Cambria triumphans, or, Brittain in its perfect lustre shevving the origen and antiquity of that illustrious nation, the succession of their kings and princes, from the first, to King Charles of happy memory, the description of the countrey, the history of the antient and moderne estate, the manner of the investure of the princes, with the coats of arms of the nobility
Enderbie, Percy, d. 1670.

The First Part.

THe state of every Kingdom well managed by prudent government, seems to represent a humane body guided by the soveraignty of a reasona∣ble soul: the Country and the Land representing the one; the Actions and State-affairs the other.

The Island of Great Brittaine containeth the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, and is of many counted the greatest Island in the world, though Justus Lipsius gives that praise to Cuba in America, as the Ori∣ental Navigators unto Sumatra, (taken from Ptolomey's Taprobana) or to Madagascar the Island of St. Laurence, both which are neer or un∣der the Equinoctiall line; in which we will not contend, as pleasing our selves with her other praises, far exceeding her Greatnesse; yet with this Honour also, that it was without Questi∣on the greatest Island of the Roman world, and for any thing yet certainly known, of all the rest: concerning whose positure in respect of Heaven, Lucretius the first of the Latine Writers that names Brittain, seemeth to place it in the same parallel with Pontus; where he saith,

Nam quid Brittannum cœlum differre putamus, &c.
What differs Prittains Heaven from that of Nile,
Or Pontus welking from Gades warmer Isle.

It is by experience found to lie included from the Degree Fifty and thirty scruples of latitude; and for longitude extended from the 13 degree and 20 minutes, unto the 22 and 50 minutes, according to the observation of Mercator. It hath little Brittain, Normandy, and other parts of France upon the South; Germany, Denmarke, and Norway upon the East, the Iles of Orkney and the Deucalidonian sea upon the North, Hebrides upon the West: and from it all o∣ther Ilands and Ilets which doe scatteredly environ it, and shelter themselves, as it were, under the shaddow of great Albion (another name of this famous Iland) are also accounted Brittish.

Brittaine thus seated in the Ocean hath her prayses not onely in this present sense, and use of her commodities, but also in those honourable Eulogies, which the learnedest of Antiqua∣ries have collected out of the noblest Authors, that he scarce doth seem to have left any glea∣nings; neither will we transplant them out of his flourishing gardens, but as necessity com∣pels, since nothing can be further or otherwise better said.*

That Brittaine therefore is the Seas High-admiral is most Famously known, and the fortu∣nate Island supposed by some, as Robert of Amesbury doth shew; whose Aire is more tempe∣rate (saith Cæsar) then France; whose foyle bringeth forth all graine in abundance (saith Tacitus;) whose Seas produce Orient Pearle, (saith Suetonius;) whose fields are the Seat of a Summer Queen; (saith Orpheus) her wildest parts free from Wild Beasts, saith the ancient Panegyrick; and her chiefe City worthily called Augusta, saith Amianus. So as we may truly Page  2 say with the Royall Psalmist, Our lives are fallen in pleasant places, yea we have a pleasant In∣heritance; which whatsoever by the goodness of God, and industry of man it is now, yet our English Poet hath truly described unto us the first face thereof, thus:

The Land which warlike Brittaines now possesse,
And therein have their mighty Empires rais'd,
*In ancient time was savage VVilderness,
Ʋnpeopl'd, unmanur'd, unprov'd, unprais'd.

And albeit the Ocean doth at this present thrust it selfe between Dover and Calice dividing them with a deep and vast entrenchment, so that Brittaine is thereby of a supposed Penisle made an Island; yet divers have stifly held that once it was joyned by an arm of Land to the Continent of Gallia, to which opinion Mr. Spencer further alluding thus closeth his Stanza, *

Ne was it Iland then, ne was it prais'd.
Amid the Ocean waves, ne was it sought
Of Merchants farr for profits therein prais'd,
But was all desolate, and of some thought
By Sea t'have been from the Celtick mainland-brought.
Which was a matter meerly conjecturall (because it is not plain that there were no Ilands nor hills before Noahs stood.) I leave at large Virgil, sure of all the Poets the most learned; when describing the Shield which Vulcan forged (in Virgils brain) for Æneas, he calls the Morini (people about Calice) the outmost men, doth onely mean, that they were Westward the fur∣thest inhabitants upon the Continent; signifying withal, that Britaine as being an Iland lay out of the world, but yet not out of the knowledge of men; for the commodities thereof invited the Famous Greek Colonies of Merchants which dwelt at Marsilia in France to venture hi∣ther, as hath been well observed out of Strabo.

And as Julius Cæsar was the first Roman which ever gave an attempt to Conquer it, so will we close its prayses, with a late Epigram concerning the outward Face of the Isle, and the motive of Cæsars coming thither.

Albions high Tops, her woody locks fore-shew.
With quires of chaunting birds, those woods resounding:
Her downes and meadowes clad in verdant hue
Meadowes and Downs with flocks and heards abounding.
*Latium had greater wealth, yet Cæsar thought,
To Brittish glory Latiums wealth was naught.

*Our most ancient Historians begin with Brute, and so continue the succession of Kings till CHARLES the First; which Brutus divided the Kingdome into three parts: To Locrinus he gave Loegria now England, to Camber his second sonne he gave Cambria now VVales, and to Albanist or Albanact, Albania now Scotland.

*Ptolomy naming Britaine the great and the less, hath been by some mistaken, as so dividing the Island into two parts; but his proportion and distance from the Equator, compared with his Geographical description will evince, that he calleth this our Island Great Britaine, and Ireland Brittaine the lesse.

Howbeit some later writers indeed do make the South and more Champion to be called Great Britaine, and the North and more Mountanous, Britaine the lesse: whose Inhabitants were Anciently distinguished into Majatae,* and Caledonii, and now by the Scots are into High-land-men, and Low-land-men; but the Northern Clime being more piercing for the Romans constitutions, and lesse profitable and fruitful, they set their bounds not farre from Edenburgh, and altogether neglected the other parts of Scotland more North-wards.

*The nearer part of Brittaine they sub-divided into two parts, for the more Southern tract together with VVales, Dio termeth the higher, and that more North-ward the lower, as by the seats of their Legions may appeare; For the second Legion call'd Augusta (which kept at Caerleon in South-wales) and the twentieth called Victrix (which remained as some say at Che∣ster) he placeth in the higher Brittaine:* but the sixth Legion named also Victrix resident at York served as he writeth in lower Brittaine, which division as seemeth, was made by Severus the Emperor, who having vanquished Albinus General of the Brittaines, and reduced their state under his Obedience, divided the Government thereof into two Provinces, and placed two Prefects over them.

*After this again, the Romans did proportion Brittaine into three parts, whose limits our great Antiquary assigneth by the Archiopiscopal seats, grounding his conjecture on the saying of Pope Lucius who affirmeth, that the Ecclesiasticall Jurisdictions of the Christians accorded with the precincts of the Roman Magistrates, and that their Arch-Bishops had their Sees in those Cities wherein their Presidents aboad, so that the Ancient seats of the three Arch-bishops here, being London in the East, Caerleon in the West, and York in the North, Londons diocesse as Page  3 seemeth made Brittannia prima, Caerleon Brittannia secunda, and York Maxima Caesa∣riensis.

But in the next age, when the power of the presidents began to grow over great,* they again de∣vided Brittaine into five parts, adding to the three former Ʋalentia and Flavia Cæsariensis; the first of which two seemeth to have bin the Northerly part of Maxima Cæsariensis, recovered from the Picts and Scots by Theodosius the Generall under Ʋalens the Emperour, and in ho∣nour of him named Ʋalentia; and Flavia may be conjectured to receive the name from Fla∣vius the Emperour (sonne of Theodosius) for that we read not of the name Brittannia Flavia before his time.

So as these five partitions had their limits assigned after this manner.*Brittannia prima con∣tained those coasts that lay betwixt Thamesis and Severne, and the Brittish sea. Brittannia secunda extended from Severne to the Irish sea, containing the Countrey which we now call Wales. Flavia Cæsariensis was that which lay betwixt the Rivers Humber and Tyne; and Ʋa∣lentia from the said Tyne and Picts wall reached to the Rampire neer Edenburgh in Scotland, the furthest part that the Romans possessed when this division was in use. For the severall peo∣ple inhabiting all those parts with their ancient names and borders (whether designed by the Romans or old Britains) together with our modern names and Shires, answerable to each of them, you may read in Mr. Speed, Ortelius, and others.

The whole Province of Brittain, as in our Histories doth appear, was highly esteemed by the Emperors themselves, assuming as a glorious sirname, Brittannicus, coming thither in per∣son over those dangerous, and scarce known Seas; here marrying, living, and dying; enact∣ing here Laws for the whole Empire, and giving to those Captains, who served here, many Ensigns of great honours: yea Claudius gave Plautius the first Prefect of that Province,* the right hand as he accompanied him in his Triumphs; and his own Triumph of Brittain was set out with such magnificence, that the Provinces brought in golden Crowns of great weight, the Governours commanded to attend, and the very Captains permitted to he present at the same. A naval Coronet was fixed upon a pinacle of his Palace: Arches and Trophees were raised in Rome, and his self upon his aged knees mounted the stairs into the Capitol, support∣ed by his two sons in Law; so great a joy conceived he in himself for the Conquest of so small a portion of Brittain.

How the Romans found it, held it, and left it, God willing I will endeavour in this ensuing Treatise, to lay open to the Readers view.

Many, and those as different, have been the opinions of men both learned and skilfull in History, concerning the Nomenclation, or name of this Island. Sir Thomas Eliot,* a sound and able Antiquary, takes it from a Greek Fountain or Spring, to wit from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but what his conceit was for this derivation, I mean not to beat my brains about it, being too far off to look after. Mr. Floyd, or Lloyd, a Cambro-Brittaine, and one who for his knowledge may justly challenge an eminent place amongst our Antiquaries, will give the honour to his own Language, and tels us that it is derived from PRID-CAIN, a fair and beautifull form or pro∣spect, and thinks he hath hit the nail on the head. Pomponius Laetus will fetch it out of Ar∣morica, or little Brittain, but let him be merry with his conceit, whilst Becanus his brain being full of conception, brings forth another issue, called Mrs. Bridania, for that the Danes wan∣dering to finde new habitations named this Isle so, putting Brye, for Free, as it were, Free-Denmark: and yet our Histories speak not of any Danes inhabiting this Kingdom, till long after Christianity flourished, which those cruel Pagans most cruelly persecuted: by reason of which villanies and outrages by them committed, it might rather be called the Captived, and enthralled Denmark, then Denmark the free. Others will have it denominated from Prute∣nia, a Province or Region of Germany. Another good fellow, as it seems will have it called Brittania from Brithin, which as Atheneus tels us, was a certain kinde of drink which the Grecians much used; yet I am confident neither the Brittains, nor the Welch (though their Cwow exceeded even Greece it self, if we speak of Liquor) were never so addicted to bib∣bing as to new name their Country in an Alehouse, nor after any sort of Tipple whatsoever. Another to dash out the brains of this monstrous birth, will have it to be called Brittannia from a sort of people in Italy called Brutii.

Concerning the Inhabitants Mr. Cambden saith,* they are of a most excellent composure of bo∣dy, singular wits, modest, and civil manners, and most haughty stomacks and courage, whose admirable vertue and prowess both in Civil and Martial affairs, is most manifest to the whole world.

As for their manners and customs of this Isle before the Inhabitants were Civilized, Authors write diversly. Dio Nicaeus saith, they Till or Plow not their Fields,* but live by prey and hunting, and such fruits as the Trees naturally produce. Fish, although nature hath fur∣nished them with great plenty, they make no use of. They live for the most part in Pavilli∣ons, or Flutes, naked, and without shoes; their wives are in common,* and so they breed up their children: The Commons for the most part bear the sway; thieving is a pastime, they war in Chariots, and though their horses be but small, yet very fleet. The foot men are very agile and nimble: their Arms a Buckler or small Shield, with a Javelin, at whose lower end or butt is a pomel hollow, which, whilest they offend, maketh a noise, and terrifieth the enemy, they have also daggers or poniards; but above all with singular patience they endure hunger, Page  4 cold, and labour; insomuch that plunged in deep Marishes, or Pools, even to the very neck, for divers days together they endure hunger with great resolution: In the Woods, the rinds of Trees and Roots suffice for food. They make a certain kinde of meat, of which whosoever shall take a quantity of a Bean, for a long time shall neither thirst nor be hungry.

*New fashioned apparel, nay even the ordinary use of Garments is altogether unknown to them, only they deck their necks and shoulders, as also their wastes with Iron, taking as much pride and content in that adornment, as did the Barbarians in their gold: Their bo∣dies depicted with the forms of all kinde of Animals, so that to put on cloaths was deemed prejudicial, lest thereby those pictures should be hid. A Nation most warlike, and thirsty after blood and slaughter; content with a small Shield and Javelin, yet having a sword ap∣pendent to their naked bodies: brest-plate, or helmet they undervalue as obstacles and impe∣diments to the passing over Fords and Rivers.

*Plinie treating de Magia, or Art Magick, saith that the Brittains so admirably honoured it with uncough Ceremonies, that they may seem to have sent it unto the Persians. Another Author saith, that the Brittains far exceed the French in Stature and bigness of body: affirm∣ing,* that he himself had seen Brittish youths in Rome to surpass their tallest men in height at least half a foot, Diodorus Siculus saith, Brittains spend their time after the custom of their ancient Forefathers; and in wars used Chariots, as did the Grecians in time of the Trojan war (and who knows,* but that custom might be continued from their first founder Brutus.) Their houses compact of wood, reed, or thatch; their sheafs of Corn they stored under dry roofs, threshing out every day as much as served for present use; honest and just in conver∣sation, much differing from the subtilty and cunning of our men, content with ordinary and indifferent Diet, detesting the gurmandizing of gluttons and Epicures; the Isle replenished with multitude of men.

In matters concerning the Inhabitants of this Isle, Mr. Cambden is very copious, producing several opinions; but I finde no Commander in chief, whether King, Duke, or General na∣med (Brute excepted) of whom he saith, shall I (so mean a man) give a determinate sen∣tence in so weighty a matter? I leave it to the Senate of Antiquaries undecided. In the mean time I deny not Brute, but leave every one to his own best liking and opinion. So that it is manifest Mr. Cambden, naming no other principal Commander or Guide of that people, who first Colonized and Inhabited this Land, doth not altogether deny Brute, but leaves it to the Counsell, Consent and Decree of the Learned Parliament and Senate of Antiquaries. Let us hear what others write, Mr. Broughton out of an old Brittish History saith, Having thus in∣vincibly proved by all Antiquities, that there were among the Gentiles, especially in this Kingdom of Brittain, not only Flamens but Arch-flamens, and they seated in the principal governing Cities in several Provinces, and how after the coming of Christ, even from the A∣postles time, and by their Ordinance and Institution, their Residences were to be changed in∣to Archiepiscopal or Metropolitan chief commanding Sees in the Christian Religion: If we had no other particular proof in this but in general terms. St. Edwards Laws, the testimony of Gildas, Nonnius the Antiquities of Landaff, St. Isiodore, who as Pope Eleutherius also calleth this Nation, Gens Bruti, the off-spring and Nation of Brute; Thomas Archbishop of York a Norman by birth, in time of King VVilliam the first, Thaliessianus above a thousand years since; VVilliam of Malmesbury, Henry of Huntington, Gualterus Calenus, Sigibertus, with many others before Galfrid Mon. wrote, and Vicunnius himself with innumerable after both of this and other Nations, and publick Parliament; as that in the time of Edward the first at Lincoln, who after most diligent search of Antiquities, and due examination as the greatest matter the right of a Kingdom required, sent his Apologetical Letters to the Pope of Rome sealed with an hundred Seals and Witnesses, wherein is declared and justified that in the time of Hely and Samuel the Prophets, Brutus the Trojan landed here, and by his own name called the Country Britannia before named Albion. And having three sons, Locrinus, Camber and Albanact did at his death divide the Land into three parts or portions; Leegria now England to Locrinus, his eldest Son: Cambria Wales to Camber; and Albania Scotland to Albanact. This might suffice for this business, but being testified by so many Domestical and Forreign, private and publick witnesses, that the Tripartite division was here from the first nme and beginning of Brittain, we must needs for every several part and Province as∣sign a several Government and order therein, as their Rulers and Governers were divers and distinct.

But our Antiquaries carrie us further, and inform us that not only London, Caerlegeon and York, were the several chief Cities in this division, but the Kings which founded them for such, ordained them likewise to be the Seats and Residencies of three several Archflamens, or Pr••••amens: for the glory and nobleness of London, thereupon named Augusta, it is the common opinion of Antiquities, that it is the most ancient Citie of this Iland builded by Bru∣tus, as not only the Brittish History, Galfridus, Vicunnius, and our English Antiquaries after them, but Gldas, Sigibertus, and others sufficiently witness: And except Mr. Stow be decei∣ved in his Authors Aethieus an old Pagan Philosopher testifieth no less, affirming that Bru∣tus named this Kingdom Brittannia; and John Harding in his plain Verses, with others Re∣cordeth, how he there from the very first beginning, Instituted an Archflamens Seat.

Page  5
At Troynovant he made full especially
An Arch-flamine his See,* Cathedral certain
A Temple thereof, A policy to obtain
By Trojan Law.

This is commonly written to have been a thousand years before Christ, and it is a common received opinion among our Antiquaries, that Ebrincus son to Mempricius, builded the City of York; of which more hereafter in its due place.

That this Island was called Albion before the coming of Brute, all Authors seem to agree, though there seem to be some difference; the just and most rational Writers call Albion ab al∣bis Rupibus, from the high and white Cliffs and Rocks discovered by Navigators, as they sailed by it: yet some will be more quaint, and fetch it further, as if far fetcht and dear bought were always good for Ladies, and tell of a Damasella, called Albone or Albina, daugh∣ter of Dioclesian King of Syria, and this some of our Histories seem to aver, notwithstanding no Authentick Writer as yet ever produced any such King to bear sway and Government, ei∣ther over the Syrians or Assyrians; nor that he had thirty daughters, who all slew their Hus∣bands, of which this Albine is supposed one, and came into this Island, from whole body sprung those Giants which Brute here found at his first arrivall. Such peradventure might be, but rather conveyed hither by shipping, then produced by the copulation of any such murder∣ing Harpies.

This Isle is encircled by Neptunes curled tresses and watry furrows round;* and extends it self in length from the South to the North. The longitude from Totness in Cornwall to Cate∣ness 800. miles, and in latitude from St. Davids or Menevia in Wales to Dover Clifts most men account 300. miles, and from Menevia to Yarmouth in Norfolk, as divers affirm, it containeth 300. miles. Venerable Bede saith, that it is 200. miles over. First,* therefore we see it was cal∣led Albion. Secondly, Brittain from Brute. Thirdly, Egbert commanded it to be called Auglia from a Nation of which himself descended; some forsooth will have it so called from a Queen thereof, whose name was Auglia, but if you consult with skilfull Astrologers, and such as pretend Art in calculating and casting Nativities (with which sort of people this Island now aboundeth, especial cashierd Troopers) they will positively tell you, that this Lady was born in Ʋtopia, and much about the Greek Kalends: Albeit this Island hath had but three several names, yet hath it been four times conquered; first by the Romans; secondly, by the Saxons;* thirdly, by the Danes; and fourthly, by the Normans.

Brute descended of that ancient, noble, warlike off-spring of the so much admired Trojans, had to his Fore-father Æneas, who had married Creusa a legitimate daughter of Priamus, who descended from Dardanus second son of Camboblascon, and his wife Electra daughter of Atlas. Italus King of Italy, the eldest brother of this Dardanus was called Jasius Janigena, who mar∣ried Cibeles, and lived in such happy condition, that now there wanted not any terrene,* or earth∣born delight or felicity, which might make this happy-seeming Potentate more fortunate, mighty or contentfull; but it is a common humour of Fortune, that amidst the thickest and most abundance of her graces and favour, she in some angry or fantastick imagination, sud∣denly snatcheth away her so liberally bestowed gifts, and leaveth the late possessors thereof involved and wrapt in a world of the miserablest unhappiness and foul vexations that may be invented as by the fatal Success and end of this Kings life most plainly appeareth. For when Dardanus his younger brother; a man indeed of a proud heart, great courage and inward ambition, saw his brother Jasius thus to float on the calmer Seas of prosperity, and to taste of the sweet cup of Nectar, he infinitely repined as living privately, and without command, as an inferior or some base born person or slave; whereupon he goes to his brother to demand leave and licence, that he might depart out of the Country to seek his better fortunes, which request Jasins refused to condescend unto, and would by no means allow of his purposes. Whereupon Dardanus began secretly to enter into deadly hostility, and to gather many Fa∣ctions and Parties to his side, which by reason that he was exceeding well beloved grew to a great number (this hapned much about the time, saith my Author,* that Sharan King of E∣gypt persecuted Moses and the children of Israel.) The fire of discontent between the two brothers being now wholly set on flame, and divers attempts passed between them: it hapned that Dardanus received the worst, and upon many encounters was still put to his shifts, so that in the end he awaited a time when the King his brother went privately to a fountain to bathe himself, where Dardanus most unnaturally slew him, which done, terrified with his own con∣science, he presently ships himself at the next Haven, and with all his Jewels, and what else riches portable, he could carry with him away, with many of his Friends, Followers and Servitors, he secretly set sayl, and departed.

After long travel Dardanus comes to Altius the younger, who was of the same blood and descent and in respect thereof willingly entertains him, and in fine, desires of him (his Country being over peopled, and victuals scarce;) That since he must needs send forth such people for the finding out of new places, that he would bestow the Charge, Conduct, and leading of them upon him, and that he would joyn with them for the provisions and necessa∣ries needfull and convenient for the setling of themselves in such their new places of abode. Page  6 This thing King Altius very willingly entertained, especially for that Dardanus was of his own kindred and consanguinity.

This request of Dardanus thus obtained, he knew no other means to requite so great a fa∣vour, and to be occasion to draw on further kindness, but to offer unto Altius, and utterly to resign all his right, title, interest and claim in the Kingdom of Italy for one of his sons, unto which of them the Father was contented. This proffer of Dardanus being well considered, was thankfully accepted by Altius, in lieu and exchange whereof was alotted unto Darda∣nus, a certain quantity or piece of Land in Phrygia for him to erect and build a City upon: Thus Dardanus with his people and associates began to build in Phrygia,* and in short space fully finished a City, which he called after his own name Dardania, which was before the Incarnation of the Son of God Christ Jesus 1487. and before the building of Rome by Romulus, 427. years, and before the City of Paris 70. years, as Eusebius, and most writers do affirm: In few years Dardanus began to grow unto great mightiness, riches and power, who had also a neighbour Prince of mighty puissance, wealthy and fortunate, whose name was Teucrus, whereupon many Authors call this place Teucria,* and the Inhabitants Teucri, and this Teucrus was the son of Scamander, and Idea, and had also himself a beautifull and fair daughter, which he married shortly after unto Dardanus, which was called Batea, of whom Dardanus begot a son called Ericthonius, who succeeded him in the Kingdom of Phrygia; this Erictho∣nius in process of time arose up unto a wonderfull greatness and large possessions, who (as ma∣ny writers do affirm) was accounted to be one of the richest Kings in those days in that part of the World, who had at the least three thousand horses of his own continually feeding in his Pastures. This Ericthonius begat a Son whom he named Tros, whom he left to succeed him, and from whom the people were after called Trojans. This Tros very much enlarged and beautified the City of Dardania, now called Troia,*which name long time after it re∣tained. This King had three Sons Ilus, Assaricus, and Ganimedes, all which he brought up in the knowledge of Arms, and Martial Discipline, unto which kinde of study he himself was much addicted, and had many years together maintained Wars with the King of Grete, na∣med Jupiter, the fourth of that name there. In which Wars his Son Ganimedes was taken prisoner, even by the hands of Jupiter himself, who for that in his Ensign and Colours * he gave an Eagle (being his arms) it should seem that Poets for that cause, have feigned that Ga∣nimede as he was hunting was snatcht up to heaven by Jupiter, then transformed unto an Eagle, and that he is now taken for one of the 12. Signs of the Zodiack called Aquarius. Some other Authors also write, that one Tantalus King of High Phrygia and Paphlagonia, a most miserable, covetous, and avaricious Prince had laid certain snares and private means to en∣trap Ganimede, and to take him prisoner, as he used to sport himself in Hunting, thinking by that devise to get a mighty ransom from Tros, for redeeming of him; and that this Tantalus sent him to Jupiter, for to secure him, and to have half the ransom that should be payed for his delivery; and hence it may be that the Poets feign that Tantalus is plagued and tormented in Hell standing up to the chin in water, and apples hanging down to his lips, and yet can neither touch the one, nor taste the other. Tros thus having lost his son, studied upon re∣venge and in the mean time comforted himself with his two other sons Ilus and Assaracus, and this Ilus called Troy afterward Ilion, who begot a son named Laomedon, the father of the re∣nowned Priamus; and of Assaracus issued and came Anchises who was father to Æneas, who as we said before married Creusa, a legitimate daughter of King Priamus; so that we see both by the Male and Female line in this marriage, our Warlike Brute, derives his lineal descent from Dardanus, and so from Noe.

Æneas after the fatal destruction of Troy, gathered together the remnant and parcel of the War-shaken and distressed Trojans, with whom he embarked and hoysing sail, committed himself with the lives and fortunes of all his followers and fellow Adventurers to Fate, and the protection of the Supream and highest Providence; three years was he tossed, not only with the merciless billows of the ever-unconstant Ocean, but also by such Destinies as seemed no ways to favour his designs: at last smiling fortune wasted his weather beaten Navy unto the Italian Continent, where no sooner arrived (having scarce refreshed his over-toyled Troops) but Mars puts him upon present action. Latinus king of the Country endeavours to impeach his setling, and denies him admittance; from words they come to blows, Bellona seems to take no small pleasure to hear the groans of souls departing from their bodies, ready to forsake their long enjoyed habitations; many are the assaults, approaches, conflicts and com∣bats, which daily pass betwixt the two enraged parties; the one labouring to encroach, the other to keep his own. Venus not willing to have Mars too long kept from her charming and soft embraces, contrives to set a period to those bloody broyls; a match must be concluded be∣tween the unparalleld Trojan Heroe, and the fair Lavinia, Latinu's daughter, and sole inheritrix of that vast Kingdom. Lucina favours the design, and from this new married Couple of Match∣less Progenitors, in due time is born a son, from whose loyns, the worlds greatest Emperours, and Brittains Warlike Kings deduce their Progenies: From this branch budded forth our Brutus: Some Writers will have him to descend from Silvius Posthumus Policronica, Guido de Columna, with others affirm, that Ascanius the first son of Aenaeas by his first wife had a son named Sylvius Aenaeas, who was Father to Brutus.

Page  7

It is commonly held that the mother of Brutus died in Child-bed of this son, and that at his coming to the age of fifteen years casually (many and secret are the designs of the Ce∣lestial Star-chamber) shooting at a wild and savage beast unfortunately, though not ungra∣ciously, as being an act contrary to his will or intention, slew his own Father; for which Act (divine Providence having designed him for this our Iland) by the common consent and de∣cree of the Magistrates of Latium, he was adjudged to exile, and for ever to be banished from his Country: Necessity compels him to shift for himself; neither yet so distressed or ill belo∣ved, but that he is followed by Troops of the noblest and most Heroick Spirits of his time, who partly attracted by that worth which they finde innate in him, and partly pusht forward with an ardent desire to purchase honour to their never dying fames, engage both lives and fortunes ith him; being now sufficiently stored with all manner of Provisions, they put to Sea, shaking hands for ever with their beloved Country, Friends, and Parents, as having Spirits not confin'd to any one place. Their propitious stars bring them to a province of Greece, where they find encouragement, as finding there many scattered Trojans, so that of this unexpected aid, I may say with the Prince of Poets,

Quid minime veris Graia pandetur ab urbe.

The Prince or King of this place, according to some was called Vandrasus; other Writers call him Vandarus: Geffery of Monmouth proceedeth further, and tells us, that he was line∣ally descended from Achilles, that mortal enemy of the Trojan glory, and Hectors valour; but Brute gathering these dispersed, or it may be captived and enthralled Trojans which he found there, and old Innicie received from Ʋlisses, Agamemnon, and other Chieftains of Greece, sticking in their stomacks of the firing of old Ilium, and the Dardanian Towers, galls the al∣most closed sore; whets his memory to call to mind things past, and those once raked out of the embers of oblivion, gather new flames, and set all on fire with an unquenchable desire of Revenge, which is so sweet and tickles the souls of those male-contents, that nothing but fire and sword will serve their turn. Pandrasus is assaulted in his own Court, and so hardly put to , that he is enforced to purchase his own peace by bestowing his daughter Ignogen upon Brutus, and such other conditions as the almost conquering strangers please to demand; the Solemnitie of these constrained Nuptials orderly finished; the Trojans mutually consent to leave that place, and put themselves upon new Adventures: Ships are provided, and que∣stionless Vandrasus is not backward in the business, willing to be rid of such unruly Guests, who will take all things upon score, at their own price and rates; once more to Sea goes this gallant Chieftain, with his new espoused Consort; and Post varios casus, & tot discrimina re∣rum, the whole Fleet safely arrives at an Isle in Africa (as saith Guido and others) called Ler∣gesia or Leogetia, in which the Superstitious and mis-believing Pagans many Ages past (but now ruinous) had erected a sumptuous Temple to Dina Diana. This when Brute understood, his zeal moving, and his particular devotion to that Goddess seconding it, thither attended with his whole Train, as an humble Supplicant and Votary he bends his course, and Religi∣ously, according to the manner of those profane Rights and Ceremonies (if that may be re∣ligious, which is profane in the highest superlative) and there prostrates his Princely knees, and from a soul (as he imagines) full fraught with pleasing vows and gratefull Orasons, to his ado∣red Goddess, he thus declares himself:

Dina potens Nemorum, Terror silvestribus Apris
Cui licet Amfractus ne per aethereos
Inferuasque Domos, terrestria jura resolve
Et dic quas terras, nos habitare velis
Dic certam sedem qua te venerabor in aevum
Qua tibi virgineis Templa dicabo choris.

These verses are translated in Fabian, and because they smell of Antiquity, I judge it bet∣ter to leave them as they are, then to dress them in the garb, mode, and stile now in use in England, and therefore courteous Reader, be pleased to accept of them; as also the others which follow in answer, in the Language in which they were writ:

Celestial Goddess, the weldest Frith and Wood,
The wilde Bore and Beasts, thou fearest by thy might;
Guider of Shipmen, passing the Rageous flood,
The Infernal Houses for, and the Earth of right,
Behold and search, and shew where I shall light;
Tell the certain place where everlastingly
A Temple of Virgins I shall to thee edifie.

These Ceremonies, Rights and Occasions ended, the Goddesse pleased with the Sacrifice of his Devotions, sends Morpheus in a thick and drowsie Mist, who with his somniferous Rod lulls this humble Votary, locking up all his sences within the sable curtains of a most pro∣found Page  8 sleep, whilst the courteous Diety in a Vision or rather imaginary Fancy, distills and in∣fuseth into his sollicitous Soul this Oracle:

Brute sub occasum solis, trans Gallica regna,
*Insula in Oceano est, undi{que} clausa mari.
Insule in Oceano est, habitata Gyantibus olim,
Nunc deserti quidem Gentibus apta tuis:
Hic de sobole tua Reges nascentur & ipsis,
Totius terrae subditus Orbis erit:
Hanc pete nam{que} tibi sedes erit illec perennis,
Hîc fiet natis altera Troja tuis.

In ENGLISH thus:

Brute for the West over the Land of France,
An Ile in Ocean, there is all closed with the Sea.
This Ile with Gyants whilone inhabit by chance,
Now being desert as apt for the people and thee.
In this of thy body Kings born shall be
And of this Isle thou shalt be Lord and King,
Search this for here a perpetuall Sea to thee
And here to thy Children a new Troy shall be.

When our Pilgrime awaked, the Vision had so fully possest him, that deliberating with him∣self what was best to be done, he pitcht upon this Resolution, to call together and Assemble the Noblest and best able for Judgement, Wit, and Experience of all his Colonie; which done, he imparted the secret unto them which begat a general rejoycing in them all; and all Una∣nimously decree a Thanksgiving to be due unto the Goddesse, and therefore out of hand, the Flamen takes Milk, calls for divers Aromatick spices; and several Liquors, of which he com∣poseth an offering of most sweet and precious Perfumes, to offer to the Diety; great Fires are made, and Wine cast into them according to the Pagan rights, and when things were per∣formed in thankfulnesse to the Numen, in a joyful procession they hast towards the Ships not willing to admit of any delay. In an instant as it were (so desirous was every one to see the event of this specious Oracle; and enjoy quiet (the object and end of all travel and labour) the Sayls are hoist, and the Canvas filled with such prosperous gales, that in a trice, the Navy is without ken of Land, bending their full endeavours for the West, Thus they sayled for the space of thirty dayes, passing by many adventures and dangers; as of Philenes, The Lake called Lacus-Salinarium, the place where Salt is made, as also the River Maeloa and Hercules Pillars; at length they enter the Turon or Tyrrhen Sea, where they met with a small Fleet, and those also Trojans, whereof Corineus Nephew to Brute was Admirall; great were the acclama∣tions and expressions of joy for this so fortunate though accidental meeting, an happy omen of future successe; and being thus joyned together to sayl to a Province of Gallia called Guyan whose Prince was Groffarius, to whom was brought iding of the approach of this unexpected Fleet, He wisely to prevent ensuing danger, musters his Souldiers and in a full body marcheth towards the Sea coast, there intending to fight his (as yet unknown) Enemy, before he should get any firm footing within his Territories; but the Trojans whose resolution was either to win or die, so behaved themselves that Groffarius with all his Knights had the worst and were put to flight, whilst the Trojan bravely maintain'd & kept the Field. No joy on earth so absolute and compleat, but it is intermingled with some sorrow or disaster; great questionlesse was the solace and mirth of the Trojan for this so fortunate a Victory; but when the dead bodies were viewed, amongst those who had ended their lives in the bed of honour, was found Turonus a Nephew to Valiant Brute, which caused a petty Ecclipse to their Victory; but to eternize the Name and perpetuate the never dying honour of his deceased Nephew and couragious fellow-souldiers: Brute built that well known City in France, which to this very day is called Turon.

After the atchievment of this Victory, and of the City Brute, which Corineus and the rest of the Trojans betook themselves again to the Seas, as yet not having attained to the Iland appointed by the propitious Goddesse,* which hapned about iiii M. lxx. before the building of Rome (saith Mr. Fabian) following the foresaid account iiii C lxx, before the Incarnation of Christ xi. C. xxxvi. and before Alexander the Great conquered the world viii C. xi. also before any King reigned over the Frenchmen Monarchally, or that they were free from Tribute to Rome xv. C. lvi.

The Arrivall of Brute in Albion.

Brute having now past the pikes of many hazardous passages and exanclated dangers, arrives at last at the long hop'd for Haven of his fore-promised happinesse: the first thing he did, was to progresse the whole Iland to view and consider the comodiousnesse thereof which he found Page  9 no way to frustrate his hopes and longing expectation, he finds it fertile and well stored with Woods, garnished with pleasant and enamel'd Meadows, and embroidered with many goodly Rivers and purling Brooks and Rivulets (replenished with abundance of Fish) like so many veins and arteries running through the whole body of the Iland; these things could not but please, but yet they are not solely to be enjoyed without some danger; for as the Trojans passe from place to place to view the scituation and opportune places to inhabit, they are oft encountered with grisly creatures exceeding humane proportion, who give them but rude and savage welcome; and these were they whom the Goddesse meant, when she said, habitata Gygantibus olim; amongst these prodigious Caitiffs one exceeded all the rest in bulk and robustiousnesse, who was called Gogmagog, with whom Corineus Nephew to Brute wrestled; who although he had a rib broken by this Monster, yet so foiled him that he cast him down from the Cliffs; for which cause the place afterwards was called, The Fall of Gogmagog, (I have heard some say that in Glamorganshire there is a place which the Inhabitants in their own Mother tongue, call Cwymp y Cawr, which is as much as to say, The Gyants fall or overthrow,) but that Name being changed, it was afterwards called, The Fall of Dover. For this most valiant Act and speciall good Services Brute gave and allotted unto Corineus, the Province or Country now called Cornwall.

Brute having destroyed that race of Gyants formerly mentioned, after a perfect discovery of the whole Island, passing by the River of Thames for his Recreation, and finding a place in all respects fit to build a City to make the Capital and prime habitation of his new atchieved Kingdome; set Workmen, of all Arts and Callings to accomplish and finish this his Design; which being brought to perfection, to renew like a Phenix out of Ashes Old Troy, he caused it to be called Troynovant (i.) new Troy which name continued till K. Lud enjoyed the Scepter and rule in Great Brittaine, upon that time (saith my Author) of M. lxviii.* who then caused it to be called Luds Town, and now London.

This now Glorious City, (Rome it self was not built in one day) and formerly as glori∣ous a stile, being called Augusta, for we read in divers Grave and Learned Authors, that St. Augulus was Bishop of Augusta, viz. London, in England, as both Catholicks and Protestants expound it, and among them one in a Sermon before K. James, saith, Your City hath been anciently stiled Augusta: for we read both in the ancient Roman Martyrologe, St. Bede, Ʋsu∣ardus, Ado Vandalbertus, Petrus de Natalibus and others that this Augulus was Bishop of Au∣gusta in Brittannia, Augusta or London in Brittanny and was a Martyr; Augusta in Brittannia natalis beati Auguli Episcopi qui aetatis cursum per Martyrium explens aeterna proemia suscipere meruit: Baronius saith, he cannot tell when he suffered, Quo tempore passius sit hactenus mihi obscurum. But if we compare the name of London at that time it was called Augusta with o∣ther circumstances, and with the Catalogue of the Bishops of London after the time of K. Lucius, we shall very probably find that this our worthy Saint Bishop of London is to be reckoned one of the first Bishops that were consecrated in this Kingdom, and long before our common Conversion in the dayes of K. Lucius, and so consequently of St. Peter, or his Disciple St. Ari∣stobulus, no other then being here with eminent Authority to consecrate him Bishop and settle him Bishop of Augusta: London or first, this City was not called Augusta in the Reign of K. Lucius when this Nation was generally converted, but onely Londinum, London; nor never since that time or by any before but by the Romans at their first setling here in the time of Claudius; and that the general opinion was that London was called Augusta Dio. And Xiphe∣linus writ, That Legio Augustalis non nata hibernabat in superiore Britannia, The Roman Legion so termed wintered in the upper Brittany near London as is thought; it was long before Dio∣clesian's time when it was thus called, in the dayes of Cæsar Augustus or soon after,

A late French Author of this our Brittain in his History, seemeth to say or think, that Caer∣legeon was in the time of Julius Agricola and by him named Augusta, which if it were so, it only varyeth the particular place of his Martyrdome (viz. St. Augulus) nothing detracting from him or the glory of this Nation, and that this Saint was Bishop of Augusta, (i.) London, and not Augusta Caerlegion, this reason may conclude, for that Tremonius and St. Dubritius be the first that be named Bishops of Augusta Caerlegion. Certainly Mr. Cambden observeth very well, That London was called Augusta, quia ea dignitate floruit Londinum, ut Augusta dici cae∣perit and many forraign Cities very famous were called Augusta in that Respect: as Augusta Taurinorum; Aug. Trieastinorum; Aug. Veromanduor m; Aug. Valeria; Aug. Emerita; Aug. Bracchara; Aug. Acilia; Aug. Tiberii; Aug. Vindeliciorum; Aug. Cæsarea; Aug. Ve∣storum; Aug. Trevirorum.

Now as concerning Bishops, not onely Augusta London, St. Anacletus, (it being ordered by the Church to constitute Primates where Pagans had their Arch-flamens,) but also other places ordered by his Tome or the Catalogues of St. Peter, St. Clement,*& ex Anacleto hujus in∣sulae divisionem Canterbury, London, Caerlegeon, York and Alba in Scotland (by some taken to be the now St. Andrews) urbs legionum, (observe in the Latin Caerlegion (i.) urbs Legionum put in the first place) Cantuaria, Londonia, Eboraca and Alba, unde Albania Provincia, were designed Sees of such Primates, as Giraldus Cam. Sir John Price, Matthew Parker. 1 Arch. B. Pro. do testifie.

Thus much concerning this famous and renowned City of London not without cause called Augusta. Brute having finished this structure and given name to it to perpetuate the Page  10 memory of that City of which the Poet saith, Nunc seges est ubi Troja fuit, gave also a name to the whole Iland, calling it Britania, à Bruto; so did Romulus by Rome, Alexander by Alexan∣dria, and Cæsar by Casarea; and so divers other great and eminent Commanders and Po∣tentates, named both whole Kingdoms, Ilands and great Cities after their own names, that in them their Memories might live for ever. Brute having accomplished the thred of life allot∣ted by the fatal Sisters, and having left Rules for his Britons to live in civil Amity and or∣derly Government; after a prosperous Reigne, and happy in a hopeful posterity, he bethinks himself of setling his Estate whereby to avoid all Contention and Discord betwixt his Sons, which were three, Locrine, Camber and Albanact, betwixt these three he divides his new ac∣quired Kingdom; to the eldest he gives Troynovant, with all the Countries adjacent which are now called England, containing East, West and South; but (as his Father had called the whole Iland Britannia and his Subjects Britannos or Britones,) so Locrinus after his name called his Share Loegria, and at this very day the Welsh call England Lloegre; to his second Son Camber, he bequeathed that part which after the Saxons call Wales, which Nomen-clation it yet keeps; and Camber imitating his Father and Brother, named his Moiety from Camber Cambria: This partition or Cambers portion was formerly divided from that of Loegria by the River Severne in the East, and on the North side by the River Dee, and on the South by the River Vaga now called the River Wye at the Castle of Stringlinge,* (a name which I find not elsewhere) or rather Chepstow Castle, but of this place what Mr. Cambden speaks, take these his own words,*Hinc fluctuoso volumine descendit in Austrum Vaga in quo Copiosa est Salmonum piscatura à Septembri ad Aprilem, (and by the way give me leave to tell you that when Sal∣mons grow out of kind or season in Wye, in the River Ʋsk which runneth through Caerlegion but ten Miles distant in the same County, Salmons come in season, so that in the County of Monmouth all the whole year Salmons are fit to be presented to an Emperors Table,) and if a Wye Salmon chance to come into Ʋsk or e contra, the Fishermen are so skilfull as to tell you this is an Ʋsk Salmon, this of Wye) limes hodie inter Glocestrenses & Monumethenses, olim inter Anglos & Wallos juxta illud Nichami versiculam.

Inde Vagos Vaga Cambrenses, hinc respicit Anglos.
Qui cum jam ad ostium ferè devenerit Chepstow præterfluit (id est) si e Saxonico interpreteris, Forum (viz.) Negationis locus, Brittannis Castle-went, (and is this day called Cass. Gwent) Op∣pidum hoc est celebre, clivo a flumine surgenti Impositum, manibus circumvallatur magno cam∣bitu quæ agros & hortos in se includunt, Castrum habet ad occiduum latus, flumini impeudens (in which Castle there is a stately Fabrick called Longius or Longinus Tower, supposed to be built by that Centurion who was present at the death of our most sacred and blessed Saviour, and out of this opinion it is hard to beat many of the Natives; but who so pleaseth to read Surius, xv. Martii, shall find, That Longinus the Centurion, one of the Jews who thirsted after his blood, (who most willingly shed it for the Redemption of Mankind,) signis & prodigiis, discussis tene∣bris, veritatis splendorem, Christi ipsius gratia quem in Crucem sustulerat videre meruit; and dete∣sting the impiety of the Jewes freely manifested the most glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus; this his so confident and publick affirming of the truth, for Crucis ei custodia ut Centu∣rioni mandata; postquam autem vivificum Christi Corpus sepulturae mandatum fuit eadem sacro∣sancti corporis custodia Longino commissa fuit; caused the Jews to procure from Cæsar a Sen∣tence of death against him: Longinus flies from Hierusalem (leaving all his military Prefer∣ments,) with some religious and devout Christians, he betakes himself into Capadocia, where he converted many by his instruction and exemplar Life and Vertues, to the faith, knowledge and adoration of the true Messias, Jesus Christ; In Capadocia he is aprehended and there ob∣tains the glorious Crown of Martyrdome, his Head as a great Trophee is sent unto Pilate, who to ingratiate himself and please the perfidious and stony-hearted Jews, caused the holy relique to be placed before one of the Gates of that once holy City Hierusalem, so that Longinus could not be the Founder or Erecter of that Edifice before spoken of. But to follow Mr. Cambden a little further concerning Chepstow, he continueth his Discourse, saying; Et e rigione stetit Pri∣oratus cujus parte meliore demolita, quod reliquum est, in Ecclesiam parochialem convertitur, Pons vero quo Vaga jungitur, sublicius est & admodum excelsus, quia accedente aestu in magnam altitu∣dinem fli vius exsurgit: hujus Domini fuerunt e Clarensium familia nobiles, a proximo castro Strigul quod incoluerunt Striguliae & Pembrochiae comites dicti, quorum ultimus Richardus vir infra∣cto animo, & projectissimis brachiis StrongBow cognominatus quod arcu intentissimo uteretur & nihil levi brachio ageret, &c. This place after by a Daughter and Heir came to the Bigots, and now the Earls of Worcester (or at least before the late Wars) enjoyed both Town and Castle, the eldest Son of that Family being stiled Lord Herbert of Chepstow.

To Albanact the third Son of Brutus was given the third part of great Britain, now called Scotland, which as it is now is called the second Kingdom of Great Britain, and the North part of this Iland hath on the East the German Ocean, on the North the Orkneys and Deucalidon Sea, the West affronted by Ireland, on the South it hath the River Tweed, the Cheviot Hills and the adjacent Tract, reaching to the Sulway Sands whereby it is separated from England.

This Kingdome is spacious and from the South borders spreadeth it self wide into the East and West, till again it contracts it self narrower into the Northern Promontories, furnished with all things befitting a famous Kingdom, both for Air, Soil, Rivers, Wood, Mountains, Fish, Page  11 Fowl, Cattle and Corn, so plenteous that it supplieth these with other Countries in their want; Their Nobility and Gentry are very studious of learning and all civil knowledge, for which end they not only frequent the three Universities of their own Kingdom (St. Andrews, Glasco, and Edenborough, the Nurseries of their Muses, but also much addict themselves to travel into Forraign Countries, especially France; whose King hath a Guard of Scots, the double Treshure florie in the Arms of the Kingdome, makes manifest the French Interest in former time in that Nation. If it is desired to know more of Scotland, read their own Authors; it is enough for me to say that Albanack from his own name called it Albania. This Country is divided from Loegria or England, as saith Venreable Bede, by two arms of the Sea, but they meet not: The East arm of which beginneth about two Miles from the Minster of Eburcuring in the West side of Penulton, The West arm had some time a strong City named Alclino, which in the Brittish Tongue was called Clincston and stood upon the River Clint.

Thus Brute having divided Britain into three Parts, after he had ruled twenty two or four years after most Concordance of Writers, he died and was interred in Troynovant commonly called London or Luds Town.

Locrinus second King of Brittain.

LOcrinus the first and eldest Son of the late deceased Brutus, takes possession of his Kingdom of Loegria, now England, in the year from the Creation of the World, four thousand fourscore and seven. This Kingdome as it was the largest, so was it the most beautifull, rich and commodious, both in respect of Navigable Rivers, Ports and Havens; as also fruitfulness of the Soils, and abundance of stately Woods and Groves, and according to the relation and assertion of Policronica and Guido de Collumna, it stretched forth and extended it self as far as to the River Humber, as now it is called, (a name when Locrinus entered into Soveraignty unknown.)

Locrinus thus invested in his Principality, (as much as could be in a Land not formerly, or at least by savage People or Gyants inhabited) made ready to his hand; His Brother with such Regiments as were allotted to him to Colonize and people his Part, being retired into his own Quarters or Patrimony, whilst by his own Industry and Advice of such as he made use of in a matter of so great importance, was endeavouring to frame a modell how to Go∣vern and Uphold this his new Plantation, an unexpected Enemy appears; Humber with a Navy arrives, and having with him a sufficient Army of war-like Huns, sets upon Albanact, whose thoughts were more busied how to settle his People and frame his Commonwealth, then to oppose an Enemy; distressed Albanact is put to his shifts, whilst the Scythian King, for so most ancient Writers onely call him, takes occasion by the Foretop, and making use of his opportunity fiercely assaults the Albanian Prince, and with bloody slaughter, and the death of Albanact, makes way for himself and Followers to intrude into his Possessions, who as yet had scarce time to call them his own.

Fame whose vigilant eyes never sleep, with an exasperating Trumpet quickly blowes this unfortunate Newes into the Eares of Locrinus; he to revenge the Dishonour done and the Death of his Brother, and also to enjoy that which now by right was fallen unto him; but above all to remove so dangerous and powerful a Neighbour, or rather Enemy, summons all his Nobles, and gathers together all the force he possibly could make; and with a mind full of Revenge, Resolution, and Courage Advanceth, and with speedy Marches setteth forwards to Fight the Scythian before he take to Deep root in Albania. Camber is not slow to second this action as a thing which he conceives deeply to concern himself; and therefore unites his Forces with his Brothers that thereby the Victory may be more certaine, and the losse lesse considerable. Desire quickens actions, and resolute souls seem rather to flye then walk; The Armies meet, the Brittains inflamed with revenge for the Death of Albanact, who was their fellow Souldier and Traveller, Son of their Deceased King, brother to the present, breath nothing but Death and Confusion. The Scythian with like Valour and Courage, thinks no danger too great to make good by the sword what he already purchast and gotten by the same. Terrible is the conflict on both sides, but fortune after long debate, with victory Crowns the Brittaines, the Scythians are put to Flight, and flying are so hotly pursued, that many are drowned and the King himself, (and as the Poet saith of Icarus, Icarus Icarias, nomine fecit aquas) put to such a straite that he was Drowned in that Famous River which from his name hath ever since been called Humber, of which Mr. Cambden saith, Est certe totius Britanniae aestuarium amplissi∣mum & piscosissimum the largest and most full of Fish throughout Britannie. Ex aestuantis oce∣ani accessibus adauctum, & iisdem retro remeantibus, suas illiusque aquas vehementissime vasto cum murmure non sine magno navigantium periculo agit; unde Nichanus.

Fluctibus æquoreis nautis suspectior Humber
Submersis nomen contulit Humbris aquæ.

And another Poet much to the same purpose saith,

Dum fugit, obstat ei flumen, submergitur illic
Deque suo tribuit nomine nomen aquæ.

Page  12

Mr. Cambden in his Britannia setteth down these two Distichons, but speaks not a word of the cause, or the battel; and the reason is easie to be imagined, for should he expresse the death of Albanack and the just revenge of Locrine and Camber in behalf of their brother, he must needs grant Brute to be Progenitor of the Britains, and consequently of the Welsh, a Na∣tion which are very little beholding unto him.

Locrinus is now a Conqueror, no fear of further supplies to affront him, the day is absolutely his own; but unfortunate Prince, what a proud Foe clad in steel and with a courage equalizing that of Mars could not effect, is done by an Amorous Glance of a Female Creature; Estrild Humbers Daughter casts forth such piercing darts from her Charming Eyes, that maugre both steel and coat of Male, Locrine is wounded to the Heart; he sighs, complains, beggs com∣passion from her who is his Captive; and in conclusion becoms her slave, she his Mistress, in these bewitching Fetters he reposeth his happiness, her enriching Arms he deemes the Trophees of his Victories; but fond-man Gwendolena thy abused Lady disgests not a Corrival, shee will make thee know quidfoemina possit irata; she complains to her Father, he acquaints his deerest Friends, and all enter into an Association to be revenged; Locrinus awakes out of his effe∣minate dalliances, Armes himself to oppose the storme at hand and beat back the threatned danger; but too late, his Enemies are too powerful, the abused Gwendolena too well befriended, and leaves justice not to be controuled; and thus Locrinus a Conqueror after he Reigned by account of most Authors Twenty Years, through his intemperate lust and wanton affecti∣on, was deprived at one time both of Life and Kingdom, leaving his body to be interred in Treynovant.

Gwendolena Queen Regent of Brittain.

LOcrinus for his unjust and unlawful Love being thus justly punished, the States and Coun∣sellors of the Kingdom elect and chuse Gwendolena the abused and injured Queen during the Nonage and Minority of her Son, to fit at the Helm and manage the Affairs of the King∣dome; this Lady was daughter to Corinaeus, who joyned his navy and came along with Brute, and he who Encountered with Gogwagog on the Hills by Dover as some write, others say neer Plimmouth in Devon-shire, which place this day is called the HAW, a hill betwixt the Town and the Sea, on whose brow is a spacious and pleasant down, yeilding a delightful prospect, in which is a Sea mark called the Compasse to direct and guide Navigators passing that way, of this conflict betwixt Corineus and Gogmagog. Thus writeth a certain Poet,

Hos avidum belli robur Corinæus Averno
Precipites misit, cubitis ter quatuor altum
Gogmagog Herculeo suspendit in aere luctu
Antaeum{que} suum scopulo detrusit in æquor
Potavit{que} dato Thetis ebria sanguine fluctus,
Divisum{que} tulit mare corpus Cerberus umbram.

Gwendolena to the eternal memory and glory of her Name and Sex governed this Iland for the space of Fourteen years, and then her Son coming to maturity and fit age to undertake so great a burden, with the general applause and acclamations of all, resigned her Trust and Authority to Madan.

Madan Son to Locrine and Gwendolena Succeeds in the KINGDOME.

MAdan Son to Locrine and Gwendolena and Grandchild to Brute, being now past his mi∣nority, his Mother joyfully resignes her Regency, and is with generall applause and acclamations seated in his Throne and with all solemnity acknowledged King, about the year from the worlds Creation, 4122. Authors write very sparingly of the Acts of this King; only all agree that during the time of his Reign which continued for the space of Forty years (a time too long for any Tyrant) he ruled insolently with Oppression and Tyranny; Vindex no∣centes sequitur a tergo Deus; for being at his sports of Hunting, he was slain and torn to pieces by Wolves and other savage Beasts, leaving two Sons, Mempricius and Manlius.

*This King being Grandchild to Brute the Trojan, I think it not amiss to give my Reader some satisfaction concerning Old Troy; Si 300 annis stetit Regnum Trojanum, caepisse oportet ante 4 annos in Dardano 1. Rege 2520. sed Dardani regnum rectius sub finem Ducatus Moysis & ab hoc anno 2524. exortum putatur; Nam a Dardano ad Ilii excidium sunt anni 296. Conti∣git igitur Ilii casus anno nostro 2820. sic enim peritiores numerant hos reges. Dardanus regnavit annis 65. Erichtanus 46. Tros 40. Ilus 49. Laomedon 44. Priamus 52. Ex quibus colliguntur anni illi 296. hunc Regum Catologum ad suas neomenias reducit Scaliger. lib. 2. Can. sub finem & nostris annis probe consentit.

Page  13

As for the Destruction of Troy, what Homer the Greek, and Virgil the Prince of Latine Poets have written, I pass by, as being Poetical fictions, each striving to advance the glory of his own Nation; But Gordon in the same Folio, tells us, Circæ hæc tempora, præsertini sub Ducatu Judicis Aod, ponitur Tros Dardaniae Rex tertius, quem sequuti sunt alii, Hic Tros (à quo Trojani) belium intulit Tantalo regi Phrygiæ ob raptum Ganymedem; and for this, Gor∣don cites Eusebius 99. cap. 8. and so proceeds, Juxta regum Catologum anno 2524. notatum sequitur hunc annum 5. quo regnavit Tros, quod recte consentet tum cum Ilii excidio, tum cum chronologia inter hunc Troem & Tantalum; ac deni{que} cum anno quo Pelopidae Mycenis soli reg∣naverunt, pulsis Heraclidis: à Trois autem morte us{que} ad Atreum Tantali ex Penelope nepotem vix sunt anni 71. juxta regum annos notatos; Dardania quidem anno Orbis 2524. & Mycaena∣rum 99. c. 8. Consurgunt quo{que} anni tantum 20. ab obitu Trois us{que} ad mortem Acrisii, cæsi à Perseo nepote quando cæpit Mycenarum regnum: nec ab his alienus est Tatianus qui Pelopei è Phrygia exitum refert ad Acrisii tempora.

De Trojano Excidio.

Si, quod supra indicavi, condita Troja est anno Orbis 2524.*inquem incidit initium Ducatus Josue: Cum steterit Ilium annis 296. ut probatissimi Autores magno fere consensu testantur, ne∣cesse est excidium hoc incidisle in annum 2820, ab orbe condito, & recte sunt enim sic ab eversa Troit ad primam Olympiadem anni 407. quod intervallum doctissimi qui{que} probarunt. Scaliger. lib. 5. de Emen. pro hac suæ ac vera sententia veteres citat, Ephorum, Calisthenem & Damascen. Sane tabula Eratosthenis quam habet, cap. 18. an Appen. idem perspicue refert, Hanc tabulam laudat & sequitur. Dionysius Halic. Idem{que} intervallum ex Diodoro colligit citatus Scaliger; ab hoc autem excidio ad Palilia anni consurgunt 432. hunc numerum saepe repetit Dionysius Halicar. quem Glareanus & alii libenter sequuntur, &c.

MEMPRICIƲS.

MEmpricius the Eldest Son of Madan, his Father being dead, by right of Inheritance was Crowned with the Royal Diadem of Brittaine about the Year of the worlds Creation 4142. but long he enjoyed not his Soveraignty without Troubles and Opposition; for Man∣lius his younger brother, a man of an Ambitious spirit, Haughty and aspiring to Royal dignity, would not content himself with any Titles of Honour under the degree of a King; and there∣fore to bring this his Designe to his wisht for Period, he resolves either to subdue or to expell his brother: and to this purpose he insinuates himself into the bosomes of the Nobles, casts As∣persions upon his brother, Detracts and Malignes all his Actions; and so farre prevailes, that Rebellion is rais'd, and an unnatural Warre taken in hand, which was eagerly prosecuted on each part, and continued a long time; at length both Nobles and Commons finding Bellum minime bellum, and perceiving these intestine broyles, to wast their Country and threaten an utter Ruine, incline to peace; no fitter way can be thought upon then an attonement and re∣conciliation between the brothers; and therefore a day of meeting is appointed, and great hopes conceived of a final peace and Concord; but Mempricius having now got his brother under the fair pretence of becoming friends into his power, to avoid all Jealousies and Fears of future deceit and Treachery, becomes a Traytor himselfe, and by Treason caused his own brother to be slain, making that saying of the Poet good, Rara est concordia fratrunt. This perfidious and tragical scene performed, Mempricius, (his brother Manlius being taken away) enjoyes as he conceives a happy peace; this peace makes him forgetful both of his person and Honour, and now fearing nothing he contemns even the Deity, and precipitates not only himself but his subjects also into Sloth, Idlenesse, and Treachery; and when the Gate is set open, and free scope given to sin, though nemo repente fit pessimus, yet those who forsake Grace and Abandon themselves over to unlawful lusts and pleasures, fall from one sin to another till they arrive at last at the very Jawes of Hell: so fares it with Mempricius, his Wife or Wives give him not content, the fairest and choicest beauties must be his Concubines, and these as many as his own wandering fancy shall think fit, in these horrid sins he wallowes with all sen∣suality. I know some of Epicurus his Scholars or rather Atheists will excuse Mempricius for this his Platonick as it is now commonly stiled, love, and tell you that whatsoever is natural is no sin, and out of this deduce a most damnable consequence or conclusion, which chast ears abhor to hear: but this natural act as it is called, •••fied not Mempricius, he falls to that which is most unnatural, the sin of Sodomy, with wild and brutish Creatures, and by this means becomes hateful both to God and Man, but not without just punishment from Heaven: for intending to disport hemself in hunting becomes a prey to wild beasts, and by them is torn to pieces, after he had enjoyed the Kingdome twenty years, leaving to succeed him in his Throne, a son by his lawful wife called Ebrank. Mempricius his Reign is observed by those who write of him to have been Tyrannical. Plutarch though a Panim saith,* that God doth serve himself of wicked Tyrants as of Hangmen to execute his justice upon others, no lesse or more wicked then they; and that as poysons are sometimes medicinable, and necessary to purge sad humors and cure diseases; even so Tyrants are necessary to purge the sins and cure Page  14 the vices of wicked Subjects, To which end (saith he) Phalaris the Tyrant was ordained by Almighty God to govern the Agrigentins, and Marius the Romans. As for the brutish sin of Mempricius, holy Gildas brings it in, as one amongst the rest, for which God so severely puni∣shed the Britains;* and touching briefly the lives of some of the Kings and Princes that were in his time, as of Constantius, Aurelius, Conanus, Vortiporius, Cuneglasus and Maglocus, taxing them with Tyranny, perjury, sacrilegious murders and parricides, committed even before the holy Altars, &c. yea, and two of them of Sodomy; for which and other general corruptions and wickedness Gildas threatneth or rather prophesyeth the utter ruine and destruction which was to follow; which also Geffrey of Monmouth acknowledgeth saying, that King Cadwallader the last of the Race of the Britains used these words as he fled by the Sea into France with the reliques of the Brittish Nation, Vae nobis peccatoribus ob immania scaelera nostra, &c. And truly so great is the sin of Lust, especially in Kings and great Dukes and other Commanders in the sight of God (how little soever in these our sinful times we make of it) that whole Kingdomes for it have been destroyed. The Kingdom of Spain when it had flourished as well in Reli∣gion as Power from the time of King Richard (the first Catholick King thereof) for the space of 120 years, the wicked King Vitiza being a man given over to all lust and carnality infected and corrupted all Spain, not onely with the bad example of his one dissolute life (having ma∣ny Wives at once besides Concubines) but also with abominable lawes whereby he gave leave to all sorts of men to have as many Wives and Concubines as they listed; yea and forced Priests and such as lived Chast to Marry, by which means all Spain became within a while to be no better then a common stew or brodel: and although Almighty God according to his accustomed manner expected their conversion and amendment all the time of his Reign, and layed only the penalty thereof upon him, whom he deprived both of his Crown and of his Eye-sight by the means of Roderick who succeeded him in the Kingdome; yet when the said Roderick followed his steeps as well in his vicious life as in the maintenance of his abominable Laws; it pleased God of his justice to permit him to give the occasion both of his own ruine as also of the overthrow of all Spain by the sin of the flesh wherewith the whole Kingdome was, as it were, overflowed.

For as whereas King Roderick had sent a Kinsman of his own called Count Julian Ambassa∣dor into Africk, and in the mean time Ravished his Daughter, or (as some write) his Wife; the Count understanding it at his return, was so incensed therewith against the King, that for revenge thereof he practised with the Moores to bring them into Spain, who with his assistance Conquered it so speedily, and with such destruction of the people, that the punishment of God was most evident therein: for having first overthrown King Roderick (whose body could never after the battel be found) they subdued almost all Spain in Eight months or in Fourteen as some say, and slew 700000. of all sorts of people, besides great numbers of Captives which they sent prisoners into Barbary: and from that time forwards they remained in the possession of that Kingdome or in some great part thereof for the space of 700 years.

This example of the Conquest and subversion of Spain for the sins of the flesh, was so famous and so much observed by Godly and Wise men, at the same time when it hapned that St. Boni∣facius a Countryman of ours and Bishop of Mentz in Cermany, who lived in the same age and converted the Saxons and Frisons from Paganisme to the Christian Faith, proposed it to one called Etholbud King of the Mercians to withdraw him from his dissolute life, and tells him that in old Saxony where there was no Christianity, there if either Maid or Wife did commit Adultery or Fornication, she was first strangled and after burnt: and he that corrupted her, Hanged over her, or else she was stripped naked to the middle and whipped by chast Matrons from Town to Town, and prickt with sharp Knives till shee dyed therewith.

EBRANCK.

EBranck, after the unfortunate death of his Father, by the general consent and Approba∣tion of both Nobles and Commons, is invested in the Regal Dignity Anno mundi Creati∣onis,* 4182. Authors affirm, that he had a thing, in those times not unusual, one and twenty wives; by whom he was enriched with a plentifull and numerous off-spring, to wit, twenty Sons, and thirty daughters, whereof the most fair and beautifull was named Guales, or Gua∣lea; these daughters (intending to uphold the Trojan blood) he sent to Alba Silvius, the e∣leventh King of Italy, or seventh of the Latines, there to be espoused unto Trojans: This E∣branck, was a comely man, Majestical, and well proportioned; of incomparable valour, and as desirous of Martial Attempts, as his Progenitor Brutus; and therefore providing all War∣like Engines and Furniture correspondent to his designs, he attempts to invade France, which is testified by Jacobus Bergomas in the sixth of his Chronicles, and Jacobus Lessabeus in the de∣scription of Henalt affirmeth the same, and that he was driven back by Brunchildis Lord of Henalt, with some loss of his men: Yet Fabian affirmeth this Voyage to have been prosperous and successfull; insomuch that what by his own fancies, judgement and policie, being assist∣ed by the Trojan-Latines, or Latine-Trojans, where he had espoused his daughter, he over∣ran and conquered a great part of Germany. Some Authors ascribe this Conquest and good fortune to Assaracus the second Son of Ebranck, with the rest of the younger brothers, and Page  15 esteem it no great service or enterprise of moment; for that Europe was then scarce peopled and Colonized, unless towards the Sea Coasts, as Dalmatia, Italy, and the coasts of France: of these Brethren, had Germany the name, à Germanis fratribus, who subdued it.

Ebrank thus fortunate either in his own undertakings, or in these of his children, having setled his affairs to his hearts desire, begins to take into consideration, the beautifying and strengthning Britannia; and as Brutus about an hundred and fourty years (if he built it in the second year of his Reign) before to his eternal glory had built Troynovant, Ebranck, with no less ambition to continue and perpetuate his name and memory, layeth the foundation of a glorious City, calling it, being fully finished, after his own nomenclation Caer Ebrank, which now we call York.

A late learned Author saith, it is a common received opinion among our Antiquaries,* that Ebrancus son to Mempricius, a hundred years after the building of London (or thereabouts) builded the City of York, calling it then Kair Baruch, as both Brittains and Saxons ancient and modern agree; where as Harding and Stow, with others, affirm he seated an Arch-Flamen.

He made a Temple in Ebrank City
Of Diane where an Arch-Flamen he set,*
To rule Temples at that time was his det.

In the twentieth year of his Reign (saith Mr. Stow) he built Kaer Ebrank by the Saxons cal∣led Evorwick, now corruptly York, wherein he builded a Temple to Diana, and set there an Arch-Flamen, and was there buried, when he had reigned sixty years. Thus ancient these our Historians make Arch-Flamens in Brittain, as I have related their very words; not that I think the name and word Arch-Flamen, but only their Office and Calling among the Gentiles to have been so ancient, as the time assigned to our Brutus, but of younger continu∣ance and age by divers hundreds of years; the word Flamen, not known till the time of Nu∣ma Pompilius, and taken from a kind of Attire worn upon their heads upon Festival days, yet the Office of Flamen and Arch-Flamen, Pontifex and Summus Pontifex was always the same among the Pagans.

Three Arch-flamens, he made through all Brittain,*
As Arch-bishops now in our Laws been,
Three Temples all to govern and Domaine,
At Troynovant, one Logres to overseen,
Her false gods to serve and to queme,
At Ebranch another for Albany,
And at Caerleon for Cambre one soveranly.

And this is so evident a Truth in Histories, that the Bishop himself, which before with one only opposed against Arch-flamens, freely confesseth that at this time Arch-flamens, Bishops, were placed in these three Cities in Brittain, and in them only,* where so many (saith my Au∣thor) have testified, and shall testifie hereafter further, these Arch-flamens were resident. Thus he writeth. At what time Christian Religion was first publickly received in this Island, there were established in the same 28. Sees, or Cathedral Churches (which were the Seats of Arch-fla∣mens and Flamens, as shall be shewed hereafter with their names) whereof three were Arch∣bishopricks, York whose Province was Scotland, and the North of England, &c. Another Author saith, Eboracensi vero (scilicet Archiepiscopo) tota terra Northumbrina ab arcui Humbri fluminis cum tota Albania: To him of York all Northumberland from Humber, with all Albania (i. e.) Scotland, which is confirmed by these words, Eboracensi Deira & Albania, under York, Deira and Albania.

Giraldus Cambrensis according to the Tome or Book of St. Anacletus,* which divided this I∣sland into five Provinces, relateth, as divers modern and others in this manner;* as he saith he found it then both in Papal and Imperial Acts and Constitutions, Juxta Provinciarum nu∣merum quas tempore gentilitatis habuerit Insula, quinque Metropoles Juxta Tomum enim Ana∣cleti Episcopi Romani, sicut in Pontificalibus Romanorum gestis, & Imperialibus continetur di∣rectum Galliarum Episcopis; juxta statum Gentilium ante Christi adventum Britannia habuit pro∣vincias numero quinque Britanniam primam, Britanniam secundam, Flaviam, Maximiam, Va∣lentiam. Prima dicta est occidentalis Pars Insulae, Britannia secunda Cantia, Tertia Flavia, quæ & Mercia; Quarta Maximia id est Eboraca. Quinta valentîa scilicet Albania quæ nunc abusive Scotia dicitur. According to the number of Provinces, which it had in the time of the Pagans, the Island of Britany hath five Metropolitan Cities; for according to the Tome of Anacletus Bi∣shop of Rome, as it is contained in the Decrees of the Popes of Rome, and Emperors, directed to the Bishops of France, according to the State of the Gentiles, before the coming of Christ, Brittain had five Provinces, Brittain the first, Brittain the second, Flavia, Maximia, Valentia; the first was the West part of the Island, the second Kent, the third Flavia, called also Mercia, the fourth Maximia, that is to say York; the fifth Valentia; Albania, now corruptly, called Scotland: The Metropolitan City of the first Brittain was Caerlegeon: The Metropolitan of Page  16 the second Dorobernia, now Canterbury: In the third London; in the fourth York; and in the fifth, Alba taken to be the City now named St. Andrews. Thus far Giraldus of St. Anacletus Tome, extant in his time, as he hath witnessed:

*York is now esteemed the second City of England by some (though others think Norwich, and not a few Bristoll) both for fame and greatness; a pleasant large and stately place, well fortified and beautifully adorned, as well with private as publick Edifices, and rich and po∣pulous withall; seated on the river Ouse, which cutteth it as it were in twain, both parts be∣ing joyned together with a fair stone bridge, consisting of high and mighty arches. A City of great fame in the Roman times, and of as eminent reputation in all ages since, and in the several turns and changes which have befallen this Kingdom under the Saxons, Danes, and Normans hath still preserved its ancient Custom; adorned it was with an Archiepiscopal See in the time of the Brittains, nor stooped it lower when the Saxons received the Faith: Ri∣chard the second laying to it a little Territory on the west side thereof, made it a County of it self, in which the Archbishops of York did enjoy the rights of Palatines: and for a further lustre to it, Hen. 8. appointed there a Councel for the Government of the Northern parts, consisting of a Lord President, certain Councellors, a Secretary, and other Officers: And yet in none of these hath York been more fortunate, then that it hath adorned so many Princes of the Imperial Line of Germany, and blood Royal of England.

The Line of YORK.

1461.36. Edward the IV. 23.
1483.37. Edward the V.
1483.38. Richard the III.

With the Title and Honour, Stile, and attribute of Otho of Bavaria, Earl of York. Gules two Lions Passant Gardant, Or.

[illustration]

  • Edmund of Langley, fifth Son to King Edward 3. Earl of Camb. and D. of York.
  • Edw. Plantagenet Son of Edmund of Langley, Earl of Rutland, and D. of York.
  • Richard Plantagenet, Nephew of Edmund of Langley, by his Son Richard, Earl of Cam∣bridge, D. of York.
  • Richard of Shrewsbury second Son to King Edw. 4. D. of York.
  • Henry 2. Son to King Hen. 7. D. of York.
  • Charles 2. Son to King James D. of York.
  • James 2. Son of King Charles, D. of York.

Let us return again to our valiant and fortunate King Ebranck, who having happily and with great Successe finished his Forrain Wars, and living in peace, the mother of plenty, at home, lends all his cares and endeavours, both to beautifie and strengthen Brittania, as we may partly see in what is already declared of York: which work finished, he proceeded to a second Erection; and laid the foundation of Alcuid or Alcluid in Albania, now Scotland, which Hector Boetius,* the Scotch Historian, in honour of his Country, imagines to be Dunbrit∣ta n: but another Author, to whom I give more credit, saith: And the old Flamens City Alcluid or Alclucht, was also founded by the same King (viz. Ebranck) of Brittain. There is a question where this City for certain was, but all agree, near the wall of division, and so the priviledges and power thereof must probably extend on both sides of that division. The City Caerlile or Lugugablia, was a place of this prerogative, builded by Leil, the seventh in number of the Brittish Kings; and out of doubt had power and prerogative in both sides of the wall, both in Leogria and Albania, having as our Antiquaries say, and experience yet proveth, in it, part of that famous Wall of Separation, habet hæc urbs aliquam partem illius muri famosi qui transcindit Northumbriam, Ranulphus Higedon, and others, placeth an old Page  17 City Ʋrbs Beble, Ʋrbs Regia, a Regal City upon the River of Twyde, super ripam Twydi, which divideth England and Scotland; and if it was a Flamen or Bishops See, as the ancient glory of it perswadeth to think, the jurisdiction of it must needs extend into Albania.

The third notable place which this Ebranck founded was the Castle of Maidens, which stand∣eth at the one end of the City of Edenbrough, a Castle by the Scots thought so impregnable that the grand Seignior himself with all his numerous Armies could not be able to surprize it, but the valour and courage of the English in these late wars maugre all their Scotch juglings, and sanctity, made them know the contrary, who now have it in their possession as a curb to check that—Nation. This Castle of Maidens or rather Edenborough it self was also an ancient Flamins City and Residence, and after Converted into an Episcopall See.

Ebrancus not yet content with such Edifices as he had already erected layeth a fourth Foun∣dation, and called it Bamburgh, but whether this was the place which we now call Bambury, Burgh, and Bury in their several Languages signifying the same thing I will not decide: if it were, Mr. Cambden saith, Hic Banburie quondam Bananbyniz primum perfundit ad quod Kinricus visisaxo Britannos pro aris & focis fortiter Dimicantes memorabili prælio olim fudit; & superiori saeculo Ricardus Nevill comes Warwicensis dum à Lancastrensibus partibus staret Ebo∣racenses profligavit, ut statim etiam ipsum Edwardum 4. consilii innopem caeperit & abduxerit: Nunc autem conficiendo Caseum notissimum. Here Kinricus the Visisaxon in a most memorable battle overthrew the Brittains most valiantly fighting for their lives, liberties and Religion; and in later times, Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick being for the Lancastrian party, so vanquished King Edward the Fourth that ignorant which way to turn himself, he took him and carried him away; the place is now famous for excellent Cheese, &c.

To end his dayes with famous glory, this heroick King laid the Foundation of that long conti∣nued and learned University now called Oxford, which was first known by the name of Caer Mennix, and after Bellesitum a name most fit for so pleasant a place, and after Caer Bossa Rhy∣dohen, in conclusion Oxenford of a certain. Ford called Isis, in English Ouse,* and so instead of Ouseford, Oxenford or Oxford, upon which word a Student there, to prefer his own Univer∣sity before Cambridge for Antiquity, Quibles thus; the Ox went over the Ford and then Came¦bridge: Others call it Caer Mennip. Galfridus calls it Caer pen huelgoit, Leland from the Anti∣quities of Dover, writeth that it was a City before the time of K. Arviragus that builded the Castle adjoyning, and nameth it a most renowned city, and that King Lucius builded a Church in the said Castle, Referunt & idem Annales Lucium regem Britannorum, &c. Whosoever desireth a further and more large satisfaction concerning the erecting of the several Colledges Churches. Monasteries, Halls and Schools, let him peruse Mr. Cambden in Oxfordshire.

Ebranck after he had reigned Forty years and builded so many goodly Cities, departed out of this life, whose Corps were buried or burned, at York his Obsequies being celebrated with great solemnity, and left to succeed him in his Kingdome his Son Brutus the second sirna∣med. Green shileld.

BRƲTE GREEN-SHIELD.

BRute the Second, eldest Son of Evranck, succeeded in the Kingdome, and for that his Father had received a repulse as some write at the hand of Brunchildis Lord of Henalt, Ha∣nolt or Hannonia which lyeth on the East of Flanders, 60 miles long and 48 broad, containing 950 Villages and 24 Towns besides Castles. The chief are Banais supposed to stand in the same place where the ancient Belgium was built, Mons, Condè Valencennes, &c. he in revenge thereof Invaded Henalt with a great Army in the Fens and Marsh land at the mouth of the River Scaldis (in old time called Stadus) and encamped himself upon the River Hania where between Brutus and Brunchildis was fought a fierce and bloody battel in that place, which to this day is called Estambruges of the station and Camp of Brutus, as Jacobus Lessabeus writeth in his description of Henalt, This Brute of his lusty courage, was sirnamed Greenshield he reign'd twelve years and was buried at Caer Ebranck or York.

LEIL.

LEillus, or Leill Son of Brute the second commonly called Green-shield, began his Reign over the Kingdome of Great Brittaine in the year of the worlds Creation Four thousand two Hundred fifty four, he was a just man and one who highly esteemed Justice and Dignity, and imitating the worthiest of his Predecessors in erecting ornaments for his Kingdome; he laid the foundation and in time fully built the City of Carliele. The Romans and Brittains had several appellations for this place, sometimes calling it Lugu-vallum, and Lugu-ballium, and some∣times Lugu-baliam, and Caerliel. The Saxons after they had possest themselves of this Island called it Luell as St. Bede affirmeth, Ptolomeus as some seem to affirm called it Leucopibiam and Nennius caer Lualid; the old Prophesies of the Brittains, which Mr. Cambden calls ridicula Page  18 Britannorum vaticinia, indeed he never was Friend to the Brittains and Welsh.) Ʋrbem Duballi at this day well known it is by the name of Caerlile, and by the Latines, Caeliolum, Lugum or Lucum, priscis Celtis, who spake the same language with the Brittains, as Mr. Cambden imagineth and but imagineth; Pomponius Mela tells us it signified a Tower or Fortification, and Caerlile or Lugu vallum is as much as to say Turris or munimentum ad vallum; certain it is that this City flourished and was in high esteem with the Romans as may appear by several Monuments of great Antiquity which have been digged up and found there, and although it suffered great detriment and ruine by the irruptions and inroades of the barbarous Picts and Scots, yet it ever retained the stile and dignity of a City. In processe of time, to wit, in the 619 year of the Incarnation of our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus, Egfridus King of the Northumbers gave it to St. Cuthbert, these are the words of the Donation, Donavi etiam civitatem quæ vocatur Caerlile Luguballia & in circuitu ejus xv.*milliaria, at which time the walls were firme and whole: venerable Bede affirmeth, Cuthbertum duxerunt cives ut maenia videret fontem{que} in ea quendam Romanorum opere extructum, The Citizens led Cuthbert to behold the walls and view a Fountaine which the Romans formerly had made; who as saith the Register or book of Durham, congregationem sanctimonielium & Abbatissam ordinavit scholas{que} ibi constituit, who in∣stituted there a Cloyster of Religious Virgins or Nuns, and also Schooles; but the fury of the Danes afterwards so demolished and destroyed this City that for the space of near upon two hundred years it lay buried in its own ashes. William of Malmesbury saith, That in this City Visum erat triclinium Romanum ex lapidibus fornacibus concameratum quod nulla unquam tem∣pestatum injuria aut ignium flamma labefactare potuit, in cujus fronte scriptum erat Marii VICTORIA, some suppose this Marius was that gallant Arviragus the Brittain, of whom we shall have occasion to speak much hereafter. William commonly called Rufus reedified this so long buried Caerlile, and furnished it with stately Buildings, strengthing it with a Princely Castle, though some think that Richard 3. by reason of his Arms found there in the building, erected it. These are Mr. Cambden's words, Ad occidentem est castrum satis magno ambitu quod Regem, Ric. 3. ex insignibus vendicat: The same Author further saith, that Caerlile est Ʋrbs vetustissima à Septentrione Itunae, (i.) Eden, alveo, ab Ortu Peterillo (i.) Peterell, ab occasu Cauda (i.) Cauda & præter hæc defendentis naturae munimentis firmis maenibus è saxo, Castello, & Cita∣della quam vocant armata: And a little after, Ad ortum vero Citadella quam propugnaculis variis firmo opere posuit Hen. 8. defenditur. Thus much for the honour of our Brittish King Leill the Founder of this ancient and strong City, a Bulwark against the Scots, of which I could say more, but it may be it would be out of season; and therefore I will onely tell you that Caerlile hath given the honour of Earl onely to two Families.

  • 1. To Andrew de Harcla, who did bear for his Arms, argent a cross gules, upon the canton point a Mertlet sable; but for proving a Traytor, his Armes reversed, his Spurs hackt from his heels, and all his Honours being taken from him, he was Drawn, Hanged, and, Quartered.
  • The second, James Hay Viscount Doncaster, Created E. of Caerlile, 18 Jac. Sept. 17. James Hay, &c. Argent 3 escoucheons Gules.

King Leill also repaired Chester, which Ptolomy calls DEVNANA, Antoninus, DENAM from the River Dena or Dina. The first Inhabitants of this Isle, the ancient Brittains, called it Caerlegion, Caerleon Vaur, Caerleon or Dufyr Dwy; and Caer as who would say the City, or the only City in way of eminency and superiority. The Saxons called it Leze acentep, names which without all doubt were taken from the Legion which was called Victrix, sent into these remote parts, the Pretorian and Consular Legats standing in fear of it: Some, as Mr. Hen. Bradshaw for one, will bring and deduce the Name from a terrible Gyant long before Brute, and to make their invention good, they call this Gyant Leon Vaur; but being before Brute how he came by this Brittish name, my brains cannot find, and therefore as a fictitious ima∣gination and mere Chymera I leave it: but that the xx. Legion called Victrex resided in this City, it is most apparent by the Coyns oft found there: the one side having this Inscription, Col. DINANA LEG. XX. Victrix: but now there remains very few Marks and Signes of the Roman magnificence and state, unlesse some small parcels of checker or Mosaick, work, which are usually found where the Romans formerly inhabited. Hear what Ranulphus once a Monk of this City saith concerning these Antiquities, these are his words, Viae sunt hic subter∣raneae lapideo opere mirabiliter testudineatae, triclinia concamerata, Insculpti lapides prægrandes antiquorum nomina præferentes; hic & numismata Julii Cæsaris aliorum{que} illustrium inscriptione insiguita quando{que} sunt effossa; Here are passages under ground with stone-work most wonde∣rously vaulted over, banquetting rooms with arched roofs; vast stones inscribed with the names of ancient Romans; Coyns stamped with the Inscription of Julius Cæsar and other fa∣mous Commanders. Rogerus Cestrensis in Policratico saith, Intuenti fundamenta lapidum in viis, ingenio videtur potius Romano sive Gyganteo labore quam Britannico sudore sundata, Whosoever shall view the foundations and consider the vast proportion and huge bulk of the stones, shall judge the work rather finished by the toyl and labour of Gyants or the ingenious Roman industry, then by the sweat of any Brittish brow: the City is quadrate, the Walls containing four Miles in compasse; the building beautiful and neat, the prime Streets so deckt Page  19 with Galleries, that in rainy dayes passengers walk dry; the Castle is of late erection: this City hath been defaced several times, once by Egfride King of the Northumbers, after by the Danes; often repaired by Adelfleda Lady and Queen of the Mercians. Over the River Dena or Dee a fair stone-bridge leadeth, built upon eight Arches, at either end whereof is a Gate from whence in a long quadran-wise the Walls do encompasse the City, high and strong built, with four fair Gates opening unto the four winds, besides, three Posterns with four Watch-towers, extending in compasse 1940 paces.

On the South side is mounted a strong and stately Castle, on the North side is the Minster first built by Earl Lerfrick to the honour of St. Werburga the Virgin, and after most sumptu∣ously repaired by Hugh the first Earl of Chester of the Normans; Now the Cathedral of the Bishops See. Herein lyeth interred (as report doth relate) the body of Henry the 4. Emperor of Almain, who leaving his Imperial estate, led lastly an Hermits life.

Who built this stately and ancient City appeareth not, but in that it was repaired by the Brittish Leill, to him the glory must needs belong; to the Romans thanks belong for its first name, or at least to the twentieth Legion called Victrix; a Legion of the Romans (as Vige∣tius reporteth) contained 6000 Souldiers or more, and was divided into ten bands, the first exceeding all the rest both in number and estimation; For this band bare the Eagle which was the chief Standard of all the Romans; it contained 1105 Foot men, heavy armed; Horsemen 132. and was named Cohors Miliaria, that is to say, a company of One thousand and more souldiers. This Band hath the preheminence above all the Legions when they go to Fight; for they are placed in the Forefront and begin the battel. The second Band contai∣neth 555 Footmen and 66 Horsemen of heavy Armour, and is called Cohors Quinquegintaria. The third band hath also 555 Footmen and 66 Horsemen. The Fifth had as many. These Five bands are set in array in the first battel; The other Five bands have equally each band the like number; so that these ten bands make a compleat Legion, containing 6100 Footmen and 726. Horsemen. King Leill in the end of his Reign fell to sloth and lust, whereby civil dissentions arose, which ended not in his life. He reigned 25 years, and was buried at Caleile alias Chester, which hath given the honour of Earle to these honourable Families.

  • 1. Hugh sirnamed Lupus, Azure, a Wolfs head erased Argent.
  • 2. Richard Son of Hugh, Gules crutely Or, a Wolfs head erased Arg.
  • 3. Randolph de Meschines, Or, a Lyon rampant with his tail erected Gules.
  • 4. Randolph de Gernoniis, Gules a Lyon rampant with his tail erected Arg.
  • 5. Hugh Kivilioc son of Randolph, Azure 6 garbs 3. 2. 1.
  • 6. Randolph Blondevil Son of Hugh, Azure 3 garbs, Or.
  • 7. John le Scot Son to the Lady Maud, eldest sister of Randolph, Or, 3 piles Gules.
  • Edward eldest Son to K. Ed. 3. England, a label of 3 points.
  • Symon de Montfort E. of Leicester, after whose death Chester was laid unto the Crown, and hath been since united to the Principality of Wales.

Lud or Lud Hurdribras alias Cicuber.

KIng Lud, his Father being Dead, with general applause and consent ascends the Royall Throne of great Brittaine, in the Year of the Worlds Creation, 4279. as Mr. Fabian ac∣counteth; the First businesse which he took in hand was to settle his Kingdom, for his Father towards the latter end of his Age addicting himself to sloath, and giving way to the youthful sin of lust, a vice most hateful in an old Man, gave occasion to his Subjects who lived in Ease, Wealth and Delights to stir up commotions and dissentions, these, broyls, Lud though young yet wisely endeavours by all means and diligence to suppresse, knowing that peace and quiet is the Object and chief effect which all distempers and Wars how just soever aim'd at; by his studious endeavours and assistance of faithful Friends and careful Councellours, he obtains his desire; and having settled all distempers and reduced them to their due order and mo∣tion he set his mind wholly upon the beautifying of Britanny, and therefore in imitation of his Royal Progenitors, he begins a City which he calls Caer gant or Kaer kin, which after∣wards the Saxons call Canterbury, which is to say, the Court of Kentishmen.

True it is that Canterbury is now a Metropolitan Church and Archbishops See, but it never had an Archflamen. St. Augustine out of an affection of his own (though some Authors affirm London according to the general rule of placing Archbishops where Archflamens were, and bi∣shops where Flamens was appointed by Pope Gregory) to be the place, there settled his Ar∣chiepiscopal chair.

For Canterbury, it was first a Flamens Seat, And the old Manuscript History called Abbre∣viatios Chronicorum saith in this time, and setling of Bishops in King Lucius his Reign, That the old Church of St. Martins was builded, tunc constructa est extra Cantuariam Ecclesia sancti Mar∣tini, and to notifie that he meant thereby a Cathedral and Episcopal Church, he addeth this when he speaketh of changing Flamens into Bishops; and all Histories testifie, that the holy Bishop Lethardus which came hither with Queen Bertha before St. Augustin's time, used it as his Episcopal See; And Canterbury besides the Arch-bishop had another Bishop in that Page  20 Church of Saint Martin divers hundreds of years, and Mr. Lambert the Antiquary of Kent saith from Antiquities, St. Martins Church built by the Romans in Canterbury was a bishops See untill the Normans came in, and so two in one City thus substitute to the Arch∣bishop.

*And that Canterbury was a Primates See, Mr. Broughton, fol. 178. out of other Authors, Ex Anacleto hujus Insulae divisionem, Canterburie, London, Caerlegion, York, and Alba in Scotland, by some taken to be St. Andrews, Ʋrbs Legionum Cantuaria, Londonia, Eboraca & Alba, unde Albania Provincia were designed Primate Sees, for such, as Giraldus Cambren∣sis in his second book to Innocentius the 3. Sir John Price, Matthew Parker the first Arch-bishop of Canterbury with others testifie.

Mr. Cambden calls this City Dorovernum, saying, that the River Stoure runs most swiftly by it, which seems partly to give name unto it, for that Durwherne signifies in the Brittish tongue a swift or fierce running river; he saith it is, Ʋrbs pervetusta Romanoque seculo proculdubio il∣lustris: And Malmesbury tels us, Nec adeo magna, nec euiliter parva, quæ & terrae positione so∣li assinis maxima ubertate, & integro murorum ambitu, fluviis irriguae, nemorum opportunitate inclyta, præterea maris vicinitate piscium faecunda: if any desire to satisfie himself further con∣cerning this famous and glorious Brittish City, let him read Mr. Cambden in his description of Kent.

The next City which King Lud founded was Caerguent; Ptolomeus and Antoninus call this City Venta Belgarum, the Saxons þinvancesvor, the Latines Vintonia, at this day Win∣chester: some seem to derive the Etymologie from Vento, others from Vine, and not a few from Wina the Bishop. But Lelands conjecture pleaseth better, who from the Brittish word Guin or Guen i. e. white, doth derive it, and so maketh Caer Guin, the White City; so ab albedine prisci latini Albam Longam, & Albam Regiam nominarunt; for this venta, as the other two Venta Icenorum, and Venta silurum, in the midst between Chepstow and Caerleon in Monmouth∣shire, in times past a Flamens Seat, a City, and an University or School of Philosophers, Nunc seges est ubi venta fuit, the high way or road is through the midst of it: This City was remarkable in the Romans days, In qua textrina sua sacra Imperatores Romani habuisse vide∣rentur, their weaving houses; for according to Guidus Pancirolus, illa Gynecia constituta sunt texendis principis ut militum vestibus, navium velis, stragulis, aliis, & ad Instruendas mansiones necessariis, to weave vestures and garments for Princes and Souldiers, sails for ships, linnen coverings or coverlids, and other necessaries to furnish habitations; the Cathedral Church of Winchester (saith Godwin) according to a respect that I finde in an old Manuscript, was first built and erected by King Lucius, and to speak further in his words; This Church was hal∣lowed and dedicated October the 29. 189. by Faganus and Damianus Bishops; and he proveth from the same Antiquity, that in the year 309. one Constance was Bishop there; and in Saint Dubritius time,* by the Brittish History, Dinuanius was also bishop there, Episcopatus Guintonia Dinvanio decernitur; the same author produceth an old Manuscript, which testifieth another (Monasterie) founded at Winchester; only his error is (which the Antiquity doth not say, that it was the Cathedral Church, confounding them as one, whereas both the Brittish History and Matthew of Westminster, make them two several Churches; otherwise he thus truly writeth, a Church in Winchester, according to a report that I find in an old Manuscript, was first built and erected by King Lucius, who abolishing Paganisme, embraced Christ about the year of our Lord 180. and placing Monks in the same, allotted for their maintenance large Reve∣nues, which heretofore had belonged for the most part unto the Flamens, and other Heathenish Priests; and this Monasterie so continued untill the persecution of Dioclesian, when it was destroyed and the Monks martyred or dispersed; yet upon the ceasing of the persecution, it was presently within one year and thirty days new builded, and the Church hallowed and dedicated unto the honour and memory of Amphibalus (who was a noble Brittain) that had suffered death for Christ in the late persecution, by Constans bishop of Winchester, in the year 309. the 15. day of March, at the request of Deodatus the Abbot: The first Dedication of that Church in King Lucius time,* by the two Legats Faganus and Damianus bishops was by that old Antiquity, October the 29. 189. The Antiquities of Winchester make it more ancient: and it thus continued a famous Monasterie until the year 519. at which time Cerdick the first King of the West Saxons, converted the Church into a Temple of Dagon, and either slew or chased away all the Monks. This was that holy Sanctuary, whither to the Altar of this Church one of the Sons of Mordred did flie for succour against Constantine the younger, who there cruelly slew him before the Altar, Constantinus filios Morredi caepit & alterum juvenem Win∣toniae in Ecclesiam Sancti Amphibali fugientem aute altare trucidait, in the year 543. others say that it continued within 17 years of St. Augustin's coming hither, others continue Christi∣ans there for longer time.

Winchester hath honoured both Earls and Marquesses with their Titles; As first:

  • 1. Saer de Quincy, E. a Fess. and labell of xi. points.
  • 2. Robert de Quincy, Gules 7. Mascles, Or 33. 1.
  • 3. Hugh de Spencer, Quarterly the first and 4. arg. the 2. and 3. each charged with a fret, Or, a bond sable.
  • Page  21
  • 4. Lewes de Bruges, Azure, 10 Mascles, 4. 3. 2 and 1. Or on a Canton Gules a Lyon passant gardant, of the second.
  • 5. William Pawlett E. of Wiltshire and Marquesse of Winchester.
  • 6. John Pawlett.
  • 7. William Pawlett.
  • 8. William Pawlett.
  • 9. John Pawlet Marquesse of Winchester, 1657. Sable, 3 swords in pile, Argent hilts and pomels, Or, a mullet for difference.

The Third City which this King built was Caer Septon now called Shaftsbury, and Caer Paladur ut falso vulgus putabat, saith Mr Cambden; for he takes and draws what he can from Brittish glory: it seems the Welshmen gave him no liberal hospitality in his travels; for he is no friend of theirs, he will by all means ascribe the building of this place to King Alfred producing this Monument and Malmsburiensis for his Author.

Anno Dominicæ Incarnationis
Elfridus Rex fecit hanc Ʋrbem
DCCCLXXX. Regni sui VIII.

The Saxons called this place Scheafverbyryg it may be from the broach or spice, which in their language they call Scheaf, in this place one Aquila, whether Man or Eagle is in∣certain, by the report of Historians is said to have prophesied the future times of this Empire, and that after the Reigns of the Saxons and Normans it should again return unto the Govern∣ment of the Brittish Kings. In this City was St. Edward the Martyr Son of Edgar, and one and thirtieth Monarch of the English Nation interred, 972. being murdered at Corf Castle by his Stepmother Aelfrith to make way for her own Son to the Crown. But as concerning Mr. Cambden, who would gladly take away the glory of building this place from the Brittons the Predecessors and Forefathers of the Welshmen, so abusively called by their Enemies, and confer it upon the Saxons; Hear what a learned Writer saith, and a deep Searcher into An∣tiquities, having demonstrated where the Primates and Metropolitans of this Ile have their Sees (which I will shew you as occasion requires) after tells you where the Suffragans or ordi∣nary bishops had theirs; taking two Rules for his direction, From Antiquity the one, that they were placed as the custom was in our Brittish Cities; the other, that they were ordained where the Pagan Flamens were before. Gildas writeth that Brittain had 28 Cities besides strong Castles, bis denis bis{que} quaternis civitatibus instructa, but he names them not; but Ranulphus Higeden the Monk of Chester citing Alfridus, tells us thus, Regio Britanniae erat quondam civitatibus nobi∣lissimis 28 Insignita; The Country of Britain was in old times adorned with 28 Cities, beside innumerable number of Castles defensed with strong Walls, Towers, Gates and Locks. The Names of the Cities were these, Caer Lud, (i.e.) London. Caer Ebrane, (i.e.) York. Caer Kent, Canterbury. Caergorongon, Worcester. Caerlyrion, Leicester. Caer Glau, Glocester. Caer Golden, Colchester. Caerrei, Chichester, which the Saxons anciently called Cissancester. Caer Ceri, Cirencester. Caer went, Winchester. Caergrant, Cambridge. Caerlile Luguba∣lia, Caerlile. Caerperis, Porchester. Caer drom, Dorchester. Caerludcoit, Lincoln. Caer Merthin, (i. e.) the City of Merlin, Caersegen, Silcester was, is seated upon Thames not far from Reading. Caerthleon or Caerlegion, (i. e.) the City of Legions, which first was called Lenscester, but now Chester. Caer Badon, Bath, which sometime was called the City of Acha∣mannus. Caer Paladur, (now ut falso credebat vulgus, good Mr. Cambden here are Authors above vulgar people) Septona now called Shaftsbury; there are also other names of Cities sound in Chronicles. This King reigned 29 years, or as Fabian saith 39. who calls Septon or Shaftsbury Mount Paladur, by reason that it is seated upon a Hill.

BLADƲD the Son of Lud Hardibras

BLadud the Son of Hardibras, took upon him the Crown of this Iland in the year of the Worlds creation, 4318. This King was much addicted to Learning, insomuch that he undertook a Journey to Athens, the most famous City in the World, for the knowledge of Philosophy, Astrology, and all other Sciences whatsoever, there fully to be instructed by the grave Philosophers of that place; neither was he content to become learned himself, learning indeed being the greatest ornament a Prince can have, but he endeavoured likewise to confer so great a Treasure upon the Nobles of his Court and Subjects of his Realm, and to that end he brought from Athens with him into our Brittain, four learned Philosophers to lay a plat∣form, and found an habitation for the Muses and Nursery for Learning making choice of Stam∣fordPage  22 in Lincolnshire for his design and purpose. Mr. Cambden according to his wonted cu∣stome not willing to write any thing which may advance the glory of the Welsh or Brittish Nation, giveth a slender account of this place, saying that the Saxons called it Sveanford ex Saxo structili; and that Edward the Elder, built them a Castle against the Danes, which at this day is quite demolished; and that Henry the Second, gave totam Villatam de Stanford quæ erat in Dominio suo exceptis feodis Baronum & Militum ejusdem Villae Richardo de Humetz sive Humete, &c. and that afterwards Gulielmus comes Warrenae eandem tenuit per voluntatem Regis Joannis; that in the time of Edward the 3. by reason of a division and falling out a∣mongst the Scholars of Oxford, the one Part came hither and here opened Schools and began a third University, of which as yet the Citizens boast: but the intestine broiles between the Yorkists and Lancastrians so defaced this famous place, that as yet it hath scarce recovered its pristine glory; yet it so flourisheth at this day, that it hath an Alderman and twenty four Brethren, seven parish Churches, two Hospitals, the one very fair and ancient, built by a Citizen of that place, called William Brown; the other of late Erection, founded by William Cecill Baron of Burleigh, the Nestor of his times.

But let us look a little beyond the Saxons by Mr. Cambden's leave; the Author cited in the Margent writing of K. Bladud saith,*Hunc principem diustuduisse Athenis, inde{que} secum abdux∣isse quatuor Philosophos qui Scholas aperirent in Britannia eo loco quo post Ʋrbs dicta Stanfordia structa fuit, & quo universi litterarum artium{que} studiosi magno numero undicun{que} convenerunt adeo ut Juvenalis Saty. 15. dixerit.

Nunc totus Graias nostras{que} habet Orbis Athenas.

This Prince studied long at Athens, and from thence brought with him four Philosophers who taught School at Stanford, whither such as desired Literature and the knowledge of Arts flocked from all places; nay, he further bringeth in Caius Plinius, lib. 3. c. 1. to tell you that propter illicitas artes Magicas usitatas in Britannia, scripserit Magiam esse transgressam quoque Oceanum, & ad inane naturae provectam, honorari quidem tantis ceremoniis in Brittannia, ut ipsa illam Persis dedisse, atque in ea re toti mundo quanquam ignoto sibi longe{que} distanti consentire videatur.

*And again another Author, having spoken of Cambridge, proceedeth and saith; so may we more then probably hold of our other Schools and Universities in this our Brittain then, namely Stanford founded by King Bladud and furnished with Philosophers of Athens by him, and so continued a place of Learning untill the coming of St. Augustine hither, when it was by the Pope interdicted for Heresies.

This King not only founded Stanford and furnished it with Philosophers to instruct Youth in learning and other qualities to inform and beautifie the intellectual part, but built the famous City now called Bath, and so provided Waters and hot Springs that his Subjects might not alone take pleasure and delight in those warm and pleasing Baths, but even by their occult Vertue find ease and relief for their infected and diseased limbs and members. Wil∣liam of Malmesbury will have Julius Cæsar the Author of these Baths: But Richardus Vitus tells the old Monk, Id opus falso à quibusdam Julio Cæsari assignari cum ille ad illum locum nunquam pervenisset; That work is falsly attributed to Julius Cæsar who never came so far as that place: Another Monk will have St. David to have been Causer of the hot baths saying, At the place now called Glastenburie,*He (viz. St. David) built a Church new from the ground; and coming thence to Bath, he cured the Infection of the Waters thereabouts, and with his holy prayers and benedictions, gave them a perpetual heat, and made them very healthfull and sove∣raign for many diseases ever after, as to this day is experienced, to the wonderfull comfort and commodity of all England. But this Relation is as true, as is that other of his, where out of ig∣norance, he placeth the Metropolitan See of Wales at West-chester; and that's as true as that the Sea burns; for I will make it appear in the sequel of this Book, that Caer leon upon Ʋsk, and not Caer leon gaur, was the Arch-bishops See. Ptolomeus calls this Caer Badon, Aquas folis & Thermas, and aquæ calidae; some called it Akmanchester (i. e.) the City of such as are sick or troubled with aches. Stephanus calls this city Badiza, the Latines Bathonia, the English Bath. Cambden will have this city to be Caer Paladur, that is the city of warm or hot-wa∣ter, but will not admit Bleyden cloyth (i. e.) Bleyden, the Magician to be the builder; and therefore rather then allow the Foundation thereof to a Brittain; he produceth no Founder at all. Solinus, cap. 24. saith, In Brittannia sunt fontes calidi opiparo apparatu exculti ad usus mortalium quibus fontibus præsul est Minervae numen, in cujus aede ignes perpetui, &c. In Brit∣tannie there are hot baths adorned with exquisite buildings for mortals use and convenience, dedicated to Minerva, in whose sacred Temple is kept perpetual fire which is never permitted to go out. Athenaeus scribit Herculi balnea consecrata esse quæ sua natura scatent è visceribus terrae, sane quidem Graeci Palladem Herculi post labores exantlatos lavacra primum administrasse den onstrant.

These two Acts of this learned King, had he proceeded no farther, had left his Name famous to all Posterity; as likewise his building a Temple to Apollo and placing therein a ••amen, which after in King Lucius his time became the See of a Christian bishop; but pride and vain-glory made him become ridiculous, (as indeed these two Vices have the power to make all Page  23 men who follow them;) his vain thoughts being composed more of Air then any other Ele∣ment, tickle him with ambition to leave the Earth and live in the Air, he beats his brains how to bring this his new conceived invention to a timely birth, he provides feathers, wax, glew, and all such Utensils as his abused brains apprehended necessary to quillifie him into the nature of a fowl or rather a fool: and thus like Esops crow deckt with feathers not his own, he appears more formidable and monstrous then the Griffons in the Mountains of Armenia.

Et ignotas animam dimittit in artes
Naturam{que} novat, nam ponit in ordine pennas
A minima caeptas longam breviore sequente.
Et postquam manus ultima cæpto
Imposita est, geminas opifex libravit in alas
Ipse suum corpus, mota{que} pependit in aura,
Cœli{que} cupidine tactus
Altius egit iter; rapidi vicinia Solis
Mollit odoratas pennarum vincula ceras,
Tabuerant cerae: nudos quatit ille lacertos,
Remigio{que} carens non ullas concipit auras.

And so destitute of help he falls headlong, a just reward of his temerity, and breaks his neck upon the Temple of Troynovant, as some affirm, having Reigned 20 years.

The Greeks and Latines gave Names to this place according to the nature and condition of the Waters or Baths, there being 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 hot waters, Aquæ solis waters of the Sun. Bath is the chief City in Somersetshire, seated in a very low plain, and round about environed with Hills very high and steep; From whence come many Rivulets and fresh water-springs to the great commodity of the people; but that which brings most wealth unto the place, are not the Waters from without but those within, sending up from them much thin vapours and a strong scent withall, which springs are very medicinable for many diseases. Three of those Springs there are in all, the waters of which being received in large and fitting receptacles for the publick use, they call the Kings Bath, the Cross Bath, and the hot Bath: the Cathe∣dral a fair Church, but belonging to Moncks, found the heavy hand of K. H. 8. but it is now in indifferent repair. Earl it had none till the time of Hen. 7. since it hath had divers.

Earls of BATH.

  • 1. Philbert de Chandew of little Brittain.
  • 2. John Bourchier Lord Fitzwarren Created E. of Bath. Hen. 8. July 10.
  • 3. John Bourchier.
  • 4. William Bourchier.
  • 5. Edward Bourchier.
  • 6. Henry Bourchier.

Argent a Cross engrailed Gules inter 4 water bougets sable, a label of 3 points Azure charged with 9 flower de luces, Or.

[illustration]

Page  24

LEIR the Son of BLADUD.

LEIR the Son of Bladud, (his Father through his own Arrogancy, Ambition and Vanity, or rather Foolery, saepe feruntur in altum ut lapsu graviore ruant; having soared to too high a place, and so in a hasty stooping broke his neck) began his Reign in the year from the Worlds creation, iiii M. CCC. XXXiii. This King was of a most Noble and Heroick mind, as being questionlesse bred under the Discipline of those Philosophers which his Father had brought from Athens, besides a natural Propension of his own to moral Vertue; insomuch that his Kingdom flourished in great Peace and abundance of Wealth.

This King to imitate his worthy Predecessors, laid the Foundation of a Famous city, calling it after his own Name Caerlirion, and after Leircester: this is one of those 28 cities where Flamens were. Mr. Cambden tells us that it was called Ligecestria, Leogora, Legeocester and Leicester, saying it rather savoured of Antiquity then handsomenesse; yet acknowledeth that it was formerly a bishoprick, but that the See being removed, it much decayed in renown, till at last Edelfleda optima Foemina the best of Women or a very good woman in the year 913. did repair it, and inclose it with new Walls; insomuch that Matthew of Paris in his lesser History saith, Legecestria Ʋrbs pulentissima & munitissim a muro indissolubili, qui si Funda∣mento roboraretur nulli Ʋrbium secunda fuisset; Leicester a most rich city with a wall unbreak∣able, had it had a sufficient Foundation, second to no city whatsoever. In the time of King Henry the 2. this Town was in great distresse and much affliction, by reason that Robert Bossu (i. e.) bunch-backt, Earl of Leicester attempting innovations and conspiracies against his Prince and Soveraign, forced, Henry; Propter contumaciam comitis Roberti contra Regem recalcibran∣tit obsessa est & per Regem Hen. subversa Nobilis civitas Leicestria & murus qui videbatur in∣dissolubilis funditus in circuitu dirutus, Ʋrbs enim muris Fundamento carentibus, sub fossis, & fulciminibus tandem combustis maenium fragmenta, ceciderunt quæ us{que} in hodiernum diem propter caementi indissolubilis tenacitatem scopulorum retinent cum integritate magnitudinem.

King Leir beginning now to be aged and full of years, having no Heir-male, he called unto him his three Daughters, Gonorilla, Ragan and Cordeilla, intending out of the discovery of their love and filial affection and duty towards Him to settle his Kingdome upon them: to the Eldest he said, Daughter, I shall desire you to expresse unto me, how well and dearly you love and esteem me your aged Father; the young Lady hearing a question of so high a nature and so much concerning proposed unto Her, First that her answer may not seem forged or to have any smack or rellish of dissimulation, calls the immortal Gods (being then the custome amongst Pagans) and all the celestial Powers to witnesse her Assertion, and then replies; My Princely Lord and Father, I love you more then my own soul: the feeble old man was much taken with this Answer, resting satisfied, that his Daughter did cordially and entirely love him: He calls for the second, propounds the same question; she thinking to out-vie her El∣dest sister, and thereby to endear and engratiate her self into the old Mans favour, spares no oaths or invocations and imprecations, assuring him that her Tongue was too slender a Messen∣ger to deliver the depth of her affection and duty, and that she loved him far beyond all creatures; Leir is tickled and exceedingly solaced with these two Answers and thinks no mortal Man more happy in his children then himself. Cordeilla is called for, the same interroga∣tory used; she wittily perceiving the deep dissimulation and fawning of her Sisters, replies; My dearest Father, I am much joyed to see you so well pleased with the expressive Answers of my two sisters; for my own part as a Father I have ever honoured, obeyed and loved you, and for ever shall and if you desire further expression from me, Know honoured Sir, That as much as you deserve to be beloved so much I love you and no more.

King LEIR being nothing pleased with the integrity of his third Daughters answer, Obsequium amicos veritas Odium parit; bethinks himself how he may best dispose and bestow his two eldest Daughters to their most content, honour and advancement, the Eldest therefore he espouseth to the Duke of Cornwall, the second to the Duke of Albania, which is now called Scotland, dividing his Kingdom betwixt them in Reversion, and a Moiety for their present maintenance and livelyhood, nothing being left for the poor Lady Cordeilla, whose tongue was the true Embassador of her heart, and whose heart hated all dissimulation and hypocrisie.

Fame who is never slow in reporting the transactions of eminent persons especially Kings, sounds this passage of King Leir in France, and with a shrill Note ecchoes forth, the beauty, modesty, vertue, and all the adorning graces which wait upon Cordeilla. Aganippus (an eminent personage and by some stiled King of France, through a great mistake; for as Policro∣nicon, Petrus Pictaniensis, Robert Gagwine, Antonius Episcopus, and divers others affirm the name of France was not then known, neither were there any Kings, the inhabitants being called Galli and Tributaries to the Romans, and so continued till the time of Valentinianus the Emperor,) hearing Cordeilla's beauty so highly extolled, her vertue so superlatively com∣mended, deems her a fit companion for his Princely bed and fortunes, if so rare a Jewel may be purchased: Upon a mature resolution he sends his Agents to the court of King Leir with Page  25 full instructions to demand Cordeilla in Marriage: The offerd Fortune pleaseth the King, yet he fears the success; by reason of his own folly which had given all to the two sisters, and left nothing for the third: Leir returns thanks to Aganippus by his Embassadors, shews a willing∣ness to comply with their Masters request; and withall lays open his unsufficiency to bestow any Dowry upon her; Aganippus enformed by Letters of these passages, is glad his suit and mo∣tion finds friendly acceptance, and far valuing the rich endowments of his so much affected Cordeilla before all terrene riches so he enjoy the beloved treasure of his heart, desires no more: the espousals are with all solemnity celebrated, and Cordeilla answerable to the greatness of her birth and quality, conveyed to Aganippus, who (by the opinion of those who write that France was then governed by twelve Kings) was one, and so Cordeilla a Queen.

Leir having thus happily as might be thought, disposed of his three daughters; being aged, betakes himself to ease and quietness, and so intends to spin out the remnant of his time, but his Sons in Law Monaghlanus and Henninus the Dukes of Cornwall and Albania, envy the happy tranquility of the feeble old King; and each daughter, for all their deep and large ex∣pressions of filial love and duty, Patris inquirit in annos: Leir lives too long, too much at ease, his bones would better become a Sepulchre, then a Throne; and since the fatal Sisters will not of their own accord cut off his thred of life, his daughters by the hands of their ambiti∣ous and covetous husbands will undertake that task: nothing is now heard in Brittaine but the clashing of arms, neighing of horses, thundering of Trumpets, and warlike Musick. The impotent King is begirt on all sides with Martial Troops, and not able to resist two such powerfull enemies, to preserve that small span of life, is forced to flie for succour, being quite forlorn, to his daughter Cordeilla, whom formerly he had so much slighted; The arrival of the Father is not long unknown to the daughter, who acquaints her husband with so sad an accident; Aganippus out of an heroick spirit, compassionating the calamity of a distressed Prince, especially his wives Father, puts on a resolution to chastise and revenge so gross an in∣jury, and to reinvest him in his throne again. Cordeilla is not idle in the mean time, but with all obsequious behaviour like a dutifull childe cherisheth her drooping Father, accomodates him with all Princely provision, with pleasant speeches drives away his melancholy thoughts, and leaves nothing undone or said, which may add vigour and alacrity to his pierced heart: Aganippus arrives in Brittain with his Father in Law, gives battel to the disobedient Rebels, gives them the overthrow, and again establisheth Leir in his Regal dignity; but the Author of so great happiness lived not long after, leaving Cordeilla a sad and disconsolate widow.

King Leir once more holding and guiding the stern of the Brittish Monarchy, passed his time with perfect quietness, the space of three years; after which time he left this transitory world, leaving his daughter Cordeilla, as well she deserved, to succeed him in his Kingdom; his body was buried at Leicester in a Vault under the River side,* which he himself had built and consecrated to Janus Bifrons, where the workmen of the Town, when the solemnity of the day came, began all things which they had to do the year following.

Those who undervalue the Brittains call this History in question; yet divers Authors relate it, out of which I will produce one in the same Language, in which he writ, Cum in Senectutem vergere Leir coepisset,*Regnum dividere filiasque tres suas idoneis Maritis in manus cum parte regni bene gubernanda tradere cogitavit; Prius tamen ex amore singularum tentare voluit quæ∣nam illarum potiore regni parte censeretur digna. Itaque Gonorilla interrogata respondit, Pa∣trem sibi chariorem esse corde atque anima suæ propria qua viveret; Ragana dixit ipsum super omnes creaturas se diligere. Cordeilla videns his adulationibus acquiescere senem, vicissim tentan∣do quæsivit An usquam filia sit quæ patrem plus quam patrem amare presumat. Ego te semper ut patrem dilexi & diligo, siquid amplius requiris audi signum amoris in te mei: Quantum enim habes & quantum vales tantum te diligo. Pater Iratus eam cum stomacho sic loqui putabat quasi suam senectutem sprevisset: proinde dixit illam cum sororibus nullam in suo regno partem habi∣turam, & consilio procerum regni duas primas nuptui dat, Cornvalliae & Albaniae ducibus, una cum parte media Insulae donec ipse viveret & alteram dimidiam post obitum ejus accipere jube∣bat. Quo tempore Francorum Rex Aganippus fama motus pulchritudinis Cordeillae nunciis missis eam petit in matrimonium sibi dari: Quibus humaniter acceptis pater ait, se daturuni, sed sine terra vel pecunia: Aganippus qui tertiam Galliae (ut Zerixaeus ait) Belgicae partem possi∣debat; virgine tam nobile sola contentus erat.*Quam Polidorus Virgilius naturâ præcocis ingenii fuissi dicit, sed interogatam de amore in patrem respondisse; se quidem i lum oculis ferre sem∣perque laturam licet deinde contingeret (de Marito intelligens) amaret ardentius; Quo responso tam etsi pleno sapientiae Leir indignatus indotatam nuptui collocat Regulo Gallo (inquit Polido∣rus) puellae forma capto. Sed haud multo poste à generis ejus mortem expectare censentibus esse nimis longum, spoliatus regno ad Cordeillam fugere coactus est, a qua restituitur in Regnum & ge∣neris interfectis triennium regnat. Hanc inter novem Bellicosas hujus insulae foeminas numerat Ge∣rardus Leighus: Thus much I have added, to confirm the History of our Brittish Leir, and his daughters; I forbear to translate it, having already out of other Authors related the same in effect.

Robert Bossu having put his Soveraign King Hen. 2. to much trouble in repentance of these mischiefs, built the Monastery of St. Marie de Pratis, wherein he became a Canon Regular; and for fifteen years continuance, in sad lamentation, served God in continual prayers: with the like devotion Henry the first, Duke of Lancaster, built an Hospital for an hundred and Page  26 ten poor people, with a Collegiat Church, a Dean, twelve Canons Prebendaries, as many Vicars, sufficiently provided for with Revenues, wherein himself lyeth buried; and it was the greatest ornament of that City, untill the hand of King Henry the eight lay over heavy upon all the like foundations, and laid their lofty tops at his own feet: In this City also was buried another Crouch-back, viz. Richard the third, in the Church of the Gray-Friers; but now nothing remains of his Monument, but only the stone chest, wherein he was laid, a drink∣ing Trough now for horses in a common Inne.

    This place hath given the Titles of honour to many Honourable Families.
  • [year 1057] 1057. 1. Algar the Saxon.
  • [year 1103] 1103. 2. Edwin died 1071.
  • 3. Robert de Bellamonte, Gules a cinquefoyle Ermine.
  • 4. Robert de Bellamont.
  • 5. Robert de Bellamont L. Steward.
  • 6. Robert de Bellamont, L. high Steward.
  • 7. Simon de Montfort married Amicia sister and coheir to the last Earl Robert, L. high Steward.
  • 8. Simon de Montfort, L. high Steward, Gules a Lion rampant, his tail double forked salteir wise Argent.
  • 9. Edmond Earl of Lancaster, L. high Steward.
  • 10. Tho. Earl of Lancaster L. high Steward.
  • 11. Hen. D. of Lancaster, L. high Steward.
  • 12. Henry D. of Lancaster, L. high Steward. England a Label of 5. points Ermine.
  • 13. William of Bavaria, Earl of Heinalt, married the Lady Maud of Lancaster, Bendis losengè, Argent and Azure.
  • 14. John of Gaunt, D. of Lancaster, L. high steward. Henry D. of Lancaster, Lord high steward. Quarterly France and England, a Label of 3. points Ermine.
  • Robert Dudleigh, Lord Denbigh, &c. Or, a Lyon rampant, his tail double forked, Vert.
  • Robert Sidney, Viscount Lisle descended, of a sister of the said Robert.
  • Robert Sidney, Earl of Leicester. Or, a Phaon Azure.

CORDEILLA.

THis Heroine Lady, after just revenge taken upon her two sisters husbands, and her fathers and husbands death, by the consent of most Writers, by the joynt suffrages and votes of the Brittains, was admitted to the Royal Scepter, in the year from the worlds creation, four thousand, three hundred, and ninety eight years; she governed her people and subjects, for the space of five years, with great applause, and general liking; but the two sons of her sisters, Morgan of Albania, and Cunedagius of Cambria and Cornwal, envying her prosperity, and thinking themselves injured in their birth-right; their grandfather Leir having divided the kingdom equally betwixt their Mothers upon their Marriages, conspire together, and mu∣stering their forces, invade Cordeilla, and reduce her to that necessity, that she is taken pri∣soner, and by her merciless Nephews cast into Gaol, which she patiently a while endured, but perceiving no hopes to regain her freedom, or repossess her kingdom; scorning to be any longer a slave to her insulting enemies; seeing she could not free her body from bondage; with true Trojan and masculine Heroick Spirit, she makes a divorce between her purer soul and encaged carcass, giving it free power to pass into another world, leaving those parts which participated of drossie mold, to be interred again in the earth, from whence at first it came, at Leicester in the Temple of Janus by the Sepulchre of her father.

Page  27

Cunedagius and Morgan.

THe obstacle which hindered the designs of these two aspiring Princes (Cordeilla the gal∣lant Brittish Amazon and Virago, being by violent death perpetrated by her own hand, taken out of the way) divide the kingdom betwixt them; and became both kings, in the year of the world, four thousand four hundred and three; but this gallantry lasted not long; for the Court-Gnats, whose life is a perpetual buzzing of news and flatteries, fall upon the ear of Morgan, and so fill his head with projects, that he highly conceives he is injured by the equal dividing of the kingdom, and thus discourses with himself, And am not I the son of Gonorilla, and she the eldest daughter of my Grand-father; to me then as lawfull Heir, Brittains Crown belongs? Why then do I admit a corrival, competitor, and co-equal; one firmament ad∣mits not two Suns, nor one kingdom two kings; no reason I should lose my birth-right, no I am resolved, I will not: Cunedagius shall know that Morgan can rule the Brittains without his help: this fire once kindled, his flattering parasites bring fewel enough to augment it: Cune∣dagius must bear rule no longer, a private life or none at all, must content him; it is no small policy for Princes to have Spies in neighbouring Courts: Cunedagius is quickly enformed of all the passages of his Cozen Morgan, and thinks there is no security in delays; and therefore puts himself into a posture as well to offend as defend; yet to make his case the better, and to ingratiate himself with the subjects, he sends Messengers to Morgan (who is already firing and destroying his Territories) to Treat of a reconciliation and atonement; but Morgan puft up with his imagined good success, and thinking the offer of his kinsman to proceed either from fear or want of ability to resist him, lends a deaf ear to the Treaty of peace, and will have no other Arbitrator but the sword; Cunedagius now resolved, comes into the field and offers battell to his enemy, his cause being just, the Celestial powers seem to second his attempts, and he who would have all or nothing is put to flight; where the Conqueror makes use of his advantage, and taking occasion by the foretop, to prevent all hopes of recruiting, and rallying again, so hotly pursues his victory, that Morgan is chased from place to place, from Province to Province, till being beaten into Cambria, now Wales, a Territory belonging to his Mortal Foe, and there being most sharply put to it, lost his life; yet with this honour, that that Country ever since from him hath had the appellation of Glanmorgan, which is as much as to say, in the vulgar tongue, Morgans Land; and thus after two years joyntlie reigning with his kinsman, Morgan departed this life, leaving Cunedagius to rule alone.

Cunedagius to shew an humble thankfulness to his Gods for so great a Victory, having fully setled his Kingdom, erects a stately Temple to Mars at Perth (which is now St. Johns town) in Albania, now abusively called Scotland, then a part of Brittannia, and inhabited by the Brittish Nation.

We finde, saith my Author, in several Authors and Antiquaries, to speak in their words, that 800. years before the coming of Christ, Cunedagius, King of all Brittain,*builded a Temple of Mars at Perth, that is now St. Johns town in Scotland, and placed there a Flamen: Therefore we may not singularly deny unto this old city a Flamens Seat, which Antiquaries generally grant unto all such in this time, to have been changed into a Bishops See. If any one ask what I have to do with Scotland, my Scene being only the Brittish History? I answer, that to the great glory of the Brittains, that which is now called Scotland, was formerly Al∣bania, and was a part of Brittany; for in the conversion of the Scots, which hapned in the time of Pope Victor; for Sacerdotibus præceptoribus quos victor pontifex maximus ad Christi dogma propalandum in extremam miserat Albionem: which farthest part of Albion is 300. miles distant from that part of Albania which joyned with Loegria, England; Therefore we see clearly that the Scots only, then lived in the furthest and most remote parts of Albion, or some Ilands thereof, and possessed not our great Albania, the Brittains Country and possession; and in such sense they may call their small places of abode Scotia or Scotland, yet could it be very small when Josephus in the Age before had testified that it had no Land at all,*Scotia ter∣ris nil debet; of which and there place of habitation, hear what Mr. Cambden saith, That nei∣ther Cæsar nor Volanus penetrated so far (into Brittain) as the Caledonians; for as Plinie doth testifie in his time, three years after Claudius, the Roman Arms knew no further of Brittany then to the Caledonian Woods; for Julius Agricola under Domitian,* was the first who entred Caledonia, where Galgacus commanded (Galanc ap Liennanc) who is reckoned one of the three Heroes of Brittany, a man of strong courage, and valiant spirit, who so stoutly defen∣ded his Country (the 11. Legion of the Romans being put to the worst) that he never gave over, till Fortune rather seemed to forsake him then his own valour or courage. These Nor∣thern Brittains were the last, who enjoyed the Liberty, and also the furthest part of the Iland according to Catullus.

Cæsaris visens monumenta magni
Gallicum Rhenum, horribiles & ulti.
mosque Britannos.
Page  28

In the time of the Emperour Severus (as Xiphilinus reporteth) Argeticoxus a petty King reigned in those Northern parts now called Scotland, but then Albania, or Caledonia, whose Lady be∣ing upbraided and taunted by Julia Augusta, answered, We Brittish Ladies, if we transgresse it is with Noble men both of valour, worth and quality; whereas you Roman in hugger-mugger prostitute your selves to every base varlet and inferiour groom. Not far from the River Taw stands Perch, in Latine St. Joannis Fanum, vulgarly St. Johns Johns, a place of late erection; the ancient Town of the same name long since being swallowed up by the waters, of which Nichanus,

Transis ample Tai per rura, per oppida, per Perch
Regnum sustentant istus. Ʋrbis opes.

*But of Cunedagius the builder, because a Brittain, not a word from Mr. Cambden.

Cunedagius having founded Perch in Albania, casts his eye upon Cambra, and there in the remotest part begins a new Erection at Bangor; which Mr. Cambden also calls Banchor a choro pulchro, from the fair Quire, or as other derive it Locus chori, the place of the Quire, Owen Glendoverduy the most wicked and arch Rebel, amongst many other Towns and Cities of Wales set this also on fire and consumed it,* which was again in the time of Henry the 7. reedi∣fied by bishop Henry Den or Denaeus, but not to the pristine glory; for formerly it was so large and ample that for the greatnesse thereof, it was called Banchor vaur, and fortified with a Castle whose very Ruines are not now apparent.

*We may have some apprehension of the great Devotion of our Brittains both men and women in this age (viz. 4. Age) to chast and monastical life, by the Example of St. Ʋrsula, and so many thousands of holy Virgins with her devoted to that Profession, which we may further confirm unto us by the Examples of the Brittains,* which were then in that part of Brittany now called Wales more free from the Saxons persecution, whose Antiquities, although not well preserved, not naming many Archbishops of Caer legion, and very few bishops in that Province, having many from the first receiving of their faith; yet they do propose and re∣cord unto us many Monasteries, and of great name and honour, as that of Bangor, stiling it Fumatum Collegium, where Pelagius before his Heresies lived, and by some was Abbot Præ∣positus there, having 2100 Monks in it, and divided as it were into seven Monasteries, every one of them having 300 Monks; which Monastery, as St. Bernard, our late Authors and o∣thers write, was the head or chief of principal Monasteries and brought forth many thousands of Monks. In vita Malachiæ Hibernensis Episcopi Bernardus Clarovallensis hunc locum tradit primorum extitisse Monasteriorum Caput & multa generavisse Monachorum mille. This was the most noble Monastery of this Country, nobilissimum Monasterium, as St. Bede and others term it, and so justly did, having so many Monks, that being divided into 7 Companies under 7 Pryors, under their chief Abbot, every one had 300. or more Monks, and amongst them most Learned men; Viri doctissimi plures de Nobilissimo Monasterio Bancornabury lingua Anglorum, Inter cæteras erat in civitate Bangor quædam Nobilissima Ecclesia in qua tantus fertur fuisse nu∣merus Monachorum, ut cum in 7 portiones esset cum præpositis sibi Prioribus Monasterium divisum, nulla harum portio minus quam trecentos Monachos haberet.

Cunedagius builded a third place in Cornwall where he was born, but yet I cannot come to a certain knowledge of the place, where he erected a Temple and a Flamen to Mercury. He Reigned thirty three years and was buried at Troynovant or new Troy now London.

An Author calleth Perth before spoken of Berth, and saith, no lesse strange, but more lamen∣table is the remembrance of the great innundation, hapning by the sudden rising of Tai, which bare away the Walls and Town of Berth or Perth, and with it the Cradle and young Son of King William into the Sea, wherein the Royal Infant with many others perished, the King and his Courtiers scarcely escaping the Danger: The ruine of this Town raised another called St. John's Town.

RIƲALLƲS.

RIvallus the Son of Cunedagius, took upon him the Government of this Kingdome in the year of the Worlds creation, four thousand four hundred and thirty eight; this King was stiled the Fortunate and Peacefull: for that during the time of his Reign he governed his Sub∣jects with all lenity, meeknesse and prosperity; yet Authors leave little recorded of this Prince; for indeed Tragical Acts and Warlike Scenes better please most Writers in smooth and calm times: yet it is noted that whilst Rivallus governed Brittanny for the space of three dayes it continually rained Blood, out of the corruption whereof were ingendred a multitude of those which we call animalia insecta, which are Vermine, divided as it were between the head and belly, having no flesh, blood or sinews, as flies, gnats, pismires, caterpillars, and such like, which id so swarm and grew infectious, that by the contagion many people died; and that again, caused a great and strange mortality, insomuch that the Island seemed in a manner un∣peopled. Thus after Rivallus had Reigned 46 years he departed this life, and was buried at York.

Page  29

In the Reign of this King, Rome was builded by the two brothers Romulus and Remus 356 years after Brute came into England, Et ejus (speaking of this King, saith Vitus) Tempore Ro∣mam in Italia per Remum & Romulum fratres esse conditam post adventum Bruti Prisci ad Bri∣tanniam anno plus trecentis quinquagesimo sexto: Sane quidem Alexander ab Alexandris l. 2. c. 22. In Palilibus sacris inquit hoc custoditur ne qua mactetur hostia, quia eum diem qui patriæ natalis est, à caede & sanguine deceret esse parum, fuit enim is dies 12. Calendas Maii quo fausto & fae∣lici omine jacta sunt primum fundamenta urbis Romae, quo die mos erat ovilia purgare, flammas transilire, sapa & milio sacrum facere, geniales Dies agere, caenas apparare, à litibus abstinere, quæ singula prosperos rerum successus decernebant: Sed quia Gaufridus per consequentiam literarum scribit undecimo Calendas Maii qui est 21. Aprilis conditam esse Romam, fortasse mendosus est Codex Alexandri, per literas numerales Scriptas ad 12. Calendas qui esset Dies 20. Aprilis. Nam Plutarchus in vita Romuli scribit Romam fuisse conditam 21. die Aprilis & Palilia esse celebrata prius quam urbs Roma conderetur, circiter annum tertium Olympladis 6. est autem Olympias spatium 4. Annorum sic appellatum quod inter duos ludos Olympiacos haberetur, eorum fiebat initium, ut in Theatro suo Lycosthenes scribit, anno 19. Amulii Silvii Regis Latinorum, qui erat ab orbe condito super ter mille ac contum annus8. cui si addantur Olympiades quin{que} cum an∣nis tribus Olympiadis 6. atque sic 23. anni, videbitur Roma condita fuisse anno undecimo supra ter mille ducentos, at{que} sic 26. Rivallonis.

In his time (viz. Rivallus) Rome in Italy was built by Remus and Romulus after the coming of old Brute into Britany 356. Alexander ab Alexandris, lib. 2. c. 22. saith that in the Pali∣libus (or Festival days of the Shepherds in honor of Pales their Goddess) order is taken that no Hostia (or Sacrifice where in blood was shed) should be offered, because being the Birth day of the Country, as it were, it ought to be pure and clean, and not polluted with any slaughter or bloodshed; this day hapned on the 12. of the Kalends of May, in which with happy and auspicious Omens the foundation of Rome was laid, in which day the Custom was to purifie and purge their Flocks, skip over fires, to Sacrifice in boyld or burnt wine, millets or hyrse; to keep Wakes or Gaudy days, and to make bunquetting and delicious Suppers; and to abstain from all debates; all which they imagined betokened prosperous success in the succeeding affairs: but because Gaufridus writes Rome to have been built, it may be the book of Alexander may be faulty, or mistaken in the numeral Letters, concerning the xii. of the Calends, which is the 20. day of April; for Plutarch in the life of Romulus saith, that Rome was built the 21. day of April, and that the Palilia, or Shepherds Festivals, was celebrated be∣fore the building of Rome, about the 3. year of the 6. Olympiade, containeth 4. years, which was the space between two Olympick Games, which Games as Lycosthenes in his Theater writes, had their beginning in the 19. year of Amulius Sylvius, King of the Latines, which was in the three thousand one hundred and 88. year since the worlds Creation, to which if you add five Olympiads, and three years of the 6. and so 23. years, it will appear that Rome was built the 26. of Rivallus: others as Fabian, say that Rome was built 470. years after London, and in the 32. year of Rivallus.

GƲRGƲSTIƲS.

GƲrgustius the son of Rivallus, whom some call Gorbodian, and his father Reignald began his Reign over the Kingdom of Great Brittain 4483. the flower of Histories saith, that he reigned thirty and eight years, otherwise little mention is made of him in History, onely Mr. Howes in his continuation of Stow saith, that he was a common drunkard, whereof fol∣lowed all other vices; he died after a Reign of 38. years, and was buried at York, leaving no issue behinde him to succeed.

SISILLIƲS.

SIsillius, or according to Sylvius, the brother of Gurgustius, as affirmeth the old Author, saith Fabian, was elected King of Brittain, in the year of the worlds Creation, 4521. he is called by the English Chronicle Seizil; little is recorded of this King, only some Authors say, that he reigned only two years; but the most common opinion is, that he was King 49. years, and after died and was buried at Caer Badon or Bath, leaving no issue of his own body.

JAGO or LAGO.

JAgo or Lago the cozen of Gurgustius, and his next heir took upon him the Government of this Iland, in the year of the worlds Creation, 4540. whether this Kings life, as the two pre∣cedent, was so foul, that Learned and modest Writers were ashamed to let them come to light, Page  30 or that they lived in such sloth and ease, that nothing was done worth recounting, I cannot affirm; all that is recorded of him is, that he ruled 25. years, and through ill and disordi∣nate living, he fell into a Lethargy, whereof he died, and was buried at York without issue.

Kymmacus or Kynimacus.

KYmmacus or Kynimacus, the Son of Silvius, or more likely, as saith the old Chronicle, the brother of Jago, was invested in the royal dignity of this Island, in the year of the worlds Creation, 4595. as little is said of this King, as of his three immediate predecessors, only that he ruled 54. years, and was buried at York, leaving after him a son, who as testi∣fieth Flos Historiarum, was called Gorbodug.

GORBODƲG.

GOrbodug the Son of Kynimacus was made King of great Brittain, in the year of the worlds Creation 4650. this King crod in the footsteps of those whom he followed, leaving no∣thing to be recorded, only that he ruled to compleat the account of Histories 63. years; so that these five last Kings, Rivallus, Gurgustius, Jago, Kynimacus and Gordobug died ingloriously leaving nothing to perpetuate their memory, saving that they were Kings, the last whereof was buried at Troynovant, and left two sons to succeed Ferrex and Porrex.

FERREX and PORREX.

FErrex and Porrex the Sons of Gorbodug were joyntly made Rulers of Great Brittain, four thousand, seven hundred and eleven, or as some say, thirteen; this amity continued for a while betwixt the brothers; but ambition of sole command, and a Spirit not brooking a Col∣legue, so inflamed Porrex the younger, that he intends to lay violent hands upon his elder brother; these tidings are brought to Ferrex; but the warning comes not so speedily, but that the danger is at the heels of it; and the elder brother, to avoid the snares laid for him, hath no other way but to flie into Gallia, and there as an humble suppliant to crave aid and succour of a Duke whom Gaufride calls Gunhardus or Suardus; who most willingly accords to his desire, and furnishing a Navy well provided with Munition, as well men as weapons, and the very nerves of war, sends him back into Brittain: Porrex who lets no occasions slip which may advantage his design, attends his landing, and at his very arrival, scarce afford∣ing him leisure to order and marshal his forces gives him battel; wherein Bellona was so pro∣pitious unto him that victory crowned his Souldiers, although with the death of his brother, and loss, or at least discomfiture of all his Army. Porrex (though some mistake, who make Fer∣rex the surviver) being now an absolute King without a Competitor, makes himself sure of all the kingdom, but long he enjoyed not his unnatural Conquest. For the more unnatural mother, Idone, Widen, or Idone, whose affection more enclined to her elder Son, vows revenge, and arming her self with cruelty, cruelty indeed before not heard of, and taking her Maids to assist her in the night, enters Porrex Pavilion, where finding him profoundly sleeping, these she devils became his Hellish Executioners, and after inhumanely tear him to pieces; after this most horrid murther followed a Race of people wholly addicted to war and bloodshed, daily inventing and contriving broyls and seditions, and even in the quietest times of peace blood thirsting, insomuch that the weakest went to the wall; and he who imagined he had strength enough, presumed he had right enough to the Kingdom; thus had the Brittains dai∣ly domestick Wars, till at the length the whole power came into the hands of five Tyrants, or petty Lords and Governours, who Ruled questionless with Arbitrary power, with a sic volo sic jubco; but deserve not to be named as Kings of this Island.

Gaufride affirmeth, that after the death of Ferrex and Porrex, great discord and civil dis∣sension arose amongst the Brittains, which continued long; insomuch that five Kings were erected, which was a great plague and oppression to the Country: Guido de Columna relateth, that the Brittains so abhorred the linage and off-spring of Gorbodug, partly for the unnatural quarrels and hatred betwixt the two brothers; but above all, for the horrid, inhumane and barbarous cruelty of the mother, that had there been any Lawfull Heir to succeed, they re∣solved none of that issue should enjoy the Government: this caused a mighty distraction in the Commonwealth; insomuch that one took upon him the guiding of Albania, or Caledonia now Scotland: another seized upon Loegria, or England: a third took Cambria, or Wales: and the fourth usurped Cornwall for his share: a fifth there was, but by many Authors not distinctly specified. This difference continued till Mulmutius, which Fabian saith, was 51. years: and to give some light what the names of those five Kings should be, he brings,

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An Addition of Robert Record thus.

The five Kings that be omitted here, are found in certain old Pedegrees; and although their names be much corrupted in divers Copies, yet these are the most agreeable.

  • Rudaucus King of Wales.
  • Lotenus King of Cornwall.
  • Pinnor King of Loegria.
  • Statorius King of Scotland.
  • Yevan King of Northumberland.

Quocirca Piremen Loegriæ Regem aggreditur & prælio interfecit;*inde factus victor arma tendit in Rudacum Cambriæ Regem, qui fædere inito cum Albania Rege Staterio conabatur junctis viribus exercitum movere in provincias Mulmutii, quibus ille obviam & comitatus triginta millibus fortissimorum virorum, comissoque diu prælio, cum videret differri victoriam, usus est fraude similitudinis armorum quibus induti erant hostes ejus, atque sic pessundatis regibus ipsis cæteros pa∣lantes fugavit ad urbes & oppida, quibus incensis agrisque devastatis totam omnino insulam suæ potestati suæque Jurisdictioni subjecit, ac primus ex auro factum Diadema capite gestavit. Quis erat rex quintus Cantii nescitur ex historia Brittanica, quæ numerat reges quinque, nec alios quam cos qui bella gesserunt commemorat tres, fortasse quod illi reliqui in societatem venerint, aut sponte se subjecerint.

Where Mulmutius sets upon Piremen (or Pinmor as the other Author calls him) and kills him in the field; and being now victorious, and a Conqueror in his first attempt, full of courage and boldness, he bends all his power and forces against Rudacus King of Wales, who having made an offensive and defensive League with Statorius King of Albania, with joyned forces, and banner displayed, had invaded his Territories; Mulmutius delays no time, but being in the head of a gallant Army; consisting of thirty thousand experienced Souldiers, gives them the meeting, and joyns Battell; but thinking victory to hover too long before she enclined to his pat, he makes use of a stratagem, and counterfeiting the Arms, Weapons, and habits of his enemies, in a friendly appearance gives them a most discourteous and unfriendly over∣throw, insomuch that the two Kings being quite overthrown, he pursues the stragling Soul∣diers, who flie to Towns and fortified places, which he presently sets on fire, and destroying all round about, brings the whole Kingdom under his own power and subjection; and being an absolute Monarch, he encircles his conquering Temples with a Diadem of purest Gold, being the first of the Brittish Kings that ever did the like.

Who was the fifth King either in Kent (or as others say) in Northumberland, the Brittish Histories do not fully declare, only the three who waged war against Mulmutius, are expresly treated of, the other, either for that they combined or submitted, are silently passed over.

After the death and murder of Ferrex and Porrex, ended the lineal descent of old Brute; but here a curious diver into Antiquities may object, How then was the promise in the Pro∣phecy by the Oracle made good, that to the Kings of his seed,

Totius terrae subditus orbis erit,
This Ʋniverse shall them obey.
If after the space of 600 and some few years his Race should be extinct; this objection is nothing to the Oracle; for it was not specified, whether it should be fulfilled in the direct or collateral Line: so that if any of a Brittish off-spring should obtain the Dominion over the whole world, that is, so far as ever any Emperour had command, the prophesie is fulfilled: which was made good in Constantine the Great, who as both King of Great Brittain, and son of Hellen, the daughter of Coillus, a Brittish King, born in this Isle, and Emperour of Rome, which is as much as to say, of the whole world; Rome being stiled, Totius terrarum orbis Re∣gina or Domina, Lady and Queen of the whole world.

Vitus sets down the order and succession of the Kings of Brutus his Lineage, with the terms and continuance of their Reigns, but differs much from the account of Fabian, and other Writers; for he saith.

  • 1. Rex Brutus Priscus, began in the year from the worlds Creation, 2855. and Reigned four and twenty years.
  • 2. Locrinus 2879. and reigned 10.
  • 3. Madanus 2889. and reigned 40.
  • 4. Membritius 2929. and reigned 20.
  • 5. Ebrancus 2949. and reigned 40.
  • 6 Brutus Junior, 2980. and reigned 12.
  • Page  32
  • 7. Leilus 3001. and reigned 25.
  • 8. Rudibras 3026. and reigned 39.
  • 9. Fladus 3065. and reigned 20.
  • 10. Leir 3085. and reigned 60.
  • 11. Cordeilla 3145. and reigned 5.
  • 12. Morganus & Cunedagius began to reign 3150.
  • 13. Rivallo 3185. and reigned 46.
  • 14. Gurgustius 3231. and reigned 38.
  • 15. Sisillius 3269. and reigned 49.
  • 16. Jago 3318. and reigned 25.
  • 17. Chynemarces 3343. and reigned 54:
  • 18. Gorbodio 3397. and reigned 63.
  • 19. Ferrex & Porrex 3460. and reigned 5.

Which computation, as he tells us, compleats six hundred and ten years; during all which time the Progeny of Brute held the Scepter of Brittany, and then followed the Pen∣tarchy.

Epilogus Libri Primi.

BY reason that divers and various are the opinions of Authors and Antiquaries, concerning the computation of years since the Creation of the world, and framing of the first Adam, the overthrower of mankinde and his whole posterity, unto the birth of the second Adam, that sacred Messias, that long lookt for Emanuel, and most blessed Jesus, who repaired that loss by his Incarnation, death and passion, opening to the sons of Eve, the gates of the Celestial Paradice, which untill his glorious Ascension were close lockt up against all mankinde; It will not be amiss to give a brief Compendium and abridgement of the variety of opinions: The Hebrews account from the said Term three thousand, nine hundred and fourty three. The seventy Interpreters, assign five thousand, one hundred, ninety and nine: others there are, who number five thousand, two hundred and twenty eight. In the third or fourth Book of Policronicon, there are other conceits and judgements shewed concerning calculation of these years; whereof (saith Fabian) the most certain is five thousand, and two hundred years; there are not wanting others, whereof some reckon some more, some less: some account from the first building and structure of Rome; some from the overthrow and subversion of the most famous City of Troy, others from the founding of Troynovant or London; and not a few from divers Edifices and Foundations. But since that the account of the Septuagint, or seventy In∣terpreters both by venerable Bede, and other Learned Writers is esteemed as most authentick; I will follow their judgement; and accordingly give you to understand, in what year of the world Brute first entred this Isle then called Albion now England.

First, therefore from Adam to Noe, was two and twenty hundred and fourty two years.

From Noe to Abraham, was nine hundred and fourty two years.

From David to the captivity of the Jews, three hundred and five years.

And from the Captivity to the Incarnation of our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ, five hundred fourscore and ten.

The which in all make 5199 years.

After which accompt (although divers Authors have their several Computations) the an∣cient, and glorious City of Troy was subverted and felt its dismal Catastrophe by the hands of the Conquering Grecians, as Learned Eusebius, and others testifie in the year of the worlds Creation, four thousand and twenty three.

*And according to the same Eusebius, the foundations of Rome were laid in the eleventh year of Hezekiah then King of Judah; the which year maketh after the computation of the said Authors, 4470. who also affirm that the said City was edified, after the destruction of Troy, four hundred and fourty seven years, so that it must by consequence follow, that it was built Anno mundi, as before.

Peter Pictaniensis, and others, testifie, that Brute entred first this sle of Albion, called now England in the eighteenth year of the Priest and Judge of Israel, named Hely; and Hely, as divers Writers avouch, began to rule the Israelites, the year of the third Age, that is, from Abraham to David, eight hundred and fourty one years, which maketh the years of the world four thousand and five.

Whereunto if there be joyned the abovesaid eighteen years, then must it follow that Brute entred this Land, Anno mundi four thousand sixty three; to this agreeth the Author of Poli∣cronicon, who saith that Brute entred Albion fourty years after the subversion of Troy, which forty years joyned to the former saying of Eusebius,* compleat the number of four thousand and fourty three years.

Another Historian called Jacobus Philippus saith, that Troy was taken by the Grecians in the third year that Abdon or Labdon judged the Israelites, who began his Rule over the said Isra∣elites,* after the accord of most Writers Anno mundi, four thousand and twenty, whereunto if Page  33 there he added three years for the third year of his rule, in which year, as before is declared,*Troy was sacked and destroyed; and forty years which passed before Brute entered Albion: It must follow, that Brute came into this Island in the year of the worlds Creation,* four thou∣sand threescore and three.

MƲLMƲTIƲS DƲNWALLO.

MƲlmutius Dunwallo, or as others please Dunwallo Mulmutius the Son of Glotene Duke or King of Cornwall, as the English book and also Gaufride affirm after he had fully subdu∣ed and conquered the five petty Kings or Princes before mentioned, and had brought the Iland into a Pentarchy took upon him the Government of Brittany in the year of the worlds creation 1748. This Prince in some Histories is called Donebant,* and was of a Noble and He∣roick Spirit; but much (after he came to be fully setled in his Government) inclined to peace, insomuch that in the City of Troynovant, in a place, which now as some are of opinion is called Blackwell-Hall, he builded a Temple, calling it the Temple of Peace or Concord: The Laws which he made and established, were of such Authority and esteem, that holy Gildas translated them out of the Brittish Language into Latine, and Aluredus King of England out of Latine into English; Vitus tells us, that these Laws, or at least the heads of them were, Ʋt deorum templa tantam dignitatem consequantur, nequis illo confugiens extrabi possit prius quam ab eo quem laeserat veniam impetraverit: That the Temples of the Gods should enjoy such immu∣nities and priviledges, that no malefactor flying unto them for succour should be drawn from thence, untill he should obtain pardon from him, whom he had offended. Ʋt hujusmodi privi∣legium immunitatis habeant etiam ipsæ viae quæ ducunt ad templa & urbes: that the high ways, leading to the Temples and Cities should enjoy the like immunities and priviledges, Immo & jumenta quoque illa quæ rei rusticæ subserviunt, denique Colonorum aratra ipsa tali prerogativa libertatis perfruantur; nay even the Cattle which were imployed in husbandry should have like priviledges; Ne qua terra vacaret cultura, neve populus inopia rei frumentariæ premeretur, aut ea minueretur si pecora sola occuparent agros qui ab hominibus coli deberent, constituit quot aratra quælibet Diaecesis haberet, ac pænas statuit per quas ille numerus aratrorum minuere∣tur: Least any Land should lie until'd, or the people be famisht for want of bread-Corn; or Grain be diminished, by feeding Herds and Flocks, where Tillage ought to be; to which end he appointed how many Ploughs should be in every Diocess or Shire, inflicting a punishment upon whomsoever should diminish the number of them: Item vetuit bovem aratorem pro de∣bito pecuniæ assignari creditoribus si alia bona creditoris essent; He also prohibited the working Oxen, or Plough-bullock, to be distrained upon for any debt, if any other Chattels or per∣sonal estate be to be found: Ita fore ne compendii causa homines pecuarii agros incultos redde∣rent, sic enim fore nequid earum rerum quas natura præbet hominibus usquam deesse posset, that by that means Grasiers and Drovers for their own private interest should not deprive their fel∣low Subjects of natures benefits, and liberal gifts; Optimus iste Rex viros incumbentes ad bonas artes & opibus & favore juvit adeo ut exemplo suo principes regni ad faciendum idem & juven∣tatem totam ad virtutes capessendas excitaverit. This good King was such a patron to those who endeavoured to learn Arts and Sciences, that he not only graced them with his counte∣nance; but also assisted them with competent subsistance; by which his example he invited other Nobles of his Realm to do the like; a great encouragement to youth to endeavour to train themselves up in vertuous education: Item pondera & mensuras rebus emendis venden∣disque posuit, fures & omne noxium genus hominum severissime punivit. Ita{que} sub hoc principe latrocinia, rapinae saevitia generis omnis aberat à populo, nec audebat quisquam vim alteri in∣ferre vel injuriam propter exquisitam legis observationem; He caused weights and measures to be made for buyers and sellers: Thieves and all loytering idle vagabonds he severely bani∣shed; so that none was found who durst to offer either force or violence to any man, being ter∣rified with the severity of the Laws.

Having now regulated all things for the due and requisite Governing of the Commonwealth, by the general request and advice of his Nobles and Council, he caused a Diadem of Gold to be made, with which according to the Rights and Ceremonies of those times he was so∣lemnly Crowned, in so much that properly speaking we may call him the first King or rather Monarch of Great Brittaine.

He caused several Cities and Towns to be made, amongst which Malmesbury seems to have been the chief, a verity which Mr. Cambden seems not much to deny: Dum exilis est Malmesbu∣rie collem sibi imminentem substringit recepto{que} profluente fere incingit. Oppidum sane elegans & pannis laneis sane celebre, quod ut in Historiarum Eulogio le itur, Dunwallo Mulmutius Brittan∣norum Rex una cum Lacok, & Tetbury castris adjacentibus construxit & Caer Bladon nomina∣vit, Malmesbury a polite and neat Town, and famous for Wollen Cloaths, which as it is written in the Eulogy of Histories was founded by Dunwallo Mulmutius as also the Neighbouring Ca∣stles Lacock and Tetbury, which Town he called Caer Bladon. The Saxons called this Town in their tongue Ingelborn which appellation continued a long time till Maildulphus a Scot, a man of singular learning and piety being much taken with the shades and solitarinesse of the Page  34 Woods and Groves, he resolved there to live an Heremetical life; and there setting up a schoole, he himself together with his Scholars and Auditors addicted himself to a monastical rule of living, so that from this Maildulphus, the old appellations both Caer Bladon the Brittish and Ingleborn the Saxon, being by little and little worn out, the Town got a new name and was called Maildulfesburge, Bede calls it Maildulphi Ʋrbs, others Meldunum, corruptly Malmes∣bury. Amongst the Disciples of this Maildulph the chiefest and most remarkable was Adelmus his appointed Successour: who by the help of Adelmus a West Saxon Bishop, to whom the ju∣risdiction of that place belonged, built there a most famous Monastery, and was therein the first Prior or Abbot, insomuch that in an ancient manuscript this Town is called Adelmesberg: but this new nomenclation quickly vanished, though the memory of Adelmus continued in esteem, he being canonized and registred amongst the happy number of the Saints; (after his death, not as the Saints in these our times who are Saints while they live, and I know not what after death) upon the feast day of this St. the Fair is kept, where souldiers were appointed to guard and watch, least jangling and discord should arise amongst so great concourse of peo∣ple; Truly (saith Mr. Cambden) he deserved that his name should everlastingly flourish, being the first who writ in Latin, and taught the English Art of Poetry and versifying as he himselfe witnesseth.

Primus ego in patriam mecum modo vita supersit
Aonio rediens deducam vertice Musas.
If Heaven lend life, from Helicon I'le bring
Th' Aonian Muses in this Isle to sing.

Athelstane the great who had made choice of this Saint for his patron, for his sake honoured this Town with many priviledges, and enriched the Monastery with many princely gifts, making choice of it for the place of his Sepulchre, as the Inhabitants will inform you to this day, shewing his Monument. From Athelstanes time this Monastery flourished in abundance of wealth, and was the prop and upholder of the Town, when by the love and expenses of Robert Bishop of Salisbury, it was fortifyed with a Castle and inclosed with Walls in the time of the Wars, betwixt Henry the Son of Matilda, and King Stephen: in which season it indured a siege by Hen. 2d. but shortly by the permission of K. John in favour of the Monks it was de∣molished, thereby to inlarge the precincts of their Monastery, and so continued till the fatal hand of Henry the 8. laid it level with the ground; yet a wealthy and rich Clothier whom Mr. Cambden colls Stumpuis, partly by petitioning and supplications; but without doubt not with∣out emptying his bags; obtained that the Church might stand which is now the Parish-Church.

This Town saith a new Author Anonymus, was by Antoninus in his Itinerarium called Cunetio from the River Kennet, and Marleburgh as being seated in a Chalkie soyle, which in some pla∣ces still well called by the name of Marle. Here Hen. 3. held a Parliament in which were many statutes; and as the preamble saith, right necessary for the peace and tranquility of the people; now a title of honour and hath given stile of,

    EARLE to
  • 1. James L. Ley L. Tr. Created Earle of Marlborough 1. Car. Feb. 7.
  • 2. Henry Ley.
  • 3. James Ley, E. of Mal. Argent a cheveron between 3 Bears Heads Couped Sable.

The next place which Mulmutius Dunwallo built was The-Vies, which Florentius Wigornien∣sis calls Divisio, another De vies, and Nubrigensis, Divisae: Here was a Castle built by Roger the rich Bishop of Salisbury, for scituation and workmanship giving place to none: but For∣tune is a Goddesse both blind and fickle; for he who even now was the second Head in the Kingdom, by the frowns, or rather avarice of K. Stephen, is not only plunder'd of his vast and almost inexhaustible Treasure, but also cast into a loathsome Gaol, where the poor old Man with Hunger, and what with Afflictions and Miseries, betwixt the fear of death and tor∣ments of his life, would feign have died yet knew not how to die.

Mulmutius Dunwallo having with great honour rul'd the Brittains by the space of forty years, yielded to death what was mortal, and was buried in the Temple of Troynovant, which he had built, leaving his two Sons Bellinus and Brennus, joyntly to succeed in the Kingdome.

Page  35

BELLINƲS and BRENNƲS.

BEllinus and Brennus the two Sons of Mulmutius, began to Reign joyntly as Kings of great Brittain, in the year of the World, four thousand eight hundred and eight. To Bellinus, according to the agreement of Partition, fell Loegria, Cambria and Cornwall; that is to say, England, Wales and Cornwall; and to Brennus, by the same accord, all the Land beyond the River of Humber. This Partition, according to Policron and others, pleased and gave full content to both the Brothers for the space of five years. The reason why Bellinus had the bigger and better share, was, Quia erat primogenitus,*& Trojana consuetudo requirebat ut dig∣nitas Hæreditatis perveniret ad eum. Hanc vero fuisse consuetudinem Trojanorum scribens Herodotus; ad Alexandrum, ait, non erat perventurum Regnum, cum Hector & major natu,*& virtute præstantior quam ille, Regnum defuncto Priamo suscepturus esset. Idem scribit Messala Corvinus, in libello de Augusti Progenie, Troem, à quo dicta Troja est, Regem Trojanorum habuisse duos filios Ilum & Assaracum, at{que} Ilum defuncto patre quod ipse major natu esset obti∣nuisse Regnum;*Deni{que} is qui dicitur Dares Phrygius in libro de excidio Trojæ narrat Priamum commone fecisse filios quos habebat multos, ut majores natu minoribus Imperarent, ex quo sequitur, ut minores majoribus subderentur. Adeo{que} Legem hanc latam in Anglia esse propter ius istud Trojanæ consuetudinis, at{que} servatam esse scribit Andreas Taraquellus in præsatione primogenitorum:*& Bartolus ad l. 1. Codicis de summa Trinitate; Consuetudinis est in Anglia inquit ut primogeni∣tus succedat in omnibus bonis; Because he was eldest, and the Trojan custome was, that the In∣heritance should fall to the Eldest; and this to have been the Trojan custome, sheweth Hero∣dotus, saying, that the Kingdom of Troy after the death of Priamus was not to fall to Alexan∣der but to Hector, who was both the more Valiant and also the Eldest by birth; and Messala Corvinus, in his Book of the Progeny of Augustus, confirms as much, saying, that King Tros from whom Troy took its Name, had two Sons, Ilus and Assaracus, and that Ilus, his Father being dead, for that he was the Eldest enjoyed the Kingdom; and he also (who is called Da∣res Phrygius) in his Book of the Destruction of Troy, tells us, That Priamus, who had many Sons, admonished them, that the Elder should have Power over the Younger, &c. and this Law to have taken root in England, as being derived from the old Trojan Custome, affirmeth Andreas Tarquellus. After five years thus in brotherly love and amity expired, Brennus suppo∣sing himself injured and intending to enlarge his Territories, raised Forces, and in hostile manner sets upon his brother Bellinus: but as his quarrel was unjust, so the sequel proved Fa∣tal; for he was totally Routed, and to save his life, compelled to fly into Armorica, now cal∣led Little Brittain, or as Gaufride will have it, into the Country of the Allobroges; others affirm, that without the knowledge or consent of his Brother, he sailed into Norway, and there mar∣ried the Daughter of Elfunge or Elfinge, Duke of that place; which tydings when they were brought to Bellinus, he seized into his hands all the Lands of Brennus and fortified his Cities, Castles, and other strong Holds with his own Garrisons. Fame quickly brought these Ru∣mours to Brennus, who neglected no time, but gathering a strong Army of Norwegians, ships himself for his own Principality, where by the way he was met by Guilthdacus or Guiclidacus, King of Denmark, who being inflamed with the Love of the Lady, whom Brennus had espoused, awaited his coming; and being now met, the two Fleets strongly encounter each other, and in short time come to grappling, a most bitter and bloudy Conflict ensueth: But the Danish King, having surprized the Vessel, in which the Object both of his love and anger was imbarked, though he had totally dispersed his Enemies Navy, pursued no further, thinking himself highly rewarded with the beautiful prize which he had already taken, and there withal resolves as a most victorious Conqueror to return to Denmark; yet whether Fortune to shew her accustomed fickleness and cross the Designs of such as think themselves most fortunate and her darlings, or rather Neptune incensed to see so violent a Rape committed within his watery Kingdom, with his revenging trident turned up and undermined the calm waves and ploughed them into hideous ridges; such a tempest arose, that the Heavens were darkned, the winds blustered, the billows roared and made such a hideous noise, that Guilthdacus each minute ex∣pected to be swallowed up in the mercilesse surges of the angry Ocean; this death-threatning storm continued for the space of five dayes; at the end whereof, the skies began to clear, the winds and waves to leave their Violence, and the Danish King to understand he was driven upon the coasts of his Enemies Country, for his tattered Fleet so much as was left of it was now arrived in Northumberland.

Belinus to make good that he had already begun, and to prevent all opportunities which might help and further his Brother at his landing, was now in Northumberland; and having in∣telligence of the Danish Kings Arrival, with so small a Company, he commanded his person with the rest of his Followers to be secured and committed to safe Custody; upon which discovery Brennus sends peremptorily to his brother, not only to surrender his territories injuriously (as is complained) taken from him, but also his then (in his possession) a prisoner, violently ravisht from him by Guilthdacus the King of Denmark: These Proposals or rather Demands, Bellinus absolutely denies; insomuch that Brennus having gathered together his scattered and dispersed Page  36 Navy, new rigs his Fleet, reinforceth his Army, and with fresh Supplies and strong Recruits, once more puts forth to Sea, and with more prosperous gales and auspicious fortune, arrived in Albania; and having given a short refreshing to his Souldiers, marcheth towards his Brother (already resolved to give him a hot Entertainment) near Calaterium, a well known and famous Wood; there these two incensed Brothers meet, the Officers and ordinary Souldiers equally bent to live and die in their Commanders quarrel; The signal is given to battel, and a strange confused noyse from both the Camps pierceth even the skies; terrible was the Encounter, and with Martial and Heroick mettle and courage maintained on both sides; the groans of dying men, whose souls (as the phrase now goes) left their bodies in the beds of Honour, were hide∣ous, and so great a destruction and havock was made that day, that forty thousand bodies wanted Forms to give them being. Victory at length decided the businesse and crowned Bellinus with a trimphant Laurel; compelling Brennus with his forreign Adherents and Assi∣stants to fly from his native Soil.

Bellinus now thinking himself to have run through all his Disasters, applies his mind to re∣ctifie things and settle his people: and in the first place casting his eye upon the Danish King and his beloved Lady (as then his Captives) he released Guilthdacus upon Articles of Agree∣ment and Composition, That he should hold and do Homage for the Kingdome of Denmark unto the King of Brittany, and pay a yearly Tribute of one thousand pounds: Upon this accord Hostages being given, the captive King had free liberty to depart for his own Coun∣try; and Bellinus prosecutes and makes good that which his deceased Father had designed and begun, (to wit,) the finishing of the four High-Wayes; the first of which was named Foss, stretched out of the South into the North, and began at the Corner of Totness in Cornwall and passed forth by Devonshire, Somersetshire, and so by Tutbury upon Cotteswold, beside Co∣ventry and Leicester, and from thence to Newark, and endeth at the City of Lincoln.

The second Way was named VVatling-street, the which stretcheth overthwart the way of Fosse over the South East into the Northast, this began at Dover and passeth by the middle of Kent, over Thames, besides London, by West of VVestminster, and so forth by St. Albans, in the West side of Dunstable, of Stratford, of Touceter and of VVedon, and by South Killingborne or Killebourne, by Athriston unto Gilberts Hill, that now is named VVrekin, and so forth by Seuarum, passing by VVorcester, and thence to Stratton and so to the middle of VVales unto a place called Cardigan.

The third Way was named Erming-street, the which stretcheth out of the West, North-west unto the East, South-East and beginneth at Menevia at St. Davids in VVales, and so stretcheth forth unto Southhampton.

The fourth and last Way was called Kikeneldis-street the which stretcheth forth by Worcester, by VVickham, by Bermingham, by Lichfield, by Derby, by Chesterfield, by York and so forth unto Tinemouth, the which was sufficiently made. Belinus granted or confirmed unto these pla∣ces all such priviledges as formerly Mulmutius had done; which together with other Lawes made by the King, are translated out of the Brittish tongue by Gildas, but are here for brevity sake omitted.

Whilst Belinus thus imployed his time in providing for his Countrey and Subjects necessa∣ry conveniences, Brennus after his late and almost irrecoverable overthrow, like a forlorne Pilgrime spends his time in Gallia, and there summons all his wits to Counsel how he may in some sort recover his Countrey and former Glory and Renown; and as great spirits will leave nothing unattempted to bring their designes to the wished period; so he resolves being accompanied only by twelve Cavaliers to addresse himself unto a Duke who had great power and command in those parts: where it is to be observed by the way that (as Ʋtropius and other writers affirm) the Galli at that time possessed divers Counries; upon which ground Ti∣tus Lavius who writ the Acts of the Romans, tells us that those Souldiers who followed Brennus when he sacked Rome were Galli Senonenses, to wit, those who inhabited the Countrey where the City Sena stood and yet doth, (as testifyeth the Author of Cronica Cronicorum and others) in a part of Italie, in succeeding ages known by the name Etruria; which Sena, as divers affirm was built by Brennus when he there inhabited, before the Incarnation of our Saviour Jesus Christ, iii. C. lxxx. and vi. years.

Brennus finding favourable admittance into the Court of Duke of Seginus of Allobroge (for so Gaufride calls him) which after was called Armorica, and now little Brittaine according to Policronicon and the English Chronicle; the Duke beholding the comely person, manly proportion, and princely carriage and behaviour of Brennus, and much condoling and com∣passionating the calamity of his Fortunes, which he with a singular grace had declared, (set out in the most lively colours and flowers of Eloquence,) entertained him in a most friendly manner, and observing that he delighted and was most expert in hunting and hawking, and was fully accomplisht with all the parts belonging to a Gentleman, cast such favours upon him, that in short time he became the most eminent man in the Court, and the only favorite of the Duke; insomuch that Seginus being in admiration of his endowments, and gallant behaviour, resolves to make him his Son in law; with this promise also, that if the Gods shall call for him hence without other Heir, that then the issue of Brennus should succeed in the Duke∣dome; or at least, in case the Duke should be made happy by the birth of a Son, that then he would use all possible endeavours to reestablish Brennus in his own Possessions, and upon Page  37 these Conditions and Articles the Duke espouseth his only Daughter and Heir to this Heroick Brittish Prince: these Nuptials are no wayes displeasing to the Nobles of Allobroge, they all jointly giving their approbation and full consent. Not long after, death summons Seginus to appear before a greater Tribunal then his own, and a convenient space being allowed to the Dutchesse Dowager, the term whereof expired, she was found not to have conceived nor to be with child; all sorts did Homage to Brennus as their lawful Leige and Supreme. Brennus being not only a titular Prince, but possessed of large Territories; and finding great plenty of Treasure congested by his wary and careful Predecessours, was not close-fisted, but with a liberal hand imparts a large Proportion to men of Action and gallant Resolution, and de∣termines once more to hazard both life and fortunes with his Brother, rather then lose Alba∣nia. The sons of Mars and fierce youthful spirits, applaud their Princes gallant Resolution, and each equipps himself to the rank of his birth and height of his desire. Bellinus hearing of these great and warlike Preparations like a prudent Prince, perceives this threatning cloud to bend its course towards Brittany; and therefore seeing he cannot prevent the coming thereof, makes such provision that wheresoever it shall disgorge it self, it may do as slender hurt as may be; thus he stands in a readinesse with Weapons to receive this menacing storm with the point of his Sword. Brennus maugre all oppositions arrives with his Navy: These heavy tidings pierce the very soul of Connuvenna or Conwenna the poor afflicted Mother, whose affectionate love was equally divided betwixt her dearest children; and having long time been deprived of the tender imbracements of her younger Son, carried with the most Noble passion of love, she casts her self betwixt the Brothers, and with most bitter sighes and floods of tears shews those brests which once they both had suckt; she pleads, commands, intreats, nay begs to make them friends. An ancient Poet in few Verses makes Conwenna to speak thus:

Proh dolor hic quid erit, quid Vos, mea viscera turbat?
Fraternas a cies quæ mala causa movet?
Tota tenere nequit modo vos Brittannia, quondam
Quos tenuit venter unicus iste meus
Non vos maternae lachrimae sparsi{que} capilli
Nec quæ suxistis ubera nuda movent?
Oh Heavens I my Sons why do you let me see
your naked swords unsheath'd for butchery?
Cannot you two in one great Kingdome live?
my narrow Womb life to you both did give
Behold my Tears, my Locks with Age grown Gray,
the Breasts you suck't, then cast your swords away.

The brothers with this unlookt for spectacle stand gazing each at other, which Convenna wisely perceiving, takes time fast by the fore-top and prosecutes her complaints with the very depth of sorrow, and rising up with a discreet motherly compassion, now embraceth the one, now the other, and never leaves till she locks them close in the Armes of a most firm and bro∣therly reconciliation, and so as it were hand in hand to the amazement of both Armies, but unspeakable joy of the overjoy'd Convenna they came to Troynovant; where after a due set∣ling of the affairs of Brittaine, those forces who not long before were mortal Foes are now be∣come confederates and fellow souldiers, and uniting strength to strength, a new employ∣ment is set on foot; Gallia is the mark aim'd at, at which they level so directly, that as Gau∣fride, they sayled into a part of Gallia burning and wasting the Country without regard or pitty, and in short time subdued a large proportion not only of Gallia, but also Italy and Ger∣many. As yet Belmus and Brennus according to Gaufride were together and performed many worthy deeds and feats in Armes; but because Livius makes only mention of Brennus in the Roman Histories, I suppose Belinus was again returned for Brittany, his own Kingdome, leaving the managing of what followed to his brother. What hereafter I shall speak of Brennus I have collected out of Plutark, in the life of Camillus, whose words translated by Sir Thomas North Kt. are these. Now as touching the Gaules they came of (as they say) the CELTAE, whose country, being not able to maintaine the multitudes of them, they were driven to go seek after other countries to inhabit in, and there were amongst them many thousands of young men of service and good souldiers, but yet more women and little children by a great number; of those people some of them went towards the North Sea passing the Mountaines Riphei and did dwell in the extreme parts of Europe, others of them remained between the Mountaines Pirenei and the Mountaines of the Alpes near unto the Senones and the Celtorii; there they continued a long time untill they fortuned in the end to tast of the wine, which was first brought out of Italy to them; which drink they found so good, and were so delighted in it, that suddenly they Armed themselves, and taking their Wives and Children with them they went directly towards the Alpes to go seek out the Countrey that brought forth such fruit, judging all other Coun∣tries in respect of that to be but wild and barren. It is said that the first man that did bring wine to them, and did procure them to passe into Italy was a Noble man of Thuscany called Ar∣ron, and otherwise of no ill disposed Nature; how be it he was subject to this misfortune fol∣lowing. Page  38 He was Tutor to an Orphan Child, the richest that was in that time in all the Coun∣trey of Tuscany, and of complexion wondrous fair, he was called Lucumo. This Orphan was brought up in Arrons house of a Child, and though he was grown to state, yet he would not depart from him feigning he was well and to his liking: but indeed the cause was that he loved his Mistress, (Arrons wife whom secretly he had enjoyed a long time, and she him) that made him like his continuance there. Howbeit in the end love having so possessed them both, that neither party could withdraw from other much lesse conceale it, The young man stole her away by force from him, and so kept her; Arron put the matter in suite but he prevailed not, for Lucumo over-weighed him with Friends, Money, Gifts and Charges: which he took so grievously that he left his Countrey and having heard talk of the Gauls he went unto them and was their guide to bring them unto Italy. So they conquered at their first coming all that Countrey which the Tuscans held in old time, beginning at the foot of the mountains, and stretched out in length from one Sea to the other, which invironeth Italy as the names themselves do witness: for they call yet that Sea which looketh unto the North the Adriatick Sea, by reason of a City built some time by the Tuscans, which was called Adria: The other which lieth directly over against the South is called the Tuscane Sea; all that Country is well planted with trees, and hath goodly pleasant pastures for beasts, and cattel to feed in, and is notably watered with goodly running Rivers. There was also at that time, eighteen fair great Cities, all of them very strong and well seated, as well to inrich the Inhabitants by Traffick, as to make them live delicately for pleasure: All these Cities the Gauls had won, and had expulsed the Tuscans; but this was done long before time. Now the Gauls being entred further into Tuscany, did besiege the City of Clusium, thereupon the Clusians seeking ayd of the Romans, besought them they would send Letters and Ambassadors unto those barbarous people in their behalf. They sent unto them three of the best and most honourable persons of the City, all three of the house of the Fa∣bians. The Gauls received them very courteously because of the name of Rome, and leaving to assault the City,* they gave them audience. The Roman Ambassadors did ask them what injury the Clusians had done unto them, that they came to make Wars with them; Brennus King of the Gauls hearing this question, smiled, and answered them thus, The Clusians do us wrong in this; they being but few people together, and not able to occupy much Land, do not∣withstanding possess much, and will let us have no part with them that are strangers, and out of our Country, and stand in need of seat and habitation; the like wrong was offered unto you Romans in old time by those of Alba, by the Fidenates and Ardeates, and the Volsci, against whom ye have taken, and do take Arms at all times, and as oft as they will let you have no part of their goods, ye imprison their persons, rob, and spoil their goods, and de∣stroy their Cities; and in doing this you do them no wrong at all, but follow the oldest Law that is in the world, which ever leaveth unto the stronger, that which the weaker cannot keep nor enjoy, beginning with the gods, and ending with beasts; the which have this property in nature, that the bigger and stronger have ever the advantage of the weaker and lesser; therefore leave your pitty to see these Clusians besieged, lest you teach us Gauls to take compas∣sion also of those you have oppressed.

By this answer the Romans knew very well there was no way to make peace with King Bren∣nus; wherefore they entered into the City of Clusium, and incouraged the Inhabitants to sally out with them upon these barbarous people, either because they had a desire to prove the valiantness of the Gauls, or else to shew their own manhood and valour: so the Citizens went out and skirmished with them, hard by the wals, in which one of the Fabians, called Quintus Fabius Ambustus, being excellently well horsed, and putting spurs to him, did set up∣on a goodly big personage of the Gauls, that had advanced himself far before all the Troop of his Companions; he was not known at the first encounter, as well for the sudden meet∣ing and skirmishing together; as for that his glistering armour dimmed the eyes of the enemies. But after he had slain the Gaul, and came to strip him. Brennus then knew him, and protested against him,* calling the Gods to witness how he had broken the Law of Arms, that coming as an Ambassador he had taken upon him the form of an Enemy. Hereupon Brennus forthwith left skirmishing, and raising the Siege from Clusium, marched with his Army to Rome gates. And to the end that the Romans might know that the Gauls were not well pleased for the in∣jury they had received; to have an honest colour to begin war with the Romans, he sent an Herald before to Rome, to demand livery of the man that had offended him, that he might punish him accordingly. In the mean while he himself came marching after, by small journeys, to receive their answer. The Senate hereupon assembled, and many of the Senators blamed the rashness of the Fabians, but most of all the Priests, called the*Faeciales; for they followed it very closely, as a matter that concerned Religion, and the honour of the Gods, declaring, how the Senate in discharge of all the residue of the City for the offence committed, should lay the whole weight and burden of it upon him alone, that only had done the Fact. (Numa Pompilius, the wisest and most peaceable of all the Kings of Rome that had been, was he that erected the Colledge of those*Faeciales, and did ordain that they should be Keepers of Peace, and Judges to hear and allow all the causes for the which they should justly begin any War) Nevertheless the Senate in the end turned over the ordering of the whole matter to the Will and Judgement of the people, before whom also the Faeciales, or Heralds did accuse Fabius Page  39 Ambustus: The people made so little account of their propounded Religion, and honour of the Gods in that case, that instead of delivering this Fabius to the enemy, they did choose him for one of the Tribunes of the Souldiers with his brothers. The Gauls understanding this, were so furious and angry thereat, that they would no longer linger their journeys, but mar∣ched with all speed to Rome. The people that dwelt by the High-wayes where they should passe by, were marvellously afraid to see the multitude of them and their brave and gallant Furni∣ture, & beginning to doubt the fury of their rage, they imagined that first of all they would de∣stroy the Champion Countrey before them, and afterwards would take the strong Cities. They contrariwise did take nothing at all out of the Fields, neither did any hurt or displeasure unto any body; but passing by their Cities, cryed out, They went to Rome, and would have no Wars but with the Romans, and how otherwise they desired to be friends with all the world. These barbarous people march on in this wise towards Rome, the Tribunes of the Souldiers brought their Army to the Field to encounter them: they were no lesse in number then the Gauls; for they were 40000 Foot men; howbeit most part of them were raw souldiers that had never served in the Wars before. They were very carelesse of their Gods, and dissolute in matters of Religion; for they passed neither for good signes in their Sacrifices, neither to ask councel of their Soothsayers, which the Romans were religiously wont to doe before they gave any battel. To make the matter worse; the number of the Captains, having Power and Authority alike, did as much (or more then the rest) disorder and confound their doings; for oft-times before, in far lesse Matters and Dangers then these,* they did use to choose spe∣cial Officers that had sole and soveraign Authority, which they called Dictators; knowing very well of how great importance it is in dangerous times to have but one Head and General to command all, to have supreme Authority of justice in his hands,* and not to be bound to deliver account of his doings to any. The injury also which they had too ungratefully done to Camillus, brought great mischief then and inconvenience upon them; for the Captains after him durst no more command the people roughly, but ever after did flatter them much. When their Armies were now brought into the Field, they Encamped themselves by a little River called Allia, about the eleventh stone from Rome, and not far from the place where the same River falleth into Tiber; thither came Brennus with his Army to them, who overthrew them in battel by their disorder and lack of Government: For the left point or wing of their battel was broken off at the first by the Gauls, who charged them so furiously that they drave them headlong into the River. The right wing then retiring out of the plain before they had any Charge given, and having gotten certain Hills hard by them, they had little hurt, and most of them did recover Rome again; the rest that escaped after the Enemies were weary of killing, fled by night unto the City of Veies, thinking Rome had been lost, and all the City put to the Sword: this overthrow was on the longest day in Summer, the Moon being at the Full. The Romans were very superstitious in dayes Fortunate and Unfortunate, which I here passe over as not material to our businesse in hand.

The day of this overthrow is one of those which the Romans take for one of the unfortu∣natest dayes that ever came unto them. Now after the battel lost, if the Gauls had hotly pur∣sued the chase of their flying enemies, nothing could have saved Rome from being Taken, and the Inhabitants thereof from being put unto the Sword; for the Romans that fled from the battel brought such a fear upon those that received them, and filled the whole City of Rome with such grief and trembling that they wist not what to doe. The Gauls again believing lit∣tle their Victory was so great as it was, fell to make good cheer for so great a joy received, and divided among them the spoil of their Enemies goods they found in the Camp. So gave they time and leisure by this means to the multitude of people that fled out of Rome to seek them some place of safety, and to such as remain still they left good hope to save themselves and to make some provision for defence.

Thereupon they all fortified themselves within Mont Capitol, and storing it with all kind of Victuals, Armour, and Ammunition they wholy did forsake the rest of the City; but the first work they took in hand was this, they did bring into their said Fort, part of their sacred re∣liques, and the professed Vestals brought thither all their holy Fire, and all their holy Monu∣ments, &c. Furthermore the Priests of other Gods, and the most honourable old men of the City of Rome (that had been Consulls aforetime or had past the honor of triumph) had not the heart to forsake Rome; but putting on all their costly Robes and Vestments did vow and most willingly sacrifice themselves unto the fortune that should befall them for the safety of their Countrey. And using certain words and prayers which their high Bishop Fabius had taught them, they went even thus apparelled unto the great market place, and did sit them down there in Chaires of Ivory, expecting the good will and pleasure of the Gods what should become of them. Within three dayes after Brennus came to Rome with his Army, who finding the Gates of the City all open, and the Walls without watch, he doubted some devise in it, and feared some privy ambush had been layed, as one hardly, believing to have found the Romans of so base a mind as to forsake their City. After being informed of the truth, he entred into Rome by the gate Collina, and took the same: little more then 360 years after it was first builded, if it be true at the least that there remained any certaine Chronicles of those times unto this present day; considering the trouble and confusion of that time hath made many things more certaine then that, doubtful unto us; but so it was that the rumor ran to Page  40Greece incontinently how Rome was taken, but yet withal somewhat doubtfully and uncertain; but Brennus having now entred Rome did appoint part of his souldiers to besiege those that were gotten in Mont Capitol, and he with the residue of his Army marched on towards the market-place, where when he saw the ancient Senators sit gravely on their Chaires and speak never a word, nor offered once to rise, though they saw their enemies come Armed against them, neither changed countenance nor colour at all, but leaned softly upon their staves which they had in their hands seeming to be nothing affraid nor abashed, but looked one upon another; he wondered marvailously at it; this their so strange manner at the first did so dump the Gauls that for a space they stood still, and were in doubt to come near to touch them, fearing least they had been some Gods; until such time as one of them went boldly to Marcus Papirius and laid his hand fair and softly upon his long Beard,* but Papirius gave him such a wrap upon his Pate with his staffe, that he made blood run about his Ears. The Gaule was in such rage with the blow, that he drew out his sword and slew him, the other souldiers also kil∣led the rest afterwards, and so they continued many dayes afterwards spoyling and plundering all things they found in the houses; and in the end did set all on fire and destroyed them every one,* for despite of those that kept the Capitol, and would not yield upon their Summons, but valiantly repulsed them when they scaled the Walls. For this cause they rased the whole City and put all to the Sword that came into their hands, young and old, man, woman and child. Now this Siege continuing long and the Romans holding them out very stoutly, victuals be∣gan to grow very scant in the Camp of the Gauls, insomuch as they were driven on force to seek it abroad without the City; Hereupon they divided themselves, whereof some remained still with them at the Siege of the Capitol and the rest went a foraging and spoiling all the Champion Country and Villages there abouts, scattered as it were by Bands and Companies, some here, some there, fearing nothing, nor passing upon watch or ward, they lived in such se∣curity of their Victory. Howbeit the greatest Company amongst them, went by fortune to∣wards the City of Ardea where Camillus dwelt living like a private man medling with no matters of State from the time of his Exile, until that present: But then he began not to be∣think himself as a man that was in safety and might have escaped the hands of his enemies, but rather sought how to devise and find all the means he could to subdue them if occasion were so offered: whereupon considering that the Citizens of Ardea were enough in number to set upon them, though faint-hearted and cowardly by reason of the sloth and negligence of the Governours and Captains who had no manner of experience in wars, he be∣gan to cast out these words among the young men. That they should not think the Romans misfortune fell upon them through the Valour of the Gauls, nor that their Calamity (who had refused good Councel) had hapned unto them by any work or act of the Gauls having done nothing for their part to make them carry away the Victory, but that they should think it was no other thing but fortune alone, who would needs shew her power. Therefore it were now a notable and honourable Enterprize (although somewhat dangerous) to drive those strangers out of their Country, considering that the onely end of their Victory was but to de∣stroy and consume as fire all that fell into their hands; wherefore if they would but onely take a good lusty heart and courage, he would with opportunity and place assure them the Victory without danger. The young men were pleased with these words of life and comfort; whereupon Camillus went to break the matter also unto the Magistrates and Counsellours, and having drawn them by perswasions unto this Enterprize,* he armed all that were of age to carry Ar∣mour, and would not suffer a man to go out of the City for fear lest the Enemies (which were not far off) should have intelligence of the same.

Now after the Gauls had run over the Champian Country, and were loaden with all sorts of spoils, they did encamp themselves negligently in open fields, and never charged Watch nor Ward; but having their full Carriage of Wine, laid them down to sleep, and made no noise at all in their Camp.*Camillus being advertized thereof by his several Scouts, caused the Ardeans, with as little noise, as might be, forthwith to go out into the fields, and having mar∣ched somewhat roundly the distance between the City and the Camp of the Gauls, they came thither much about midnight: Then he made his Souldiers make great shouts and cries, and the Trumpets to be sounded on every side to put a fear in their enemies, who yet with all the loud noise they made, could hardly be made to wake, they were so deadly drunk; yet there were some notwithstanding, that for fear to be taken tardy, did bustle up at this sudden noise, and coming to themselves fell to their weapons to resist Camillus, which were slain by and by: the rest, and the greatest number of them, lay here and there scattered in the middle of the field, without any weapon, dead asleep, stark drunk with wine, and were put to the sword, and never struck stroke; those that fled out of the Camp that night (which were but few in numher) were overthrown also next day by the horsemen, which followed, and killed them as they took them straggling here and there in the Field. The bruit of this victory was blown abroad incontinently through all the Towns and Villages thereabouts, which cau∣sed many young men to come, and joyn themselves to Camillus; but especially the Romans desired the same, who had saved themselves in the City Veies, after the battel lost at Allia, who made their moans among themselves, saying, O Gods, what a Captain hath Fortune taken from the City of Rome? What honour hath the City of Ardea by the valiantness and worthy deeds of Camillus? and in the mean season, his natural City that brought him forth, is now Page  41 lost and utterly destroyed; we for lack of a Captain to lead us are shut up here, within others walls, and do nothing but suffer Italy in the mean space to go to ruine and utter de∣struction before our eyes; why then do we not send to the Ardeans for our Captain? or why dowe not arm our selves and go to him? for he is now no more a banished man; nor we poor Citizens, since our City is possessed with a Forreign power of our hatefull enemies; so they all agreed to this counsel, and sent to Camillus, to beseech him to be their Captain, and lead them. But he made answer, he would in no case consent unto it, unless they that were be∣sieged in the Capitol had lawfully first confirmed it by their voices; for those, said he, as long as they do remain within the City, represent the State and body thereof; therefore if they commanded him to take this charge upon him, he would most willingly obey them; if other∣wise they misliked of it, that then he would not meddle against their good wills and command∣ment. They having received this answer, there was not a Roman amongst them, but greatly honoured and extolled the wisdom and justice of Camillus. But now they knew not how to make them privy to it, that were besieged in the Capitol; for they saw no possibility to convey a Messenger unto them, considering the enemies were Lords of the City, and laid siege unto it. Howbeit there was one Pontius Cominius, among the young men (a man of a mean house, but yet desirous of honour and glory) that offered himself very willingly to venter to get in, if he could, so he took no Letters to convey with him to them that were besieged; for fear lest they might be intercepted, and so they should discover Camillus intention, but putting on an ill favoured gown upon him, he conveyed certain pieces of Cork under it, and travelling at noon days, kept on his way without fear, untill he came to Rome, bringing dark night with him; and because he could not pass by the bridge, for that the Gauls kept watch upon it, he wrapped such cloaths, as he had, about his neck (which were not many nor heavy) and took the River, and swimming with these Corks which he had brought, at length he got over to the other side, where the City stood; then taking up those lanes where he thought the enemies were not, seeing fire, and hearing noise in other places, he went to the gate Carmentall, where he found more silence then in other places, on the which side also the hill of the Capitol was more steep and upright, by reason of the great rocks that were hard to clime up upon: But he digged and crept up so long amongst them that he got up with great pain unto the wall of the Fortress, on the which side also the enemy kept no watch; and saluting the watch of the Capitol, he told them what he was, so they plucked him up to them, and brought him to the Magistrates that ruled them, who caused the Senate to assemble presently, to whom he told the news of Camillus Victory, which they had not heard of before; and therewith also he did declare unto them, the determination of the Roman Souldiers that were abroad, which was to make Camillus their Captain and General, and did perswade them also to grant him the Charge, for that he was the only man abroad, whom the Citizens gave consent to obey; when they heard this, all that were within the Capitol consulted thereupon among themselves, and so did choose Camillus Dictator, and returned the Messenger, Pontius Cominius back again, the self same way he came unto them; this fortune in returning back was like unto his co∣ming thither, for the enemies never saw him: And so he brought report to them that were a∣broad of the Senates decree and consent, whereof they were all marvellous glad. Thus came Camillus to take this Charge of General upon him, and found there were twenty thousand good fighting men abroad and well Armed. Then got he further ayd also of their Allies, and Confederates, and prepared daily to go and set upon the enemies. So was Camillus chosen now Dictator the second time, and went into the City of Veies, where he spoke with the Ro∣mane Souldiers that were there, and leavied a great number of Allies besides to go fight with the enemies as soon as he could. But whilst Camillus was thus preparing, certain of the Gauls in Rome walking out by chance on that side of the Capitol where Pontius Cominius had gotten up the night before, spied in divers places the prints of his feet and hands, as he had griped and gotten hold, stil digging to get hold, and saw the weeds also, and herbs growing upon the Rocks, and the earth also in the like manner flat trodden down; whereupon they went pre∣sently unto the King, to let him understand the same, who forthwith came to view the place, and having considered it well, did nothing at that time; but when dark night was come, he called a company of the lightest Gauls together, and that used most to dig in Mountains, and said unto them, our enemies themselves do shew us the way how to take them, which we could not have found out but by themselves; for they having gone up before us, do give us easily to understand that it is no impossible thing for us to clime up also, wherefore we were utterly shamed, having already began well, if we should fail also to end well, and to leave this place as invincible; for if it were easie for one man alone, by digging, to clime up to the top there∣of, much less is it hard for many to get up one after another, so that one do help the other. Therefore Sirs, I do assure you, those that do take the pains to get up, shall be honourably re∣warded according to their just desert; when the King had spoken these words unto the Gauls, they fell to it lustily, every man to get up, and about midnight, they began many of them to dig and make steps up to the Rock one after another, as softly as could possibly, with catch∣ing hold the best they could by the hanging of the Rock, which they found very steep, but nevertheless, easier to clime then they took it at the beginning, so that the foremost of them being up to the top, were now ready to take the wall, and to set upon the Watch, that slept; for there was neither man nor dog that heard them. It chanced then there were holy Geese Page  42 kept in the Temple of Juno, which at other times were wont to be fed till their crops were full: But victuals being very strait and scant at that time, even to finde the men, the poor Geese were so hardly handled, and so little regarded that they were in a manner starved for lack of meat: This Fowl indeed naturally is very quick of hearing, and so also very fear∣full by nature, and being in a manner almost famished with their hard allowance, they were so much the more wakefull and easier to be afraid: upon this occasion therefore, they heard the coming of the Gauls, and also began to run up and down and cry for fear, with which noise they did wake those that were within the Castle. The Gauls being bewrayed by these foolish Geese, left their stealing upon them, and came in with all open noise and terrour they could. The Romans hearing this Alarm every man took such weapon as came first to hand, and they run suddenly to rescue that place, from whence they understood the noyse; amongst those the foremost man of all was Marcus Manlius, a man that had been Consull, who had a lusty body, and as stout a heart. His hap being to meet with two of the Gauls together, as one of them was lifting up his Ax to knock him on the head, he prevented him and struck off his hand with his sword, and clapt his Target on the others face so fiercely, that he threw him backward down the Rock, and coming afterwards unto the Wall with others that ran thither with him, he repulsed the rest of the Gauls that were gotten up, who were not many in num∣ber: Thus the Romans having escaped this danger, the next morning they threw the Captain down the Rocks from the Castle, who had charge of the Watch the night before; and gave Manlius in recompence of the good service he had done, a more honourable then profitable reward, which was this, every man of them gave him half a pound of the Country Wheat which they call Far: and the fourth part of the measure of wine, which the Grecians call Cotile, and this might be about a Quart, being the ordinarie allowance of every man, by the day.

After this Repulse the Gauls began to be discouraged, partly for that their victuals failed them, and durst no more forrage abroad in the fields for fear of Camillus; and partly also for that the Plague came amongst them, being lodged amongst heaps of dead bodies, lying in every place above ground without burial, and amongst burnt houses destroyed, where the ashes being blown very high by the wind, and vehemency of heat, did give a dry piercing ayr, that did marvellously poyson their bodies, when they came to draw in the breath of it. But the greatest cause of all their mischief, was the change of their wonted Diet, who coming out of a fresh Country, where there were excellent pleasant places to retire unto to avoid the discomodity of the parching heat of the Summer, were now in a naughty plain Country for them to remain in, in the later season of the year. All these things together, did heap diseases upon them, besides the long continuance of the siege about the Capitol (for it was then about the 7. moneth) by reason whereof there grew a marvellous death in their Camp, through the great numbers of them that died daily and lay unburied.

But notwithstanding all the death and trouble of the Gauls, the poor besieged Romans were nothing holpen, and the Famine still did grow upon them: And because they could hear no∣thing of Camillus, they were almost grown into despair; and send unto him they could not, the Gauls kept so strait a watch, upon them in the City; whereupon both parties finding them∣selves in hard estate; first, the Watch on each side began to cast out words of peace amongst themselves; and afterwards by consent of the heads, Sulpitius Tribune of the Souldiers came to parley with Brennus. In which parley it was articuled, that the Romans should pay a thou∣sand pound weight of gold; and that the Gauls should incontinently, after the Receit of the same depart out of their City, and all their Territories; this decree being passed by oath from both, the gold was brought: And when it came to be weighed, the Gauls at the first, pri∣vily began to deal falsely with them; but afterwards they openly stayed the balance, and would let them weigh no more, whereat the Romans began to be angry with them; then Bren∣nus in scorn and mockery, to despite them the more, pluckt off his sword belt and all, and put it into the balance where the Gold was weighed. Sulpitius, seeing that, askt him, what he meant by it? Brennus answered him, What can it signifie else, but sorrow to the vanquished? This word ever after ran as a common Proverb in the Peoples mouths. Some of the Romans took this vile part of theirs in such scorn, that they would needs take the Gold from them again by force, and so return unto their Hold to abide the Siege still, as they had done before; others were of opinion to the contrary; and thought it best with patience, to put up this scorn of theirs, and not to think it was shame to pay more then they had promised; but only to pay it by compulsion as they did by misfortune of time, was rather to think necessa∣ry then honourable.

And as they were debating the matter thus, as well amongst themselves as the Gauls, Ca∣millus came to Rome gates with his Army, and understanding all that had passed between them, he comands the rest of the Army to march fair and softly after him in good order; and he himself in the mean season, with the best choice men he had, went before with all speed. As soon as the other Romans within the City had spied him, they shouted for joy, and every one with great reverence received him, without any more words, as their Soveraign Prince and Captain, who had power over them all: And Camillus taking the gold out of the scales, gave it unto his men, and commanded the Gauls presently to take up the scales, and to get them going; for said he, it is not the Romans manner to keep their Country with gold, but with Page  43 the sword: then Brennus began to be hot, and told him it was not honourably done of him to break the accord that had passed between them before by oath, whereunto Camillus stoutly answered him again, that accord was of no validity; for he being Dictator was before all other Officers and Magistrates whatsoever; and their acts by his election were made of no authority: And seeing therefore that they had dealt with men that had no power of them∣selves to accord to any matter, they were to speak to him, if they required ought; for he alone had also late power to pardon them if they repented, and would ask it; or else to pu∣nish them, and make their bodies answer the damage and loss his Country had sustained by them: These words made Brennus as mad as a March Hare, that out went his blade; then they drew their swords on all sides, and laid lustily one at another, as they could within the houses, and in open streets, where they could set no Battel in order; but Brennus suddenly remembring himself, that it was no even match for him, retired with his men about him into his Camp before he had lost many of his people. The next night following he departed out of Rome with all his Army, and went to encamp himself about threescore Furlongs; from thence in the high way that goeth towards the City of the Gabians, Camillus with his whole Army, well appointed, went after him immediately, and shewed himself at his Camp by break of day. The Romans having taken heart again unto them, did lustily give them Bat∣tel, the same continued very long cruel and doubtfull, till at length the Gauls were overcome, and their Camp taken with great slaughter: As for those that did escape the fury of the Bat∣tel, they were killed some by the Romans themselves, who hotly followed the chase after the Battel broken; and the residue of them, and the greatest part were slain by those of the Ci∣ties and Villages near abouts, that did set upon them as they fled here and there scattering in the field: Hitherto Plutarch; and most likely it is, that the Heroick Brittain, the most cou∣ragious Brennus, here also perished; and therefore we will return to his brother.

Belinus, now absolute Monarch of Brittain, after he had lest his Brother in Forreign Coun∣tries, and returned into his own Kingdom, built the famous City of Caerleon upon Vsk, for confirmation of which verity there are many witnesses, as the Brittish History, Galfridus, Vi∣cunnius, Matthew of Westminster, Ranulph, Hegen, Caxton, Harding, Stow, Hollinshead; and to write in his words, Most part of all our Writers. Galfridus calls this City Kaerose: Vicun∣nius nameth it Kaer Vsk, Matth. West. Kaer Vsk, Higeden Caer Huth; and it was one of the three Arch flamens Seats of Brittany. The Priests amongst the old Romans, were called Fla∣mins, by reason of certain little narrow hats which they did wear upon their heads, as if they had called them Pilamines; for Pilos in Greek signifieth a Hat: Numa Pampilius, is said to have been the first Founder of the Flamens, by reason that he added to the Priests of Jupiter and Mars a third, who was called Flamen Quirinalis.

This City, in succeeding times, was called Caerlegion, that is to say, the City of Legions, and was the See of an Archbishop; to which was subject all Cambria or Wales, then adorned with seven Bishops, now with four Suffragans, Sedes Archiepiscoporum in Brittannia tres fue∣runt tempore Lucii regis, Brittannorum primi Christiani, videlicet apud London, apud Ebora∣cum, apud Caer-hursc, urbem Legionum in Glamorgancia, quibus tunc subjecti fuerunt 28. E∣piscopi Flamines tunc vocati, &c. Vrbi Legionum subjacuit tota Cambria 7 tunc Episcopis nunc vero quatuor suffraganeis insignita, quam flumen Sabrina tunc Secernebat à Loegria,* which Severn then separated from England: and in this City, faith a French Author was King Lucius born. The same Author speaking further; the Sees of these three Arch-flamens,* being the three most noble Cities of Brittain, which were London, Everwicks, and the City of Legions upon the River Vsks in the County of Glamorgan in Wales, not far from Severn, which is a place delicious, and passing in Riches all other Cities.

As concerning the Arch-bishops of Caerleon, they have been many, and of great note,* Learning, and Sanctity; We must account (saith Godwin) St. Dubritius the first Bishop, Not that I deny any other to have sate there before him; but because be is the first whose name is re∣membred: And it is probable he had no Predecessors, because the memory of his Successors is so carefully preserved: But as this mans Authority is so weak to be rested upon (saith Mr. Brough∣ton) that it hath often before deceived them who builded upon it; so his reason here alledged is of as feeble strength; for the memory of the Successors hath been so carelesly preserved by his own confession after, that he having cited two different Catalogues of their names, only above twenty in number, concludeth in these terms against himself before; Of these fore∣named Bishops, until Sampson, there remaineth little or no memorial, but their names only. And in the names themselves, there is difference in the memorials of them.* And both of them omit their most renowned Archbishop Elbodus, who joyned with St. Augustine and his com∣pany, and wrote against his own Brittains and Scots for their untrue observation of Easter. Some think he was created Archbishop by St. Augustine. Mr. Harris seemeth to be of opi∣nion, that St. Fugatianus, one of Pope Elutherius Legates was first Archbishop of Caerleon, and St. Damiunus the other Legat Archbishop of London, yet with the common opinion he had pla∣ced St. Thean there before, both which may stand with truth in due construction if St. Damia∣nus resigned it to St. Thean, who, as he saith, was Archbishop there eighteen years; and see∣ing we find no final departure of these two holy Legats from hence, but rather a continual a∣bode here, after their return from Rome, as though they were wholly designed for the spiritual good of this Kingdom, if we joyn here with what eminent men and Bishops they were, we Page  44 may not deny them any chief place of honour, according to their worth and deservings here.

The old Writer of St. Gudwalus Life, Surius Haraeus, and others say, he was Archiepiscopus Britannus, an Archbishop of Brittany, and by his life and aboad of no other place, but our old Caerlegion; And if we should follow their opinions, which hold, that Caerlegion was Au∣gusta, where our renowned Archbishop Augulus was martyred, we must also make him Arch∣bishop there; and the old Brittish History with divers other, testifieth, that Tremonus was Arch∣bishop here,*Tremonus urbis Legionum Archiepiscopus, long before St. Dubritius. And it was foretold long before, probably, St. Dubritius was born, or Tremonus was Archbishop of Caer∣legion, that this Archbishops See should be translated from thence to St. Davids, and there the Archbishops Pall of Caerlegion should be worn, Menevia Pallio urbis Legionum induetur, which was after verified in the time of St. David; as also the prophecie of the translation of London to Canterburie by St. Augustine: and the seventh Archbishop of York going into Ar∣morica, performed by St. Sampson, all foretold at one time altogether long before: There∣fore as in London and York there were Archbishops, so in this City also of Caerlegion there were such wearing the Pall, justifying the undeniable change and performance of that Predi∣ction.* After this time all Histories agree of St. Dubritius, St. David, Eliud, Theelianus, Ki∣nocus immediatly succeeding one another, and Elbodus in St. Aug. time. And a late Writer saith further: In which three Cities of London, York, and Caerlegion upon Usk, there had been before time three Arch-flamens erected unto Apollo, Mars and Minerva, but now rased to the ground, and three other Churches builded in their steads by Lucius, to the intent that the Countreys round about, might have indifferent access unto those places, and therewithall under∣stand for certain whether to resort for resolution.

The Persecution under the Roman Emperors being generall to all Churches and places, even in the beginning thereof came to the City of Caerlegion, where the Church being destroyed, and the School founded by King Lucius overthrown, the holy Priests and other Christians there, had their part therein. Amongst others St. Julius and St. Aron were then cruelly mar∣tyred in that City, being by consent of all, Citizens and Inhabitants, there: Aron & Julius Legionum urbis cives, most cruelly torn in pieces, by torments never heard of before, passi sunt inaudita membrorum discerptione in testimonium Dei excelsi. Others say, it is evident in Histories they were learned men, brought up in the Colledge or School, there founded by King Lu∣cius;* thus write two late authors, Ex Sanctorum Historiis constat Amphibalum Aaronem & Ju∣lium Sanctissimos Dei Martyres cœlestem Christi Doctrinam, apud urbem Legionum inter literas tradidisse. Ex nobili Gymnasio urbi Legionum viri multi summa pietatis & doctrinae laude con∣spicui prodierunt, ut Amphibalus Julius & Aron. By which Authorities, and Testimonies joyning these holy Martyrs for Education, School, Learning, Preaching and professing Christ with that most renowned Priest and Bishop St. Amphibalus they incline to hold and teach that they also were Clergy men. This persecution at Caerlegion when these holy Martyrs were put to death, was at the destruction of the Cathedral Church there, being at the same time when the like desolation was at Winchester long before St. Albans Martyrdom, I must needs say the same of these Saints, as the Annales of Winchester do of their Martyrs. And this the rather, because our Antiquaries have told us, that S. Amphibalus who converted S. Alban, was born, bred, instructed in learning, and remained at Caerlegion, and being there in all probable Judge∣ment, when these troubles began there, was as our Brittish History witnesseth, pursued, and in present danger to be apprehended by the Persecutors, when St. Alban gave him entertainment and succour; and addeth plainly, that when St. Amphibalus thus fled from Caerlegion, St. Ju∣lius, and St. Aron were, Absque cunctamine, presently Martyred there, having their members so torn in pieces, as the like had not been heard of before. Inter cæteros utriusque sexus summae magnanimitate in acie Christi præstantes, passus est Albanus, Julius quoque & Aron urbis Legi∣onum cives;*quorum Albanus charitatis gratia fervens, confessorem suum Amphibalum à per∣sequitoribus insectatum, & jam jam comprehendendum, in domo sua occuluit; cæteri veri Duo inau∣dita membrorum discerptione lacerati ad egregias portas Hierusalem absque cunctamine cum Mar∣tyrii trophæo convolaverunt. The very same testimony hereof is given by St. Gildas, both for St. Amphibalus then flying the persecution, and the martyrdom of these saints at that time. St. Bede also is witness that St. Alban entertained St. Amphibalus flying the persecutors, Cleri∣cum quendam persecutores fugientem hospitio recepit. And that St. Aron and St. Julius were martyred at that time, Passi sunt ea tempestate Aron & Julius urbis legionum cives: The like have others; therefore Giraldus Cambrensis doth worthily call them our two Protomartyrs in this time, only in dignity, second and next to St. Alban and St. Amphibalus, but in time first and before them, Duo nobiles & post Albanum & Amphibalum præcipui Brittanniae Majoris Protomartyres.* These our two Protomartyrs are wonderfully commended in our Histories: St. Gildas saith of them, that they stood out in the Army of Christ, with greatest magnanimi∣ty,*Summa magnanimitate in acie Christi præstantes dico. Giraldus Cambrensis is witness that amongst the Martyrs of that time, they were the chiefest next to St. Alban, and St. Amphiba∣lus, Post Albanum & Amphibalum præcipui martyrio coronati, Julius & Aron: How they were honoured of the holy Catholick Christians of that time, with Churches dedicated to them, Pilgrimages to the places of their Martyrdom, and they both there, and in other places ho∣noured, invocated and prayed unto, presently upon the ceasing of the Persecution.

Page  45

Now it will suffice to conclude with that their title of glory and renown, which the anci∣ent and learned Bishop of their Nation before hath given them, and the due and honour to the place of their triumphant death, Jacent hic duo nobilis Brittanniæ Majoris Protomartyres & ibidem Martyrio coronati Julius & Aron. Here lie (at Caerlegion) the two Noble Proto∣martyrs of great Brittain, Julius and Aron, and there crowned with Martyrdom. This title to be the first Martyrs of Brittain in the most terrible persecution, and with such exceeding magnanimity, and Christian constancy, as hath been related, in induring torments till then never heard of, without any example going before them, but giving themselves the first ex∣ample hereof, so wonderfull patience, love of Christ, and Heroical true fortitude to so many thousands, which by their singular example, with invincible courage imitated them therein, is the greatest honour we can yeild to such blessed Saints on earth; their Festivity is celebra∣ted by the old Roman Martyrologie upon the first day of July.* On which day as Baronius plainly writeth, many others suffered Martyrdom with them, Julius & Aron Martyres cum aliis plurimis in Brittania sub Dioclesiano primo die Julii. So likewise affirmeth the English Writer, and the Roman Martyrologe which Baronius glosseth upon, may very well carry that construction, for setting down for a certain truth, that these two holy Martyrs were put to death in Brittany upon the first day of July, Primo die Julii in Brittannia Sanctorum Marty∣rum Julii & Aron, qui in persecutione Dioclesiani passi sunt; it presently addeth, quo tempore ibidem quam plurimi diversis cruciatibus torti & saevissime lacerati ad supernæ civitatis gaudia consummato agone pervenerunt: At the same time, in the same place very many tortured with divers torments, and most cruelly torn, having ended their combats, came to the joys of heaven.

And St. Bede saith, that ea tempestate, at that time when St. Julius and St. Aron were mar∣tyred, divers others, both men and women were put to death, Alii utrius{que} sexus passi sunt ea tempestate. So hath Henry of Huntington, Passi sunt eo tempore Julius & Aron alii quo∣que plures utriusque sexus: And we cannot probably think that these raging Persecutors, who in places where there were not in any degree so many Christians, as in this renowned City an Archiepiscopal See, and Christian University put them to death by thousands, sent these here by cruel Martyrdom to heaven alone; These holy Martyrs by all Antiquities suffered Martyrdom at Caerlegion, and both Giraldus Cambrensis and Ranulphus, Higeden writing at Winchester: As also our late Antiquaries of the same Country, plainly say it was at Caerle∣gion in Monmouthshire, which was the Archiepiscopal City and School, distinguishing it from Winchester, by some called Caerlegion; also I will only cite one Englished to my hand by a Modern; In this Region Monmouthshire is seated, the most ancient and most noble City of Le∣gions, which our Countrymen call Caerleon on Usk, that is to say, the City of Legions upon Usk for difference sake, between it and the other which is built in Northwales, upon the River Dee; of which Giraldus writeth thus. The same was a Noble and ancient Town, the tokens where∣of remain as yet, an huge Palace, a Giant like Tower, goodly Baths and Hot-houses, Re∣liques of Churches and places like Theaters, compassed with beautifull walls, partly yet standing; also buildings under the ground, Conducts, secret passages and Vaults under the Earth, framed with wondefull Workmanship. There lyeth Julius and Aron, which had Churches dedicated unto them, Ʋna Julii Martyris altera Araonis. In the Church of St. Ju∣lius which is now called St. Julians, and is distant from the now Caerleon a mile, seated fast by the River of Ʋsk, which runneth through the Town, belonging to the Right Honourable Edward Lord Herbert of Cherbury and Castle Issand, a most stately house in this Church, for∣merly Virgineo choro de corata, was a Nunnery: for in this Town were two famous Monaste∣ries one of Monks, or Canon Regulars, the other of Nuns,* dedicated to St. Julius in which Queen Guenhumara wife to King Arthur did after receive the habit of Religion Guenhumara Regina in Monasterio Julii Martyris inter Moniales habitum Religionis suscepit.

Not far from Caerlegion, is a place called St. Albans, standing on the ascent of a hill, at the bottom whereof runneth the River of Vsk, where by an old Tradition, the Inhabitants believe St. Alban was put to death, and will not be perswaded out of their errour by any reason; wherefore to convince that mistake,* though the circumstances of the place be some∣thing alike, where St. Alban was put to death; for St. Bede writeth, that the people who came to behold his Martyrdom were so many, that being to passe over the River by a Bridge, if St. Alban had not so miraculously dryed up the River, they could hardly have gone over by the Bridge before night, Ita fluminis occupabat pontem ut intra vesperam transire vix posset: There was scarcely any left in the City, Cunctis pene egressis, a great multitude of both Sexes, divers Estates and Ages came thither by instinct, Vtriusque sexus conditionis diversae & aetatis quæ sine dubio divinitatis instinctu ad obsequium beatissimi confessoris ac Martyris vocabantur. There∣fore so many of divers conditions, being thus called by the inspiration of God to such an ho∣ly purpose, we cannot but think many of them were there converted at that time. St. Bede setetth this to be done at St. Albans death before the great miracle of Angels, appearing and praising of God, and honouring St. Alban, the night following at his place of burial: and so soon as this miracle appeared, the Pagans presently came thither in great numbers to hear and see it publikely, professing that those Miracles were wrought by the power of Christ the Sonne of GOD, and so being converted unto him, a thousand of them at one time took their Journey to seek Saint Amphibalus in those parts, which we Page  46 now call Wales so far distant from Verulamium (now St. Albans in England) where by the help of divers Christians in their company among other others, him that took up St. Albans Crosse which he held in his hands at his Martyrdom, which all to be spotted with his blood, they presented to St. Amphibalus whom they found preaching to the people of that Country,* and they were Instructed, Catechized, and Baptized by him in Christian Religion. Cum ad hoc spectaculum subito fieret concursus Paganorum, unus ex omnibus in hanc vocem prorupit. Hæc miranda quæ vidimus Christum Dei Filium liquidò operari constat, eamus & inquiramus virum Dei, quia sicut nostis Albanum prædicando convertit ad Christum: Cum{que} omnibus ista sententia placuisset, ad mille hominum versus Walliam iter arripiunt & virum Dei Amphibalum ibi inve∣nerunt regionis illius hominibus Verbum Dei prœdicantem;*cui adventus sui causam exponentes, Crucem quam suo quondam Albano commendaverat cruore respersam obtulerunt; at ille gratias Deo agens, novis auditoribus fecit de Religione Sermonem, cui mox illi consentientes signaculum qùod in Christo est ab ejus sacris manibus alacriter susceperunt.

Some Authors will have these thousand Martyrs to have suffered at Lichfield, because there were so many in that persecution Martyred there; and the very name Lichfield signifieth a Field of Blood, and the bearing the Arms accordingly belonging thereto: but this Contro∣versie is decided before, when our Antiquaries assure us, that it was in the County now cal∣led Wales, in which Lichfield never was nor can be accounted, neither was it the way of these persecutors thither, from Verulamium; nor so long and tedious a journey; Iter tam laboriosum as they went Dictum est quod omnes pro quibus tam laboriosum iter susceperant in extremis finibus perierunt; Certainly great and cruel was the Massacre; for these cruel Pagans Diabolica in∣vecti furia slew all they met; the Son not sparing his Father nor the Brother his Brother, no Man his Neighbour;* but sine respectu sanguinis, ætatis, aut reverentiae, vicini vicinos, & amicos amici neci tradunt, & atrociter in ore gladii mille viros pro Christo occidunt, ex hoc sacro Colle∣gio unus omnino superfuit qui in via corporis infirmitate detentus adesse non potuit. Thus much concerning Caerleon in this place.

Bellinus having built Caerleon upon Ʋsk, built also a Gate in London, to this hour called Bellinus Gate,*In cujus summa (saith Ri. Vitus) Turrim aedificat & in imo portum appellentibus per Tamesim navibus idoneum; item aliam Turrim in colle Londini, Quam hodie (secundum Jo∣annem Lelandum) Turrim Londinensem vocamus quod non est improbabile, nam Peredurus Rex postea captus in ea custoditus; Hanc igitur arcem Londinensem, inquit Polidorus Virgi∣lius satis munitam & multis Turribus (unde nomen habet) exstructam, falso vulgus Anglorum præ∣dicat à Julio Cæsare conditam esse, qui de Londino non meminit quippe quod eo non pervenerit. In whose top or highest place he caused a Tower to be made, and at the Fort or Basis a Har∣bour and safe landing place for ships sayling up the Thames; He also built an other Tower on the hill of the mount of London, as affirmeth John Leland, which at this day we call the Tower of London, nor much unprobable for that Peredurus, King of this Island, being surpri∣zed,* was there kept prisoner; Polidorus Virgilius is of opinion (as Vitus tells us) that this Tower being strongly built and garnished with many smaller Towers, from whence it takes its name, was not built by Julius Cæsar, as the vulgar opinion is, for that he maketh no men∣tion of London nor ever came so far.

Bellinus autem cum regnasset annos viginti & unum solus, diem obiit nobili{que} ceremonia in ig∣nem conjectus uritur primus quidem omnium Brittannorum Regum qui crematus est, & cineres in urnam auream conditi ponuntur, super fastigio portae Bellinæ; Bellinus after he had reigned alone the space of one and twenty years, finished the course of his natural life, whose body with noble but unusual ceremony was cast into a fire, being the first of all the Brittish Kings, whose body was consumed with Funeral flames; his ashes being gathered together, were put into a golden Vessell or Urne, and placed in the highest part of his late built Arch or Gate.

You have already heard how Brennus the heroick Brittish Prince sackt Rome, besieged the Capitol, compelled the Senators to compound with him for a thousand pound weight of Gold, and how lastly he was pursued by Camillus the Dictator, and how he was vanquished and his whole Army routed and put to the Sword, partly by the country Peasants and neighbouring Towns and Villages, in which sad condition Plutark leaves: but he was a Roman Writer and may speak partially in the behalf of his own Country. Let us hear therefore what Count Pa∣latine thinks of the matter; he was born in this Island and will speak as much for Brennus as did Plutark for Camillus;* and therefore tells you, Brennus autem domitis Pannoniis & audita Victoria suorum qui Belgio Duce Macedones vicerant preda{que} relicta discesserant, adunatis cen∣tum quinquaginta millibus equitum erumpit in Macedoniam; sed pauci à pluribus, trepidi à va∣lentibus facile vincuntur. Ita{que} cum victi Macedones se condidissent intra muros Ʋrbium, Victor Brennus nemine impediente totius Macedoniæ agros deprædatur, inde quasi spolia sorderent, con∣vertit animum ad Deorum immortalium Templa, joco dicens oportere Deos locupletes hominibus dona largiri: statim igitur Delphos iter vertit, Religionis aurum pro præda Deorum offensae præ∣fert, eos ait nullis opibus indigere; ita{que} cum in conspectu Templum Apollinis haberet, diu deli∣beravit an confestim rem aggrederetur, an vero fessis via militibus daret spacium noctis ad resu∣mendas vires. Emidanus & Thessalonus duces qui se junxerant ad prædaesocietatem jubent moras amputari dum hostes forent imparati & sui adventus eis esset terrori; sed Galli ex inopia longa cum invenirent rura referta vino, cæteris{que} commeatibus, se per agros sparserant desertis{que} signis Page  47 ad occupanda omnia pro victoribus vagabantur. Prius ergo Delphi viribus sociorum aucti præ∣munierunt Ʋrbem suam, quam Galli vino veluti prædæ incubantes ad signa evocantur. Brennus habebat ex omni exercitu lecta Sexaginta quin{que} Millia peditum. Delphorum sociorum{que} non e∣rant nisi militum instructorum quatuordecim Millia, quorum contemptu Brennus præ numero suorum de victoria non dubitat; sed ad acuendos animos militibus ostendit ubertatem prædæ statuas{que} cum quadrigis fusas auro solido: quarum rerum animadversione Galli magis incitati ac pridie vino pleni, ruunt in bellum sine ulla cogitatione periculorum. Delphi contra plus in Deo quam in viribus suis subsidii ponunt, Gallos{que} scandentes de summo vertice montis Parnassi quo templum Apollinis est, partim Saxis partim Armis obruunt, maximo{que} terræ motu parte montis ejusdem erupta, Gal∣lorum Exercitum prostravit, confertissimi{que} cunei vulneribus dissipati cadebant; Dux ipse Bren∣nus cum non poterat amplius ferre dolorem vulnerum suorum vitam pugione finivit. Brennus having vanquished the Inhabitants of Pannonia, and hearing of the Victory which his Soul∣diers had obtained under the Command of Belgius their Commander against the Macedoni∣ans, who fled away leaving the booty and spoils behind them, rallying up fifty thousand foot, and fifteen thousand horse, he suddenly and with great violence enters Macedonia; where whilst he plundered, ransackt, and destroyed both Fields and Villages, Sosthenes with an Army well appointed made Head and Resistance against him: but being far fewer in number, and overwhelmed with multitudes of his Enemies, he was forced to Retreat and give way to his present Fortune: the Macedonians being thus put to the worst, by necessity are compelled to hide and secure themselves under the protection of their walled and fortified Townes and Castles; mean time Brennus having none to oppose him, fleeceth and wasteth the Countries round about; and seeing these spoils too slender for his avaricious and aspiring mind, he de∣vours and swallows up in his all-devouring thoughts the opulency of the Gods; deridingly, and as he thinks wittily though profanely, saying, The wealth-abounding Gods must supply the indigent wants of poor distressed mortals; and therefore bends all his power for Delphos, preferring their rich and massie oblations, and consecrate golden offerings before the just and most deserved anger of the Gods, saying, The Gods could never want; busying himselfe with these imaginations, he comes within the sight and view of great Apollos Temple, where he pauseth, considering with himself, whether it were better suddenly to assault, or rather give that nights rest unto his wearied Souldiers to refresh their tired bodies: Euridanus and Thessalonus Captains of great skill and experience, who had associated themselves meerly for lucre and spoil, advise him by all means to cut off delays as dangerous, and suddenly to set upon the attempt; the Enemy as yet being altogether unprovided, in regard whereof a sud∣den motion would strike them into a terrible fear. But the Gauls having suffered hunger and hard marches, finding the Country well furished with Wines and other welcome Provisions, leaving their Colours, disperse themselves every one according to his own pleasure and liking, and as if already all were their own, like Conquerors they strut it up and down. This re∣misnesse gives opportunity to the Delphians by the Auxiliary Forces of their Friends and Neighbours to fortifie their Town and reinforce their Garrison; which Brennus perceiving, sends out Command for every man speedily to repair to his Colours, whose minds were set upon nothing but looking to their bellies and quaffing lusty bowls. The Army of the Gauls consisted of sixty thousand Foot; the Citizens of Delphos had only fourteen thousand fighting Men, Brennus undervaluing this slender handfull of Men in respect of the numerous Troops of his Souldiers, made himself cock-sure of the Victory; and therefore to encourage his Men the more, he wish'd them to behold and consider, the richness of the Treasure, and greatness of the Spoil which was like to fall unto their share, the Statues and Images together with their Chariots if not made, at least covered over with pure and solid Gold. The greedy Souldier easily swallowed up his golden Bait, and elevated, and inebriated with the blood of the lusty grape, without either Order or command (being sufficiently armed with Bachus to set all danger at defiance) runs headlong into Battel; on the contrary, the wary Delphians, confi∣ding more in the protection of their God than strength of their humane Forces, from the high and towring Top of the cloud, kissing Parnassus, (where stood Apollos stately Temple) with stones and other such Materials, besides the help of their Weapons, beat down, and headlong precipitated the aspiring Gauls: this their endeavour was seconded by a sudden and hideous Earthquake, which so broke the Ranks of the amazed yet furious Assailants, and so disordered their best ordered Squadrons, that what with a sudden fear & what with those unwonted kinds of wounds, they were totally disperst and overthrown. Brennus whose haughty spirit not long before was puft up with presumption of winning golden Mountains, is now no longer able to endure his late received wounds; and therefore with one stroke to put a period to all his mi∣series, he sheatheth his fatal Dagger with a more then manlike thrust in the most remote angle of his own entrails.

Bellinus together with his brother began their Reign anno Mundi according to Fabian, four thousand eight hundred and eight; according to which Author jointly and alone: elli∣nus reigned twenty six years, leaving a Son after him called Gurguintus, Gurguint, Brabituc or after some Writers, Gurguint Barberous, that is to say, Gurguint with a red Beard.

Finis Libri primi.