[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
all speed, and did not leave off harassing him from place to place, till he
overtook him upon a part of the sea-coast, which, from the name of
Hamo, is now called Southampton. There was at the same place a
convenient haven for ships, and some merchant-ships at anchor. And just
as Hamo was attempting to get on board them Arviragus came upon him
unawares, and forthwith killed him. And ever since that time the haven
has been called HamoÕs port.
Chapter 14. Arviragus, king of Britain, makes his submission to Claudius,
who with his assistance conquers the Orkney islands.
In the meantime, Claudius, with his remaining forces, assaulted the
city above mentioned, which was then called Kaerperis, now Portcestre,
and presently levelled the walls, and having reduced the citizens to
subjection, went after Arviragus, who had entered Winchester.
Afterwards he besieged that city, and employed a variety of engines
against it. Arviragus, seeing himself in these straits, called his troops
together, and opened the gates, to march out and give him battle. But
just as he was ready to begin the attack, Claudius, who feared the
boldness of the king, and the bravery of the Britons, sent a message to
him with a proposal of peace; choosing rather to reduce them by wisdom
and policy, than run the hazard of a battle. To this purpose he offered a
reconciliation, with him, and promised to give him his daughter, if he
would only acknowledge the kingdom of Britain subject to the Roman
66
Geoffrey of Monmouth
state. The nobility hereupon persuaded him to lay aside thoughts of war,
and be content with ClaudiusÕs promise; representing to him at the same
time, that it was no disgrace to be subject to the Romans, who enjoyed
the empire of the whole world. By these and many other arguments he
was prevailed upon to hearken to their advice, and make his submission
to Caesar. After which Claudius sent to Rome for his daughter, And
then, with the assistance of Arviragus, reduced the Orkney and the
provincial islands to his power.
Chapter 15. Claudius gives his daughter Genuissa
for a wife to Arviragus, and returns to Rome.
As soon as the winter was over, those that were sent for ClaudiusÕs
daughter returned with her, and presented her to her father. The
damselÕs name was Genuissa, and so great was her beauty, that it raised
the admiration of all that saw her. After her marriage with the king, she
gained so great an ascendant over his affections, that he in a manner
valued nothing but her alone: insomuch that he as desirous to have the
place honoured where the nuptials were solemnized and moved Claudius
to build a city upon it, for a monument to posterity of so great and happy
a marriage. Claudius consented to it, and commanded a city to be built,
which after his name is called Kaerglou, that is Gloucester, to this day,
and is situated on the confines of Dimetia and Loegria, upon the banks of
the Severn. But some say that it derived its name from Duke Gloius, a
son that was born to Claudius there, and to whom, after the death of
Arviragus, fell the dukedom of Dimetia. The city being finished, and the
island now enjoying peace, Claudius returned to Rome, having to
Arviragus the government of the British islands. At the same time the
apostle Peter founded the Church of Antioch; and afterwards coming to
Rome, was bishop there, and sent Mark, the evangelist, into Egypt to
preach the gospel which he had written.
67
Geoffrey of Monmouth
Chapter 16. Arviragus revolting from the Romans,
Vespasian is sent into Britain.
After the departure of Claudius, Arviragus began to show his
wisdom and courage, to rebuild cities and towns, and to exercise so
great authority over his own people, that he became a terror to the kings
of remote countries. But this so elevated him with pride that he despised
the Roman power, disdained any longer subjection to the senate, and
assumed to himself the sole authority in every thing. Upon this news
Vespasian was sent by Claudius to procure a reconciliation with
Arviragus, or to reduce him to the subjection of the Romans. When,
therefore, Vespasian arrived at the haven of Rutupi, Arviragus met him,
and prevented his entering the port. For he brought so great an army
along with him, that the Romans, for fear of his falling upon them, durst
not come ashore. Vespasian upon this withdrew from that port, and
shifting his sails arrived at the shore of Totness. As soon as he was
landed, he marched directly to besiege Kaerpenhuelgoit, now Exeter;
and after lying before it seven days, was overtaken by Arviragus and his
army, who gave him battle. That day great destruction was made in both
armies, but neither got the victory. The next morning, by the mediation
of queen Genuissa the two leaders were made friends, and sent their
men over to Ireland. As soon as winter was over, Vespasian returned to
Rome, but Arviragus continued still in Britain. Afterwards, when he
grew old, he began to show much respect to the senate, and to govern
his kingdom in peace and tranquillity. He confirmed the old laws of his
ancestors, and enacted some new ones, and made very ample presents to
all persons of merit. So that his fame spread over all Europe, and he was
both loved and feared by the Romans, and became the subject of their
discourse more than any king in his time. Hence Juvenal relates how a
certain blind man, speaking of a turbot that was taken, said:
ÒRegem aliquem capies, aut de temone Britanno
Decidet Arviragus.Ó
68
Geoffrey of Monmouth
Arviragus shall from his chariot fall,
Or thee his lord some captive king shall call.
In war none was more fierce than he, in peace none more mild, none
more pleasing, or in his presents more magnificent. When he had finished
his course of life, he was buried at Gloucester, in a certain temple which
he had built and dedicated to the honour of Claudius.
Chapter 17. Rodric, leader of the Picts, is vanquished by Marius.
His son Marius, a man of admirable prudence and wisdom, succeeded
him in the kingdom. In his reign a certain king of the Picts, named
Rodric, came from Scythia with a great fleet, and arrived in the north
part of Britain, which is called Albania, and began to ravage that country.
Marius therefore raising an army went in quest of him, and killed him in
battle, and gained the victory; for a monument of which he set up a stone
in the province, which from his name was afterwards called
Westmoreland, where there is an inscription retaining his memory to this
day. He gave the conquered people that came with Rodric liberty to
inhabit that part of Albania which is called Caithness, that had been a
long time desert and uncultivated. And as they had no wives, they
desired to have the daughters and kinswoman of the Britons. But the
Britons refused, disdaining to unite with such a people. Having suffered
a repulse here, they sailed over into Ireland, and married the women of
that country and by their offspring increased their number. But let thus
much suffice concerning them, since I do not propose to write the history
of this people, or of the Scots, who derived their original from them and
the Irish. Marius, after he had settled the island in perfect peace, began
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]