably) were scoffed at by the

Saxons, the one provoking the other so farre with re∣proachfull termes, that in the end they fell from words to blowes, in such furious maner, as the Britans (be∣ing about three hundred in number, all vnarmed, and surcharged with Wine,) were slaine in the place, and Vortiger their King taken prisoner; who (soone after delivering for his ransome, the whole Countrey of Kent, with other Provinces thereto adjoyning, into the Saxons hands) fled to his Castle in Wales: where (supposing himselfe free from danger) he continued his vitious and prophane maner of living, till in the end, both himselfe, and his Castle (as some Wri∣ters affirme) was by lightning from heaven consumed to ashes.

Thus Vortiger the last King of the Brittish blood, a Prince in manners dissolute, and weake in actions, was by Strangers dispossessed of his Kingdome: li∣ving to see the ruine of his Countrey, whereof him∣selfe was the principall cause, and dying in the ende a strange and vnnaturall death, which is commonly the issue of a disordered and infamous life.

The report goeth, that this fatall meeting was held vpon Salisburie Plaines, where (not many yeares after Aurelianus Ambrosius caused that strange building of Stone (now called Stone-henge) to be erected, as a perpetuall Monument of so many wor∣thie Britans slaine and buried there; concerning which, sundrie conjectures have beene made, as be∣ing either framed according to mens particular con∣ceits, or grounded vpon common reports received by tradition. But by what meanes soever they came thither, they are accounted at this day, one of the mi∣racles of England, in regarde both of the Stones themselves, which are of a huge bignesse: and also of

their composition, and order, whereby they seeme (in a maner) to be supported with their owne weight, in hanging one by another: considering withall, that there are no Stones fit for building, to be found with in many miles of that place.

CHAP. VI.

The calamities of the Britans. The Professors of Chri∣stian Religion in Britannie are persecuted by the Sax∣ons; whose Idolatrie and superstitious rites are de∣scribed.

NOw were the Britans driven from place to place, some flying to the Mountaines: others hiding themselves in Caves vnder the ground, where they either perished for want of foode, or (comming abroad to seeke reliefe) were cruelly murdered: their enemies in the meane time ranging vp and downe without resistance, razing their houses, polluting the Altars in their Temples with the blood of their Priests, burning the Temples themselves, and commit∣ting all maner of Sacrilege and outrage, without re∣gard of place, or person. For the Saxons, as by little and little they planted themselves in the most wealthie & fruitful parts of the Ile; so they endevored to supplant the truth of Christian religion, whereof they profes∣sed themselves open enemies: as men meerly addicted to heathenish superstition, in worshipping divers gods and goddesses; among whom, the images of Thor, Wo∣den, Frea, and Eoster, were placed in their Temples, as

their chiefe Patrons. They painted Thor with a Scep∣ter in his hand, after the same manner that the Poets vsed to describe the image of Iupiter: and him they re∣verenced as the commander and disposer of Thunder and Lightning, with all those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is that are ingen∣dred in the middle Region of the ayre, consecrating to him the fifth day of the weeke, which was afterwards called Tho••sday. The name of Woden they attributed to Mercury, or (as some write) to Mars, whom they reve∣renced as a protector in warre, and a giver of strength and courage against their enemies: To him they vsual∣ly sacrificed with mans blood, and dedicated the fourth day of the weeke, (naming it Wodensday) as yet retai∣ning the first denomination with very little difference. Vnder the name of Frea, they sacrificed to Venus, (as the giver of peace and pleasure) whom they adored sometimes vnder the figure of Priapus, committing to her the patronage of the sixth day, called Frea day. Of these three, Thor was placed vpon a three-footed stoole in the midst, and Woden and Frea on each side. To the goddesse Eoster, they alwaies offered sacrifice in the month of Aprill, which thereupon was called Eoster-month. In their consultations of any weightie matter, they observed sooth-saying and casting of lots. Their custome of casting of lots was, first to cut a branch from a fruit bearing tree, into many peeces, which (being distinguished with severall marks) they did cast vpon a white garment at a venture: then (if the matter concerned the Common wealth in generall) the Priest; if a private person onely, the maister of the house (having prayed the gods, and looking towards heaven,) did take vp every of the said peeces three times, and interpreted the future successe according to the forme and similitude of the marks. If the lots

fell out contrary to their mindes, they consulted no more that day: if otherwise, yet they would make fur∣ther tryall, by observing the flying and singing of birds.

They had another practise also, 〈…〉〈…〉 the e∣vent of great and weightie battailes with their ene∣mies. For they would get some one of that Nation, with which the warre should be made, and then take another choice man of their owne, arming them both after their country guise, and so make triall of their va∣lour, conjecturing by the successe of that fight, on whose side the victory should afterwards fall. But of all other presages, the neying of horses was of greatest cre∣dit, both with the Priests and people; who fondly sup∣posed, that those beasts vnderstood, and were privy to their secrets. And heereupon (as some imagine) the Dukes of Saxonie in times past, gave a horse for their en∣signe. The names also of Hengist and Hors••, (the first men of note of the Saxon Nation that arrived in Britan∣nie) doe signifie in their owne language a Horse: which denominations, whether they were given in respect of their strength and courage, (qualities by nature proper to that beast) or whether they received them vpon any other occasion or accident, I cannot certainely affirme.

CHAP. VII.

Germanus the Bishop conducteth the Armie of the Chri∣stian Britans against their enemies, (being Pagans) who by his meanes are defeated. He departeth out of Britannie.

IN the meane time, the Britans (comming together from the places of their retreate, and combining their dispersed forces, the better to defend themselves against the power of the enemie) were freshly assailed by the Sco••tishm••n & P••cts, a great number of the Saxons also, being newly entred into association with them: whereupon Germanus the Bishop, who came over into Britannie a little before the Saxons arrivall, & had remai∣ned there with Lupus, to the end they might instruct & confirm the Britans in the true ••aith, against the Pel••gi∣an heresie, (confident in the goodnesse of the cause, & to give encouragement to his new converts) offered himselfe to be the Leader of the Brittish Armie, which consisted (for the most part) of such Christians as him∣selfe had lately baptised. The place wherein he pit∣ched, was a faire valley, enclosed on both sides with high mountaines, over which their enemies were to march. The Bishop himselfe, and certaine Priests that attended him, standing in the midst of the Armie, ex∣horted the Britans to fight couragiously as the Souldi∣ers of Christ, vnder the banner of his Crosse, (which badge they had received in their baptisme) and com∣manding them all, vpon the enemies approach, to an∣swer him by crying alowd with one consent, in such manner as himselfe began. Heereupon the Saxons and

Scottishmen ascending the further side of the hill, suppo∣sed to have charged the Britans on the sodaine: which when Germanus and the Priests that were about him perceived, they cryed out three severall times, Alleluia: all the Britans seconding the crie, and the Eccho re∣bounding from the hills doubling the sound: by rea∣son whereof, the Pagans (imagining the number of the Christians to be much greater then it was indeede) cast away their weapons, and fled; the Britans killing many of them in pursuit; & such as escaped the sword, being drowned in a river which empeached them in their flying. After this memorable victory, Germanus perswading the Brit••ns to vnity and constancie in the profession of Christian religion, as a meanes to make their attempts (against their enemies) prosperous: de∣parted out of Britannie, whither (as some Writers re∣port) he soone after returned, and by the assistance of Severus the Bishop of Trevers, suppressed the Pelagian heresie, which (after his departure) sprung vp againe, and encreased among the Britans. In remembrance of whose zeale and travaile in that behalfe sustained, the Christians of Britannie afterwards dedicated vnto him (as a protecting Saint,) certaine Churches and houses of religion, in divers parts of the land.

CHAP. VIII.

Aurelianus Ambrosius aydeth the Britans against the Saxons. The valiant acts of Arthur the Warre∣like.

THe Saxons (perceiving now that the Britans were scattered in severall troopes, dis-armed, and vnfur∣nished of all things necessarie for support of the warre) prepared themselves to follow them, and to em∣peach them from joyning their forces together any more: to which end, they divided themselves into se∣verall companies, with a full resolution, either vtter∣ly to destroy, or to expell them out of the Ile: which they had almost brought to passe, when Aurelianus Am∣brosius, comming out of Britannie in France, brought hither some of the Britans, (that had feated themselves there) who (pittying their distressed countrymen in the Iland) determined, either to relieve them, or to perish in the enterprize. This Ambrosius was a Roman by birth, honourably descended, and (as hath beene conjectu∣red) of the race of that Constantine who for the hope of his name onely, (which was reputed ominous) had beene elected Emperour by the Roman Armie in Bri∣tannie. And being now the chiefe Leader of the Britans, he oft times encountred the Saxons, and by the assi∣stance of Arthur, (a valiant Captaine) gave them many overthrowes; the circumstances and particularities whereof I find no where remembred, nor of any thing else concerning him, save onely that he vnfortunate∣ly ended his life, before he could make an end of the warre.

Then Arthur the Warlike, (the Nephew of Ambro∣sius, according to the opinion of some Writers) vnder∣tooke the prosecution of the warre, both against the Scottishmen and Picts, whom he chased into the remote parts of the North; & also against the Saxons, whom in twelve severall battailes, (as our Brittish stories affirme) he valiantly defeated. The most memorable was tha•• which he fought on Bathon-hill, where he obtained a notable and (if credit in that point may be given to an∣tient reports) an admirable victorie: and surely, had not the inevitable power of Fate otherwise determined; doubtlesse the Britans should have needed no other helpe to support and repaire their declining and torne estate. For besides his good inclination to protect the Christian faith, he was adorned with many heroicall vertues, but chiefly renowned for the love of Chi∣valrie.

The Brittish Story reporteth, that he instituted an Order of Knights, who (as his companions) did sit with him at a round Table, whereupon they were cal∣led, Knights of the Round Table: that forme of a Table, seeming perhaps most fit to avoid contention, which many times ariseth among great spirits about superio∣ritie of place. These Knights were commonly chosen for their valour and skill in feats of Armes, wherein they strived (vpon emulation) one to excel another. In∣to this societie were admitted strangers of divers Nati∣ons, who for desire of glory, came over into the Iland, to make proofe of their sufficiency by exercise of armes with the Brittish Knights. For Arthur himself (by vnder∣taking great & difficult enterprises in forraigne Coun∣tries, after he had subdued the Saxons in Britannie) made his name no lesse famous abroad then at home.

Touching his birth, some have doubted whether he

were a Roman, or a Britan: though the Britans challenge him for their Countryman, confidently affirming, that he was borne at Tyndagel in Cornewall; and surely, if the acts of such worthy men (as at sundry times were trans∣ported out of the Ile to aide the Romans in the wane of the Westerne Empire) had beene faithfully registred, the glorie of the Brittish Nation might well have been preserved from all suspition of vntruth, without the support of forged and fabulous inventions. As for the place where he died, or the manner of his death, I find no certaine report concerning the same in any appro∣ved Writer: But his body was buried at Glastenbu∣ry, betweene two Pyramides, where the enscription of his name (engraven vpon a leaden Crosse) was dis∣covered many hundred yeares after his death; namely, in the raigne of King Henry the second; who (having some intelligence of the place, by the songs of the Brit∣tish Bards) commanded it to be digged, and the Monu∣ment to be sought for.

Divers strange and incredible things to the preju∣dice of posteritie, have beene written of this Prince, of Queene Guinever his wife, of Gawen his sisters sonne, and of Merlin, a phantastical Prophet, with others, com∣monly called, Wandring Knights: matters indeede more fit for feined Legends, and poeticall fictions, then for a Historie, which ought to be a Register of things, either truely done, or at least, warrantable by probabilitie. And albeit those ridiculous and absurd reports of idle Writers, doe seeme to have repaired the reputation of this Prince, and to have called in question the truth it selfe, so farre forth, as some have doubted, whether there were ever any such man or not: yet divers Au∣thors of good regard, (pittying his misfortune in that behalfe) have both confirmed his being, and com∣mended

him as a great souldier and the chiefe pillar of the State of Britannie in his time.

CHAP. IX.

The Britans flie into Wales and Cornewall, where they seate themselves. The Saxons and English possesse the greatest part of the Ile, which is afterwards divided into severall Principalities.

AFter the death of the noble Prince Arthur, the hope of the Britans was cleane abated, and a great number of them fled secretly into Wales and Cornewall, as places furthest off from annoyance by the enemie, and naturally defensible, by reason of the bogges, woods, and high mountaines on the one side, and the seas on the other. Then the Saxons finding little or no resistance, began in processe of time, to erect certaine Provinciall governments in the South parts of the Ile, & in the end, divided the whole Land (excep∣ting that portion which the Scottishmen and Picts inha∣bited Northward) into seven Principalities, which were severed by certaine limits, and governed (for the most part) by Princes, according to order of successi∣on, till by making continuall warre one vpon another, and the Provinces subdued, augmenting the Domini∣ons of the Conqueror, the whole land was in the end brought into a Monarchy by the West Saxons. But in what manner these things were done, the Writers of former ages have much varied, and the actions and events of those times, being set downe so darkely and corruptly, that I purposed to have omitted the relation of them, (as a hard and vnpleasant taske for me to vn∣dertake,

and likely to receive small approbation of o∣thers:) if I had not beene thereto induced, partly for respect of order, which required a continuation, and partly vpon desire to preserve the memory of some men, whose names, (as marks of our Christianitie im∣posed vpon vs in our baptisme, and registred in our calenders & Churches) are at this day in some vse with vs: deserving well (considering the state and condition of that age) not to be altogether forgotten, howsoever their doings through the negligence or ignorance of some Writers, have beene left to posteritie, as records of Antiquitie, farced with absurdities, and composed meerely of fragm••nts peeced together, sometimes without method, and, for the most part, without due coherence of circumstances and matters. For many of those Writers, (being Monks and religious persons) vnacquainted with matters of estate, applyed them∣selves, for the most part, to register the charitable deeds of their Bishops and benefactors, founders and main∣tainers of Monasteries and Hospitalls, or such like ge∣nerall observations: and if aught were well written by any secular man, the same hath perished by the many calamities of the Country, (a thing common to vs with other Nations) or Time it selfe hath worn out, in a manner, the remembrance thereof.

I purpose therefore, to make onely a bare and simple narration of the names of the Princes, and to point out the most memorable things (as I finde them re∣ported) in their severall raignes: distinguishing the Principalities themselves, and relating successively one after another, such actions, as for the most part, concurred in time: whereby, though I shall be some∣times forced to report the same matters, yet I shall more easily avoide confusion and obscuritie, which

the handling of them all joyntly, would bring with it. And so superficially passing over these imperfect af∣faires, of the seven-fold regiment of the Saxons and En∣glish, I will hasten to the occurrents of those times, which afford more certaine and plentifull matter of discourse, and may yeeld (perhaps) some contentation to the Writer, and more profite and delight to the Reader.

The end of the First Booke of the Second Part of the Historie of Great Britannie.