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some with swords, so that much blood was shed on both sides, and the
wounded fell down like leaves in autumn. While they were thus
engaged, Androgens sallied forth from the wood and fell upon the rear
of CassibellaunÕs army, upon which the hopes of the battle entirely
depended. And now, what with the breach which the Romans had made
through them just before, what with the furious irruption of their own
countrymen, they were no longer able to stand their ground, but were
obliged with their broken forces to quit the field. Near the place stood a
rocky mountain, on the top of which was a thick hazel wood. Hither
Cassibellaun fled with his men after he found himself worsted; and
having climbed up to the top of the mountain, bravely defended himself
and killed the pursuing enemy. For the Roman forces with those of
Androgeus pursued him to disperse his flying troops, and climbing up
the mountain after them made many assaults, but all to, little purpose;
for the rockiness of, the mountain and great height of its top was a
defence to the Britons, and the advantage of higher ground gave them an
opportunity of killing great numbers of the enemy. Caesar hereupon
besieged the mountain that whole night, which had now overtaken them,
and shut up all the avenues to it; intending to reduce the king by famine,
since he could not do it by force of arms. Such was the wonderful valour
of the British nation in those times, that they were able to put the
conqueror of the world twice to flight and being ready to die for the
defence of their country and liberty, they, even though defeated,
withstood him whom the whole world could not withstand. Hence
Lucan in their praise says of Caesar,
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ÒTerrita quaesitis ostendit terga Britannis.Ó
With pride he fought the Britons, but when found,
Dreaded their force, and fled the hostile ground.
Two days were now passed, when Cassibellaun having consumed all
his provision, feared famine would oblige him to surrender himself
prisoner to Caesar. For this reason he sent a message to Androgeus to
make his peace with Julius, lest the honour of the nation might suffer by
his being taken prisoner. He likewise represented to that he did not
deserve to be pursued to death for the annoyance which he had given
him. As soon as the messengers had told this to Androgeus, he made
answer: ÒThat prince deserves not to be loved, who in war is mild as a
lamb, but in peace cruel as a lion. Ye gods of heaven and earth! Does my
lord then condescend to entreat me now, whom before he took upon him
to command? Does he desire to be reconciled and make his submission to
Caesar, of whom Caesar himself, had before desired peace? He ought
therefore to have considered, that he who was able to drive so great a
commander out of the kingdom, was able also to bring him back again. I
ought not to have been so unjustly treated, who had then done him so
much service, as well as now so much injury. He must be mad who either
injures or reproaches his fellow soldiers by whom he defeats the, enemy.
The victory is not the commanderÕs, but theirs who lose their blood in
fighting for him. However, I will procure him peace if I can, for the
injury which he has done me is sufficiently revenged upon him, since he
sues for mercy to me.Ó
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Chapter 10. AndrogeusÕs speech to Caesar.
Androgeus after this went to Caesar, and after a respectful salutation
addressed him in this manner: ÒYou have sufficiently revenged yourself
upon Cassibellaun; and now let clemency take place of vengeance. What
more is there to be done than that he make his submission and pay
tribute to the Roman state?Ó To this Caesar returned him no answer:
upon which Androgeus said again; ÒMy whole engagement with you,
Caesar, was only to reduce Britain under your power, by the submission
of Cassibellaun. Behold! Cassibellaun is now vanquished and Britain by
any assistance become subject to you. What further service do I owe you?
God forbid that I should suffer my sovereign who sues to me for peace,
and makes me satisfaction for the injury which he has done me, to be in
prison or in chains. It is no easy matter to put Cassibellaun to death while
I have life; and if you do not comply with my demand, I shall not be
ashamed to give him my assistance.Ó Caesar, alarmed at these menaces of
Androgeus, was forced to comply, and entered into peace with
Cassibellaun, on condition that he should pay a yearly tribute of three
thousand pounds of silver. So then Julius and Cassibellaun from this time
became friends, and made presents to each other. After this, Caesar
wintered in Britain, and the following spring returned into Gaul. At
length he assembled all his forces, and marched towards Rome against
Pompey.
Chapter 11. Tenuantius is made king of Britain after Cassibellaun.
After seven years had expired, Cassibellaun died and was buried at
York. He was succeeded by Tenuantius, duke of Cornwall, and brother
of Androgeus: for Androgeus was gone to Rome with Caesar.
Tenuantius therefore, now wearing the crown, governed the kingdom
with diligence. He was a warlike man, and a strict observer of justice.
after him Kymbelinus his son was advanced to the throne, being a great
soldier, and brought up by Augustus Caesar. He had contracted so great
a friendship with the Romans, that he freely paid them tribute when he
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might have very well refused it. In his days was born our Lord Jesus
Christ, by whose precious blood mankind was redeemed from the devil,
under whom they had been before enslaved.
Chapter 12. Upon GuideriusÕs refusing to pay tribute
to the Romans, Claudius Caesar invades Britain.
Kymbelinus, when he had governed Britain. ten years, begat two
sons, the elder named Guiderius, the other Arviragus. After his death
the government fell to Guiderius. This prince refused to pay tribute to
the Romans; for which reason Claudius, who was now emperor, marched
against him. He was attended in this expedition by the commander of his
army, who was called in the British tongue, Leuis Hamo, by whose
advice the following war was to be carried on. This man, therefore,
arriving at the city of Portcestre, (Portchester) began to block up the
gates with a wall, and denied the citizens all liberty of passing out. For
his design was either to reduce them to subjection by famine, or kill them [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]