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 OF the Historie of Great Britannie. (Book 1)

The first Booke.

[illustration] portrait of Julius Caesar

C. IVL. CAESAR DICT. PERP.

The first CHAPTER.

The Originall of the Britans. C. Iulius Caesar making warre in Gallia, intendeth a voyage into Britannie. C. Volusenus is sent to discover the Sea Coasts of the Ile. The Nature, and customes of the Britans.

IT is recorded by the most true, and antient of al Histories, that the Iles of the Gentiles, and north partes of the world, were first divided and inhabi∣ted, by the posteritie of Iaphet; from whose eldest sonne called Goneer, the Cimbrians (as Writers report) deriv'd their name and discent, imparting the same to the Gauls and Germans, and consequently to the Inhabitants of this Ile, as being originally discended from the Gauls, that came over hither at the first, either vpon a naturall

desire (which men commonly have to discover places vnknowne, or to avoid the assaults of other Nations en∣croching vpon them; or happly to disburden their na∣tive soil, by seeking new habitations abroad. And this o∣pinion of the Britans first comming out of G••llia, seemes the more probable, in regard both of the situation of this Iland, in neernesse to that continent, and also of the vniformitie of language, religion and policy, betweene the most ancient Gauls, and Britans.

Touching the name of Britannie, with the Gouernors and state thereof before the Romans arrivall, as they are things not to have been neglected, if any certain know∣ledge of them had been left vs, by approved testimonies of former ages: so I thinke it not now requisite, either to recite the different conjectures of other men, or of my self, constantly to affirme any thing concerning the same; aswell for that those matters have been alreadie handled at large by our modern Writers, as also for that I suppose, in ayming at such antique Originals (there being but one truth amidst many errors) a man may much more easily shoote wide, then hit the marke. I purpose therefore (omitting Etymologies of words, and varietie of opinions concerning the first inhabitants and their doings) to take the name and affaires of this Ile, in such sort, as they were first known to the Romans, in the time of Iulius Caesar, when the Roman state, (which had tried all kinds of government, as namely that of Kings, then of Consuls, Tribunes, & Decemvirs) began to be vsur∣ped by a few, & soone after submitted it self to one. For about the foure and fiftieth yeare before the birth of our Saviour Christ, Caesar being then governor of Gallia for the Senat and people of Rome, and having brought some part of that Countrey vnder obedience, intended a voyage with an armie into Britannie, partly, vpon pre∣tence

of revenge (for that the Britans had diuers times ayded the Gauls in their warres against the Romans) and partly, to satisfie himselfe with sight of the Iland, and knowledge of the Inhabitants, and their customs; wher∣to he might perhaps be the more readily induced, by reason of his owne naturall inclination to vndertake great and difficult attempts, and with the increase of his owne glorie, to inlarge the limits of the Roman Empire, vnto which at that time the soveraigntie of the whole world was, by divine providence, allotted. And to this end he thought good to be first informed of the nature of the people, and of such havens in the Ile, as were most commodious to receive any shipping, that should come thither; whch things were in a maner vnknowne to the Gauls, by reason the Ilanders suffred none to haue ac∣cesse to them, but marchants onely; neither knew, even they, any other places, then the sea coasts, & those parts of the Ile, that confronted the continent of Gallia. Wher∣vpon, Caesar supposing it necessarie to make some disco∣verie, before he adventured himselfe in the action, sent Caius Volusenus in a long Boat, with instructions to in∣quire of the quantitie of the Iland, of the conditions of the Inhabitants, of their maner of making war, of their government in peace, & what places were fittest for lan∣ding. After which dispatch made, himselfe with all his forces (which were newly returned from making warre beyond the Rhene) marched into the Countrey of the a 1.1Morini, from whence was the shortest cut into Britan∣nie: for there he had appointed his shipping to meete him.

In the meane time, his purpose being known to the Britans, by report of the Merchants (that traded with them,) divers States of the Ile, (either fearing the great∣nesse of the Roman power, or affecting innovation for

some private respects) sent over Ambassadors, who pro∣mised, in their names, to deliver hostages, for assurance of their obedience to the people of Rome: But Caesar, though he was fully resolved to enter the Iland, yet curteously entertained their offer, exhorting them to continue in that good mind, as a meane to draw on the rest, in following the example of their submission. For the better effecting whereof, he appointed Comius the chiefe Governour of theb 1.2 Atrebates (as a man, whose wisdom and faith he had tryed, and whom he knew to be respected of the Britans) to accompanie the Ambas∣sadors in their returne, giving him in charge to go to as many Cities, as would permit him accesse; and to per∣swade the Rulers to submit themselves, as some of their Nation had alreadie done: and further, to let them know, that himselfe with all convenient speed, would come thither.

The Princes of the Ile, being as yet vnacquainted with any civill kinds of government, maintained quar∣rels and factions amongst themselves, whereby, while one sought to offend another, and to enlarge his owne part, by encroching vpon his neighbours (not obser∣ving, that what they gained in particular one of ano∣ther, they lost all togither in the generall reckoning) they made an open passage in the end, for the Romans to conquer the whole, (a thing common to them with o∣ther Nations, who have found the like effects to pro∣ceed from the like causes.) For, the most part of the Britans, in those daies, delighted in warre, neglecting husbandrie, or perhaps not then knowing the vse of it. Their manner of living, and customes, were much like to those of the inhabitants of Gallia. Their dyet was such as Nature yeelded of her selfe, without the indu∣strie of man: for though they had great store of cattell,

yet they lived (especially in the in-land Countries) with milke. It was held among them, as a thing vnlawfull, to eate of a hare, a hen, or a goose, and yet they nouri∣shed them all for recreations sake. Their apparrell was made of the skinnes of beasts, though their bodies were (for the most part) naked and stained with woad, which gave them a blewish colour, and (as they supposed) made their aspect terrible to their enemies in battaile. Their houses were compact of stakes, reeds, and boughs of trees, fastned together in a round circle. They had ten or twelve wives apeece common among them, though the issue were alwayes accounted his, that first married the mother, being a mayden. They were, in sta∣ture, taller than the Gauls, in wit, more simple, as being lesse civill.

By this time, Volusenus, (who durst not set foot on land to hazard himself amongst the barbarous Ilanders) returned to Caesar, (namely, the fift day after his setting forth) and made relation of such things as he had seen, and heard, by report, in roving vp and downe the coast in view of the Iland.

CHAP. II.

Caesar sayleth towards Britannie. The Britans empeach his Landing. The great courage of Cassius Scoeva, one of Caesars souldiers.

Caesar having composed some tumults in the hither part of Gallia, that he might leave no enemy behind his back to annoy him in his absence, pursued the enter∣prise of Britannie, having, to that end, prepared a Navie, which consisted of about foure score ships of burden (a number sufficient, as he thought, for the transportation

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of two Legions) besides his long boats, wherein the Quae∣stor, the Lievtenants, and other officers of the Camp were to be imbarqued. There were also eighteen ships of burden (that lay wind-bound about eight miles from the Port) appoynted to waft over the horsemen. P. Sul∣pitius Rufus, a Lievtenant of a Legion, was commanded to keep the haven it selfe with such power, as was thought sufficient. These things being thus ordered, and a good part of the summer now spent, Caesar put out to sea about the third watch of the night, having given direction, that the horsemen should embarke in the vpper haven, and follow him; wherein, while they weresomewhat slack, Caesar with his shipping, about the fourth houre of the day, arrived vpon the coast of Bri∣tannie, where he beheld the Cliffs possessed with a mul∣titude of barbarous people, rudely armed, and ready to make resistance.

The nature of the place was such, as by reason of the steepe hills (enclosing the sea on each side in a narrow strait) it gave great advantage to the Britans, in casting downe their darts vpon their enemies vnderneth them. Caesar finding this place vnfit for landing his forces, put off from the shore, and cast anchor, expecting the rest of his Fleet; and in the meane time, calling a counsell of the Lievtenants, and Tribuns of the souldiers, he declar'd vnto them, what he had vnderstood by Volusenus, and directed what he would have done; warning them, that (as the state of the warre, and specially the sea-service re∣quired) they would be ready to weigh anchor, and to remove, to, and fro (vpon occasions) at a beck, and in an instant.

This done, having advantage both of wind, and tide, he set forward with his Navy, about foure Leagues from that place, and then lay at anchor in view of the open,

and plain shore. But the Ilanders, vpon intelligence of the Romans purpose, had sent thither (before Caesars com∣ming) a company of horsemen and chariots called Esse∣da, (which they then vsed in their warres) and follow∣ing afterwards with the rest of their forces, empeached their enemies from landing, whoseships, by reason of their huge bulks, (drawing much water) could not come neer to the shore: so as the Roman souldiers were thereby enforcedin places vnknown (their bodies be∣ing charged with their armour) to leap into the water, and encounter the Britans, who assayled them nimbly with their darts, and drave their horses and chariots, with main force vpon them: The Romans being there∣with terrifyed, as men vnacquainted with that kind of fight, fayled much of the wonted courage, which they had shewed in their former land-services; and Caesar per∣ceiving it, caused the long boats (which seemed more strange to the barbarous people, and were more ser∣viceable, by reason of their swiftnesse in motion) to put off, by little and little, from the greater ships, and to row towards the shore, from whence they might more easily charge the Britans, with their arrowes, slings, and other warlike engines, which (being then vnknowne to the Ilanders, as also the fashion of the ships, and motion of the oares in the long boats, having stricken them with feare and amazement) caused them to make a stand, and afterwards to draw backe a litle.

But the Roman souldiers making no haste to pursue them, by reason of the water, which they suspected in some places to be deep and dangerous: the Standard∣bearer of the Eagle of the Tenth Legion, praying, that his attempt might prove successefull to the Legion, cry∣ed out with a lowd voyce in this manner. Fellow Soul∣diers, leape out of your boates and followe mee, except

you meane to betray your Standard to the enemie: For mine owne part, I meane to discharge the duetie I owe to the Common wealth, and to my Generall. This said, he cast himselfe into the water, and carryed the Standard boldly against the Britans. Whereupon, the souldiers exhorting one another to follow the En∣signe, what fortune soever might befall) with common consent, leapt out of their long boats, one seconding another; and so, wading through the water, at length got to shore, where began a sharp and bloody fight on both sides: The Romans were much incumbred, by rea∣son that they could neither keepe their ranks, nor fight vpon firm ground, nor follow their owne standards; for every one as he came on land, ran confusedly to that which was next him.

Some of the Britans (who knew the flats, and shallow places, espying the Romans, as they came single out of their ships) pricked forward their horses, and set vpon them, overlaying them with number, and finding them vnwealdy and vnready to make any great resistance, by reason of the depth of the water, and weight of their armour, while the greater part of the barbarous people with their darts assailed them fiercely vpon the shore: which Caesar perceiving, commanded the Cock-boates and Skowts, to be manned with souldiers, whom hee sent in all haste to rescue their fellowes.

There was a souldier of Caesars company, called Cassi∣us Scaeva, who, with some other of the same band, was carried in a small boat, vnto a rocke, which the ebbing sea, in that place, had made accessible. The Britans e∣spying them, made thitherward: the rest of the Romans escaping, Scaeva alone was left vpon the rocke, to with∣stand the fury of the enraged multitude, that assailed him with their darts, which he received vpon his shield,

and thrust at them with his speare, till it was broken, and his helmet and shield lost: then being tired with extreame toyle, and dangerously wounded, he betooke himselfe to flight, and, (carrying two light harnesses on his backe) with much difficulty recovered Caesars Tent, where hee craved pardon for making so bold an at∣tempt, without commandement of his Generall. Caesar did both remit the offence, and reward the offender, by bestowing vpon him the office of a Centurion.

This was the Scaeva, who afterwards gave good cause to have his name remembred in the Roman story, for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 memorable service he did to Caesar, in the time of the civill warres betweene him and Pompey, at the bat∣taile neere Dyrrachium.

The Romans having at length, got footing on drie land, gave a fresh charge vpon the Britans, and in the end, enforced them to turne their backs, and leave the shore, though they could not pursue them farre into the Land, for want of horsemen, (Caesars accustomed fortune failing him in this one accident.)

CHAP. III.

Some of the Britans submit themselves to Caesar. The Ro∣mans Ships are scattered by tempest. The Bri∣tans secretly reuolt.

THe Britans, after this overthrow, assembling them∣selves together, (vpon consultation had amongst them) sent Ambassadors to Caesar, promising to deliver in pledges, or to doe whatsoever else he would com∣mand them. With these Ambassadors, came Comius of Arras, whom Caesar had sent before out of Gallia, into

Britannie; where, having delivered the Message he had then in charge, he was apprehended, committed to pri∣son, and now after the battaile, released. The cheefe States of the Britans, seeking to excuse their attempts, laid the blame vpon the multitude, who being the grea∣ter number, and wilfully bent to take armes, could nei∣ther by perswasion, nor authority, be restrained: and they pretended their owne ignorance, as being a free people, and not experienced in the customes of other Nations. Caesar, although he reprooved them for ma∣king warre in that manner, (considering that of their owne accord, they had sent Ambassadors to him (be∣fore his arrivall in Britannie) to desire peace: yet was content to pardon them, vpon delivery of pledges, whereof some he received presently, and the rest being to come from remote places, he appointed to be sent in by a certaine day; So the Britans were dismissed to returne into their Countries, and in the meane time there came divers Princes from other parts of the Ile, to submit themselves and their Cities to Caesar.

The fourth day, after the Romans landing, the ships before mentioned, appointed for transportation of Cae∣sars horsemen, having a favourable gale of wind, put out to the sea, from the vpper haven, and approaching neere the Iland, in view of the Roman Campe, asodaine storme arose, and scattered them, driving some of them backe againe to the Port, from whence they came, and some others vpon the lower part of the Iland westward, where, after they had cast anchor, (their keeles being almost overwhelmed with the waves,) they were car∣ryed, by violence of the storme in the night, into the maine, and with very great perill, recovered a harbor in the continent.

The same night, the Moone was at the full, at which

time commonly, the Sea in those parts, is much troub∣led, and overfloweth the banks, by reason of the high tides, (a matter vnknowne to the Romans) insomuch, as the long boates, which transported the armie, then ly∣ing vpon the shore, were filled with the flood; and the ships of burden; that lay at anchor, were beaten with the storme, and split in peeces, the greater number of them perishing in the water, and the rest being made altoge∣ther vnserviceable, (their anchors lost, and tacklings broken:) Wherewith the Romans were much perplex∣ed, for that they neither had any other ships to trans∣port them backe againe, nor any meanes to repaire what the tempest had ruined: and Caesar had formerly resolved to winter in Gallia, by reason he was vnfurni∣shed of vittaile to maintaine his army during the win∣ter season. Which being knowne to the cheefe States of the Britans, (who had met together about the accom∣plishment of such things, as Caesar had commanded them) they supposed a fit opportunity was offered them to revolt, while the Romans wanted horsemen, shipping, and all manner of provisions; the number of their forces seeming also the lesse, in respect of the small circuit of their Campe, (Caesar having transported his Legions without any carriages, or such like warlike ne∣cessaries.) Whereupon they concluded to keepe them from vittaile, and to prolong the warre till winter; assu∣ring themselves, that if they could eyther vanquish the Romans, or barre them from returning thence, there would no forraigne Nation after them, adventure to set foote againe in Britannie. And heereupon they con∣veyed themselves by stealth, out of the Roman Campe, and gathered companie to them privily from diverse parts, to make head against their enemies.

CHAP. IIII.

Caesar repaireth his Navie. A skirmish by land between the Britans and Romans. The Britans retire, and with new forces assaile the Romans, but in the end are put to flight. Caesar returneth into France.

CAEsar, albeit he were ignorant of the Britans pur∣pose, yet supposing that the state of his armie, and the losse of his ships were knowne to them, and considering that they had broken day with him, in de∣taining the pledges contrary to the contract, he suspec∣ted that which afterwards proved true. And therfore to provide remedies against all chances, he caused Corne to be brought dayly out of the fields into his Campe, and such ships as could not be made fit for service, were vsed to repaire the rest, and such other things as were wanting therto, he appointed to be brought out of the continent; by which meanes, and the diligence of his Souldiers, with the losse of twelve Ships, the rest of his Navie was made able to beare saile, and brooke the Seas againe.

While these things were in dooing, the Seventh Le∣gion, (according to custom) was sent forth a forraging; till which time, the Britans revolt was not certainly knowne, for that some of them remained abroad in the fields, & others came ordinarily into the Roman Camp. The Warders in the Station before the Campe, gave notice to Caesar, that the same way which the Legion went, there appeared a greater dust, then was woont to be seene. Caesar mistrusting some new practise of the Britans, commanded the Companies (that kept ward) to march thither, appointing two others to supply their

roomes, and the rest of his forces to arme themselves with speed and follow him. When he approched neer the place discried, he perceived his souldiers to be over∣charged with the Britans, who assailed them on all sides with their darts. For the Britans having conveyed their Corne from all other parts (this only excepted) and su∣specting that the Romans would come thither, lay in the woods all night, to intercept them: and finding them dispersed, and vnreadie, they sodainly set vppon them, (as they were reaping) killing a few of them, and disor∣dering the rest, with their horses and chariots.

The maner of their fighting in Chariots was thus; First, they vsed to ride round about their enemies for∣ces, casting their darts where they saw advauntage, and oftentimes with the fiercenesse of their horses, & whir∣ling of their Chariot wheeles, they broke their enemies ranks: and being gotten in among the troopes of hors∣men, they would leape out of their Chariots, and fight on foot. The Chariot-drivers in the meane time with∣drew themselves by litle and litle out of the battell, and placed themselves in such sort, as their maisters (being over-matched by their enemies) might readily recover their Chariots, so that in their fighting they performed the offices, both of horsmen in swiftnesse of motion, and also of footmen in keeping their ground; and by day∣ly vse, and exercise, they were growne so expert in ma∣naging their horses, as, driving them forcibly downe a steepe hill, they were able to stay or turne them in the mid way, yea, to run along the beame, to stand firme vpon the yoke, and to return thence speedily into their Chariots again.

The Romans being much troubled with this new kind of fight, Caesar came in good time to the rescue. For vpon his approach, the Britans gave over the skir∣mish,

yet keeping still their ground as maisters of the field, and the Romans for fear, retired themselves to their Generall, who thought it no point of wisdome, to ha∣zard his forces in a place vnknowne: but having staied there awhile, conducted the Legions backe againe to his Campe, and in the meane time, the Britans that were in the field, dispersed themselves, and shrunke away.

After this there were for many dayes togither, con∣tinual tempests, which kept the Romans in their campe, and hindred the Britans from making any open at∣tempt, though they sent messengers secretly into di∣verse parts of the Ile, publishing abroad, what a small number of their enemies was left, what great hope there was of a rich bootie, & what apparant likelihood of recovering their libertie, if they could drive the Ro∣mans from their Campe: And hereupon in short time they assembled a great number of horse and foot-men, to put their purpose in execution. Against which, Caesar (vnderstanding thereof) made preparation for defence, having gotten also about thirtie hors-men (which Co∣mius of Arras brought over with him) whose seruice he supposed verie necessarie, if the Britans (according to their woonted maner) should seeke to save themselves by flight. The Legions were placed in battaile array be∣fore his Camp. Then the Britans began the fight, which had not long continued, when they gave back, and fled, the Romans pursuing them as farre as they durst, killing many whom they overtooke, and burning houses and townes as they returned to their Campe.

The same day the Britans sent Ambassadors to Cae∣sar, desiring peace, which after long sute, was granted, vpon condition, that the number of the pledges (which was before required) should be now doubled, and spee∣dily sent over into Gallia. For the Aequinoctial drawing

neere, Caesar made haste thither, doubting his crazed ships would not be well able to brooke the Seas in win∣ter: whereupon taking advauntage of the next faire wind, he embarqued his forces about midnight, and with the greatest part of his Fleete, arrived in the conti∣nent. The Roman Senat (vpon relation of these his ser∣vices) decreed a Supplication for him, for the space of twentie daies.

CHAP. V.

Caesars second expedition into Britannie. The Britans for∣tifie themselves in a wood, from whence they are chased by the Romans. Caesars Navie distressed by tempest.

IN the spring of the yeare following, Caesar having pa∣cified some tumults in Gallia, prosecuted the enter∣prise of Britannie, and to that end he had prepared a Fleet of new ships, well appointed, and commodiously built for landing his forces (the want whereof he had found before, to his great losse) and a sufficient armie consisting of five Legions, and a proportionall number of horse, which he embarqued at* 1.3 Portus Iccius about the Sun-setting, having a faire Southern wind to set them forward; which failing them about midnight, the tide diverted their course, so as in the morning he dis∣covered the Iland on his left hand: and then following the turning of the tide, he commanded his souldiers to vse their Oares that they might reach that part of the Ile, where they had found best landing the Summer be∣fore; wherein they tooke such paines, as their shipps of burden kept way with their long boats and lighter ves∣sels. About noone they landed on the shore, where there appeared no man to make resistance: the cause

wherof was (as Caesar afterwards learned by such priso∣ners, as he tooke) for that the Britans having assembled themselves togither in armes at the Sea side, were so ter∣rified with the sight of the ships (which of all sorts were esteemed above eight hundred saile) that they left the shore, and ran to hide themselves in the vpland Coun∣try. Caesar (vpon intelligence by fugitives, where the Brittish forces lay) leaving at the Sea side, ten Cohorts, and three hundred horse to grade the ships then lying at Anchor, (whereof Quintus Atrius had the charge) marched forward with the rest of his army in the night, about twelve miles into the land, where he espi'd a mul∣titude of Britans flocked togither neere a river, having gotten the vpper ground, from whence they began to charge the Romans with their horse and Chariots; but being repulsed by Caesars hors-men, they fled, and hid themselves in the woods, in a place which being nota∣bly strengthned both by Nature and Art, they had vsed as a fortresse in their civill warres among themselves. For by reason there were many great trees cut downe, and laid overthwart the passages round about, there could hardly any entrance be found into the wood; howbeit the Britans themselves would oft times sally forth vpon advantage, and empeach the Romans, where they attempted to enter. Hereupon Caesar commanded the Souldiers of the Seventh Legion to make a* 1.4 Testudo, and to raise a Mount against the place; by which means, after losse of men on both sides, the Romans in the end got the Fort, & chased the Britans out of the wood; but Caesar would not suffer his Souldiers to pursue them far, in regard the place was vnknown, and a great part of the day being then spent, he thought it fit to bestow the rest in fortifying his Campe.

The next day in the morning, he sent out hors-men

and foot-men three severall wayes to pursue them that fled; but, before they had gotten sight of the Bri∣tans, certain hors-men sent from Quintus Atrius (who had charge of the shipping) brought newes, that a great tempest the night before had distressed his ships, and beaten them vpon the shore, their Anchors and Cables being not able to hold them, nor the mariners to guide them, or to endure the force of the storme. Wherupon Caesar caused the Legions, and hors-men to be sent for backe againe, and marched with speede towards the sea side, where he found his Navy in ill plight; fortie of his ships being cleane cast away, and the rest with great dif∣ficultie seeming likely to be recovered. For effecting wherof, he tooke some Shipwrights out of the Legions, and sent for others out of the continent; writing to La∣bienus (who had the charge of certaine Legions there, and the gard of Portus Iccius) that he should prepare as many ships as he could, to be sent over vnto him with expedition. And though it were a worke of great toile; yet hee thought it necessarie to have all the ships haled on shore, and to be brought into the campe, where his land-forces lay, that one place might be a safegard to them both. In the accomplishment hereof he spent ten dayes (the souldiers scarce intermitting their labour in the night time, till all was finished.

CHAP. VI.

Cassibelin is chosen by the Britans to be their Leader. The Britans assaile the Romans, but with ill successe. Caesar with his armie wadeth over the river of Thames.

CAEsar having fortified his Campe, and left there the same forces (which were before appointed to

keepe the harbour) returned to the place, whence he dislodged vpon Atrius his advertisement, where he found the number of the Britans much increased by confluence of people from sundry parts within the Iland. The chiefe commandement & direction for the warre, was by publike consent of the States of th'Ile, as∣signed to Cassibelin; the bounds of whose territorie were divided from the maritime Cities, by the river Thami∣sis, & were distant from the Sea about four-score miles. There had beene of long time continuall warre be∣tweene him, and some other Princes of the Countries neer adioyning: but now (both parts fearing to be o∣verrun by a forrain enemie) neglected private respects, and joyned their forces togither, appointing him to be their leader, as a man of whose valor, and sufficiencie in militare affaires they had good experience.

The Roman army being come in view of their ene∣mies Campe, the Britans pressed forward to begin the fight with their hors-men and Chariots, and Caesar sent out his hors-men to encounter them, so as the battaile was maintained with great resolution on both parts, and the event thereof seemed doubtfull, till in the end, the Britans gave ground, and fled through the woods to the hills, many of them being slaine in the chase, and some of the Romans also, who adventerously pursued them too farre.

Not long after, while the Romans (suspecting no dan∣ger) were occupied in fortefying their campe, the Bri∣tans sallyed sodainly out of the woods, and made an as∣sault vpon the Warders, that kept station before the Campe, to whose aide Caesar sent out two Cohorts (the chiefe of two Legions) which making a lane through the midst of the British forces, joyned themselves with their distressed fellowes, and rescued them from the

perill, though Quintus Laberius Durus, a Tribune of the Souldiers was slain in that enterprise. But new Cohorts comming to supply the former, the Britans were repul∣sed, and sought to save themselves by flight. By the ma∣ner of this skirmish, (which was fought in view of the Roman Campe) the Romans perceived the advaun∣tage, which the Britans had of them, and how ill them∣selves were appointed for such a kind of fight, when by reason of the weight of their armor, they could neither pursue such as fled, nor durst leave their Ensignes, nor were able (without great disadvantage) to encounter the British hors-men, which oft times gave ground of purpose; and having withdrawne themselves by litle and litle from the Legions, would leap out of their cha∣riots and fight on foot; the maner of their fighting with horses and Chariots, being alike dangerous to those that retired, and those that pursued. Besides, they divi∣ded their forces into companies (when they fought) and had severall stations, with great distances betweene them, one troope seconding an other, and the sound and fresh men yeelding supplies to the wounded and wearie.

The day following the Britans were descried vpon the hils a farre off, scattred here and there in great num∣bers togither, being not verie forward to begin a new fight, till Caesar having sent out three Legions, and all his hors-men, vnder the conduct of C. Trebonius the Liev∣tenant, to go a forraging, they flocked sodainly togither from all parts, and set vpon the forragers, not sparing to assaile the Ensigns and Legions themselves, who strong∣ly resisted them, and made them turn their backs, when the Roman hors-men also eagerly pursued them, never giving over the chase (as being confident in the ayde of the Legions that followed them) vntill they had driven

them headlong before them, killing all those they over∣tooke, and giving the rest no time, either to gather themselves togither, or to make a stand, or once to for∣sake their Chariots. After this overthrow, many of the barbarous people (who had come from diverse parts to aide their Countri-men) shrunke away; and Caesar vn∣derstanding, what course the rest of the Britans meant to hold in prosecuting the warre, led his armie to the bounds of Cassibelins Countrey, vpon the River of Thames, which was passable on foot, in one place onely and that with some difficultie. When he came thither, he perceived that the Britans had great forces in readi∣nesse on the further side of the River, the banks where∣of were fortified with sharpe pointed stakes, or piles, (a∣bout the bignesse of a mans thigh, and bound about with lead,) pitched neere the shore, to empeach their passage; and some others of the same kind (the rem∣nants whereof are to be seene at this day) were planted covertly vnder water in the maine River. Whereof Cae∣sar having intelligence (by some Fugitives, and priso∣ners that he had taken) commaunded the hors-men, first, to enter the River, and the Legions to follow, so as (the dangerous places being discovered) the Romans waded through (their heads onely appearing above water) and charged the Britans with such violence, as they forced them to forsake the shore, and betake them∣selves to flight.

CHAP. VII.

The Britans surprise the Roman horsemen. The treacherie of Mandubratius the Britan, whom Caesar protecteth. Cassibelin wearied with ill successe of the warre, submit∣teth himselfe to Caesar. Tribute imposed vpon the Bri∣tans. Caesar saileth into France.

CAssibelin seeing no likeli-hood to maintaine the warre any longer by force, dismissed the greater part of his power, and keeping with him about foure thousand Chariots only, retired into the woods, and places of most safetie, driving men and cattell be∣fore him out of the fields, all that way, by which he knew the Romans should passe with their armie, whose hors-men (as they roved vp and down to take booties) he surprized with his Chariots, and distressed them in such sort, as they durst not march forward, but kee∣ping themselves in their strength, gave over their for∣mer purpose, and from thence-foorth sought onely to annoy the Britans, by spoiling and burning their houses and townes.

In the meane time thea 1.5 Trinobantes, one of the chief States in those parts, sent Ambassadors to Caesar, promi∣sing to submit themselves, and to be at his commaun∣dement. There was also one Mandubratius, who had fled over to Caesar, when he was in Gallia, and was now be∣come a follower of his fortune, while preferring the sa∣tisfaction of his owne discontented humor, before the advancement of the common cause, he served as an in∣strument, to betray his native Country, abusing the cre∣dit which he had with his Countrie-men, by working their submission, to his owne dishonor, and the advan∣tage

of a forraine enemie. His father Imanentius, (ha∣ving bin sometimes chiefe ruler of the Citie of the Tri∣nobantes, and well esteemed among them) was slaine by Cassibelin the present Governor, against whom the Ci∣tizens desired Caesar to protect Mandubratius, and to commit vnto him the government of their City; which Caesar granted vpon deliverie of a certaine number of pledges, and a sufficient proportion of vittaile for pro∣vision of his Armie. Hereupon diverse pettie States there about, sent Ambassadors, and yeelded themselves to Caesar, who vnderstood by them, that Cassibelin his Towne (being well stored with men, and cattell,) was not farre from thence. This towne (as all others so cal∣led of the Britans in those dayes) was onely a circuit of ground enclosed with woods, and marishes, or else en∣trenched with a rampire of earth about it. Caesar com∣ming with his Legio•• to this place, (which he found ve∣rie strong, as being fortified, both naturally, and also by the industrie of man) began to assaile it on both sides. The Britans having expected a while the event of the enterprise, and perceiving themselves vnable to with∣stand the assault, issued out at a backe way, where many of them being slaine, and some taken (as they fled,) the towne it selfe, and all the provisions within it, were left as a spoile to the Romans.

While these things were in doing among the Tri∣nobantes, Cassibelin dispatched messengers into the coun∣try ofa 1.6 Cantium, that lies vpon the sea. The inhabitants of those parts were then more civill, and better furnished to make warre than any other of the Ile. The country at that time was governed by foure Kings, (as Caesar him∣selfe calleth them) either for that they had among them a kind of absolute government in several, or else, for that being the Register of his owne acts, he supposed it

would be more for his glorie to be reputed a conqueror of Kings. Their names were Cingetorix, Carvilius, Taxi∣magulus, and Segonax, whom Gassibelin then required to raise all the power they could make, and on the sodaine to assaile the Roman forces, that garded their ships at the sea side. This was attempted accordingly, but with ill successe, for that the Romans having timely advertise∣ment of their purpose, prevented the execution therof, by setting vpon them as they drew neere the Roman armie; and so, after a great slaughter made of the Bri∣tans (Cingetorix a noble captaine, and one of their Prin∣ces being taken prisoner) the Romans returned in safetie to their Campe.

Cassibelin, hearing of the vnhappie issue of this enter∣prise, after so many losses sustained on his part, (his Country being wasted with warre) and himselfe in a maner forsaken, by the revolt of the cities round about, (which most of all discouraged him) sent Ambassadors to Caesar by Comius of Arras, offering to submit himselfe vpon reasonable conditions.

Caesar determining to winter in Gallia (the state of his affaires there requiring it) and the summer being almost spent, commanded that he should deliver certaine pled∣ges for assurance of his obedience, and that he should offer no wrong, nor give cause of offence to Mandubra∣tius, or the Trinobantes, whom he had taken into speciall protection. And then having imposed a Tribute, to be payed yearly by the Britans, to the people of Rome, he marched towards the seaside, where he embarqued his forces, and arrived with them safely in the continent.

Thus Caesar having rather shewed some part of Bri∣tannie to the Romans, then made a conquest of the whole: supposed he had done sufficiently for his owne glorie, in vndertaking a matter so rare and difficult in

those times. At his comming to Rome, he presented there certaine captives (which he had taken in the Bri∣tish warres) whose strangenesse of shape and behaviour filled the peoples eyes, both with wonder, and delight. He offered also in the Temple of Venus genetrix a sur∣cote embrodered with British Pearle, as a Trophy, and spoyle of the Ocean, leaving to posteritie a perpetuall remembrance of his enterprise in this Iland, to the ho∣nor, both of his owne name, and of the Roman nation.

CHAP. VIII.

Augustus succeedeth Iulius Caesar in the Empire. The state of the Britans in his time vnder Cuno-belin their Governor. The first British coyne. The birth of our Saviour Christ. Tiberius the Emperour forbeareth to attempt any thing in Britannie.

AFter the death of Iulius Caesar (by reason of the ci∣vill warres among the Romans) the Ile of Britan∣nie was for a time neglected, and Augustus Caesar being setled in the Empire (which was then growne to such greatnesse, as it seemed even cumbred therewith) accounted it good policie to containe the same within his knowne bounds: Besides, the attempt was like to prove dangerous, and a matter of verie great expence, to send an armie so farre off, to make warre with a Bar∣barous Nation, for desire of glorie onely (no speciall cause besides mooving therto.) Howbeit (as some wri∣ters report) about twentie yeares after Iulius Caesars first entrance, Augustus intended a voyage hither in person, alledging for pretence of the warre, the wrong offred to the Roman state, by such princes of the Ile as had for certain years with-held the tribute, which Caesar his pre∣decessor

had imposed. Vpon intelligence whereof, the Britans sent over Ambassadors, who meeting the Em∣perour ina 1.7 Gallia Celtica, declared their submission, and desired pardon: And the better to win favour, they had caried over certaine gifts of good value, to be presen∣ted, as offrings in the Roman Capitoll (having alreadie learned the Art to flatter for advantage, and to appease Princes by rewards.) Hereupon, a conditionall peace was granted them, and the Emperor having pacified some troubles in Gallia, returned to Rome. Then began the Ilanders to pay Tribute, and custome for all kinde of wares which they exchanged with the Gauls, as namely Ivorie boxes, Iron chaines, and other trinkets of Amber, and glasse, which were transported to and fro both out of Gallia, and Britannie.

They are following, the Britans having failed in per∣formance of conditions, he prepared for another expe∣dition; but being set forward on his voyage, the revolt of theb 1.8 Cantabrians, andc 1.9 Asturians, stayed him from proceeding any further therein. After which time the Britans were left to themselves, to enioy their libertie, and vse their owne lawes without empeachment by forreigne invaders; for that the Romans (having found the sweetnesse of peace, after long civill warres) sought rather to keepe in obedience such Provinces as had bin before time brought vnder subjection, then by attemp∣ting new conquests, to hazard the losse of that they had alreadie gotten.

In those dayes the Country of the Trinobantes in Britannie, was governed by Cuno-belin, who kept his re∣sidence atd 1.10 Camalodunum. He began first to reclaime the Britans from their rude behavior: and to make his estate more respected, he afterwards caused his owne Image to be stamped on his Coine after the maner of the Ro∣mans,

mans (a custome never vsed among the Britans before his dayes, and but then newly received by the Romans themselves; for before that time the Britans vsed Rings of Iron, and little plates of brasse of a certaine weight in stead of coine. During the time of his government, the divine mysterie of humane redemption was accompli∣shed by the birth of our Saviour Christ, (Augustus Cae∣sar then possessing the Roman Empire, which he after∣wards left to Tiberius his adopted son, a warie and poli∣tike Prince, who following the advise and example of Augustus, did never attempt any thing in Britannie, nor maintaine any garrison there: howbeit the Britans at that time were well affected to the Romans, as appeared by the entertainment, which their pettie Princes gave to some Souldiers of the Roman army in Germanie, who in crossing the seas, were by force of weather cast vpon the coast of Britannie, and from thence in curteous ma∣ner sent backe to Germanicus their Generall.

CHAP. IX.

The ridiculous expedition of Caius Caligula the Emperor, intending a voyage into Britannie. His vaineglorie and crueltie.

CAius Caligula succeeding Tiberius in the Empire, had a meaning doubtlesse to have invaded the Ile of Britannie, had not his rash entrance into the action, and his ill successe in the German warre, over∣throwne the enterprise; by reason whereof he brought nothing to effect, but onely made a ridiculous expedi∣tion, (answerable to the vanitie of his humor) bringing an army into the hither parts of Belgia, and there having

received into protection Adminus (whom Cuno-belin his father had banished) and certaine other British Fugi∣tives, that came with him) he writ vaunting Letters to the Senate, as though the whole Iland had yeelded it selfe, having given speciall charge to the Messenger, that his letters should be carried in a Chariot to the Fo∣rum, and not delivered to the Consuls, but in a full Se∣nat, and in the Temple of Mars. Afterwards drawing his forces downe to the sea coasts of Belgia (whence with wonder he beheld the high Cliffes of the Ile pos∣sessed with barbarous people) he placed his Souldiers in battaile array vpon the shore, and himselfe entring in∣to a long Boat, was rowed a little way vpon the Sea. But not daring to adventure further, he returned speedily to land, and then commanding a charge to be founded, as though he would have begun a fight, he appointed his Souldiers to gather Cockles, and Muskles in their Helmets, tearming them spoyles of the Ocean, and meet to be preserved, as offerings due to the Capitoll. For this exploit, he afterwards at his comming to Rome, was not ashamed to demaund a Triumph, and divine honors to be assigned him; but finding the Senators, for the most part, vnwilling to give their assent, he burst out into threats, and had slaine some of them in the place, if they had not speedily avoyded his furie. After this, himselfe in open assembly made a declaration of his journey, and what adventures he had passed in the con∣quest of the Ocean (as himselfe vainly termed it) where∣at the common people, either for fear, or flatterie, gave a generall applause; which he (taking it as a testimonie of their desire to have him placed among their gods) re∣warded in this shameful maner: He caused a great quan∣titie of gold and silver to be scattered on the ground, and certaine poysoned Caltrops of Iron to be cast a∣mong

them, whereby many were killed, partly with those envenomed engines, and partly with the presse one of another (each man being earnest in gathering, and supposing another mans gaine his owne losse:) So naturally was he inclined to all kinds of mischiefe, as he spared not the lives even of those, whom he thought to deserve best at his hands.

CHAP. X.

Claudius succeeding Caius in the Empire, sendeth Aulus Plautius with an armie out of France into Britannie. The Roman souldiers are vnwilling to be transported thither: and entring into mutinie, are appeased by Nar∣cissus the Emperours favourite. Plautius chargeth the Britans, and taketh Cataratacus their captain prisoner, for which he afterwards triumpheth.

CLaudius the Emperour, with better advise then Caius his predecessor, and with much better for∣tune, vndertooke the action in the third yeare of his reigne; and first, by perswasion of Bericus a British fu∣gitive, and others, whom the Romans had received into their protection (a matter that much discontented the Britans, & stirred them vp to revolt) he sent Aulus Plau∣tius a Roman Senator, a man well experienced in mili∣tare affaires, to take charge of the Armie then remai∣ning in Gallia, and to transport it into the Iland, where∣at the Souldiers grudged, complaining, that they should now make warre out of the world, and by pro∣tracting time with vnnecessary delaies, they discovered openly their vnwillingnes to enter into the service, till Narcissus a favorite of Claudius, being sent to appease

them, went vp into Plautius his Tribunal seat, and there in an Oration, declared to the Souldiers the causes of his comming, & exhorted them not to shrink, for feare of vncertain dangers: That the enterprise it self, the more perillons it seemed, the more honorable it would be to atchieve it: that themselves were the men whom the heavens had or∣dained to enlarge the bounds of the Roman Empire, and to make their owne names famous in the vtmost parts of the earth. But the Souldiers at the first being moved with disdaine, cried out in seditious maner (Io. Saturnalia,) as though they had been then ready to solemnize a feast, at which the Custome was, that servants should weare their Maisters apparell, and represent their persons. Howbeit Narcissus giving way to their furie for the present, did afterwards prevaile so farre with them, as partly for shame, and partly for hope of reward, they seemed content to follow Plautius, whither soever he would conduct them.

Then were thea 1.11 andb 1.12 Auxiliarie souldi∣ers divided into three parts, so to be embarqned, to the end, that if they should be empeached in one place, they might land in another. In crossing the Sea, their ships were shaken, and beaten backe with a contrarie wind; albeit their courage failed not, but rather encrea∣sed, by reason of a firie leame shooting from the East towards the West (the self same way that they directed their course) which they interpreted as a token of good successe. And thereupon hoising saile, they set forward againe, and with some difficultie (through the contra∣rietie of wind and tide,) arrived in the Iland without a∣ny resistance, by reason that the Britans doubted not their comming; but then finding themselves surprized on the sodaine, they ran dispersedly to hide themselves in Woods and Marishes, holding it their best course, ra∣ther

to prolong the warre, and wearie their enemies by delayes, then to encounter them in the open field. But Plautius with much labour and hazard found out at length, their chiefe place of retreite, where he killd ma∣ny of them, and tooke prisoner Cataratacus their Cap∣taine, one of the Sonnes of Cuno-belin, (not long before deceased.) For this exploit the Roman Senate did after∣wards grant him a Triumph, which the Emperor Clau∣dius honoured with his owne person, accompanying him as he went vp into the Capitoll.

CHAP. XI.

Plautius the Lievtenant pursueth the service in Britannie. Vespasian (serving vnder him) was in danger to have beene slaine, or taken, by the Britans, if he had not beene rescued by Titus his sonne. The Britans passe over the river of Thames, and assaile the Romans that follow them. Togodumnus a British Prince is slaine in the fight. Plautius being in distresse, desisteth for a time from further prosecution of the warre.

THea 1.13 Boduni (then living vnder the government of theb 1.14 Cattieuchlani) betooke themselves to the pro∣tection of Plautius, who leaving garrisons in those parts, marched towardes a river, over which the Bri∣tans supposed that the Romans could not passe without a Bridge, and therefore imagined themselves safe, ha∣ving pitched their Campe on the other side of the wa∣ter. But Plautius sent over certain Germans (who being accustomed to swim over rivers with swift currents e∣ven in their armor) found an easie passage to the fur∣ther bank, and there set vpon the Britans, wounding the

horses which drew their Chariots, and by that meanes overthrowing their riders, and disordering their whole power. ••hen was Flauius Vespasian (who had the leading of the Second Legion, and Sabinus his brother, appointed to passe over, and to charge them on a sodaine as they were dispersed. Some of the Britans being slaine, and some taken prisoners, the night made an end of the skir∣mish. The next morning the rest of the dispersed rout shewed themselves vpon the shore, and gave occasion of a new fight, which continued a long time, with equall advantage, till C. Sydius Geta being in danger to have beene taken, recovered himself, and at the last enforced the Britans to retire; For which service he had after∣wards Triumphall honours assigned him, although he were no Consull. In this conflict Vespasian (being beset round about by the barbarous people) was in great danger, either to have beene slaine, or taken, if he had not beene timely rescued by Titus his sonne, who then exercised the office of a Tribune of the Souldiers, and be∣gan in his tender yeares to give some proofe of his va∣lour. After this battell, the Britans withdrew them∣selves to the mouth of the river Thamisis, neer the place where it falles into the sea, and being skilfull in the shal∣lowes and firme grounds, passed over in safetie, whenas the Romans that pursued them, (not knowing the dan∣gerous places) were oft times in great hazard. Some of the Germans that were most forward to adventure (by reason of their skill in swimming) assoone as they had got to the further shore, were compassed about and kil∣led by the barbarous people, and the rest of the Roman army that folowed, was much distressed in the passage, and sharply assailed at their comming on land; where began a bloodie fight, in the which Togodumnus a Bri∣tish Prince, one of Cunobelins sonnes was slaine; whose

death did nothing abate the courage of the Britans, but rather enflamed them with desire of revenge: for the ef∣fecting whereof, they gathered togither new forces, from diverse parts of the Ile. Plautius fearing the great∣nesse of their power, and being straitned in a place of disadvantage, and danger, proceeded no further at that time, but fortifying onely such townes as he had alrea∣die taken, advertised Claudius of the doubtfull state of his affaires.

CHAP. XII.

The valor and fortune of Vespasian in the British warre. He subdueth the Ile of Wight. The Expedition of Claudius the Emperour into Britannie. He defeateth the Britans, and planteth a Colonie of old souldiers at Maldon in Essex. His sonne is surnamed Britanni∣cus. At his returne to Rome, he is honoured with a Triumph. The Christian faith first received in Bri∣tannie, in the reigne of Claudius.

IN the meane time, Vespasian was imploied in other places of the Ile, where fortune seemed to lay the foundation of that greatnesse, vnto which he after∣wards attained; For in a short space, he fought thirtie times with the Britans, overcomming two warlike na∣tions, and taming the fiercea 1.15 Belgae, whose ancestors, comming hither at the first out of Gallia Belgica, either to take booties, or to make war, gave the name of their owne Countrey to such places as they had subdued: (a custom commonly vsed among the Gauls, when they seated themselves in any part of this Iland.)

With like fortunate successe Vespasian proceeded in attempting, and conquering the Ileb 1.16 Vectis, that lieth on

the South side of Britannie, when Claudius the Emperor being now furnished of all things necessarie for the British expedition, set forward with a mightie armie, consisting of horsemen, footmen, and Elephants. He marched first to Ostia: from thence to Massilia: the rest of the voyage he made by land toa 1.17 Gessoriacum in Gallia, where he embarqued. His forces being safely transpor∣ted into the Ile, were led towards the river Thamisis, where Plautius and Vespasian with their power attended his comming; so the two armies being ioyn'd togither, crossed the river againe. The Britans that were assem∣bled to encounter them, began the fight, which was sharply maintained on both sides, till in the end, a great number of the Ilanders being slaine, the rest fled into the woods, through which the Romans pursued them, even to the towne ofb 1.18 Camalodunum, which had bin the royall seate of Cunobelm, and was then one of the most defensible places in the dominions of the Trinobantes. This towne they surprised, and afterwards fortified, planting therin a Colonie of old souldiers, to strengthen those parts and to keepe the inhabitants there in obedi∣ence. Then were the Britans disarmed, howbeit Clau∣dius remitted the confiscation of their goods; for which favour the barbarous people erected a Temple and an Altar vnto him, honouring him as a god. Now the States of the countrey round about, being so weakned by the losse of their neighbours, and their owne civill dissentions, as they were vnable to resist the Roman power any longer, began to offer their submission, pro∣mising to obey, and live peaceably vnder the Roman government; and so, by little, and little, the hither part of the Ile was reduced into the forme of a Province.

In honour of this victorie, Claudius was divers times saluted by the name of Imperator, contrarie to the Ro∣man

custome, which permitted it but once for one Ex∣pedition. The Senate of Rome also, vpon advertisement of his successe, decreed, that he should be called Britan∣nicus, and that his sonne should have the same title, as a surname proper and hereditarie to the Claudian familie. M••ssalma his wife (the monster of her sex for impuden∣cie and lascivious life) had the first place in counsell as∣signed her, (as Livia the wife of Augustus sometimes had) & was also licenced to ride in a Chariot. At his re∣turne to Rome (which was the sixt month after his de∣parture thence, having continued but sixteene dayes only in the Ile, he entred the citie in a Triumph) perfor∣med with more then vsuall ceremonies of state, wherat certaine Presidents of Provinces, and banished men were permitted to be present. On the top of his pal∣lace was placed a Crowne set with stems, and foreparts of ships, which the Romans called (Corona navalis) as a signe of the conquest of the Ocean. Diverse Captaines that had served vnder him in Britannie, were honoured with Triumphal ornaments; Yearly playes were appoin∣ted for him, and two Arches of Triumph adorned with Trophies were erected, the one at Rome, the other at Gessoriaoum, (where he embarqued for Britannie) to re∣maine to succeeding ages, as perpetuall records of his victorie; So great a matter was it then accounted, and a worke of such merit, to have subdued so small a part of the Iland.

About this time (as it may be probably conjectu∣red Christian Religion being yet greene, and of small growth, began to cast forth some small sparkles of her brightnesse in the Ile of Britannie: whither Christians of Rome, and other Countries (then flying persecution) resorted for safetie, and quietnesse, as to a place remote, and by reason of the warres, and troubles there, not

much subiect to Inquisition: whenas also diverse Bri∣tans remaining at Rome (where Christianitie then in∣creased) either for hostages, or detained as prisoners, or happly for some private respects of profite, and plea∣sure, had oportunitie and libertie to converse with the Roman Christians, and to be by them instructed, and confirmed in the faith of Christ.

CHAP. XIII.

Ostorius Scapula is sent by Claudius the Emperour to suc∣ceed Plautius in the office of Lievtenancie. The Bri∣tans in diverse parts of the Ile take armes, but are spee∣dily suppressed. The Roman Generall seeketh by leni∣tie to purchase the good opinion of the Britans.

IN these termes stood the state of Britannie, when Plautius the Lievtenant was revoked, and the prosecu∣tion of the warre committed to P. Ostorius Scapula, who at his landing found all in an vprore, the Britans (that were yet vnconquered,) raunging the Confede∣rates country, and vsing the greater violence, for that they supposed the new Captaine, as vnacquainted with his armie (the winter also being then begun) would not come forth to encounter them; but he knowing well, that in such cases, the first successe breedeth, either feare, or confidence, drew together with speed his readiest Cohorts, and made towards them, slaying such as re∣sisted, and pursuing the residue, (whom he found strag∣led abroad) lest they should make head againe. And, that a faithlesse and cloaked peace might not give, ei∣ther the Captaine, or souldier any time of idle repose, he disarmed all those whom he suspected, and hemmed

them in with Garisons betweenea 1.19 Antona, and b 1.20Sabrina.

The first that began to stirre, were thec 1.21 Icenians, a strong people, and vnshaken with warres, as having of their owne accord in former times, sought the Romans alliance and amitie. The Countries also adioyning neer vnto them, following their example, prepared them∣selves to fight, choosing a place that was compassed a∣bout with a rude trench, which had a narrow entrance to empeach the comming in of horsemen. That fence the Roman Captaine, (although he wanted the strength of the Legions) went about to force with the ayd of the Confederates alone; and having placed his Cohorts in rankes, he set his Troopes of horsemen also in like rea∣dinesse: Then giving the signe of battell, he assailed the Rampire, and brake it, disordering the Britans, who be∣ing stricking with a kind of remorse for their rebellious attempts, and seeing the passages stopped vp on al sides, shewed verie great courage and valour in defending themselves (as it falleth out oft times, where extremitie of danger it selfe takes away all feare of danger.) In this fight M. Ostorius the Lievtenants sonne was crowned with an Oken Garland, as an honourable reward for sa∣ving a Roman Citizen.

Now by the slaughter of the Icenians, the rest of the Britans (who stood vpon doubtfull termes, as wavering betweene warre and peace) were well quieted, and O∣storius led his armie against thed 1.22 Cangi, whose country he spoyled and wasted while the inhabitants durst not come into the field, but privily surprised such as they found stragling behind the Roman armie, which was now come neere the sea coast, that lookes toward Ire∣land, whenas certaine tumults stirred among thee 1.23 Bri∣gantes, brought backe the General, who thought it best,

not to enter into any new action, before he had made all sure in those parts; howbeit, vpon his comming thither, some few of the Brigantes (that first began to take armes) being taken and put to death, the residue were pardoned, and the Countrey quieted. For the Generall wisely considering, that in such cases, lenitie sometimes prevaileth, where force and rigor cannot, did seeke to win favour of the Britans by curteous v∣sage of such, as either fled vnto him for protection, or else, by the fortune of warre fell into his hands, some∣times pardoning them, sometimes rewarding them, and sometimes vsing them in service against their owne nation, as he did Cogidunus a British Prince, vpon whom he had bestowed certaine Cities in free gift, according to an ancient custome among the Romans, who vsed even Kings themselves for instruments of bondage. But thea 1.24 Silures could neither by crueltie, nor faire meanes be held in, so as the Generall saw there was no way to keepe them vnder, but with a garrison of Legio∣narie Souldiers; and to that end the Colonie at Camalodu∣num (consisting of a strong companie of old Souldiers) was brought into the subdued Country, to defend it a∣gainst such as should rebell, and to make the confede∣rates more willing to live in obedience.

CHAP. XIIII.

Ostorious the Roman Generall maketh warre vpon the Silures and Ordovices, the ancient Inhabitants of South-wales, and North-wales. Caractacus their captaine being overthrowne in battaile, flieth for succor to Cartismandua the Princesse of the Brigantes, who then inhabited that part of the Ile which now contey∣neth the counties of Yorke, Lancaster, Durham, Westmerland, and Cumberland. He is betraied and delivered to Ostorius.

THen the armie marched against the Silures, who be∣sides their naturall boldnes, relied much vpon the strength of Caractacus their leader, a man that had waded through great dangers, and had bin fortunate in many adventures, having gotten thereby such reputa∣tion, as he was preferred before all the British captaines. But as in policie and knowledge of the country, he had an advantage of the Romans: so perceiving himselfe to be vnequally matched in strength, he removed the warre to thea 1.25 Ordovices, who entring into the action with him, (as fearing alike the Roman power) resolved ioyntly to hazard the chaunce of warre. And hereupon they prepared for battell, having chosen a place verie commodious for themselves, and disadvantageable for their enemies. Then they went to the top of an hill, and where they found any easy passage vp, they stopped the way with heapes of stones, in maner of a rampire. Not farre off, ran a River with an vncertaine foord, where, vpon the banke, a company of the best souldiers were placed, for a defence in the fore-ward. The leaders went about, exhorting, and encouraging the common

souldiers, vsing such perswasions as might best fit their humors, and the present occasion; and Caractacus him∣selfe, coursing vp and downe, protested, that that day, and that battel, should be either the beginning of reco∣verie of libertie, or of perpetuall servitude. Then he cal∣led vpon the names of his auncesters, that had chased Caesar the Dictator out of the Ile, and had delivered them from hatchets, and Tributes, and protected their wives and children from shame and violence. While he vttered these, or the like speeches, the people round a∣bout him made a noyse, and euerie man sware, accor∣ding to the religion of his Country, that neither their enemies weapons, nor their owne wounds, should make them to give over. That cheerfull crie, terrified and astonied the Roman Generall, and the rather, when he considered how he was couped in, having the river beneath him, the fort before him, the high hils hanging over it, and all things on euerie side threatning daunger and destruction to the assailers. Howbeit his souldiers demaunded the battell, crying, That there was no∣thing which valour could not overcome. The Prefects and Tribunes, vsing the like speeches, added courage to the rest.

Then Ostorius having viewed the places of difficult accesse, led his Souldiers (being hot and eagre of the fight) vnto the further side of the river, and from thence to the Rampire, where while they fought with their Darts, they had the woorst, but having broken downe the rude compacted heape of stones with a Testudo, and both armies comming to handie strokes vpon equal ad∣vauntage, the Britans turned their backs, and ran to the hill top, the Romans pursuing them, both with their light and heauie armed souldiers, the one assailing with darts, and the other (as they marched thicke togither)

breaking the ranks, and beating downe the barbarous people, who had neither head-peece, nor armor to de∣fend themselves, so that being hedged in betweene the Legionarie souldiers, and the Auxiliaries, the greatest part of them were slaine in the place.

At this assault Caractacus his wife, and daughter were taken prisoners, and his brethren yeelded to the enemies; but himselfe driven to extremitie, escaped by flight into the Countrie of the Brigantes, hoping to re∣ceive some aide of Cartismandua the soveraigne Lady there. But, as it falleth out commonly with men in ad∣versitie, to be forsaken and left succorlesse: so insteed of finding the reliefe which he expected, he fell into the danger which he little doubted. For Cartismandua, ei∣ther fearing her owne estate, or thinking to win favour of the Conqueror (as Princes oft times make vse of one anothers misfortunes to serve their own turnes) detai∣ned him in prison a while, and afterward delivered him to Ostorius, who was exceeding glad that he had gotten him, and forthwith sent him to Rome, as a prize of great worth, and the happie fruits of nine yeares service in the warres.

CHAP. XV.

Caractacus the British Prince is sent to Rome, and presen∣ted there before Claudius the Emperour. His habite, speech, and behaviour. He is pardoned, and dismissed.

THe report of Caractacus misfortune was soone spred throughout the Iles and Provinces adioy∣ning, for his name was renowmed in most parts of Italie, and each man desired to see him, who had so long time withstood, and contemned that power, which

held all the world in awe, and obedience. The Citty of Rome for many dayes togither was filled only with talke of him, and expectation of his comming; and the Em∣perour himselfe as a Conqueror, by extolling his owne worthinesse, covertly added more glory to the conque∣red. The people assembled togither, as it were to see some notable and rare spectacle. The Emperors guard in armes were orderly placed in the field before the camp. After this preparation made, the prisoners, and Trophies were presented in this maner; First the vassals of Caracta∣cus going formost, bowed their bodies to the people, as they passed, and seemed by their rufull countenances to discover their feare. The caparisons, chaines, and o∣ther spoiles taken in the warre, were carried after them. Then Caractacus his Brethren, his Wife, and Daughters followed; and last of all came Caractacus himselfe. His bodie was naked, for the most part, and painted with the figures of diverse beasts. He ware a chain of yron about his necke, and another about his middle. The haire of his head hanging downe in long locks (curled by na∣ture) covered his backe and shoulders, and the haire of his vpper lip being parted on both sides, lay vpon his breast. The rest of his body was shaven all over. Neither was his behaviour lesse noted, then the strangenes of his habite: For he neither hung down his head, nor cra∣ved mercie (as the rest did) but went on boldly with a setled and sterne countenance, till he came before the Emperors Tribunall seat, and there standing stil a while, he after spake these, or the like wordes.

If either my vertues in prosperitie, had beene an∣swerable to the greatnesse of my estate, or the successe of my late attempts to the resolution of my mind, I might have come to this Citie, to have beene enter∣tained, rather as a Friend, than as a captive to be gazed

vpon; For it should have beene no disgrace for the Romans, to have admitted into societie with them, a man royally discended, and a commaunder of manie warlike Nations. But what cloud soever Fortune hath cast over my estate, she is not able to take from me those things, which the heavens and Nature have gi∣ven me: (that is,) the dignitie of my Birth, and the courage of my Mind, which never failed me: I know it is a custome among you, to make your Triumphs, the spectacles of other mens miseries, and in this my Calamitie, as in a Mirror, you do now behold your owne glorie. Yet know, that I was sometimes a Prince, furnished with strength of men, and abili∣ments of warre; and what marvaile is it, that I have now lost them, since your owne experience hath taught you, that the events of warre are variable, and vncertaine? I thought that the deepe Waters, which like a Wall enclose vs, (whom the heavens seeme to have placed farre off, in another world by it selfe,) might have bin a sufficient defence for vs against for∣raigne invasion: But I see now, that your Desire of soveraigntie admits no limitation, since neither the danger of an vnknown Sea, nor the distance of place, can any longer warrant our safetie and libertie. If you will needs command the whole world, then must all men become your vassals, and live vnder a forced o∣bedience. For mine owne part, so long as I was able, I made resistance, being vnwilling to submit my neck to a forraine Yoke. The law of naturall reason al∣loweth everie man to defend himselfe, being assailed, and to withstand force, by force. Had I yeelded at the first, thy glorie, and my mis-hap had not bin so renowned, but both of them would soone have been forgotten. Fortune hath done her woorst, and we

have now nothing left vs, but our lives, which if thou spare (having power to spill) thou shalt doe that which best beseemeth a great Mind, and a noble Nature.

The Emperor hearing this speech, and wondering to see such boldnesse and constancie of mind in a dejec∣ted estate, pardoned both him, and the rest of his com∣panie, commaunding them to be vnbound, and so dis∣missed them.

CHAP. XVI.

What opinion the Romans held of Caractacus. Triumphal honors assigned to Ostorius for taking him. The Bri∣tans assaile the Roman campe in the Countrie of the Silures. The principalitie of South-wales. The death of Ostorius the Generall.

FOr many dayes togither, Caractacus his Fortune ministred matter of discourse to the Lords of the Senate, who affirmed the spectacle of his captivitie to be no lesse honorable, then that of Syphax the Numi∣dian King, over whom P. Scipio triumphed, or that of Perses, whom Paulus Aemilius vanquished, or of any o∣ther Kings, that had in former times beene taken in warre, and shewed to the people. Then publike honors of triumph were decreed for Ostorius, whose fortunes being now at the highest, began afterwards to decline, by reason, that either Caractacus (the obiect of his va∣lour) being removed, he supposed he had made a full conquest, and therfore followed the service more care∣lesly: or else, for that the residue of the Britans, having compassion of the misfortune of so mightie a Prince, and being eagre of revenge, renued the warre; for they

assayled the Legionary Cohorts which were left behind to build fortresses in the Silures Country, killed the camp-Maister, and eight Centurions, besides some of the for∣wardest souldiers, and they had put all the rest to the sword, if speedy rescue had not come from the villages and Forts adioining. Diuerse other sallies they made, as time and place gave them advantage, prevailing some∣times by strength, sometimes by pollicie, and somtimes by chance. The Principal motive, that enduced the rest to take armes, was the example of the Silures, who were most resolutely bent, as being exasperated, by reason of as peech that the Roman Emperor had vsed, which was: That he would root out the name of the Silures, as the Sicambrians had beene in former time. This made them bold and desperate to adventure, as men knowing their destinie before hand. Many skirmishes they had, in sur∣prising the scattered troupes of the Roman souldiers, and often times with good successe, in taking rich booties, and prisoners, and distributing the spoiles among their neighbours, by which meanes they drew them also to revolt. In the meane time, Ostorius wearied with care and travaile, ended his life.

CHAP. XVII.

Aulus Didius is sent by Claudius the Emperour to take charge of the armie in Britannie. Venutius the hus∣band of Cartismandua Princesse of the Brigantes, vpō private discontentment taketh armes against the Ro∣mans. The death of Claudius the Emperor.

CLaudius the Emperour being advertised of the death of Ostorius, sent Aulus Didius to take charge of the armie in Britannie, where notwithstanding

all the haste he made, he found all out of frame: Man∣lius Valens with his Legion having encountred the Bri∣tans with ill successe, which by report of the Ilanders, was made greater then indeed it was, to terrifie the new Governour, who also made vse of the same policie to serve his owne turne; for, by encreasing the fame of that which he heard reported, he supposed, either to win greater praise, if he prevailed, or to purchase a more fa∣vourable censure of his actions, if he miscarried. The Silures had made many roades into the subdued Coun∣trie, wasting, and spoyling round about, when Didius the Lievtenant, vpon his first arrivall, entering into the field, restrained their outrage, and for a while kept them in some awe.

After Caractacus was taken, Venutius, a Prince faith∣full to the Romans, and protected by them (so long as Cartismandua his wife and he agreed togither) vpon private discontentment began a new rebellion. For Cartismandua (whom the Romans specially favored for the deliverie of Caractacus) abounding now in peace, wealth, and plentie (which are commonly the nurses of licencious living) fell in love with Velocatus one of her husbands servants, and forgetting in the end her owne honour, preferred him before Venutius, who be∣ing deeply touched with such an open iniurie, and dis∣grace, raised a power, to expell her and her Paramour out of the Kingdome. The warre seemed at the first, to have beene maintained betweene themselves, and their private followers onely, till Cartismandua, by pollicie, had taken Venutius his brother, and certaine of his kins∣men: and then the Inhabitants round about, fearing the event, and disdaining to be brought vnder the ser∣vile yoke of a woman, declared themselves for Venutius, and with a choise number of youthfull and well expe∣rienced

Souldiers, invaded the Country: whereof Di∣dius having timely intelligence, sent certaine Cohorts to encounter them. Hereupon insued a sharpe Conflict, the successe whereof was much doubted in the begin∣ning, but in the end the Romans prevailed. The like fortune also had Caesius Nasica with his Legion; For Di∣dius himselfe, as a man striken in yeares, and fitter to di∣rect, then execute, vsed (for the most part) the ministe∣rie of other men, keeping that which his Predecessors had gotten, and building onely some few Castles, and places of Defence within the land, to win thereby, a fame of augmenting the office.

The yeare following, Claudius the Emperour, (by the trecherie of Agrippina his wife, who practised to prevent Britannicus, and to preferre her owne sonne Nero to the Empire) died of poyson: leaving to poste∣ritie no greater fame of any thing by him attemp∣ted during his government, then of his fortunate Expedition into Britannie.

The end of the first Booke, of the first part of the Historie of Great Britan.

Notes

• a 1.1

  The ancient inhabitants of the Counties of Guines and Bolonois in Picardie.
• b 1.2

  The people of Artois.
• * 1.3

  Callice.
• * 1.4

  A warlike engin made of boords, co∣vered over with raw hides, to serve for defence a∣gainst fire, or stones in sca∣ling a wall.
• a 1.5

  The ancient Inhabitants of Middlesex and Essex.
• a 1.6

  Kent.
• a 1.7

  The Coun∣tries between the rivers Ga∣ronne, and Seine in France.
• b 1.8

  The Biscay∣ans.
• c 1.9

  The ancient inhabitants betweene Gallicia and Portugall.
• d 1.10

  Malden in Essex.
• a 1.11

  Souldiers that were Ci∣tizens of Rome.
• b 1.12

  Souldiers of forreigne na∣tions in league with the Ro∣mans.
• a 1.13

  The anci∣ent inhabi∣tants of the Counties of Glocester and Oxford.
• b 1.14

  The anci∣ent iuhabi∣tants of the Counties of Buckingham, Bedford, and Hartford.
• a 1.15

  The ancient Inhabitants of the coun∣ties of Somer∣set, Wilton, and South∣hampton.
• b 1.16

  The Ile of Wight.
• a 1.17

  Bolein in Picardie.
• b 1.18

  Maldon in Essex.
• a 1.19

  Nen, the river on which Northampton is seated (as it is cōiectured.)
• b 1.20

  I he river of Severne.
• c 1.21

  The ancient Inhabitants of Norffolke, Suffo••k, Cam∣bridgeshire, and Hunting∣tonshire.
• d 1.22

  The Inha∣bitants of a part of Ches∣sh••••e (as it is coniectured.)
• e 1.23

  The Inha∣bitants of Yorkeshire, Lancashire, Durham, Westmerland and Cumber∣land.
• a 1.24

  The ancient Inhabitants of South-wales.
• a 1.25

  The ancient Inhabitants of North-wales.