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from whence they feared the invasions of the barbarians. But, according
to the proverb, ÒIt is easier to make a hawk of a kite, than a scholar of a
ploughman;Ó all learning to him is but as a pearl thrown before swine.
Thus, no sooner had the Romans taken their farewell of them, than the
two leaders, Guanius and Melga, issued forth from their ships, in which
they had fled over into Ireland, and with their bands of Scots, Picts,
Norwegians, Dacians, and others, whom they had brought along with
them, seized upon all Albania as far as the very wall. Understanding
likewise that the Romans were gone, never to return any more, they,
now, in a more insolent manner than before, began their devastations in
the island. Hereupon the country fellows upon the battlements of the
walls sat night and day with quaking hearts, not daring to stir from their
seats, and readier for flight than making the least resistance. In the
meantime the enemies ceased not with their hooks to pull them down
headlong, and dash the wretched herd to pieces upon the ground; who
gained at least this advantage by their speedy death, that they avoided
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the sight of that most deplorable calamity, which forthwith threatened
their relations and dearest children. Such was the terrible vengeance of
God for that most wicked madness of Maximian, in draining the
kingdom of all its forces, who, had they been present, would have
repulsed any nation that invaded them; an evident proof of which they
gave, by the vast conquests they made abroad, even in remote countries;
and also by maintaining their own country, in peace, while they
continued here. But thus it happens when a country is left to the defence
of country clowns. In short, quitting their high wall and their cities, the
country people were forced again to fly, and to suffer a more fatal
dispersion, a more furious pursuit of the enemy, a more cruel and more
general slaughter than before; and like lambs before wolves, so was that
miserable people torn to pieces by, the merciless barbarians. Again,
therefore, the wretched remainder send letters to Agitius, a man of great
power among the Romans, to this effect. ÒTo Agitius, thrice consul, the
groans of the Britons.Ó And after some few other complaints they add:Ñ
ÒThe sea drives us to the barbarians, and the barbarians drive us back
to the sea: thus are we tossed to and fro between two kinds of death,
being either drowned or put to the sword.Ó
Notwithstanding this most moving address they procured no relief,
and the ambassadors returning back in great heaviness, declared to their
countrymen the repulse which they had suffered.
Chapter 4. Guethelin desires succours of Aldroen.
Hereupon, after a consultation together, Guethelin, archbishop of
London, passed over into Lesser Britain, called then Armorica, or
Letavia, to desire assistance of their brethren. At that time Aldroen
reigned there, being the fourth king from Conan, to whom, as has been
already related, Maximian bad given that kingdom. This prince, seeing a
prelate of so great dignity arrive, received him with honour, and
inquired after the occasion of his coming. To whom Guethelin:Ñ
ÒYour majesty can be no stranger to the misery which we your
Britons, have suffered (which may even demand your tears), since the
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time that Maximian drained our island of its soldiers, to people the
kingdom which you enjoy, and which God grant you may long enjoy in
peace. For against us the poor remains of the British race, all the people
of the. adjacent islands, have risen up, and made an utter devastation in
our country, which then abounded with all kinds of riches; so that the
people now are wholly destitute of all manner of sustenance, but what
they can get in hunting. Nor had we any power or knowledge of military
affairs left among us to encounter the enemy. For the Romans are tired of
us, and have absolutely refused their assistance. So that now, deprived of
all other. hope we come to implore your clemency, that you would
furnish us with forces, and protect a kingdom, which is of right your
own, from the incursions of barbarians. For who but yourself, ought,
without your consent, to wear the crown of Constantine and Maximian,
since the right your ancestors had to it is now devolved upon you?
Prepare then your fleet, and go with me. Behold! I deliver the kingdom
of Britain into your hands.Ó
To this Aldroen made answer: ÒThere was a time formerly when I
would not have refused to accept of the island of Britain, if it had been
offered me; for I do not think there was anywhere a more fruitful
country while it enjoyed peace and tranquillity. But now, since the
calamities that have befallen it, it is become of less value, and odious
both to me and all other princes. But above all things the power of the
Romans was so destructive to it, that nobody could enjoy any settled
state or authority in it without loss of liberty, and bearing the yoke of
slavery under them. And who would not prefer the possession of a lesser
country with liberty, to all the riches of that island in servitude? The
kingdom that is now under my subjection I enjoy with honour, and
without paying homage to any superior; so that I prefer it to all other
countries, since I can govern it without being controlled. Nevertheless,
out of respect to the right that my ancestors for many generations have
had to your islands I deliver to you my brother Constantine with two
thousand men, that with the good providence of God, he may free your
country from the inroads of barbarians, and obtain the crown for
himself. For I have a brother called by that name, who is an expert
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soldier, and in all other respects an accomplished man. If you please to
accept of him, I will not refuse to send him with you, together with the
said number of men; for indeed a larger number I do not mention to you,
because I am daily threatened with disturbance from the Gauls.Ó He had
scarcely done speaking before the archbishop returned him thanks, and
when Constantine was called in, broke out into these expressions of joy:
ÒChrist conquers; Christ commands; Christ reigns: behold the king of
desolate Britain! Be Christ only present, and behold our defence, our
hope and joy.Ó In short, the ships being got ready, the men who were
chosen out from all parts of the kingdom, were delivered to Guethelin.
Chapter 5. Constantine, being made king of Britain, leaves three sons.
When they had made all necessary preparations, they embarked, and
arrived at the port of Totness; and then without delay assembled
together the youth that was left in the island, and encountered the
enemy; over whom, by the merit of the holy prelate, they obtained the
victory. After this the Britons, before dispersed, flocked together from
all parts, and in a council held at Silchester, promoted Constantine to the
throne, and there performed the ceremony of his coronation. They also
married him to a lady, descended from a noble Roman family, whom
archbishop Guethelin had educated and by whom the king had
afterwards three sons, Constans, Aurelius Ambrosius, and Uther
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