Vortigern
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The sources on Vortigern -
The
Text of Geoffrey of Monmouth:
Historia Regum Britanniae,
Book VI.1-8, 10-19,
Book VII, 1-2.
Robert
Vermaat |
This is a reprint of
a part of Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum
Britanniae, but the italics in the name of Vortigern is
mine.
Book VI, chapter
1-Gratian, being advanced to the throne, is killed by the
common people. The Britons desire the Romans to defend
them against Guanius and Melga.
But Gratian Municeps, hearing of the death of
Maximian, seized the crown, and made himself king. After
this he exercised such tyranny that the common people
fell upon him in a tumultuous manner, and murdered him.
When this news reached other countries, their former
enemies returned back from Ireland, and bringing with
them the Scots, Norwegians, and Dacians, made dreadful
devastations with fire and sword over the whole kingdom,
from sea to sea. Upon this most grievous calamity and
oppression, ambassadors are despatched with letters to
Rome, to beseech, with tears and vows of perpetual
subjection, that a body of men might be sent to revenge
their injuries, and drive out the enemy from them. The
ambassadors in a short time prevailed so far, that,
unmindful of past injuries, the Romans granted them one
legion, which was transported in a fleet to their
country, and there speedily encountered the enemy. At
last, after the slaughter of a vast multitude of them,
they drove them entirely out of the country, and rescued
the miserable people from their outrageous cruelty. Then
they gave orders for a wall to be built between Albania
and Deira, from one sea to the other, for a terror to the
enemy, and safeguard to the country. At that time Albania
was wholly laid to waste, by the frequent invasions of
barbarous nations; and whatever enemies made an attempt
upon the country, met with a convenient landing-place
there. So that the inhabitants were diligent in working
upon the wall, which they finished partly at the public,
partly upon private charge.
Book VI, chapter
2-Guethelin's speech to the Britons when the Romans left
them.
The Romans, after this, declared to the Britons,
that they should not be able for the future to undergo
the fatigue of such laborious expeditions; and that it
was beneath the dignity of the Roman state to harass so
great and brave an army, both by land and sea, against
base and vagabond robbers; but that they ought to apply
themselves to the use of arms, and to fight bravely in
defending to the utmost of their power, their country,
riches, wives, children, and, what is dearer than all
these, their liberty and lives. As soon as they had given
them this exhortation, they commanded all the men of the
island that were fit for war, to appear together at
London, because the Romans were about to return home.
When, therefore, they were all assembled, Guethelin, the
metropolitan of London, had orders to make a speech to
them, which he did in these words:
- "Though I am appointed by the princes here present
to speak to you, I find myself rather ready to burst into
tears, than to make an eloquent oration. It is a most
sensible affliction to me to observe the weak and
destitute state into which you are fallen since Maximian
drew away with him all the forces and youth of this
kingdom. You that were left were people wholly
inexperienced in war, and occupied with other
employments, as tilling the ground, and several kinds of
mechanical trades. So that when your enemies from foreign
countries came upon you, as sheep wandering without a
shepherd, they forced you to quit your folds, till the
Roman power restored you to them again. Must your hopes,
therefore, always depend upon foreign assistance? And
will you never use yourselves to handle arms against a
band of robbers, that are by no means stronger than
yourselves, if you are not dispirited by sloth and
cowardice? The Romans are now tired with the continual
voyages wherewith they are harassed to defend you against
your enemies: they rather choose to remit to you the
tribute you pay them, than undergo any longer this
fatigue by land and sea. Because you were only the common
people at the time when we had soldiers of our own, do
you therefore think that manhood had quite forsaken you?
Are not men in the course of human generation often the
reverse of one another? Is not a ploughman often the
father of a soldier, and a soldier of a ploughman? Does
not the same diversity happen in a mechanic and a
soldier? Since then, in this manner, one produces
another, I cannot think it possible for manhood to be
lost among them. As then you are men, behave yourselves
like men: call upon the name of Christ, that he may
inspire you with courage to defend your liberties."
No sooner had he concluded his speech, than the people
raised such a shout, that one would have thought them on
a sudden inspired with courage from heaven.
Book VI, chapter
3-The Britons are again cruelly harassed by Guanius and
Melga.
After this the Romans encouraged the timorous
people as much as they could, and left them patterns of
their arms. They likewise commanded towers, having a
prospect towards the sea, to be placed at proper
distances along the all the south coast, where their
ships were, and from whence they feared the invasions of
the barbarians. But, according to the proverb, "It
is easier to make a hawk of a kite, than a scholar of a
ploughman;" 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 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. "To Agitius, thrice consul,
the groans of the Britons." And after some few other
complaints they add: "The sea drives us to the
barbarians, and the barbarians drive us back to the sea:
thus we are tossed to and fro between two kinds of death,
being either drowned or put to the sword."
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.
Book VI, chapter
4-Guethelin desires succours of Aldroen.
Hereupon, after a consultation together, Guethelin,
archbishop of London, passed over into Lesser Britain,
called them 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 had 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:--
"Your majesty can be no stranger to the misery which
we, your Britons, have suffered (which may even demand
your tears), since the 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."
To this Aldroen made answer: "There 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 island, 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 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." He had scarcely done speaking before the
archbishop returned him thanks, and when Constantine was
called in, broke out into these expressions of joy:
"Christ conquers; Christ commands; Christ reigns:
behold the king of desolate Britain! Be Christ only
present, and behold our defence, our hope and joy."
In short, the ships being got ready, the men who were
chosen out from all parts of the kingdom, were delivered
to Guethelin.
Book VI, 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 Pendragon. Constans, who
was the eldest, he delivered to the church of Amphibalus
in Winchester, that he might there take upon him the
monastic order. But the other two, viz. Aurelius and
Uther, he committed to the care of Guethelin for their
education. At last, after ten years were expired, there
came a certain Pict, who had entered in his service, and
under pretence of holding some private discourse with
him, in a nursery of young trees where nobody was
present, stabbed him with a dagger.
Book VI, chapter
6-Constans is by Vortigern crowned king of Britain.
Upon the death of Constantine, a dissension arose among
the nobility, about a successor to the throne. Some were
for setting up Aurelius Ambrosius; others Uther
Pendragon; others again some other persons of the royal
family. At last, when they could come to no conclusion,
Vortigern , consul of the Gewisseans, who was himself
very ambitious of the crown, went to Constans the monk,
and thus addressed himself to him: "You see your
father is dead, and your brothers on account of their age
are incapable of the government; neither do I see any of
your family besides yourself, whom the people ought to
promote to the kingdom. If you will therefore follow my
advice, I will, on condition of your increasing my
private estate, dispose the people to favour your
advancement, and free you from that habit,
notwithstanding that it is against the rule of your
order." Constans, overjoyed at the proposal,
promised, with an oath, that upon these terms he would
grant him whatever he would desire. Then Vortigern took
him, and investing him in his regal habiliments,
conducted him to London, and made him king, though not
with the free consent of the people. Archbishop Guethelin
was then dead, nor was there any other that durst perform
the ceremony of his unction, on account of his having
quitted the monastic order. However, this proved no
hindrance to his coronation, for Vortigern himself
performed the ceremony instead of a bishop.
Book VI, chapter
7- Vortigern treacherously contrives to get king Constans
assassinated.
Constans, being thus advanced, committed the whole
government of the kingdom to Vortigern , and surrendered
himself up so entirely to his counsels, that he did
nothing without his order. His own incapacity for
government obliged him to do this, for he had learned any
thing else rather than state affairs within his cloister.
Vortigern became sensible of this, and therefore began to
deliberate with himself what course to take to obtain the
crown, of which he had been before extremely ambitious.
He saw that now was his proper time to gain his end
easily, when the kingdom was wholly intrusted to his
management; and Constans, who bore the title of king, was
no more than the shadow of one; for he was of a soft
temper, a bad judge in matters of right, and not in the
least feared, either by his own people, or by the
neighbouring states. And as for his two brothers, Uther
Pendragon and Aurelius Ambrosius, they were only children
in their cradles, and therefore incapable of the
government. There was likewise this farther misfortune,
that all the older persons of the nobility were dead, so
that Vortigern seemed to be the only man surviving, that
had craft, policy, and experience in matters of state;
and all the rest in a manner children, or raw youths, who
only inherited the honours of their parents and relations
that had been killed in the former wars. Vortigern ,
finding a concurrence of so many favourable
circumstances, contrived how he might easily and
cunningly depose Constans the monk, and immediately
establish himself in his place. But in order to do this,
he waited until he had first well established his power
and interest in several countries. He therefore
petitioned to have the king's treasures, and his
fortified cities, in his own custody; pretending there
was a rumour, that the neighbouring islanders designed an
invasion of the kingdom. This being granted him, he
placed his own creatures in those cities, to secure them
for himself. Then having formed a scheme how to execute
his treasonable designs, he went to the king, and
represented to him the necessity of augmenting the number
of his domestics, that he might more safely oppose the
invasion of the enemy. "Have I not left all things
to your disposal?" said Constans: "Do what you
will as to that, so that they be but faithful to
me." Vortigern replied, "I am informed that the
Picts are going to bring the Dacians and Norwegians in
upon us, with a design to give us very great annoyance. I
would therefore advise you, and in my opinion it is the
best course you can take, that you maintain some Picts in
your court, who may do you good service among those of
that nation. For if it is true that they are preparing to
begin a rebellion, you may employ them as spies upon
their countrymen in their plots and stratagems, so as
easily to escape them." This was the dark treason of
a secret enemy; for he did not recommend this out of
regard to the safety of Constans, but because he knew the
Picts to be a giddy people, and ready for all manner of
wickedness; so that, in a fit of drunkenness or passion,
they might easily be incensed against the king, and make
no scruple to assassinate him. And such an accident, when
it should happen, would make an open way for his
accession to the throne, which he so often had in view.
Hereupon he despatched messengers into Scotland, with an
invitation to a hundred Pictish soldiers, whom
accordingly he received into the king's household; and
when admitted, he showed them more respect than all the
rest of the domestics, by making them several presents,
and allowing them a luxurious table, insomuch that they
looked upon him as the king. So great was the regard they
had for him, that they made songs of him about the
streets, the subject of which was, that Vortigern
deserved the government, deserved the sceptre of Britain;
but that Constans was unworthy of it. This encouraged
Vortigern to show them still more favour, in order the
more firmly to engage them in his interest; and when by
these practices he had made them entirely his creatures,
he took an opportunity, when they were drunk, to tell
them, that he was going to retire out of Britain, to see
if he could get a better estate; for the small revenue he
had then, he said, would not so much as enable him to
maintain a retinue of fifty men. Then putting on a look
of sadness, he withdrew to his own apartment, and left
them drinking in the hall. The Picts at this sight were
in inexpressible sorrow, as thinking what he had said was
true, and murmuring said one to another, "Why do we
suffer this monk to live? Why do not we kill him, that
Vortigern may enjoy his crown? Who is so fit to succeed
as he? A man so generous to us is worthy to rule, and
deserves all the honour and dignity that we can bestow
upon him."
Book VI, chapter
8-Aurelius Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon flee from
Vortigern , and go to Lesser Britain.
After this, breaking into Constan's bed-chamber, they
fell upon him and killed him, and carried his head to
Vortigern . At the sight of it, he put on a mournful
countenance, and burst forth into tears, though at the
same time he was almost transported with joy. However, he
summoned together the citizens of London, (for there the
fact was committed,) and commanded all the assassins to
be bound, and their heads to be cut off for this
abominable parricide. In the meantime there were some who
had a suspicion, that this piece of villany was wholly
the contrivance of Vortigern , and that the Picts were
only his instruments to execute it. Others again as
positively asserted his innocence. At last the matter
being left in doubt, those who had the care of the two
brothers, Aurelius Ambrosius, and Uther Pendragon, fled
over with them into Lesser Britain, for fear of being
killed by Vortigern . There they were kindly received by
king Budes, who took care to give them an education
suitable to their royal birth. CHAP. IX.-- Vortigern
makes himself king of Britain. Now Vortigern , seeing
nobody to rival him in the kingdom, placed the crown on
his own head, and thus gained the preeminence over all
the rest of the princes. At last his treason being
discovered, the people of the adjacent islands, whom the
Picts had brought into Albania, made insurrection against
him. For the Picts were enraged on account of the death
of their fellow soldiers, who had been slain for the
murder of Constans, and endeavoured to revenge that
injury upon him. Vortigern therefore was daily in great
distress, and lost a considerable part of his army in a
war with them. He had likewise no less trouble from
another quarter, for fear of Aurelius Ambrosius, and his
brother Uther Pendragon, who, as we said before, had
fled, on his account, into Lesser Britain. For he heard
it rumoured, day after day, that they had now arrived at
man's estate, and had built a vast fleet, with a design
to return back to the kingdom, which was their undoubted
right.
Book VI, chapter
10 - Vortigern takes the Saxons that were new-comers, to
his assistance.
In the meantime there arrived in Kent three brigandines,
or long galleys, full of armed men, under the command of
two brothers, Horsa and Hengist. Vortigern was then at
Dorobernia, now Canterbury, which city he used often to
visit; and being informed of the arrival of some tall
strangers in large ships, he ordered that they should be
received peaceably, and conducted into his presence. As
soon as they were brought before him, he cast his eyes
upon the two brothers, who excelled all the rest both in
nobility and gracefulness of person; and having taken a
view of the whole company, asked them of what country
they were, and what was the occasion of their coming into
his kingdom. To whom Hengist (whose years and wisdom
entitled him to a precedence), in the name of the rest,
made the following answer:--
"Most noble king, Saxony, which is one of the
countries of Germany, was the place of our birth; and the
occasion of our coming was to offer our service to you or
some other prince. For we were driven out of our native
country, for no other reason, but that the laws of the
kingdom required it. It is customary among us, that when
we come to be overstocked with people, our princes from
all the provinces meet together, and command all the
youths of the kingdom to assemble before them; then
casting lots, they make choice of the strongest and
ablest of them, to go into foreign nations, to procure
themselves a subsistence, and free their native country
from a superfluous multitude of people. Our country,
therefore, being of late overstocked, our princes met,
and after having cast lots, made choice of the youth
which you see in your presence, and have obliged us to
obey the custom which has been established of old. And us
two brothers, Hengist and Horsa, they made generals over
them, out of respect to our ancestors, who enjoyed the
same honour. In obedience, therefore, to the laws so long
established, we put out to sea, and under the good
guidance of Mercury have arrived in your kingdom."
The king, at the name of Mercury, looking earnestly upon
them, asked them what religion they professed. "We
worship," replied Hengist, "our country's gods,
Saturn and Jupiter, and the other deities that govern the
world, but especially Mercury, whom in our language we
call Woden, and to whom our ancestors consecrated the
fourth day of the week, still called after his name
Wodensday. Next to him we worship the powerful goddess,
Frea, to whom they also dedicated the sixth day, which
after her name we call Friday." Vortigern replied,
"For your credulity, or rather incredulity, I am
much grieved, but I rejoice at your arrival, which,
whether by God's providence or some other agency, happens
very seasonably for me in my present difficulties. For I
am oppressed by my enemies on every side, and if you will
engage with me in my wars, I will entertain you
honourably in my kingdom, and bestow upon you lands and
other possessions." The barbarians readily accepted
his offer, and the agreement between them being ratified,
they resided at his court. Soon after this, the Picts,
issuing forth from Albania, with a very great army, began
to lay waste the northern parts of the island. When
Vortigern had information of it, he assembled his forces,
and went to meet them beyond the Humber. Upon their
engaging, the battle proved very fierce on both sides,
though there was but little occasion for the Britons to
exert themselves, for the Saxons fought so bravely, that
the enemy, formerly so victorious, were speedily put to
flight.
Book VI, chapter
11-Hengist brings over great numbers of Saxons into
Britain: his crafty petition to Vortigern.
Vortigern , therefore, as he owed the victory to them,
increased his bounty to them, and gave their general,
Hengist, large possessions of land in Lindesia, for the
subsistence of himself and his fellow soldiers. Hereupon
Hengist, who was a man of experience and subtilty,
finding how much interest he had with the king, addressed
him in this manner:--"Sir, your enemies give you
disturbance from all quarters, and few of your subjects
love you. They all threaten you, and say, they are going
to bring over Aurelius Ambrosius from Armorica, to depose
you, and make him king. If you please, let us send to our
country to invite over some more soldiers, that with our
forces increased we may be better able to oppose them.
But there is one thing which I would desire of your
clemency, if I did not fear a refusal." Vortigern
made answer, "Send your messengers to Germany, and
invite over whom you please, and you shall have no
refusal from me in whatever you shall desire."
Hengist, with a low bow, returned to him thanks, and
said, "The possessions which you have given me in
land and houses are very large, but you have not yet done
me that honour which becomes my station and birth,
because, among other things, I should have had some town
or city granted me, that I might be entitled to greater
esteem among the nobility of your kingdom. I ought to
have been made a consul or prince, since my ancestors
enjoyed both those dignities." "It is not in my
power," replied Vortigern , "to do you so much
honour, because you are strangers and pagans; neither am
I yet so far acquainted with your manners and customs, as
to set you upon a level with my natural born subjects.
And, indeed, if I did esteem you as my subjects, I should
not be forward to do so, because the nobility of my
kingdom would strongly dissuade me from it."
"Give your servant," said Hengist, "only
so much ground in the place you have assigned me, as I
can encompass with a leathern thong, for to build a
fortresss upon, as a place of retreat if occasion should
require. For I will always be faithful to you, as I have
been hitherto, and pursue no other design in the request
which I have made." With these words the king was
prevailed upon to grant him his petition; and ordered him
to despatch messengers into Germany, to invite more men
over speedily to his assistance. Hengist immediately
executed his orders, and taking a bull's hide, made one
thong out of the whole, with which he encompassed a rocky
place that he had carefully made choice of, and within
that circuit began to build a castle, which, when
finished, took its name from the thong wherewith it had
been measured; for it was afterwards called, in the
British tongue, Kaercorrei; in Saxon, Thancastre, that
is, Thong Castle.
Book VI, chapter
12 - Vortigern marries Rowen, the daughter of Hengist.
In the meantime, the messengers returned from Germany,
with eighteen ships full of the best soldiers they could
get. They also brought along with them Rowen, the
daughter of Hengist, one of the most accomplished
beauties of that age. After their arrival, Hengist
invited the king to his house, to view his new buildings,
and the new soldiers that were come over. The king
readily accepted of his invitation, but privately, and
having highly commended the magnificence of the
structure, enlisted the men into his service. Here he was
entertained at a royal banquet; and when that was over,
the young lady came out of her chamber bearing a golden
cup full of wine, with which she approached the king, and
making a low courtesy, said to him, "Lauerd king
wacht heil!" The king, at the sight of the lady's
face, was on a sudden both surprised and inflamed with
her beauty; and calling to his interpreter, asked him
what she said, and what answer he should make her.
"She called you, 'Lord king,'" said the
interpreter, "and offered to drink your health. Your
answer to her must be, 'Drinc heil!'" Vortigern
accordingly answered, "Drinc heil!" and bade
her drink; after which he took the cup from her hand,
kissed her, and drank himself. From that time to this, it
has been the custom in Britain, that he who drinks to any
one says, "Wacht heil!" and he that pledges
him, answers "Drinc heil!" Vortigern being now
drunk with the variety of liquors, the devil took this
opportunity to enter into his heart, and to make him in
love with the damsel, so that he became suitor to her
father for her. It was, I say, by the devil's entering
into his heart, that he, who was a Christian, should fall
in love with a pagan. By this example, Hengist, being a
prudent man, discovered the king's levity, and consulted
with his brother Horsa and the other ancient men present,
what to do in relation to the king's request. They
unanimously advised him to give him his daughter, and in
consideration of her to demand the province of Kent.
Accordingly the daughter was without delay delivered to
Vortigern , and the province of Kent to Hengist, without
the knowledge of Gorangan, who had the government of it.
The king the same night married the pagan lady, and
became extremely delighted with her; by which he quickly
brought upon himself the hatred of the nobility, and of
his own sons. For he had already three sons, whose names
were Vortimer, Catigern, and Pascentius.
Book VI, chapter
13-The bishops, Germanus and Lupus, restore the Christian
faith that had been corrupted in Britain. Octa and Ebissa
are four times routed by Vortimer.
At that time came St. Germanus, bishop of Auxerre, and
Lupus, bishop of Troyes, to preach the gospel to the
Britons. For the Christian faith had been corrupted among
them, partly by the pagans whom the king had brought into
society with them, partly by the Pelagian heresy, with
the poison whereof they had been a long time infected.
But by the preaching of these holy men, the true faith
and worship was again restored, the many miracles they
wrought giving success to their labours. Gildas has in
his elegant treatise given an account of the many
miracles God wrought by them. The king being now, as we
have said, possessed of the lady, Hengist said to him:
"As I am your father, I claim the right of being
your counsellor: do not therefore slight my advice, since
it is to my countrymen you must owe the conquest of all
your enemies. Let us invite over my son Octa and his
brother Ebissa, who are brave soldiers, and give them the
countries that are in the northern parts of Britain, by
the wall, between Deira and Albania. For they will hinder
the inroads of the barbarians, and so you shall enjoy
peace on the other side of the Humber." Vortigern
complied with his request, and ordered them to invite
over whomsoever they knew able to assist him. Immediately
upon the receipt of this message, came Octa, Ebissa, and
Cherdich, with three hundred ships filled with soldiers,
who were all kindly received by Vortigern, and had ample
presents made them. For by their assistance he vanquished
his enemies, and in every engagement proved victorious.
Hengist in the meantime continued to invite over more and
more ships, and to augment his numbers daily. Which when
the Britons observed, they were afraid of being betrayed
by them, and moved the king to banish them out of his
coasts. For it was contrary to the rule of the gospel
that Christians should hold fellowship, or have any
intercourse, with pagans. Besides which, the number of
those that were come over was now so great, that they
were a terror to his subjects; and nobody could now know
who was a pagan, or who a Christian, since pagans married
the daughters and kinswomen of Christians. These things
they represented to the king, and endeavoured to dissuade
him from entertaining them, lest they might, by some
treacherous conspiracy, prove an overmatch for the native
inhabitants. But Vortigern , who loved them above all
other nations on account of his wife, was deaf to their
advice. For this reason the Britons quickly desert him,
and unanimously set up Vortimer his son for their king;
who at their instigation began to drive out the
barbarians, and to make dreadful incursions upon them.
Four battles he fought with them, and was victorious in
all: the first upon the river Dereuent; the second upon
the ford of Epsford, where Horsa and Catigern, another
son of Vortigern , met and, after a sharp encounter,
killed each other; the third upon the sea-shore, where
the enemies fled shamefully to their ships, and betook
themselves for refuge to the Isle of Thanet. But Vortimer
besieged them there, and daily distressed them with his
fleet. And when they were no longer able to bear the
assaults of the Britons, they sent king Vortigern , who
was present with them in all those wars, to his son
Vortimer, to desire leave to depart, and return back safe
to Germany. And while a conference upon this subject was
being held, they in the meantime went on board their long
galleys, and, leaving their wives and children behind
them, returned back to Germany.
Book VI, chapter
14-Vortimer's kindness to his soldiers at his death.
Vortimer, after this great success, began to restore his
subjects to their possessions which had been taken from
them, and to show them all marks of his affection and
esteem, and at the instance of St. Germanus to rebuild
their churches. But his goodness quickly stirred up the
enmity of the devil against him, who entering into the
heart of his stepmother Rowen, excited her to contrive
his death. For this purpose she consulted with the
poisoners, and procured one who was intimate with him,
whom she corrupted with large and numerous presents, to
give him a poisonous draught; so that this brave soldier,
as soon as he had taken it, was seized with a sudden
illness, that deprived him of all hopes of life. Hereupon
he forthwith ordered all his men to come to him, and
having shown them how near he was to his end, distributed
among them all the treasure his predecessors had heaped
up, and endeavoured to comfort them in their sorrow and
lamentation for him, telling them, he was only going the
way of all flesh. But he exhorted those brave and warlike
young men, who had attended him in all his victories, to
persist courageously in the defence of their country
against all hostile invasion; and with wonderful
greatness of mind, commanded a brazen pyramid to be
placed in the port where the Saxons used to land, and his
body when dead to be buried on the top of it, that the
sight of his tomb might frighten back the barbarians to
Germany. For he said none of them would dare approach the
country, that should but get a sight of his tomb. Such
was the admirable bravery of this great man, who, as he
had been a terror to them while living, endeavoured to be
no less so when dead. Notwithstanding which, he was no
sooner dead, than the Britons had no regard to his
orders, but buried him at London.
Book VI, chapter
15-Hengist, having wickedly murdered the princes of
Britain, keeps Vortigern prisoner.
Vortigern , after the death of his son, was again
restored to the kingdom, and at the request of his wife
sent messengers into Germany to Hengist, with an
invitation to return into Britain, but privately, and
with a small retinue, to prevent a quarrel between the
barbarians and his subjects. But Hengist, hearing that
Vortimer was dead, raised an army of no less than three
hundred thousand men, and fitting out a fleet returned
with them to Britain. When Vortigern and the nobility
heard of the arrival of so vast a multitude, they were
immoderately incensed, and, after consultation together,
resolved to fight them, and drive them from their coasts.
Hengist, being informed of their design by messengers
sent from his daughter, immediately entered into
deliberation what course to pursue against them. After
several stratagems had been considered, he judged it most
feasible, to impose upon the nation by making show of
peace. With this view he sent ambassadors to the king, to
declare to him, that he had not brought so great a number
of men for the purpose either of staying with him, or
offering any violence to the country. But the reason why
he brought them, was because he thought Vortimer was yet
living, and that he should have occasion for them against
him, in case of an assault. But now since he no longer
doubted of his being dead, he submitted himself and his
people to the disposal of Vortigern ; so that he might
retain as many of them as he should think fit, and
whomsoever he rejected Hengist would allow to return back
without delay to Germany. And if these terms pleased
Vortigern , he desired him to appoint a time and place
for their meeting, and adjusting matters according to his
pleasure. When these things were represented to the king,
he was mightily pleased, as being very unwilling to part
with Hengist; and at last ordered his subjects and the
Saxons to meet upon the kalends of May, which were now
very near, at the monastery of Ambrius, for the settling
of the matters above mentioned. The appointment being
agreed to on both sides, Hengist, with a new design of
villany in his head, ordered his soldiers to carry every
one of them a long dagger under their garments; and while
the conference should be held with the Britons, who would
have no suspicion of them, he would give them this word
of command, "Nemet oure Saxas;" at which moment
they were all to be ready to seize boldly every one his
next man, and with his drawn dagger stab him. Accordingly
they all met at the time and place appointed, and began
to treat of peace; and when a fit opportunity offered for
executing his villany, Hengist cried out, "Nemet
oure Saxas," and the same instant seized Vortigern ,
and held him by his cloak. The Saxons, upon the signal
given, drew their daggers, and falling upon the princes,
who little suspected any such design, assassinated them
to the number of four hundred and sixty barons and
consuls; to whose bodies St. Eldad afterwards gave
Christian burial; not far from Kaercaradauc, now
Salisbury, in a burying-place near the monastery of
Ambrius, the abbat, who was the founder of it. For they
all came without arms, having no thoughts of anything but
treating of peace; which gave the others a fairer
opportunity of exercising their villainous design against
them. But the pagans did not escape unpunished while they
acted this wickedness; a great number of them being
killed during this massacre of their enemies. For the
Britons, taking up clubs and stones from the ground,
resolutely defended themselves, and did good execution
upon the traitors.
Book VI, chapter
16-Eldol's valiant exploit. Hengist forces Vortigern to
yield up the strongest fortifications in Britain, in
consideration of his release.
There was present one Eldol, consul of Gloucester, who,
at the sight of this treachery, took up a stake which he
happened to find, and with that made his defence. Every
blow he gave carried death along with it; and by breaking
either the head, arms, shoulders, or legs of a great
many, he struck no small terror into the traitors, nor
did he move from the spot before he had killed with that
weapon seventy men. But being no longer able to stand his
ground against such numbers, he made his escape from
them, and retired to his own city. Many fell on both
sides, but the Saxons got the victory; because the
Britons, having no suspicion of treachery, came unarmed,
and therefore made a weaker defence. After the commission
of this detestable villany, the Saxons would not kill
Vortigern ; but having threatened him with death and
bound him, demanded his cities and fortified places in
consideration of their granting him his life. He, to
secure himself, denied them nothing; and when they had
made him confirm his grants with an oath, they released
him from his chains, and then marched first to London,
which they took, as they did afterwards York, Lincoln,
and Winchester; wasting the countries through which they
passed, and destroying the people, as wolves do sheep
when left by their shepherds. When Vortigern saw the
desolation which they made, he retired into the parts of
Cambria, not knowing what to do against so barbarous a
people.
Book VI, chapter
17- Vortigern , after consultation with magicians, orders
a youth to be brought that never had a father.
At last he had recourse to magicians for their advice,
and commanded them to tell him what course to take. They
advised him to build a very strong tower for his own
safety, since he had lost all his other fortified places.
Accordingly he made a progress about the country, to find
out a convenient situation, and came at last to Mount
Erir, where he assembled workmen from several countries,
and ordered them to build the tower. The builders,
therefore, began to lay the foundation; but whatever they
did one day the earth swallowed up the next, so as to
leave no appearance of their work. Vortigern being
informed of this again consulted with his magicians
concerning the cause of it, who told him that he must
find out a youth that never had a father, and kill him,
and then sprinkle the stones and cement with his blood;
for by those means, they said, he would have a firm
foundation. Hereupon messengers were despatched away over
all the provinces, to inquire out such a man. In their
travels they came to a city, called afterwards
Kaermerdin, where they saw some young men, playing before
the gate, and went up to them; but being weary with their
journey, they sat down in the ring, to see if they could
meet with what they were in quest of. Towards evening,
there happened on a sudden quarrel between two of the
young men, whose names were Merlin and Dabutius. In the
dispute, Dabutius said to Merlin: "You fool, do you
presume to quarrel with me? Is their any equality in our
birth? I am descended of royal race, both by my father
and mother's side. As for you, nobody knows what you are,
for you never had a father." At that word the
messengers looked earnestly upon Merlin, and asked the
by-standers who he was. They told him, it was not known
who was his father; but that his mother was daughter to
the king of Dimetia, and that she lived in St. Peter's
church among the nuns of that city.
Book VI, chapter
18 - Vortigern inquires of Merlin's mother concerning her
conception of him.
Upon this the messengers hastened to the governor of the
city, and ordered him, in the king's name, to send Merlin
and his mother to the king. As soon as the governor
understood the occasion of their message, he readily
obeyed the order, and sent them to Vortigern to complete
his design. When they were introduced into the king's
presence, he received the mother in a very respectful
manner, on account of her noble birth; and began to
inquire of her by what man she had conceived. "My
sovereign lord," said she, "by the life of your
soul and mine, I know nobody that begot him of me. Only
this I know, that as I was once with my companions in our
chambers, there appeared to me a person in the shape of a
most beautiful young man, who often embraced me eagerly
in his arms, and kissed me; and when he had stayed a
little time, he suddenly vanished out of my sight. But
many times after this he would talk with me when I sat
alone, without making any visible appearance. When he had
a long time haunted me in this manner, he at last lay
with me several times in the shape of a man, and left me
with child. And I do affirm to you, my sovereign lord,
that excepting that young man, I know no body that begot
him of me." The king full of admiration at this
account, ordered Maugantius to be called, that he might
satisfy him as to the possibility of what the woman had
related. Maugantius, being introduced, and having the
whole matter repeated to him, said to Vortigern :
"In the books of our philosophers, and in a great
many histories, I have found that several men have had
the like original. For, as Apuleius informs us in his
book concerning the Demon of Socrates, between the moon
and the earth inhabit those spirits, which we will call
incubuses. These are of the nature partly of men, and
partly of angels, and whenever they please assume human
shapes, and lie with women. Perhaps one of them appeared
to this woman, and begot that young man of her."
Book VI, chapter
19-Merlin's speech to the king's magicians, and advice
about the building of the tower.
Merlin in the meantime was attentive to all that had
passed, and then approached the king, and said to him,
"For what reason am I and my mother introduced into
your presence?"-- "My magicians," answered
Vortigern , "advised me to seek out a man that had
no father, with whose blood my building is to be
sprinkled, in order to make it stand."-- "Order
your magicians," said Merlin, "to come before
me, and I will convict them of a lie." The king was
surprised at his words, and presently ordered the
magicians to come, and sit down before Merlin, who spoke
to them after this manner: "Because you are ignorant
what it is that hinders the foundation of the tower, you
have recommended the shedding of my blood for cement to
it, as if that would presently make it stand. But tell me
now, what is there under the foundation? For something
there is that will not suffer it to stand." The
magicians at this began to be afraid, and made him no
answer. Then said Merlin, who was also called Ambrose,
"I entreat your majesty would command your workmen
to dig into the ground, and you will find a pond which
causes the foundations to sink." This accordingly
was done, and then presently they found a pond deep under
ground, which had made it give way. Merlin after this
went again to the magicians, and said, "Tell me ye
false sycophants, what is there under the pond." But
they were silent. Then said he again to the king,
"Command the pond to be drained, and at the bottom
you will see two hollow stones, and in them two dragons
asleep." The king made no scruple of believing him,
since he had found true what he said of the pond, and
therefore ordered it to be drained: which done, he found
as Merlin had said; and now was possessed with the
greatest admiration of him. Nor were the rest that were
present less amazed at his wisdom, thinking it to be no
less than divine inspiration.
BOOK VII.
CONCERNING THE PROPHECIES OF MERLIN.
BOOK VIII.
Book VIII,
chapter 1- Vortigern asks Merlin concerning his own
death.
Merlin, by delivering these and many other prophecies,
caused in all that were present an admiration at the
ambiguity of his expressions. But Vortigern above all the
rest both admired and applauded the wisdom, and
prophetical spirit of the young man: for that age had
produced none that ever talked in such a manner before
him. Being therefore curious to learn his own fate, he
desired the young man to tell him what he knew concerning
that particular. Merlin answered:-- "Fly the fire of
the sons of Constantine, if you are able to do it:
already are they fitting out their ships: already are
they leaving the Armorican shore: already are they
spreading out their sails to the wind. They will steer
towards Britain: they will invade the Saxon nation: they
will subdue that wicked people; but they will first burn
you being shut up in a tower. To your own ruin did you
prove a traitor to their father, and invite the Saxons
into the island. You invited them for your safeguard; but
they came for a punishment to you. Two deaths instantly
threaten you; nor is it easy to determine, which you can
best avoid. For on the one hand the Saxons shall lay
waste your country, and endeavour to kill you: on the
other shall arrive the two brothers, Aurelius Ambrosius
and Uther Pendragon, whose business will be to revenge
their father's murder upon you. Seek out some refuge if
you can: to-morrow they will be on the shore of Totness.
The faces of the Saxons shall look red with blood,
Hengist shall be killed, and Aurelius Ambrosius shall be
crowned. He shall bring peace to the nation; he shall
restore the churches; but shall die of poison. His
brother Uther Pendragon shall succeed him, whose days
also shall be cut short by poison. There shall be present
at the commission of this treason your own issue, whom
the boar of Cornwall shall devour." Accordingly the
next day early, arrived Aurelius Ambrosius and his
brother, with ten thousand men.
Book VIII,
chapter 2-Aurelius Ambrosius, being anointed king of
Britain, burns Vortigern besieged in a tower.
As soon as the news of his coming was divulged, the
Britons, who had been dispersed by their great
calamities, met together from all parts, and gaining this
new accession of strength from their countrymen,
displayed unusual vigour. Having assembled together the
clergy, they anointed Aurelius king, and paid him the
customary homage. And when the people were urgent to fall
upon the Saxons, he dissuaded them from it, because his
desire was to pursue Vortigern first. For the treason
committed against his father so very much affected him,
that he thought nothing done till that was first avenged.
In pursuance therefore of this design, he marched with
his army into Cambria, to the town of Genoreu, whither
Vortigern had fled for refuge. That town was in the
country of Hergin, upon the river Gania, in the mountain
called Cloarius. As soon as Ambrosius was arrived there,
bearing in his mind the murder of his father and brother,
he spake thus to Eldol, duke of Gloucester.
"See, most noble duke, whether the walls of this
city are able to protect Vortigern against my sheathing
this sword in his bowels. He deserves to die, and you
cannot, I suppose, be ignorant of his desert. Oh most
villainous of men, whose crimes deserve inexpressible
tortures! First he betrayed my father Constantine, who
had delivered him and his country from the inroads of the
Picts; afterwards my brother Constans whom he made king
on purpose to destroy him. Again, when by his craft he
had usurped the crown, he introduced pagans among the
natives, in order to abuse those who continued stedfast
in their loyalty to me: but by the good providence of
God, he unwarily fell into the snare, which he had laid
for my faithful subjects. For the Saxons, when they found
him out in his wickedness, drove him from the kingdom;
for which nobody ought to be concerned. But this I think
matter of just grief, that this odious people, whom that
detestable traitor invited over, has expelled the
nobility, laid waste a fruitful country, destroyed the
holy churches, and almost extinguished Christianity over
the whole kingdom. Now, therefore, my countrymen, show
yourselves men; first revenge yourselves upon him that
was the occasion of all these disasters; then let us turn
our arms against our enemies, and free our country from
their brutish tyranny."
Immediately, therefore, they set their engines to work,
and laboured to beat down the walls. But at last, when
all other attempts failed, they had recourse to fire,
which meeting with proper fuel, ceased not to rage, till
it had burned down the tower and Vortigern in it.
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