¶ The Breviary of Britain.  
As this most noble and renowned Island, was of ancient time divided into three, Kingdoms, England, Scotland and Wales▪  
Containing a learned discourse of the variable state, & alteration thereof, under divers, as well natural: as foreign princes, & Conquerors.  
Together with the Geographical description of the same, such as neither by elder, nor later writers, the like hath been set forth before.  
written in Latin by Humphrey Lhuyd of Denbigh, a Cambre Britain, and lately Englished by Thomas Twine, Gentleman.  
1573.   

To the Right honourable, Edward Deviere, Lord Bulbeck, earl of Oxenford, Lord great Chamberlain of England: Tho. Twine wisheth long life, perfect health, increase of honour, and endless felicity.  
Nobility is a precious gift, which so glittereth in the eyes of all men: that there is no one corporal thing in this world, whereof we make a greater account. For so is it esteemed of all, desired of all, and reverenced of al. Virtue, saith TULLY, and before him PLATO, if it might be seen with our bodily eyes: doubtless it would procure marvelous love, and good liking unto itself, the show thereof would appear so fair, and amiable.  
The uniting of which two most noble graces, with all other furniture of Nature, & Fortune with in your person, right honourable, and my very good Lord, hath so bend my judgement, and brought me into such liking, & admiration thereof that I have rested no small time, not only not satisfied in being one of the admiratours: but also desierus to be one of the participatours of those your honours most laudable dispositions, whereunto I do now humbly submit myself. And in token of my dutiful meaning herein: am so hardi, as to present your honour with this simple travail, which I so term, in respect of my pains in translating the same. Howbeit I am persuaded, that it cost M. Lhuyd, who first, and not long since wrote the same in Latin, no small labour, and industry in the gathering, and penning.  
Regarding your honour to be amongst therest: a very fit patron for it, in consideration, that being, as yet, but in your flower, and tender age, and generally hoped, and accounted of in time, to become the chiefest stay of this your common wealth, and country: you would receive into your self tuition, the written name, and description of that Britain, which, as it is in part your native soil: so your duty biddeth you to defend and maintain it. Here on, when your honour shallbe at lee sure to look, bestowing such regard as you are accustomed to do on books of Geography, Histories, and other good learning, wherein I am privy your honour taketh singular delight: I doubt not, but you shall have cause, to judge your time very well applied. And so much the rather, for that in the study of Geography, it is expedient first to know exactly the situation of our own home, where we a bide, before that we shallbe able to judge how other countries do lie unto us, which are far distant from us, besides that it were a foul shame to be inquisitive of the state of foreign lands, and to be ignorant of our own. As your honour being already perfectly instructed: is not now to learn at my ●ande. But for my part, it shall be sufficient, that your honour would dayn to accept this small present, or rather therein my hearty good will, which being no otherwise able to gratify the same: shall never cease to pray to God, that he would always direct you in the commendable race of virtue, and learning which you have begun, augment your honour with many degrees and in the end: reward you with immortal felicity.  
Your honours most humble at commandment: Thomas Twine.   

¶ THE PREFACE OF THE translators to the Reader.  
WHen I first took in hand this Book, (gentle Reader) & was determined to translate it into English: I considered the great judgement, and learning of the Author, & mine own simplicity, and unskilfulness. By conference whereof: I was eftsoons driven from my determination. For I perceived how dangerous a thing it was for me, who, God knoweth, am but a simple antiquary, and but slenderly practised in the antiquities of this Island: to give forth my absolute sentence in such matters as are in controversy, not only amongst the most approved, and best learned ancient writers in this behalf: but also between such as have been very well seen therein in our time, whereof some be dead, and some be yet living. Which I saw that of necessity I must do. As for this one example, among many. Although it be not yet fully agreed upon, what town in England the ancient name of Caleva doth signify, and the place thereof, be also as uncertain, as upon which side of the Thames it should lie: yet following mine author so near as I may: I am enforced to determine some way, I am sure not without misliking of many. The like reprehension I have incurred, in the Englishing of names of diverse places more, some English, some Scottish, but especially, Welsh, or british. In so much that I was determined to have set them down, as I had found them in M. Lhuyds Latin book which he, for that he wroate in Latin: had, so nigh as he could, made them all Latin words in sound, & termination. But being therein much lightened especially by the help of the rightworshipfull M. Doct. Yale of London: I trust I have deserved less blame in that, then in any other one part of my translation, how be it, for my little skill in that tongue: I am the more I hope, to be borne with all. And where as the author in the Latin copy, reciting the peculiar Letters, & the pronunciation of them, with the propriety of the British tongue, in steed of a double letter, as DD, or a letter with an aspiration, as LH, would, for brevety sake, have them written with the same letter & a prick under the foot: for want of the like letters: we have throughout the whole work, expressed the same to that very effect in the double letter, or with aspiration, from place to place, where he hath used the same under pricked letter. So that hereby, saving; for his conceit of writing: there is no error committed at al. And herein I thought it needful to admonish thee.  
Moreover, if there shall haply appear any fault, by us now committed, either in misnaming any person, Town, or other thing, wrong placing of words, evil allegation of writers, altering of the authors meaning by false pointing, one word put for an other, or such like, the truth whereof I could not exactly try out, by diligent animadversion, or due conference in so short time: I most heartily crave pardon, and must needs impute the most part thereof unto the falseness, an disordre of the Latin copy, printed at Colone. Whose errata, are more than I have commonly seen in a book of no greater quantity, & yet if the Printer would have noted all: he should have noted twice so many as he did, besides that there are many errata in erratis.  
But perhaps some will marvel, what is my reason that I have termed this work in English, the Breviary of Britain, since it is not entitled so in Latin? To them I answer, that if they deem of the Latin title a right: they shall perceive that I have not strayed one jot from the authors meaning. For, where he calleth this book Commentarioli Britannicae descriptionis fragmentum, that is to say, a fragment of a little treatise, or discourse of the description of Britain: weigh, and judge indifferently (good Reader) how much I have gone beside the purpose.  
And here peradventure, it may be looked for, according unto the custom of some translators, I should fine; and pick my pen, to set forth the commendation of mine author, as in very deed, some of them had need to do. But I fear me much, lest in mine over rash attempt, in taking so worthy a writer in hand, not being furnished with any greater skill, and learning in this his kind, than I am known to be: I have deserved just blame, and M. Lhuyd, if he were living: would have desired me of less acquaintance.  
Whose passing earnest travail, in attaining skill, and knowledge: hath deservedly purchased unto him immortal fame, and so much the rather, for that he hath therein endeavoured himself to do his country good, whereunto all men are naturally bounden. And not only contented to take the pains for his own knowledge sake, but willing to pleasure other thereby: hath communicated the same unto the world.  
Which commendable example of his, I trust shallbe a provocation unto some other in this Realm, that have travailed long time, and taken much pains in the searching out of antiquities, and ancient Monuments of Britain, not without their great charges (Whose singular learning without suspicion of partiality, I may not commend) to attempt the l●k●▪ 〈◊〉 that they be hindered b● 〈…〉 l●ng to do nothing th' 〈…〉 tie aught to be furtherers, an 〈…〉 ●o others. And for my part, I 〈…〉 en the pains with hazard of mine e●emation for the English Readers sake, which understandeth not the Latin ●ongue. To whom I thought it as 〈…〉 h appertaining, to know the state, and description of his own country: as to the learned be he Englishman, or stranger. Only for recompense, gentle Reader, let me have thy good word, and lawful favour: and I ask no more. Farewell heartily, and enjoy it.   

¶ A friend, in praise of the Author.  

THE British soil, with all therein that lies,  
The surging Seas, which compass it about  
In what estate of heat, or cold of skies  
It stands, with many things of other rout:  
Lhuyd in this book hath put them out of doubt.  
Which though in view, it be of body small:  
in brief discourse it doth comprise them all.   

¶ Ptolom his pen it seems he had in hand.  
Sometimes in Seas, with NEPTUNE he did dwell  
JUNO to skies plucked him to view the land,  
Else surely could he not have done so well,  
That thus so right of every thing doth tell,  
As though he stood aloft, and down did look,  
And what he saw: wroat strait into his book   

¶ Each Hill, each dale, each water worth the name,  
With Forests wide, and many a standing Wood,  
Each City, Town, each Castle great of fame,  
Each King, & prince sprung forth of noble blood,  
Were bad his reign, or were it just and good,  
So much as skilled him for to touch therein:  
To tell the truth he forced not a pin.   

¶ Thy country Lhuyd, is bounden much to thee,  
Which makest it unto us not only known:  
But unto such as in far countries be,  
Whereby thy fame the greater way is flown,  
And eke thy country's praise the more is grown,  
So by one deed two noble things are chanced:  
Britain, and Lhuyd, to heaven are advanced.   

¶ In Latin thou, the learned sort to please,  
In single pain, a double skill didst show.  
In English Twine hath turned, for greater ease  
To those, the ROMAN tongue that do not know.  
The work is one, though tongues be twaynel trow.  
The Latin thou, the English Twine did twist,  
The learned laud you both, dispraise who list.   
Finis.   

Thomae Brounei Praebendarij Westm. in Commentariolos Britannicae descriptionis Humfredi Lhuyd Denbyghiensis, Cambri Britanni.  

FLumine Lhuyde fluis, laxis effusus habenis,  
Dulcis, & irrigno flumine LHVYDE fluis,  
Nereids, viridesque Deae, pater Inachus aiunt,  
Parnassi ex ipso vertice Lhuyde venis.  
In mare dulcisono Lhuydus fluit amne Britannun:  
Clamant Cluydae flumina, Lhuydus adest.  
Et novus ille, novis auxit faelicius undis  
Fontes, Annales, inclite Brutus tuos.  
Nomina vera docet Regionis, fluminis, urbis,  
Et cuiusque loci quae sit origo, docet.  
ut vere scripsit: sic vero interpret gaudet,  
Sed Lhuydus Latij fluminis amne fluit.  
Anglus hic interpres, Romanum iam facit Anglun.  
Scripsit uterque bene: laus sit utrique sua.    

Ed. Grant, Schoolmaster of Westminster: in commendation of this treatise of Brittany, pend in Latin by Humfrey Lhuyd, and translated into English, by Tho. Twine.  

IF for to writ of Brutus brood,  
each britains brain be bound,  
For zeal he owes to country soil,  
and eke his native ground:  
Then Wales may boast, and justly joy,  
that such a Britain bred,  
which hath with serious search of brain  
and toiling travel spread,  
Throughout the coasts of Britain,  
and foreign countries strange:  
The lively fame of Brutus name,  
that through the world doth range.  
That long lay hid in dungeons dark,  
obscured by tract of time,  
And almost smouldred with the smok●  
of ignorances crime:  
But now revived and polished,  
by Lhuyd his busy brain:  
And brought to light, & former frame,  
by his exhausted pain.  
Whose diligence, and judgement great  
I can but muse to see,  
That with such skill doth paint  
the praise of Brutus, and Brittany,  
That with such love to countries soil  
doth bring again to light:  
The shining shape, and stately stamp  
of that was darkened quite.  
By whose endeavour Polidore,  
must now surseace to prate,  
To forge, to lie, and to defame,  
king BRUTUS' worthy state.  
By whose great pains, proud Hector  
must now leave of to babble,  
Such vaunts: as of his Scottish soil, Scot,  
he whilom seemed to fable.  
By Lhuid their brags be beaten down,  
their forging lies be spied,  
And Britain needs must challenge fame  
that erst it was denied.  
Lhuid findeth forth her former fame,  
and antic names doth tell:  
And doth refute their forged lies,  
that did of rancour smell.  
Brutus' worthy race is blazed here,  
by trump of flickering fame:  
And Lhuid, it is a flowing flood,  
that hath revived the same.  
Who, though interred now in earth:  
yet shall he never die,  
But live amongs his Britanists,  
by this his Brittany:  
whose thread of life would god the Fates  
had yet not sought to spoil:  
Then had we had a larger scope  
of Brutus sacred soil.  
Go little volume, go thy ways,  
by Lhuid in Latin pend:  
And new attired in English weed,  
by Twine that thee doth send,  
To Brutus his brood: a labour sure  
that well deserveth praise:  
Go show thyself to Britanists,  
whose glory thou dost raise.   
FINIS.   

¶ Lodowick Lhuyd, in praise of the Author.  

GO on, be bold, thou little book,  
sound forth thy authors fame,  
Advance the travel tried of him  
that christened first thy name.  
Thy state exiled, thy age unknown,  
thy line that long was lost:  
Is now returned, and known again  
in ancient britains cost:  
From Scythia shore, from Phrigia fields,  
where long thyself have lain,  
From raging Rocks, and crazed crags,  
thou art come home again.  
Thy patron grand, and ancient Sire  
Aeneas Trojan stout:  
Did never toil on land and Sea's,  
as thou hast ranged about,  
From mountains high whereto thyself  
alone waste wont to talk:  
Lhuid, taught thy steps to tread in Court  
with Princes wise to walk.  
If then Solinus merit fame,  
that Caesar's stirpe have pend:  
The same aught Lhuyd of right to claim  
that Brutus line defend.  
If Curtius be advauncde on high,  
Alexander's fame to feed:  
Then well aught Lhuyd commended be  
to honour Hector's seed.  
What praise had Livi then in Rome,  
or Herodot in Greece:  
That praise aught never Humphrey Lhuyd  
in native soil to lose.  
Who, being alive: could Argos make,  
with sugared talk t 〈…〉 e:  
And now being dead, 〈…〉 t Argos make,  
with hundred eyes to weep.  
Who, though his corpse is clothed in clay▪  
in mouldered dust to lie:  
In spite of Parca's, yet his fame,  
doth scale the empire sky.  
And though that age out liveth youth,  
yet death doth age exile:  
Though fame surviveth death again,  
yet time doth fame defile.  
So youth to age, and age to death,  
and death to fame in field:  
And fame to time, and time to GOD,  
this Lhuyd knew well to yield.  
Sigh than he found Misenus trump  
to sound again the fame  
That once was won, and then was lost:  
extol each one his name.  
And give him then his due desert,  
enrol his noble mind:  
That first have taught, his countrymen  
their country state to find.   
Finis.   

Laurence Twine, to his brother Tho. Twine, in praise of his Translation.  

ALL that which learned Lhuyd of late  
in Latin did indite,  
Of britains race, their ancient state,  
their guise, and country's rite:  
Lo now in English tongue by true  
report, and cunnings skill,  
Twine hath set forth th' unlearned sort,  
their pleasure to fulfil.  
Wherein who list to look with heed,  
strait britains state shall know.  
And wherewithal this noble land  
in ancient time did flow.  
Lhuyds pains was much, in latin stile  
which wrote the same before:  
But Brother, sure in my conceit  
thou thanks deservest more,  
Of britains, and of British soil,  
which mak'st them understand.  
A thing more meet (me thinks) for them  
then for a foreign land.  
Wherein as thou by toil, hast won  
the spurs, and praises got:  
So reap deserved thanks of those,  
for whom thou brakst the knot.   
FINIS.   

john Twine, to the Readers of his brother's translation.  

AS they of all most praise deserve,  
that first with Pen did show,  
To us the sacred laws of God,  
whereby his will we know:  
So, many thanks are due to those,  
that beat their busy brain,  
To let us learn our earthly state,  
in which we here remain.  
Among the rest that ever wrote:  
none hath of us deserved  
Like praise to Lhuyd, who lo, his foil  
hath here to us preferred.  
Wherein thou mayst the whole estate,  
of this our native land,  
What so is worthy to be known:  
by reading understand.  
And, cause the author wroate the same  
in tongue, enstrangd to some:  
Twine hath it taught the English phrase  
in which it erst was dumb.  
Accept it well, and when thou readst,  
if aught thereby thou gain:  
For recompense yield thy good will,  
to him that took the pain.   
Finis.   

A Table containing the principal matters entreated of in this book, largely digested into the Alphabetical ordre, as followeth.  

AEstiones. Fo. 52  
Albania, whence so called. 49 described, 47.  
Albion, why so termed. 4  
Anglysey in Wales. 57  
animosity of britains. 62. their ancient manners. 61  
Arfon. 64  
Aron martyr, where buried. 82  
Attacotti inhabitors of Albania, of Scottish original. 45  
Augustine the Monk. 13. his intolerable arrogancy. 71   

B  
Bardi. 7  
Bath, how of old time termed. 18  
Bedfordshyremen. 24  
Benbroche. 78  
Bernhard of Newmercate. 83  
Bernicia. 28  
Boadicia, or Bunduica, a valiant que●● 85. 89  
Bodotua. 48  
Boëthius reproved. 21. 24. 33. 38. 49. 81.  
Bogwelth, or Buellt. 83  
Brecknock. 83. by what Englishman first subdued. ibidem.  
Brennus, whose son, and brother. 53 why he slew himself. 54. what language his Soldiers used. 54. his Court, or Palace. 72. was a perfect Britain. 53  
Brenni, where they dwelled. 55  
brigants, were never in Scotland. 30. their City's names. 29  
Britain, why so named. 8. how divided. ibid. the Etymology thereof. 8  
Britain the less, or the Second. 35  
Britain the first, second, third, and fourth. 35  
britains how they celebrated Easter, 67. their Ualiencie, 69  
British names corrupted by the Romans. 5  
Britons nigh France. 10  
Brustius cruelty. 83. his miserable death. ibidem.  
Bristol. 18  
Buckynghamshiremen. 24   

C  
Cadevenna. 73  
Caesar, what he termeth a City. 32  
Caerbro castle in the Wight. 17  
Caer Andred, by whom overthrown. 15  
Caerlile. 47  
Calais. 14  
Cambria, why so called. 49  
Cambra. 53  
Cambridge. 23  
Camalodunum. 21  
Camudolanum. ibidem  
Cangorum where it standeth. 66  
Cantimanduas treason. 34  
Cantorbury, why so called. 15. metropolitan of England, and Wales, ibid.  
Caradoc described. 33  
Cardigan. 75  
Castle of Clun. 34  
Castle of Dover. 14  
castle of Emlyn. 79  
castle of Lion. 70  
Cataracus, where he ●aught with Ostorius. 34  
Catguilia. 79  
Ceretica described. 75. 79  
Chepstow. 81  
Chester. 27  
Chichester. 16 Cicester. 19  
City of Legions. 82  
Cities of brigants. 29  
Clun castle. 24  
Commendation of the Baths at Bath 18  
Conovia, by whom builded. 65  
Cornish, & Welshmen one nation, 18  
Cornwall. 17  
Crneltie of Brustius. 83  
Cumberland, by whom in old time in habited. 30  
Cymbri 15   

D  
Danes came in. 13  
Danica Sylva. 74  
Dannij 30  
David, how termed in British. 77. translated the archbishopric to Meneve. ib.  
Death of Brennus. 54  
Death of Brustius. 83  
Deheubarth. 74. why worse than Gwynedh. 75  
Deera, in old time called Brigantia. 30. 28  
Demetia. 77  
Denbigh. 66. described. ibidem.  
Devani. 26. how called of old by the Rom. ibi.  
Description of Albania. 47  
Description of Cambria. 49  
Description of Caradoc city. 35  
Description of Ceretica. 75. 79.  
Description of Denbygh. 66.  
Description of Tegenia, or Igenia. 68  
Description of Wales. 62  
Division of Britain. 9  
Division of England. 12  
Division of Wales. 62  
Division of Venodotia. 64  
Divisions are dangerous. 93  
Dorchester. 24  
Doruentani, why so called. 27  
Dover. 14  
Dover castle by whom builded. 14  
druids. 42  
Dunetus Abbot. 71  
Dunwallon forsaketh his kingdom. 68  
diverse kings possess● divers parts of Wales. 63   

E  
Edward the first, entered Wales. 58  
Edinburgh, by whom builded. 48  
Egbert first Monarch of Lohëgr. 19  
Eluyl. 74  
Elbodius archbishop of North-wales. 67  
Emlyn castle. 79  
England divided. 12. by whom first so called. 13  
Englishmen whence descended. 12  
Earls of Glocestre. 58  
Etymology of Britain. 8  
Etymology of Gaulle. 56  
Euboniae. 49  
Example of God's judgement. 69  
Exeter. 17   

FLETCHER  
Family of Stuarts in Scotland. 34  
Family of Gray's in England. 67  
Family of Fitzalanes. 72  
Flavia. 35  
Flemmyngs, driven out of their own country, what place they possessed. 57  
Flint town. 69  
Forest of Deane. 74  
Franci, whence supposed to have sprung 53.  
France bounded. 56   

G  
Gadini. 47  
Gloucester, by whom builded. 19  
Golden numbered confuted, & rejected. 68  
Gwynedh. 58. whence the kings thereof so called. 64  
Grancestre. 23  
Gyldas reproved. 93  
Gyldo. 42  
Gylford. 16  
Gyllus usurper. 42   

H  
Hamo with his. xii. knights. 80  
hasting. 93  
Hebrides. 49  
Hengiscus sent against the Scots, and redshanks. 12  
Henry the second vanquished. 92  
Henry the fourth. 59  
Henry the seventh. ib.  
Henry the eight, 60  
Henry earl of Lincoln, builded a castle. 66  
Herald, last king of Danish blood. 25  
Hereford, where it lieth 74  
Herring taking. 65  
Hibernenses afterward called Scots. 44  
Hierome Russelle reproved. 28  
Hierhauts, and Hierhautrye by Welsh men diligently retained. 7  
Holt. 70  
Hopa. 72  
How many cities, so many kingdoms in Britain. 32  
Huntingtonshire. ●4   

I  
Iceni, what region they inhabited. 23  
Idiom, or propriety of the British tongue. 3  
jernaei. 4  
islands about Anglysea. 64  
Ilcestre. 18  
Irishmen called afterward Scots. 44  
Irland. 49. by whom first endued with Christianity. 63  
julius the martyr, where buried. 82   

KING  
Kennethus, king of Scots. 38  
Kent. 14  
Kynton. 74  
King of England's eldest son Prince of Wales. 59  
King Arthur. 91  
King of Powys, why swallowed into the earth. 69   

L  
Lancashyremen, how termed of old. 32  
Landas where it standeth. 80  
Landonia 47. of the redshanks how called. 48  
Lhanydlos. 73  
Lasciviousness of the Scots. 43  
Latitude of Wales. 57  
Legion cities site described. 82  
Lemster. 74  
Letters of the britains, their order, form, and pronunciation. 1.  
Leycestershyremen. 25  
Lyncolnshyremen. 24  
London, by whom builded, amplefied, the names thereof, 19 a colony of the Romans. 20  
Longitude of Wales. 56  
Lucopibia how termed, and where it standeth. 30  
Ludlaw. 74.  
Lychfyeld. 25   

M.  
Meatae. 48  
Màilor divided. 70  
Malmsbury. 19  
Maluernhilles. 74  
Manchester. 32  
Mandubratius sent for Caesar into Britain. 19  
March, a kingdom of England. 27. 32    

Authors, whose names, and works, are cited in this Book.  

Ammianus.  
Annius.  
Antoninus.  
Appianus.  
Aristoteles.  
Athenaeus.  
Aurelius' Victor.  
Beatus Rhenanus.  
Beda.  
Boëthius.  
Berosus.  
Caesar.  
Capgrave.  
Claudianus.  
Crantzius.  
Diodorus Siculus.  
Dion.  
Eliote.  
Eutropius.  
Frossartus.  
Giambularius.  
Gothus.  
Gyldas.  
Gyraldus.  
Haymo Armenius.  
Hieronomus.  
Hierono. Russellus  
Herodianus.  
Huntingtonensis.  
Iwenalis'.  
Lampridius.  
Lazius.  
Lelandus.  
Lucanus.  
Maior.  
Mamertinus.  
Malmsburiensis.  
Marcellinus.  
Marianus Scotus.  
Marius Niger.  
Mela.  
Meyerus,  
Orosius.  
Panuinius.  
Parisiensis.  
Paulus Diaconus  
Pausanias.  
Plinius.  
Plutarch.  
Polybius.  
Polydorus.  
Postellus.  
Ptolomaeus.  
Sextus Rufus.  
Sidonius Apollinaris  
Spartianus.  
Solinus.  
Suetonius.  
Sigisbertus.  
Tacitus.  
Regino.  
Rhicuallensis.  
Robertus Coenalis.  
Virgilius.  
Virunnius.  
Volateranus.  
Vopiscus.  
Wilhelmus parvus.    

The Epistle of the author. To the most adorned, and best deserving to be reveren ce of all that love the knowledge of the Mathematics. Abraham Ortelius of Andwarp.  
DEARLY beloved Ortelius, that day wherein I was constayned to departed from London: I received your Description of ASIA add before I came home to my house: I fell into a very perilous Fever, which hath so torn this poor body of mine, these. x. continual days: that I was brought into despair of my life. But, my hope jesus Christ, is laid up in my bosom. Howbeit, neither the daily shaking of the continual Fever, with a double Tertian, neither the looking for present death, neither the vehement headache without intermission: could put the remembrance of my Ortelius, out of my troubled brain. Wherefore, I sand unto you my Wales, not beutifully set forth in all points, yet truly depeinted, so be that certain notes be observed, which I gathered even when I was ready to die.  
You shall also receive the description of England, set forth as well with the ancient names: as those which are now used, and an other England also drawn forth perfectly enough. Besides certain fragments written with mine own hand. Which, notwithstanding that they be written forth in a rude hand, and seem to be imperfect: yet doubt not, they be well grounded by proofs, and authorities of ancient writers.  
Which, also (if God had spared me life) you should have received in better order, and in all respects perfect. Take therefore, this last remembrance of thy Humphrey, and for ever adieu, my dear friend Ortelius.  
From Denbigh, in Gwynedh, or North-wales, the. thirty. of August. 1568. Yours both living, and dying: Humphrey Lhuyd.   

¶ THE breviary of Britain, etc.  

FOR so much as▪ in my last letters which I wrote unto you (right learned Sir:) in the which I promised within few days after, to sand you the Geographical Description of all Britain, set forth with the most ancient names, as well Latin, as Brittysh, wherein, I must much disagree from th' opinions of learned men: I thought it expedient, first in a few words, to disclose th'effect of my purpose to all, & by what arguments, and aucthoryties of the learned I am moved, partly to change, & partly to ascribe unto other, (otherwise then those which wrote before me have done:) the names of Countries, Towns, Rivers & other places. Which before I take in hand to do: I purpose to entreat a little of the knowledge of the british tongue, of the signification of the Letters, and the manner of pronouncing the same.  
Whereby the true name, both of the whole Island, and of many places therein, may be manifest. The ignorance of which tongue: hath driven many notable men to such shifts, that endeavouring to wind themselves out of one: they have fallen into many more, and those more grosser errors.  

The ordre, and signification of the 
Order, and signification of the letters.  letters is this, as followeth.  
A. B. D. E. H. L. M. N. O. P. R. S. T.  
They have the very same pronunciation in the british tongue, which they have in the Latin well pronounced. C. and. G. have the same force, and signification being placed before all the Uowelles: that they have before A. and O, in the Latin tongue.  
CH. expresseth the nature of. χ. called chi among the Grecians, and hath no affinity with the pronunciation in French, or English of the same aspiration, but is sounded in the throat, like Cheth in the Hebrew. Double DD, as it is commonly written amongst our country men, or amongst the learned, after this manner DH, is pronounced like the Greek Delta, or like the Hebrew Daleth without Dagas. We use FLETCHER, always for FIVE, when it is a consonant, as Lhanfair, is in reading called Lhanuair, for FIVE, is always a vowel. In steed of the latin FLETCHER: we use PH, or Ff. We make I, continually a vowel as the Greeks do, and is pronounced as the Italian I, or rather as as the barbarous, & unlearned Priests in times past sounded E. We have also a peculiar Letter to ourselves, which the ruder sort fashion like LL, but the better learned write with LH.  
I am not ignorant, that the Spayniardes have in use LL, and so have the Germans LH. As in the proper names of Lhudovicus, & Lhotharius the Emperor in Panuinius: is evident.  
But neither of these expresseth ours, howbeit, I take it rather, that the Mexicani, 
Mexicani.  which inhabit the new-found world, do use that Letter, which the Spayniardes express by LL, but because I was never amongst them: I doubt whether it be so or not, for ours is sharp in the hissing. For this letter L, is pronounced with a strong aspiration, putting the tongue hard to the teeth, being half open, holding the lips immovable, the right pronunciation whereof: is not easily learned, but by much excercise. V, hath always the force of a vowel, and hath almost the sound which the French V, hath, or the Hebrew Kibutz. For V: we use single FLETCHER, the consonant.  
Besides the five vowelles, which the Latins use: we have other twain, wherein we follow the greeks.  
first double W, and soundeth not much unlike the Latin V, or to speak more plainly: as the simple heretofore were wont in Latin falsely, and barbarously to pronounce O. The last of the Letters, and vowels is Y, which we must examine, hard to be pronounced somewhat like Ypsylon, as the learned of th'university of Drford do pronounce it. L. X. &. Z. are nothing needful to the writing of our words.  
For KING: we use C, as we said before: we have also many Dipthongs, in which both vowels, yea: if there be three (as it chanceth often:) keep their full sound, or some part thereof.  
¶ Having thus much forefasted of 
The propriety of the tongue  the number, and nature of the Letters: let us draw near to the propriety of the tongue, where we must note, that like as the greeks, and Latins, in th'ends of their words, have variations, and cases: so this tongue contrariwise, hath the same changing in the beginning of the words. Whereby it cometh to pass, that even the best learned, through ignorance of the language have been very much abused in the names of Provinces, countries, and other things: let us therefore briefly run over this propriety.  
Every british word, whose first radical is PEA, T, or C, hath in writing, or discourse of talk to avoid evil sound three variations, so that radical PEA, is sometime turned into B, into PH, and into MH. T, into D, into TH., and into NH. C, into G, CH, and into NGH. as appeareth in these examples. An Head is called Péns in our tongue, out of the head: oh béns, or his head, i béns: with an head, á phéns: or her head, i phéns: my head, fymhéns.  
Hear you see a strange mutation of this letter, when it is called in one place Péns, in another Béns, in the third Phéns. and last of all Mhéns. Likewise Fire in British is called Tán, out of fire, o dan: with fire a than, my fire fynhán. In like manner C, is changed: for love is called in our tongue Cariad, out of love, o gariad: with love, á Chariad: my love Fynghariad. Also B, with D, and G, radicals: have their peculiar variations, as for example sake: Bara, which signifieth Bread, out of bread o Fara, where F. hath the force of FIVE consonant: my Bread, fymara. And like as B. is changed into FLETCHER, and M: so is D, into DH, and N: as Duw, with us the name of God, which is so likewise pronounced by the Frenchmen, (though it be not written with the same letters,) out of God, o Dhuw: my God, Fynuw. G. in the first place vanisheth away, in the second place, it is turned into NG: as, Gwr, which signifieth, a man: out of a man, o Wr: my man, Fyngwr. Besides these: LM, & KH, have one only variation, as: Lhyfyr, a Book: out of a Book, oh Lyfyr. Mon, the Isle of Angleysey: out of Angleysey, o Fonn: Rhufayn Rome:, out of Rome, o Rhufayn. The other be never radicales, as: D, F, T, H, L, K. or else they be not changed: as PH, CH, N, and S.    

THis Foundation, being 
The description of Britayn  laid, which hath troubled many learned men: let us now come to the Geographical Description of the Island. And first of all, let us briefly lay forth what divers men have diversly written of the name thereof.  
Aristotle, a grave Author, in his 
Aristotle.  Book, De Mundo, Of the world: which he wrote to Alexander: affirmeth that there be two very great Islands in th`oceane, beyond Hercules' Pillars, lying above the Celtae, which he calleth Brittanicas, namely Albion, and Ièrnai, which name of Albion, both ours, and also the Roman Histories do acknowledge as very ancient, and derived from Albion, the Son of Neptunè, there reigning about the year of the worlds creation. 2220. whereof (God willing) we will speak more at large in another place. But, whereas some say, that it is so named, by reason of the white cliffs: it is plain ridiculous. And I wonder, that men otherwise circumspect enough, could be blinded in such light, as to have darkened all the names of places, and men, with latin etymologies, or derivations: seeing it is well known, that the Latins at that time possessed but the lest part of Italy. And that the Apuli, and the Calabri: spoke the Greek tongue, and the Tusci: the Ethrus●an tongue, and almost the residue of Italy was possessed by the French men▪ whereby, neither the Latin name, nor their tongue was known to the borderers. Into which error: Robertus Coenalis, a French man, very well learned, with divers other, hath fallen, while he endeavoureth to set forth the names of countries, and cities of both britains, the Island, and the continent: in expositions, and derivations from the Latin Whereas th`author, forgetting himself: saith in an other place, the first of all the Romans, julius Caesar beheld that part of France, and this our Britain, and that the same places were so termed by the ancient inhabitants, before ever they heard of the Roman name. Whereby I, as one not sworn to maintain the opinion of any man, but following Reason: the faithful guide, and leader of the wife: do constantly avouch, that the derivations and deductions of thee▪ antic names of Britain, & the parts thereof: are not to be sought out of the greeks and Latins, but forth of the most ancient british tongue. For, how shamefully the Latins have corrupted the names of the Kings, and places of the land, while they study for the finesse of their tongue: it is manifest to all those, which being furnished with any skill of the tongues: come to read the Roman histories. For so, very falsely, they have called Hermannus, Arminius: Ernestus, Ariovistus: Dictrichus, The odoricus, and the invincible king of Britain Meurigus: they have called A●uiragus, and now of late years, Polydorus hath termed Rhesus, the son of Thomas, Richard.  
Since therefore it is evident, that we must not trust unto the Roman names: let us come to our own natural tongue, by means whereof, we shall bring the true name of Britain to light, which to accomplish the better: we must something say before.  
Caesar, which first of all the Romans 
CAESAR  hath celebrated the name of this Island in the Latin tongue: called it Britannia. Whom, almost, all other Latin writers imitating: have not changed the same name. Notwithstanding, only Sir Thomas Eliote a Knight, 
S. Thomas Eliote.  (whose learning is not to be contemned) hath stand up of late amongst us, who contendeth, not without good reason, and probability, that it was called in old time Prytannia, which he proveth by a very ancient Copy that he had in his hands. But, where he saith that it was termed so in Greek, for the plenty, and abundance thereof: surely I (which do quite reject such derivations:) do not allow it, yet yielding rather to the name of Prytannia, than Britannia, the authority of which ancient fragment: I will endeavour to confirm with weighty reasons. But because in so doing, I shall appear to bring forth certain paradoxes, and opinions not heard of before: the better to satisfy both my countrymen the britains in Wales, and others: I will lay forth my purpose before all men's eyes, not cleaving so precisely to mine own opinions, but that if any man can bring me more better, and more certain: I will quickly yield unto them. In the mean while (always reserving the judgement of the learned) you shall have mine opinion.  
When I chanced of late years, to come to the sight of Polydorus Virgilius the Italian, and Hector Boethius the Scot, their British histories, whereof the first maynfully sought, not only to obscure the glory of the British name, but also to defame the britains themselves with sclandrous lies. The other while he goeth about to raise his Scots out of darkness, and obscurity, what ever he findeth that the Romans, or britains, have done worthy commendation in this Island: all that he attributeth unto his Scots, like a foolish writer.  
Wherefore, being provoked by these injuries, that I might the better guard my sweet country from such inconveniences, unto my small power: I began to peruse all such ancient histories, both Greek and Latin, as ever had wroten of Britain, or the britains: causing not only all such sentences, but each word also to be copied forth, to the intent that thereout, as of a thick and plentiful wood: I might gather sufficient timber to frame a British history. And not only continued in reading strange writers: but also the most antic fragments of our Poetes, which at this day (retaining therein, as in all other things else, the old name) are called Bardi, together with 
Bardi.  histories written in the British tongue, which of late so far as I suppose: were by me first translated into English. And not only conferred the deeds: but also the names of Kings, and places, in both tongues, where I have noted, 
Prydain.  that Britannia was first called Prydain amongst us, as appeareth in the most ancient books of pedigrees. Wherein the Welshmen are too too curious, having amongst them continually certain registers of pedigrees, and discentes (which some call Hierhauts) 
Hierhauts  which perpetually do record in writing and memory the names of parents, with their children, contrivinge them into Tribes, as they were divided in old time. They think as well of themselves, as either the Frenchmen, the Turks, or Latins, deriving their original from the troyans. In these books (as I say) it is many times found, that this Island was called Prydain: as Paun post Prydain, that is to say: the cheefist Post or Pillar of Britain. A certain writer also, which wrote many hundredth years ago amongst the old valiant britains: showeth the same, besides that the Poetes, and those which they call Bardi, at this day do frequent commonly that word, as: Post Prydáin olh, Pride à nerth that is to say: the pillar of all Britain, the beauty and strength. Moreover it is usually found in all our books: Ynys Prydain, that is to say the Island of Britain, and Phrainc à Phrydain, that is: France, and Britain. Whereby, those that understand the tongue, may easily gather, that our britains called this Island Prydain in their language, which the Latins for the hardness, and evil sound thereof, have rejected, and have called the country Britannia, and the people Britanni, for the more gentle, and pleasant sounds sake. Which I will prove by these strong arguments following.  
Every british word (as we have said before,) whose first radical is PEA: hath three variations in construction, namely into B, PH, and MH. The name of Britain amongst us, sometime beginneth with B, sometime with PH, and sometime with MH. Wherefore the first radical thereof must needs be P. And another infallible argument thereiss, that B is not the first radical of that name. Theris no British word whose first radical letter is B: that abideth any change into PEA, or PH. But the name of Britain among the britains, (as the propriety of the tongue requireth) sometimes beginneth with PEA, sometime with PH, as I have showed before: wherefore the name of Britain hath not B, for his first radical letter. Neither is it necessary that we● should seek the derivation of this name from the greeks, since we may find the reason of it in our own tongue, wherein, almost, all names of men, and places: are of themselves significant. Pride, amongst us signifieth comeliness or beauty: Cain, signifieth white. So that by the joining of these two words together, & taking away C, in composition, for the better sounds sake: is made Prydain, that is to say, a white, or excellent beauty, or comeliness. As who should say, the first borderers thereto, called it a fair and fertile land. But, saying this is but a bore conjecture: I am not against it, but that every man hold his own opinion. Neither am I ignorant, that some very well learned men, and expert in the British tongue, do writ the Islands name with B. which I think they do, rather following therein the Latins, then judging the same to be the true name, knowing the proofs which I have before alleged to b● so undoubtedly certain, that themselves cannot deny them.  
Perhaps, here will stand forth some enemy to the British name: saying, that by these arguments, I do disprove both the coming of Brutus into this Island: and Polydorus himself, with his british history. But, god forbid, I should be so impious, in such wise to despise the majesty of Antiquity. Nay rather, when opportunity shallbe offered: I purpose to confirm, (by bringing forth many weighty reasons, and authorities, which I have ready in store for a British History) both his coming: and also to establish the credit of the British history. Nothing regarding the folly of those, who, because they find not the name of it in the Roman histories: boldly deny that there is any such in the world at all: saying, unto those that shall read Halicarnasseus, and Livius, so much disagreeing, and also considering the obscurity of the Latin name at that time, when Brutus passed out of Italy, into Greece: it shall easily appear, that through the default of writers, & negligence of such as wrote afterwards, (among whom Livius, even of the Romans themselves, is touched with want of trust) many things of greater importance than the departure of Brutus, are yielded to oblivion. And although Caesar call the britains 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, borne in the same country where they devil. And Diodorus siculus saith, that they were from the beginning: yet, do I believe that Brutus came into Britain with his train of troyans, and there took upon him the government of the ancient inhabitants, and of his own men, & thereof were called britains. For our countrymen unto this day, do call a Britain: Brituun, (which word cometh not from the ancient name of the Island Prydain, but from Brutus, the king) and our histories call the britains in the plural numbered Brytaniaid, and Brython, which words are derived from the name of Brutus. For, in derivation of words, our countrymen do often turn FIVE, into Y, the ignorance whereof: did very much trouble 
Leland.  my friend M. Leland.  
But because this, which we have said, touching the name of the Island, and the first inhabitants thereof, seemeth sufficient for our purpose: we will now entreat of other matters.  
Britain, which more rightly, how 
Division of Britain.  beit more strangely, aught to be called Prydain: is divided into three parts, Lhoegria, Albania, and Cambria. Lhoegria, is called of our countrymen (reserving as yet the old name) that same part of Britain, which being possessed by the English Saxons, & the juthi, peoples of Germany: is now of all nations called England. For, when Britain, by Maximus the Tyrant, was bereft of all the youth, a great part whereof was slain with him at Aquilaeia: the residue stoutly invaded, and possessed a part of France called Armorica, slaying, and driving thence the country dwellers. Whereby that country at this day, is called by the name of the Less, and the Continent Britain.  
And here I must not let pass with silence, that BEDE the Englishman, Volaterranus, and Polydorus Italians, were shamefully overseen, in saying that this Island took his name of that other, being evident to all men, that the same was termed Armorica, (which in our tongue is as much to say, upon the Sea) and this ours, Britannia. Neither was there ever any of the ancient britains, or Britons in France (so far as I know) before Sidonius Apollinaris, which lived a little after this migration, that left any remembrance of it.  
But in an Epistle to Vincentius, of Aruandus' secretary, which accused his Lord of high Treason, thus he writeth: This letter seemed to be sent to the king of Goths, or Gutland, diswading him from peace with the Emperor of Greece, and showing that the britains, upon Ligeris, aught to be set upon. So far he. But if, (as they dream) and also Coenalis, which hath erroneously followed them, the britains had possessed some part of France, before that time, and such a part, as should have been called Britain (as they do affirm impudently enough:) it should not have escaped unspoken of, of all the Roman writers, unto whom France was as well known as Italy. Howbeit our countrymen say, that the Cornishmen, and those were one nation, 
Cornishmen.  which both the kings names, being like in both countries, as: Conane, Meriadoc, (by which name a par: cell of Denbygh shire in North-wales is called to this day:) Hoel, Alane, Theodore, Rywallone, with divers other, and also the proper words, and names for all things almost one (although in their joining, and construction of speech they seem a little to differ, as it chanceth sometimes in one country:) do prove manifestly. Our countrymen call it in their mother tongue Lhydaw: which word seemeth to me to be derined from the Latin word Littus, signifying the shore, as who should say it were a country lying on the shore of France. For like as the Latins do change D. in all our words into T: even so our countrymen do turn their T, into D, and do always, in words which begin with L: writ them with aspiration, as: Lhadron, borrowing the word Latrones, from the Latins, that is to say in English thieves.  
But to return again, from whence we have digressed: when, as I have said before, the youth of Britain was lead by Maximus into France, & those that were left at home, were oppressed by the most cruel, and savage nations the redshanks and Scots: looking for no succour from the Romans, which were then otherwise busied, about the year of our Lord, 450. They called 
Saxons.  unto them the Saxons, which were then practising Piracy on the coasts of France, and Britain, & gave them wages to aid them. And whereas some writ, that before that time, the britains never knew the Saxons: it may appear to be false out of sundry Authors. For Claudianus, where he inveigheth against Eutropius, speaketh of them in these words: about the year of our Lord, 400.  

What I may do, since thou my prince hast been:  
Things not far hence can show, for Tethis doth begin,  
To wax more mild, since Saxons thou hast quailed. etc.   
Likewise, of the fort Consulship of Honorius:  The Orchades were wet, with blood of Saxons slain. 
And in another place, Britayn speaketh  

And me (she saith) with countries  
near about, who was destroyed  
Almost, defenced well hath Stilico.  
By whose help now it is, that Scottish wars I do not doubt,  
Ne do I dread the Picts, ne do I fear the Saxon rout,  
By standing on the shore, to see them come with doubtful winds. etc.   
Also Sidonius Apollinaris, which wrote about their coming into England: handsomely describeth their Piracy, in an Epistle to Lampridius.  

We may behold the wannish Saxons here,  
Used to the Sea before: to dread the shore.  
From of whose heads, where outward they appear  
Their bits content to hold not any more,  
The shires their tops of hear do clip, & shore  
So that their locks cut hard unto the skin:  
Do make their head decrease, but face to win.   
And in his Panegiricus unto Socer:  

But also the Amorick coast, the Saxons piracy  
Well hoped for▪ to whom, the British salts but play it was  
All naked, and with clouted boat, the graysh Sea, to pass.   
Moreover, Sextus Rufus. in his book de Notitia Provinciarum, of the knowledge of Provinces: speaketh of the Earl of the Saxon shore, along both the britains. These (I say) being sufficiently known to the britains before: they sent them against the Scots and redshanks, under the conduct of 
Hégischus.  one Hengischus. Whom, when they had overcome: they entered a Traitorous league with them, and like false men, turned their face against their masters. And having slain the whole nobility of Britain by craft, at Ambrose hill, and sending for aid from among the Englishmen, and juthj, being Germans: they usurped the same country which we call Lhoëgria. And after almost infinite battles: they drove the ancient inhabitants into the ends, and edges of the Island, and parted the same between themselves, dividing it into many kingdoms, namely Kent, the South Saxons, the Westsaxons, the Eastsaxons, East Englishmen, the kingdom of March (whom Lazius, a man very well learned, and well deserving of posterity: in vain seeketh for, in Germany, supposing the history of Bede to be written of the inhabitants of Germany, and not of England,) and Northumberland, which was also divided into twain, Bernicia, and Deira.  
Whose kings, being Pagans: destroyed with fire, and sword all Churches, Monasteries, and Libraries. And after that they had received Christianity, by Augustine the Monk: 
Augustine Monk.  they fought many battles, both among themselves, and against the britains. Until that, about the year of our 
Egbert.  Lord 620. Egbert king of the westsaxons, being made Monarch of all, began to rule alone, and first of all commanded that the country should be called England, and the people Englishmen. Englishmen were a very famous people of Germany, whereof the Captains, and chief of Saxony (as Crantzius reporteth) were long time called Captains of Anglaria. And there remaineth yet (as I have read) a Castle, where they sometime abode, termed now Engern, in the frontiers of Westphalia, between Osnabrugh, and Heruordia. Whereby it cometh, that our countrymen, retaining the first name: do call all Englishmen Saison, and their tongue Saissonaëg, and know not what this words England, or an Englishman meaneth. Shortly after, the Danes over came the Englishmen, & possessed this Land, until the year of the incarnate 
William bastard.  word, 1066: William bastard of Normandy, with his Normans, vanquishing both Englishmen, and Danes: usurped the country. From which stock almost the whole nobility of this Realm, unto this day, do fetch their descent.  
But let us return to Lhoëgr, which 
Lhoëgr.  in times past was environed with the British ocean, the rivers of Severne, Dee, and Humber, but now, since the Realm of England stretchefoorth beyond Humber to Twede: we will also stretch forth the name of Lhoëgr so far. And although the Englishmen do possess beyond Severn, Hereford shire, the Forest of Deane, and many other places: yet we hold, that they devil in Wales, not in Lhëogr, and are taken almost every where of all other Englishmen for Welshmen. But the river Dee, is accounted at this day one of the ancient bonds, saving that in certain places, both the people & the welsh tongue have encroached more into England.  
These things being thus presupposed: let us now descend, to the particulared escription of Lhoëgr, or England. In which the country called Cantium of the Romans, of our countrymen Caint, of Englishmen Kent: cometh 
Kent.  first unto our view. From whence there is but a narrow cut over into France, to the haven Gessoriacus, which is now termed Bollen, as S. Rhenanus gathereth out of the ancient Chart of warly descriptions. And not only Marcellinus, amongst the old writers, speaketh of the sea town of Bollen, in the life of julian the Emperor: but also in his Panegiricus, called Constantinus, the son of Constantius: these are found: Constantinus, the father being made Emperor, at his first coming, with an innumerable fleet of enemies, penned out the fierce ocean, & environed th'army, which lay upon the shore of the town Bollen, etc. Coenalis affirmeth, the haven Gessoriacus, is Caslete of Flanders, which town standing upon the top of an high hill, xiv. miles from the Sea: sufficiently declareth the author's unskilfulness.  
And, I take Iccius to be the same haven, which now they term Caletum, for Calitium Calais., But I cannot agreed 
Calais.  with those, which make Selusas of Flaunders, to be Iccius, being unlike, that the Romans would have used so long a course by Sea, when they might have passed over sooner, & more commediously, from that place. There were in Kent, in old time: three famous Ports, well known to the Romans: Doris, Rhutupis, and Lemanis Doris,. undoubtedly is the same, which both Englishmen, and britains, reserving the ancient name, at this day do call Dover. For we call Water, 
Dover.  Dour, or Duúr. And I am not ignorant, that the Dovarians stoutly defend, that their town, heretofore was called Rutupium, and that Arviragus king of britains, builded there a noble Castle. Yet. I had rather give credit to Antoninus, who speaketh of both. And I suppose, that to be Rutupium, which of the Englishmen is called Repcestre, nigh Sandwiche, not far from the isle of Thanat. For that I land we call: 
Thanat.  Ynys Rhuochym, as much to say: Rutupina, whereof the shore deserved to be termed Rutupinum, and the port Rutupis. Lemanis, or as some call it Linienus, is that River which is now called amongst the Englishmen: Rotler, 
Rotler.  and floweth into the ocean sea, nigh Apuldore. Moreover besides 
Rye and Wynchel▪ sea.  these famous Ports: are Rye, and Wynchelsea, two towns, & farther within the main land Durobrevis, and Durovernum, the same Englishmen do call Cantorbury, that is to say: 
Cantorburie.  the court of the Kentyshmen, and with us Caërgant, and is chief Metropolitant Sea of all England, and Wales. The t'other is termed Rofcester. But Antoninus placeth Vagniacum, between London, and Dorovernum, & between that and Durovernum: Durolernum, but what names they have, at this day: I am not altogether ignorant. Howbeit, it is manifest, that these towns took their names of Water, which is Duur in British, and Duriverne amongst us: plainly signifieth water which floweth out of a place where Alders grow.  
Whereby I am persuaded, that the same town in times passed thereof obtained his name.  
But, before I departed forth of Kent: I must briefly touch that great Would, whereof both British, and English writers have spoken. The britains call it Coëd Andred, but the Englishmen Andedreswald. And Huntingdon affirmeth, that it containeth in length: one hundredth and twenty miles, and in breadth thirty miles, and that the worthy city called Caër Andred, and Andredecester stood therein, which Dalla, king of the Southsaxons, utterly overthrew, so that there remaineth no token, nor rubbish thereof. The Kentishmen, and Southsaxons to this day do call a place, where Wood hath been, Walden, 
Walden.  not knowing for all that, whence the word is derived. When others, but falsely call it Welden, others Wylden. For the English Saxons call a Wood Walden, as the Germans do now term a plain without trees Wolden, as in these words: Cottiswolden, and Pork wolden it appeareth. Next unto the Kentishmen, on the Southside of the Thames: are those, which in times past were the second kingdom of Southsaxsons, and were termed Southsaxon, but is now divided into two shires, Southsex, and Southtrey. And I am of belief, that Neomaguin was their City, where 
Gylford. Chichester.  Gylford now standeth. Chichester, the chiefest City of Southsaxons, was called Caërceri in British. After these come the Atrabates, which now are called the people of Barkshyre, whose principal City in old time, was called 
Walingford.  Caleva, but now Walyngford. Wherein I cannot consent to those, which call Oxford, Caleva, standing on the North shore of the Thames. There is also a village named Cilcester, not far from Basinge, which before time was called Caërsegent, and Segontium of the Romans. Antoninus, also mentioneth Pontium, which appeareth now to be called 
Reading. Spynhanland nigh Neuberi. Neubery.  Reading. Thantique name of Spinae which signifieth thorns, continueth to this day in the one side of Neubery, which is as much to say: as New court.  
From whence, a good way of, upon the river Cunetio: standeth a famous City called Cunetio by the Romans, but 
Marlborow.  now Marlborow. Between these, and the Sea: lie the Simeni, whose Metropolitan or chief City is Venta, which in fore times was a City of great renown, and of the britains called Caërwynt, 
Wynchester.  of the Englishmen Wynchester. And at the Sea, there is the great port, called now Portesmouth, at whose 
Portsmouth. Portchester Southampton. The wight  mouth there standeth a City, called of old Caërperis, but now Portchester. Also Tris Antonis, an haven, now South hampton, retaining the old name.  
Over against these: lieth the isle of Wight, celebrated by the ancient Roman writers, and first subdued by Vespasian. The same is in length. xx. miles, and. x. in breadth, in form like to an egg, in some places seven miles distant from the main shore, and in others but twain. It hath very rough, and craggy Cliffs, it is very plentiful of Corne. The chiefest and only market town of all the Island: is Newport. There is also a Castle called 
Newport.  Caërbro, that is to say, the tract for 
Caërbro Castle.  Nets, expressing the british antiquity. The Westsaxons when they had driven away the britains, added the same to their dominion, until Cadwalla, a britain, having slain Aruald: recovered it to himself. Englishmen call it the Wight, britains term it Gwydh, which in our tongue signifieth, perspicuous, or easy to be seen, as: Gwydhgruc, that is to say, a perspicuous heap, Gwydhfa, a perspicuous place, by which term, the most highest Mountain of all Britain, in Carnaruanshyre is called. The inhabitants of this Island are wont to glory, that their country is destitute of three great discommodities, that are found in other countries, to wit, Foxes, begging Friars, and Lawyers. They are under the precinct, and diocese of Southampton. By the same Sea shore along, follow the Severiani, called now the inhabitants of Wylshyre, whose chief city is Caërseverus, called also Caër C●radoc, and now by Englishmen Sarysbury. 
Sarisbury.  Twixt these is S. Ambrose hill, celebrated by reason of the slaughter of the Nobility of Britain there committed. Also Shafts bury known of old to the britains, by the name of Caërbaladin, and Caërsepton. At the Westside of th●se lie the Durotriges, called of us Durugueir, of the Englishmen Dorsetshyre men. From whence more westerly are the Damnonij, we call them at this day: Dyfynnaint, which signifieth deep, & narrow valleys, & not of the Danes, as some affirm. These are called in English Devonshyremen: and they lie between two Seas, the Severn, and the British ocean. Their principal City is Isca, called also AUGUSTA, before time, Caërwisk, of the water passing buy, but now of the Englishmen, Excestre. 
Excester.  Howbeit I know well enough, that some affirm that before it was called by the old britains, Penuchelgoëd.  
Last of all cometh Cornavia, of the 
Cornwall.  inhabitants, and our countrymen, called Cernico, of Englishmen Cornwall. Here it is to be noted, that the Saxons did thr●st the Relics of the ancient britains into those straits. Who, because they used the british tongue, which the Saxons understood not: they termed them Cornwalas, that is to say Welshmen of Cornavia, or Cornwall, as they called also our countrymen Welsh britains, after the Germane guise. This is the true Etymology, or cause of the name, and farewell to them, which pleasing themselves in the invention of the name: do call it Cornu Galliae, to say, an horn of France, wherein Polydorus, as in other things also: uttereth his ignorance. As for mine opinion: very ancient books do confirm it, written in the saxon tongue, and the name also, whereby those, which inhabit the country: do usually call it. They speak the British language, & all their words almost, are found like unto ours, but that they differ sumdeale in construction of speech. The promontory of Cornavia, now Cornwall, is famous amongst our countrymen, commonly called Penrhyngwaed, that is to say: the promontory of blood, which I suppose to be called of Ptolomaeus: Antivestaeum. Beyond the Damnonijs, or Devonshire men, nigh the course of Severn: lieth sometime the region of Murotriges, we call it Guladyr haf, Englishmen: Somersetshyre, where are many notable ancient places seen, as the Mounts of Caërmalet, otherwise called Camalet.  
There standeth also Iscalis, now Ilcester, 
Ilcester.  and the Isle of Auolonia, whose City is Venta, now Brystow, but in antic time the britains called it Caër oder yn Nant Badon, that is to say, the City Odera, in the valley of Badon. Another town of the Belgae, with Ptolomaeus, Aquae Calidae, that is of hot water, with Antoninus, Aquae Solis, of water of the Sun, the Britain's call it 
Bath.  Caërbadon, the Englishmen Bath, and is very renowned for wholesome Baths 
Commendation of the Baths at Bath.  of hot waters. Of which thing I am a most certain witness. For when as by the stroke of an horse which I had caught at milan in Italy, I was grievously pained with the Sciatica, continually the space of one whole year, and having assayed the help of many excellently learned Physicians, was nothing the better: I used these Baths, but only six days, and was restored to my former health. Between these, and the Thames head: were the Dobuni, now Claudianis, whose chief town in old time was called Corinium, of the britains Caër Cory, the English 
Cicester. Gloucester.  men now term it Cycestre. And Claudia, commonly called Gloucester, a famous City standing upon Severn, the head of all the shire: I suppose not to have been known to the Romans, but was afterward (as Gyldas reporteth) builded by Glovy a Britain, who, after that the Romans were driven thence: reigned there, and not so named by Claudius Caesar, as hereafter shall be shown. In the same shire also, standeth Malmesbury, called before time 
Malmsbury.  Caërbladhon. These shires do make the third Kingdom of Saxons, in Britain, which they call Westsaxons: whose king was Egbert, who 
Egbert.  having subdued all the other: first of the Germans, obtained the Monarchy of Lhoëgr.  
Thus having described the countries, that lie on the Southside of the Thames: let us now come to the other in order.  
And first over against Kent, on the other side of the Thames: lie the trinovants, whose prince was Mandubratius, 
Mandubra tius.  or as other writ Androgorius, our countrymen call him Aud●wy, the same sent for Caesar into Britain, and when he was come: assisted him with his power, and followed him into Italy, and Thessaly. Their chief City 
The foundation of London.  was builded by Brutus, and was called Troynewith, that is to say, New Troy, howbeit there be some which call it Trenovantum, because Tre, signifieth in British, a Town. But afterward it was called of Belus, which dwelled there: Dinas Beli, that is to say Belinus, Palace or Court. Last of all, of Lud, brother to Caswallane, which wonderfully adorned it with beautiful buildings: it began to be called Caërludd, and Lhundain, that is to say Luds City, and also London. And I am not ignorant, how Polydorus seeketh Trinovantum about Northampton, but the authority of sacred antiquity is of more force with me, than any bore conjecture of a strange, and unknown person. We yield these names to London, although Ptolomaeus lay them nearer to the Thames, & the negligence of the Transcribers hath called London a City of Kent. And Marius Niger: afterward the other part of the great bosom, for the other side the Trinovamtes do hold, into the middle whereof, the River Thames doth flow. Polydorus Virgilius the Vrbinate, goeth about to prove out of Tacitus by arguments of little force, that the Trinobantes, are Inland people, when as his reasons seem to próove the contrary. For where as he sayeth: if the Trinobantes had been nigh London, Suetonius should have had no self passage thither: Nay rather Polydorus, if it had been in the midst of the Island, it had been harder for him to have come to London, through the thickest of his enemies, for his way lay through them from the Isle of Anglesey, from whence he came. Wherefore it is more likely, that the Trinobantes, were inhabitants of Essex, as all, saving a few obscure, and unknown writers do affirm. Who suppose, that with the Iceni their neigh bours, which now be the people of Norfolk and Nordovolke, they had conspired the death of the Romans, and had spoiled with ●●er, & sword, all that ever was in their way unto Verolanun, s●ayinge threescore and ten thousand Romans, and were returned back again self, and sound, before Suetonius coming, as Tacitus avoucheth. And that their rage extended not unto London: the cause was, as the same author reporteth, for that London was a Colony of the Romans, and a great mart city of theirs, famous for plenty of travailers, which resorted thither for tra●aque of Merchandise, abounding with victual, and stoutly defensed with munition, and garrisons against all adventures, as all men do know. Hereby it appeareth, how weak Polydorus arguments be, especially who so well knoweth that part of England, and that London was the City Trinovantum, which was afterward called Augusta, as Marcellinus reporteth.  
With these reasons being sufficiently instructed: I say, that the Trinobantes inhabited that part of Britain, which after the coming of Saxons: made up their fourth kingdom, which they called Eastsaxons, and another called Midlesaxons, whose principal city is London at this day, which sometime was under the kings of the Mercij, or March. Ptolomaeus mentioneth another besides this city Trinovantum, called Camudolanum, which I take to be all one with Camalodunum, as I judge by reading Roman histories, although Ptolomaeus speaketh of Camalodunum, for it stood not far from the Thames, and was by Claudius appointed the first Colony of the Romans, and not near the brigants, as Polydorus, much less in Scotland, as Boethius dreameth. And for the more plainness hereof: I think it good to bring forth the words of Dion, who had been sometime Consul Claudius,. after that he had received the message: forthwith committed the matters appertaining to the city, and the Souldieurs: to Vitellius his college, (whose consulship, as also his own he had prorogued for six months longer) himself departed from Rome to Ostia, where he took ship, and arrived at Massilia, and taking the residue of his journey, partly by land, and partly by water: came too the ocean, and passed over into Britain, and came to his army which lay by the Thames, looking for him. Whom when he had received in charge: he went over the Water, with certain Barbarians, which drew to him at his coming, ●e spread his Banners, fought, and obtained the victory, and wan Camalodunum, the regal seat of Cynobellinus, and took many prisoners, partly by force, & partly by yielding. Hereby it appeareth eviuidently, that Camalodunum standeth not far from the Thames, in which place Ptolomaeus placeth Camudolanun. And I suppose, that this was the Colony of Claudius Cesar, famous for the church, which they call now Colchestre, the old name 
Colchestre.  being made, as I think, by joining the water, and the Church together, a common custom among the britains, as Henlhan, that is an old Church, Lhanelwy, a Church standing upon the river Elguen or the Church Elguen, which the Englishmen and Bishops now a days, call (but not well) the See of S. Asaphe. Besides an infinite numbered more, whereby I am persuaded, that those places, which in Latin begin, or end in these terminations Lan, or Lam: were of old so termed of Churches, in the British tongue. Moreover, out of this place of Dion, it is gathered, how much a man without shame, that Polydorus virgillius is, who doubteth not to affirm, 
Polidorus reproved.  that Claudius Caesar, vanquished the britains without any battle, & most imputently calleth them dastards, whom Caesar himself, Tacitus, Dion, & Herodian: term by these names, most warlike, cruel, bloodthirsty, impatient both of Bondage, & injuries. But an infamous beggage groom, full fraught with envy, & hatred, what dareth he not do, or say? I omit his schoolmaster Boethius, who, besides these lies, speaketh of a mighty war, which Claudius made upon the people of the Orchades, affirming the same to be true, too too impudently. For thou mayst easily judge (good reader) how much Land and Sea, the Roman Emperor with a great army, could march over in xuj. days only, during which time he abode in Britain, when Tacitus also, a most faithful writer, affirmeth, that in the first years of Agricola: the Island of Britain was known, and the Isles called Orchades were 
Orchades.  then unknown, but first found out, and subdued by him. This, Dion testifieth to be true, in the life of Titus the Emperor, neither speaketh Suetonius against it, where he sayeth, that Claudius tarried in Britain but a very few days. Howbeit Eutropius, and after him Orosius, seem to think otherwise, not knowing exactly, how far distant the Orchades be from Kent. But since reason, and truth, certainly persuade us to the contrary: let us stick unto them, as unto two most faithful guides, neglecting the judgement of Polydorus, with his Hector. Next to the trinovants: were the Iceni, whom I suppose to have inhabited that region, which maketh the fift kingdom of Germans, which is the East Englismen, and their city Venta, which now of the Englishmen is called Northwe●. And I am privy also, 
Northwey  that there are thought to be other Iceni in the West, but I think it more probable, that these Iceni are put for Tigeni, of whom I will speak hereafter. And the kingdom of East Englishmen: comprehended not only the Iceni, but also Cambridgshyre, whose chief city in old time, the britains called 
Grantcester.  Caërgrawnt, the Englishmen Grantcester, of the water that passeth buy, but now corruptly is commonly called 
Cambridge.  Cambridge, and is a noble University, wherein flourisheth all good learning. 
I'll of willows.  Not far of is the Isle of Wyllowes, not of Eels as some have wroten. For Helig in the British tongue signifieth Wyllow trees, wherewith those Fens do abound. All these, in fore times were called Girui. joining to these are the Parisi, whose chief City Pettuaria: is now begun to be called 
Peterborow.  Peterborow.  
Beyond the Mydland Saxons, west ward: were the Catychlauni, now Hertfordshyremen, and Buckynghanshyremen, on the Hill, whose Cities are Salinae, and Verolanum, whereof this last, took name of a river Were, for before time it was called in British Guernhan that is to say, a Church standing upon the River Ver, afterward Caër Municip, because it was a municipin, or incorporate Town belonging to the Romans, Englishmen term it Verlamcester, and Watlyngchester. This 
Watling-chester.  City was destroyed, through the rage of the Saxons, how be it there remain the tokens, and foundations of the Walls to this day, near to S. Albans Church, on the other side of the water. But, where as some do think, that the Thames sometime ran that way: it is to be laughed at. Howbeit, it is certain, that there was a great standing water hard by the City walls, where now are pleasant flourishing Meadows in which, as I am informed: there was an Anchor of a ship found of late, whereby, and also by the corrupt copy of Gyldas, that conjecture is risen. After these, come the Oxfordeshyremen, on the North side of the Thames, whose City is called by Englishmen Oxenford, our countrymen term it Rhyd 
Oxenford.  ychen, that is to say, the Ford of Oxen, but what name it had in old time, it is altogether unknown. Yet some affirm, that it is Caër Vortigeru, that is, Vortigers City, and by him builded, whereto I cannot agreed. For Gyldas writeth, that the same City was builded in the West part of the Island, and I think it be in the kingdom of Wales, being called now after his name Gurthronion, Our friend M. Leland the antiquary, earnestly defendeth, that it should be called Ouseford, that is to say, the Ford of Isis, against whom as one having very well deserved of the britains, and much exercised in ancient Histories: I dare not contend. For it is certain, that it standeth upon Isis, and that tract of time corrupteth the names of many places: it is also evident. But whatsoever name it had at the beginning: it hath a very beautiful, 
A worthy commendation of Oxford.  and healthsome situation, and a country which ministereth allthings necessary abundantly, and a most famous school of all good learning, as all do confess, which have seen the other Universities of Europe. Not far from this City, stood Caërdor, so called of the Romans, a City not unknown to the Englishmen, a Bishops see, now called Dorchester, whereas the Thames 
Dorchester  dischargeth himself into Isis, from whence the name of Tamesis, the Thames proceedeth. Towards the North be the Buckynghamshyremen, and beneath them the Bedfordshyremen, and more northerly the Huntyngtonshiremen, whose ancient names are not known. After these are the Lincolnshyremen, of old Coritani, so far as the river Trent, the britains in old time called it Caërludcoy, the Romans Lindum, the Englishmen Lindecolyn, 
Lincoln.  and at this day Lincoln. Notwithstanding, afterward, the Normans called it corruptly Nychol, as I have many times noted in ancient charters, and records of the Earls thereof, written in the French tongue, and all that Province was called Lyndesey. Next 
Leycester.  unto these at Trent, be the Leycestershyremen, so called of Leicestre, which in old time were called Caërbier. At the South: appear the Northampton shyremen, so called of the River avon which cometh along by the Town, 
avon.  for AVON in British signifieth a River, and the Saxons hearing the britains so term Rivers: supposed that it had been the proper names thereof, whereby it came to pass that many notable Rivers in England were called by that name. After these, at the West: follow the Warwickshiremen, whose principal City Caër Wythelin, was founded by Guythelnius, a King of Britain, afterward of the Roman legions which went no farther: Caërlheon, lastly of a noble Britain, which beautified it with many fair buildings: Caërgwayr, and of the Englishmen is called Warwick. Next after these are 
Warwik  the Staffordshiremen, amongst whom is Lychfeild a Bishops See, that is to 
Lichfeild.  say, the Field of dead folk. For the Northern Englishmen, call death: Lych and the unlucky night Ravens, Lych●oules. Some affirm that here, not in Legancestre, Etheldrede king of Northumberlande, most cruelly slew two thousand Monks, of the famous Monastery of Banchor, men excellently learned, and such as (contrary to the custom of others) got their living with travail of their own hands.  
Which bloody war he would never 
An horrible fact of Augustine's the Monks.  have begun, had it not been at the motion of that blood thirty Monk, whom they call Augustine. The cause was, for that in some points, they seamed to disagree from the Church of Rome, and refused to be under the jurisdiction of the archbishop of Cantorbury, having already of their own the Archbishop of Legion. This was the chearitie, and religion of that man, to make away such good, & godly men as could not abide his intolerable pride. But touching these matters: godwilling, we will speak in another place.  
On the otherside of Warwykeshyre, are the Worcestershyremen, next to the Dobani, their City Vigornia, was of old time called of the Romans BRANGONIA, of the britains to this day Caër Vrangon, and of the Englishmen is commonly called Worcestre, 
Worcester.  and is builded at the East side of Severn. Where is to be noted, that all the greater Cities, that lie upon the East shore of the Rivers, Severn, and Dee: were builded to resist the eruptions of the britains into Lhoëgr, that is England: like as the Romans erected many notable Cities, on the West shore of the rhine, to restrain the forcible invasions of the Germans into France.  
Adjoining unto these are the Shropshyremen, whose ancient City is Vricovium, called afterward of the Englishmen Wrekecestre, and short 
Wroxcestre.  Wroxcestre, all raised down to the ground in the Saxon war, from whose relics four miles of: lieth Salopia, the head City of all the shire, notable for two Bridges, and almost compassed with the Severn. The same in old time was called Pengwern, that is to say, the head of a place where Alders grow, and was the seat of the Kings of Powyse, from whence the English name Schreusbury is derived, although I remember, that in ancient records, 
Schreusburie.  I read it termed Salopsbury, and Slopesbury. Our countrymen call it Ymwythig at this day. Next after these are the Devani, or Cheshyremen upon the River Dee, where as be certain Wells out of whose liquor: very good, & pure White Salt is sodden.  
Besides the City itself, famous for the Roman monuments therein, which by reason that the Roman Legions wintered there: is called by the britains at this day Caër Lheon are ddourdwy, that is to say, the City of Legions, upon the River Dee, for difference sake betwixt that, and another of that name upon the river Osca. It appeareth out of Antoninus, that the same, in times paste was called in Latin Deva, of the river which we term Dourdowy, to say, the water of Dee. The Englishmen call it Legancestre, and afterward clipping 
Chester.  the name shorter: called it Chester, and the Citizens do glory, that they have the body of Henry the fourth Emperor, whom they affirm to have yielded up the Empire, and have betaken himself to an hermits life.  
And so are they likewise persuaded of Herald, who was the last king of the Danish blood.  
Moore East from these are the Doruentani, now Derbishyremen, so termed of their cheifcitie Dwrguent, which is as much to say, as, white Water All these shires, and conventes, with a great part of Wales, as far as the renowned ditch of King Offa, (of which we will speak hereafter) made up the sixth kingdom of English Saxons in Britain, which of the river Merse was called the kingdom of Mercij, or March.  
Here now I cannot sufficiently marvel, how Wolfangus Lazius, a man excellently learned, and very well deserved of all that be studious of antiquity, in his great work of the Migration of nations, should be so much deceived, as to say that the Mertij, or people of March, were Marcomanni, and the their kings Penda, Offa, with all the rest: reigned in the lower Germany. Being most evident in all histories, that there was never any such kingdom there, and that these kings & peoples, whom he affirmeth to have dwelled in Germany: inhabited that country of Britain, which we now describe. Likewise, while he endeavoureth to link together, the discentes, and pedigrees of the Norman blood of the kings of England: he handleth them so confusely, & so far besides truth that it seemeth he never read, either the names, or order, or deeds of the kings: but it is rather likely, that he learned than by hearsay of some babbling unlearned fool, that had no regard of his good same, or honesty. As another hath ●oone of late days, a man famously learned in the Mathematics, in his Geographical chart of this Island.  
And besides these, Hieromus Ruscellus, in his Ptolomaeus lately printed at Venice, while he goeth about to set forth new names, correspondent to the old: confoundeth places an hundredth miles distant one from another, namely 
A foul error.  Colchester, and Wynchester. Neither in other places are his gheasses any thing more certain, wherefore, I exhort men not to trust him in this behalf. There remaineth the seventh, and last kingdom of Saxons in England, which they termed Nordan Humbrorum, because it standeth at the Northecoast of Humber. The same was afterward divided into two kingdoms, of the Deers, and Bernices. The kingdom of Deera, contained all the country from Humbre, and Trent: to the River Tyssa. Bernicia, reached from Tyssa, to the Scottish Sea, which they call now Fyrthew, the britains term this same Brennich, & the other Deifyr. The inhabitants of this region, especially south ward: are called Snotyngomenses, but now most commonly Notingamshiremen.  
Next unto these are Yorkeshyremen, who, of the Romans were called brigants, of whom Tacitus writeth thus. Petilius Caerealis, fought many battles whereof some were not unbloody, against the City of the brigants, which is reported to be the place of resort to the whole populous province, and obtained a great part of the brigants, either by victory, or else by fight. All these, the lying champion of the scottish name, Hector Boëthius, sticketh, not to put into his Gallovidia, and to prove the same by arguments, gathered out of Ptolomaeus, and Tacitus.  
But how much Ptolomaeus was deceived, trusting to the report of others, in describing the length, and breadth of places in Britain: (for he writeth, that Scotland lieth forth to the East, & that the farthest Promontory thereof is viij. degrees more Easterly, than any place of England, which in this paralelle do make about 240 miles, which is altogether untrue, seeing England standeth more to the East, then Scotlande ●●the,) is as clear, as day light to all those that have tasted of Cosmography. But Ptolomaeus is to be pardoned, being 
Ptolomaeus excused.  an Egyptian borne, and excellently well learned in Mathematicals, who hath done the best he could, but not foolish and impudent Boëthius, borne, and brought up no farther of, than Scotland. He speaketh thus of Tacitus, that he being a grave author, affirmeth, that the brigants, were a Spanish brood, dwelling in a far corner of Britain, farther than any durst avouch, that at his time the britains had passed. O impudent face, where about did Tacitus speak thus of the brigants?  
He seemeth to derive the Siluri, by a colour from the Spanish brood, because they lie over against Spain, Gallovida, is farther from Spain then any Region of England, or Wales.  
And that in Tacitus time, the brigants were first known to the Romans: I confess it, but he findeth it not in Tacitus, and not mindful of himself, (as it behoveth a liar to be) he calleth not to remembrance, that he wrote in another place, that Claudius the Emperor, adjoined also unto his Empire the Orchades, which lie beyond Scotland. But let us bid faithless Hector a dieu, and let us now also, see what the ancient writers have written of the brigants. Ptolomaeus, reciteth the Cities 
Cities of the brigants.  of brigants: Eboracum, Epiacum, Calatum, Bimonium, Caturactonium, Rhigodunum, Isurium, Olicana, with others. All men know that Eboracum, is that City which the britains call Caër Efroc, the Englishmen Euerwyke, and now short York. Of the rest we do 
York.  but conjecture, as Bimonium to be Bincestre, Calatum, which Antoninus, and Bede call Calcaria: to be Helicastre, now Tadcastre. Rhigodunum: Rippon, and Olicana Haligfex.: And that Isurium is called Aldburg. There was never any man that dreamt, that these Cities were in Scotland. But Antoninus ascribeth them to the Brigants, & placeth them in the way which leadeth to London from the Ually Praetorium, for that there was a valley from the river Soluathianus, to the mouth of Tine: all do know. I conclude therefore, that it is impossible, that the Brigants were ever in Scotland. In so much, that the remembrance of this name, remaineth until this day, amongst us. For when we see any man not duly obeying laws & commandments, him we call Chwaret Brigans, that is to say, one that playeth the Brigant. And like as they were rebels, against the people of Rome: so doth he contemn the laws of Magistrates, and of Elders. And surely I am of belief, that all Deera, before time was called Brigantia. Ptolomaeus, placeth the Vernicones, and Taiazalos, between the Rivers Tine, and Tweed. This country alonely now, refayneth the name of Northumberland, when all 
Northumberland.  the region before time, from that river, to the Scotish Sea: was called by that name. For there is no river in all Britain that hath the name of Humbre, but only the water, into whom many notable streams do flow. Whereby our friend M. Leland, not with out good cause supposed that the same should be called Aber, which among the britains signifieth an arm of the Sea, either swiftness, or fall of any water, either into the Sea: as Aberconwy, Abertivi, Abertawy, that is to say, the mouth of Conway, Tibius, and Tobius: or into some great River, as Aber hodni, Abergevenni, to say the fall of Hodnus, and Gevenus into Osca. Moreover, we call mouths, and entrances of Rivers: Aber, without adding any thing more thereto: as in Carnaruanshyre, between Conovium, and Banchorium, in the same manner, so that I think Aber, to signify as much as Aestus doth, which is the rage, fall, or force of Water, as is most agreeable with Ptolomaeus. Above these, were the Damnijs, whose chief City Antoninus maketh Vandagora to be, not far from the valley Ofdam, whereby I conjecture, that they be those, which we call now Westmerlandshyremen.  
The Selgovij, and Otadeni in times 
Westmoreland.  past, inhabited Cumberland. At the very brim of the Uallie, standeth a most ancient city, Ptolomeus calleth it Lucopibia: Antoninus, Luguballia, the britains, and Englishmen, term it Caerloyl, and it standeth in the Frontirs of the Novantes. Not far from this City, as Malmsburiensis reporteth, there was a Stone found with this inscription: In token of Marius' victory, which token of triumph: I suppose to have been erected by Meurigus, (whom some of the Romans have termed more aptly Arviragus, othersome Marius) in token that the redshanks were there vanquished, Rodericus 
Readshaks vanquished.  being their king, which at that season, as the Saxons did, exercised Piracy in our Seas, until at length one part of them settled in Albania, and other in France. And it is well known, that these countries, together, with Gallovidia, so far as the River Cluda, unto the year of our Lord 870, were in the britains possession, at what time being by the Scots, Danes, and Englishmen disquieted, with many battles, and in the end their king Constantinus slain, at Lochmaba in Anandra: they were enforced to return into Wales to their countrymen, and driving away the English Saxons: forcibly challenged to themselves the greater part of the country which lieth twixt Conway, and the water of Dee, which they possessed, and there appointed a kingdom, which of the river Cluda, on whose shore they dwelled: is of our countrymen called Struteluyd, of Marianus Scotus corruptly Streadiylead of the Wallanes. They had many conflicts against the kings of England, as the same author reporteth, until at length their last king dying at Rome: they submitted themselves to the princes of Gwynedh. This Marianus, the chiefest historiographer of his time: one of late hath caused to set forth in Print, being imperfect, and lacking the better part, of set purpose as himself confesseth, because of the ambiguity of the British History. In like manner Sleydan, while he turneth his abbridgement of Frossard into Latin, being too too much partial to the frenchmen: either overpasseth with silence the most noble & valiant deeds of the Englishmen: or variing from his author, reporteth them otherwise then Frossard hath written. Wherefore me seemeth, that the saying of Martial the Poet very well agreeth with them.  

That which now thou dost turn,  
O Fidentine: the book is mine.  
But when thou turnest him ill:  
then he begins for to be thine.   
But this much by the way.  
The last of the Northumberlandshyremen, and almost of all Lhoëgr: follow the inhabitants of Lancashyre to be entreated of, whom the river called of the Englishmen Merssee: divideth from the Kingdom of March, 
Kingdom of March.  of whom the kingdom of March in England was so called. It is soon proved out of Ptolomaeus, that these were called Ordovici, in old time.  
For the Ordovici (saith he,) lie more south-west, than the brigants do.  
Since therefore, that Yorkeshyre is the kingdom of brigants: in vain with Boethius, we seek them in Scotland, and much more in Norfolk with Polydorus. Wherefore renouncing these fables: for my part, I am persuaded, that the ORDOVICI, are not only the Lancas hyremen: but also the Devani, or Cheshyremen, and Shrops hyremen, being recompted of Tacitus for a great City. In this 
A City.  place I call a City as Caesar doth, an whole convent, or kingdom. For look how many Cities there are: so many kingdoms in old time were in Britain, which severally waging battle against the Romans: were all the sooner overcummen. Among the Cities of these kingdoms: Ptolomaeus reciteth Mediolanum, called now 
Lancastre,  Lancastre. Mancunium as appeareth out of Antoninus: is called Manchestre. Their king in times past was Cataracus, 
Manchester  whose fame was known above the Skies, who, the space of nine continual years: very much molested the Romans with War, at length was taken by treason of a Woman, and led to Rome in triumph. And Claudius the Emperor, deserved no less praise for vanquishing Cataracus: then did Scipio for Syphax, or Lucius Paulus, for Perses, as Tacitus writeth, two most puissant kings, brought home in show to the people of Rome.  
And here can I not marvel enough what came in mind to that Boëthius, not the Trojan, but the Scot for.  

Alas? what one was he, how far  
from that same Hector? sore  
He changed was, that in Achilles'  
spoils, came home before.   
Impudently to affirm, that he was a Scot, seeing that there was no such nation at that time in the world. But if there were: it was so enfolded in darkness, that it was unknown to the Romans, and britains, or as, Haymo Armenius writeth of a certain nation: it had so bleared the eyes of all peoples, and countries, that the Scots were invisibly conversant between the Romans, and britains. Polydorus also writeth, that he was king of the Ordulacae, when neither Tacitus, nor Ptolomaeus mentioneth the same, but 
Ann. lib. 12  of the Ordovici. And Tacitus reporteth that he was not only governor of the Ordovici: but also of the Siluri. Which Siluri dwelled not in Scotland, 
Siluri.  but in South-Wales, as in another place it shallbe proved more plainly. And I remember very well, that a few years ago, when I was in the frontirs of Shrops hire with others, about certain business of my Lords, the right honoble Earl of Arundel, where some part of his inheritance lieth: I chanced to fall into the view of a place, exceedingly well fortified, both by nature, & art. The situation whereof, was upon the top of an high hill, environed with a triple ditch of great depth. There were. iij. gates, not directly but a shoshe the one against the other, and on three sides, steep headlong places, and compassed with two Rivers, on the lift hand with Colun, or Clun, on the right with Themis, which our countrymen call Tevidia, and accessible, but on the one side thereof.  
These things when I beheld: I understood by the inhabitants that this place was called Caër Caradoc, that is to say, the city Caradoc, and that there have been many fierce battles fought there, against a certain king called Caradoc who at last was vanquished, and taken of his enemies. For our countrymen ca● not only walled Cities, & towns, but also all manner places which are entrenched, and walled: by the name Caër, as I will prove afterward by example of many, & divers places of Wales. Wherefore, when I perceived that this place was within the confines of the Siluri, & the Ordovici, (for it is scarce two miles distant from Colun, or Clun castle, which is 
Colun castle.  the patrimony & inheritance of the most noble and ancient family of Fytz Alanes in England:) & that it so agreed in all points with the description of Tacitus, that nothing could be wanting: I dare boldly affirm, that this is the very self same place, in which Ostorius contended with Cataracus in battle, & vanquished him, from whence flying, & putting himself in trust to the faith, & creditie of Cartimandua, the queen of brigants: was by her betrayed. Moreover, that name of Cataracus is at this day so peculiar to the welshmen: that many princes, & noble men, are called by that name, amongst whom, at that time, Trahernus the son of Caradoc, ruled North-wales: Fleanchus, (as the Scots say) son to Banguho, after that king Macabaeus had slain his father: by flight escaped into Wales, on whose daughter by secret access, (but infortunate, and miserable to the parents) he begat Walter, who was the first of 
Stuarts.  the Stuarts in Scotland, that was of renown from whom, unto this day, the kings of Scotland do vaunt themselves to have descended. But I suppose it more likely, that he whom they report to be the nephew of Trahernus the Scot, borne of his daughter, and his father a Scot, in North-wales, (a thing much disagreeing from the truth) rather to be one of Trahernus own children, which by Gryffine, son unto Conane, together with Caradoc, Gryffine, and Meylere Rywallons sons: was vanquished, and slain. And that this Walter escaped by flight into Scotland, and there attained to great honour. And this can be no great fraud or disgracing to the name of the Stuarts, that they are descended from the blood of the most noble, and antic British kings, from which also most honourable family: the same Owen Tuder, grandfather to king Henry the seventh of that name king of England: lineally descended by the Father's side, as we will declare in our description of Wales, and not from any mean, or base degree, as false, and impudent Meyerus a Fleming, sticketh not to affirm.   

NOW that we have 
¶ The description of Scotland.  wandered over all England, called LHOEGR: let us next in ordre proceed to the second Region of Britain, which of our countrymen is called Albania, of the inhabitants Scotland. This same in old● time was of the Romans called the second Britain. For Sextus Ruffus reciteth five Provinces of Britain, Maxima 
Maxim● Caesariensis.  Caesariensis, which I do take to be that part of Britain, which by julius Caesar was made tributary to the Romans, to wit: Kent, the Kingdom of Southsaxons, and the Region of Atrabates. The second is Flavia, which by like conjecture, being thereto moved, I suppose to be that, which by Vespasian, who descended of the family Flavia: was by him set upon, and subdued, that is to say, the isle of Wight, which afterward was made part of the Westsaxons king doom. The third, I judge to have been termed by the name of the first Britain, which lieth forth from the Thames to the Valley, or Trench. The fourth being the less, and the second Britain: compriseth Scotland. It remaineth then of necessity, that Wales be contained under the name of Valentia, which maketh up the fift province. Howbeit Ammianus, writeth, that, that province which by Theodosius, captain to Valentinia 
V●lentia.  was taken, when he had driven thence the redshanks, and Scots: was then of the emperors name called Valentia. And that the britains inhabited these Provinces: both our own, and the Roman writers have left in memory. Neither was there ●uer any writer of name, that made mention either of Scots, or redshanks before Vespasians time, about the year of our lords incarnation: threescore and twelve, at what time Meurigus, or Maus, or Arviragus reigned in Britain. For our Chronicles do report of a nation, which lived by piracy & roving on the Sea, coming forth of Suevia, or Norway, having one Rhythercus to their captain, and landed in Albania, wasting all the country with robbing, and spoiling so far as Caerleyl, where he was discomfited and slain by Meurigus, & a great many of his men also, & those which escaped: fled to their ships, and so conveyed themselves into the Orchades, and the Isles of Scotland, where they quietly abode a great while.  
They call them Phichtiaid, that is to say: Phichtiani in their mother tongue, and so are they likewise called in the Scottish, and in their own tongue.  
Wherefore, it is not likely, that they were so called of the Romans, for painting of their bodies, since they were called by that name, before that they were ever known to the Latins. Neither were they these: but the britains, of whom Caesar, and others do report, that they were wont to paint their bodies Blew with Woad, that they might appear the more terrible to their enemies. And with us at this day (which seemeth to argue antiquity) Blew cou●er is called Glass, by 
●●as.  which name also that Herb not altogether unlike a plantain, very well known now to Merchants: is called. Besides all this, the Romans which first made mention of this people: termed them not Picti, but Pictones.  
These as I have said before, after that they had taken heart of grass, and were grown to some power: out of these Islands in their little Leathern Boats, such as our fishermen do use now a days: along Scotland were want to rob and sp●yie shepherds, and Husbandmen. Until that about: the year of our Lord. 290. when the Romans, and britains were both encumbered with civil wars, for the purple rob which Carausius wore, and after him alectus: they entered generally into Cathanesia, and Caledonia, and driving thence the British shepherds, and herdsmen, and calling unto them the Gatheli, out of Ireland, which are now called the Scots: were so bold as to provoke the britains in open war. For the Scots come of the Irish brood, as they themselves, 
Scots original.  and others do know very well, and are termed amongst our countrymen by the same name, to wit: Gwydhyl, which, as their own Histories do testify: was the most ancient name of that nation. And that the same nation came forth of Cantabria, now Biscaya, & passed over the Sea into Ireland, and there chose them a place of abode: both ours, and their own writers have left in memory. But by what cause, or occasion they were called Scots, truly I do not know. For I do quite reject the Egyptian Fables of Scota. And the 
Scota.  self same language, and the very same manners, and behaviour with the Irishmen, and that they be called of the britains by one name: declareth sufficiently, that they came from thence. For the Southernmen of them are not true Scots, but borne, and begotten rather of Englishmen, whereof a great numbered, flying at the coming of William Duke of Normandy: departed into Scotland, and do boast to this day, that they come of Englishmen, where as they, and the Englishmen, count the other Scots but rude, and barbarous.  
These nations, as I say, until that Honorius came to the Empire, which was about the year of the Lord four hundred, and twenty: molested the North part of Britain with incursions, and robberies, at which time, having called a power out of Ireland to help them (as Gyldas, and Bede do avouch) under conduct of Reuda: established themselves a kingdom, in the West part of Albania. But the Readshanks possessed the East region, whereas first they made war against the Romans, and the britains, and afterward with the Englishmen, and Danes, sometime they were confederate, sometime they warred diversly, until about the year of our Lord eight hundred and forty: all the redshanks were destroyed by Kennethus king of Scots, in somuch that their name, and kingdom ceased to be any longer in Britain. Whose country the Scots added unto their own, which to this day is renowned in Britain.  
This much I had to say of the Scots and redshanks, according to the verity of the history. Howbeit I know well, how Boethius, a most vain reporter of Fables, impudently affirmeth, that they reigned in Britain, three hundred years before Christ was borne. And he feigneth, that there were so many kings, so many wars, by them most valiantly waged against the Romans, so many wholesome laws and statutes in Britain by them instituted: as neither Lucian in his Fabulous narrations, neither the author of the book of Amadis of Gaul, nor witty ARIOSTUS in his Orlando Furioso, have ever commended unto us in Fables. But to the intent that I may set forth the most beastly man in his colours, & that the sleight, and subtlety wherewith he endeavoureth to blear all men's eyes, may be displayed: I will briefly touch certain of his most vain trifles, & such as all men of wit, and understanding may easily perceive to be stark lies. And here I let pas Egyptian fables, and of the stock and race of Scottish kings in Britain, before Caesar's coming. Where he affirmeth, that Caesar, was vanquished by the Scots, and fled out of Britain. Who afterward sent Ambassadors unto the Scots, and redshanks, to request their friendship, and that at last he conducted his Roman army in to the Forest Caledonia. Also that Augustus sent his messengers, unto Metellus, king of Scots to entreat him for peace. Moreover he maketh Cataracus a Britain, and son to king Cynobellinus (as Dion a most famous author reporteth) King of Scotland. He sticketh not to avouch that the brigants, Siluri, and Ordovici, were Scots. He showeth how dangerous the expedition was of Claudius the Emperor, and describeth great wars between him, and Canus the king of the Orchades. He writeth that Voadicia, the most renowned queen 
Voadicia.  of Iceni, whose valiant deeds against the Romans: Tacitus, and also Dion have made known to the world: Veusius Earl of brigants, Cartimandua the Queen, were all Scots. And finally, there is no one thing, wherein the Romans, or britains, behaved themselves courageously, or wisely in Britain: which this monster doth not ascribe unto his feigned Scots, and which at that time were unknown to the world. And he hath not only transcribed the mind: but also whole sentences, and orations of Tacitus, into his book, always changing the names of nations, and cities, like a malicious falsifier, with out all shame, or honesty. He saith Caesar, & Tacitus wrote these things of the redshanks, and those of the Scots, & that these nations made such, and so many Wars, when as in deed, the names of Scots, or redshanks, are not at all to be found in these most noble writers, And truly, it is not like, that Caesar, being avery wise gentleman, when he had thoroughly learned the state, & manners of the britains, and Irishmen: would with silence have overpassed the names of the Scots, and redshanks, specially having sent Ambassadors unto their kings. Neither is it probable, that Tacitus, a famous man, and very expert in the state of Britain, and other countries, when he describeth the expeditions of Agricola his father in law in to Britain, and as it were depeynteth forth the Sheyres, Peoples, Portes, and Rivers of that region by their proper names, & maketh mention of a certain Earl of Ireland, taken by Agricola: knew not also the names of Scots, and redshanks, with whom Boethius ●ayneth he waged that war, when as in every place he seemeth to call the inhabitants of Albion, britains. And it had stood much more with Agricolas honour, being a worthy man, whom Tacitus also by his works endeavoureth to make more noble, to have subdued unknown nations, and such as ●ead on man's flesh (such as it shallbe proved, that the Scots were, long time after) rather then the britains, which were sufficiently known to the Romans. Also Dion, a man which had been Consul, and familiar with Severus the Emperor, and unto him dearly beloved, whilst he declareth his expedition into Britain at large: not once speaketh of the Scots, or redshanks, b●yng very well known to all men, that he conveyed all his force and power into Albania, or Scotland. For, quoth Dion, the Meati, & Caledonij, two diverse kinds of Britain's: revolted from the Romans, and Severus calling together his soldiers: commanded them to innate their country, and kill all that ever they met, and thus he charged them in these words.  

Let none escape your hands away,  
nor cruel bloody broil.  
Not tender imp, though in her womb  
the dame there with do toil:  
Let him not scape a woeful death.   
When Severus came into Caledonia: he fought never a battle, neither saw he any power of his enemies in a readiness, and so passing throughout all his enemy's land, having not lost in fight, but by water, and hunger, fifty thousand men: returned unto his fellows. If the Scots had been in Britain at that time: the reporter hereof, being a friend, neither after him Herodian, who in sufficient long discourse hath set forth that voyage: would have defrauded an Emperor so ambitious, and thirsty of honour, as severus was, of his due praise Wherefore it is as evident as noon days, that at this time, which was about two hundred and two years after the incarnation of our Lord: the Scots had no seat in Britain. over, and besides all this, neither Eutropius, neither Spartianus, neither Capitolinus, neither Lampridius, neither Vopiscus, nor Aurelius' victor, who have all written the expeditions, and wars of the Roman Emperors in Britain: have in any plate made mention of the Scottish, or Readshank name.  
Although therefore, I suppose that these arguments are sufficient, to improve, and condemn the ●eere trifles of Boethius: notwithstanding I will lightly touch two of his Histories, which by the author are setfoorth at large enough, with words a foot and an half long. But I pray you,  When ye be let to look: your laughter (friends) you would refrain. 
In the second book of his fables: he writeth, how that Ptolomaeus Philadelphus, king of Egypt, sent forth his orators unto Reutha, king of Scots, that by the view taken, and report of his near countrymen, namely such as had come lineally from the Egyptians: he might understand the situation, and form of the country, together with the conditions, and manners of the people, to the intent that he might set down the same in his work of cosmography, which he had then in hand. Which orators being right courteously entertained: were afterward led through all the regions, and towns of Scots, and redshanks, at last being largely rewarded: returned into Egypt. O noble, and worthy deed of a Gentleman, but most unthankful Ptolomaeus, and unmindful of so great rewards. Who, after that he had sent his Ambassadors into countries so far distant hath left no shire, yea almost no town in all Britain in that worthy work of his unspoken of, (which was set forth, not by the king, but long time after by another Ptolomaeus Pheludensis, a Philosopher very well learned) only his well-beloved cousins the Scots, and Readshanks: he hath left raked up in their own darkness, neither once vouchsafed in his book, wherein he made a most perfect description of all Albania, to express so much as their names. Nay rather Boethius, it is a sin to believe, that such a king, when he had sent thither his Legates, and recited all the Cities and people of Albania: to have been ignorant of the nations name, and in describing the situation of the Region, so to have varied from the truth. For he, which set forth that noble work, about the year of our redemption one hundred and forty, appeareth in no place to speak of the Scots, and redshanks, which at that time were unknown to the world.  
This being omitted: let us come to the second Fable, wherein (gentle reader) whether I shall move thee to laughter, or loathsomeness: I am uncertain. He writeth that one Gyllus usurped by 
Gyllus.  force the kingdom of Scotland, before the coming of Caesar into Britain, who after that he had committed many cruel deeds: at length by Euenus the lawful heir, one Cadallus being captain, was in Ireland vanquished in bloody fight, and afterward, slain. Of this slaughter, by reason that the Irishmen, were afflicted, with the force & arms of the Albion Scots: the Poet Claudianus, & other writers, have entreated. Whereby he maketh the noble poet Claudianus which lived under Honorius, 410. years after the incarnate word: author of the Scottish war against Gyllus, which unto him seemeth no inconvenience, who, in other places most impudently fathereth his follies, & fables upon Caesar the Dictator, & Tacitus. In very deed, Claudianus hath written of the Gyldonicum war made in Africa by Masticelis, brother to Gyldo, 
Gyldo.  cheiftaine therein, and of the expedition, which Honorius took in hand against the brother that rebelled.  
But I beseech you my friend Hector, tell me whether you affirm this gear in jest, or in good earnest? that thereby we may judge of the residue? or whether that you thought you could deceive all men with your lies? This Gyldo was a Goth, no Scot, the war was in Africa, not in Ireland. This visible tyrant lived in the year of our Lord 398. but their feigned & invisible Gyllus: is devised to have flourished. 400. years before.  
Besides these insulse, and unsavored lies: he affirmeth that all the knowledge, and learning of the druids, 
druids.  came first unto the Scots, when as it plainly appeareth unto such, as are exercised in the reading of Histories, that Philosophy, and the liberal sciences were known to the Celtae, and britains long before they were to the greeks, and Latins. But as touching the wholesome laws, & institutes, which he falsely attributeth unto the Scots: unto those which read Solinus, and Mela, depaynting forth the manners, and nature of the Irishmen: the truth 
S. Hierom.  will appear. Likewise out of S. Hierome, whom we may better credit than Boethius, it is evident, that at his time, that is as much to say, as, in the year of our Lord. 400. the Scots were accustomed to eat man's flesh. For, (saith he) what shall I say of other nations, when as I myself being but a young man, saw in France Scots, which feed on man's flesh. And when as they chance to find in the woods, any herds of Hogs, also any droves of cattle or beasts: they use to cut of the buttocks of the Herds men, and keepers, and the Paps of women, accounting those parts for a most delicate dish. These Scots, as though they followed Plato's common wealth: have no peculiar wives of their own, but as their lechery moveth them (saith he) run lasciviously about, after the manner of beasts. This much S. Hierome.  
Since therefore, it is certainly proved out of this true author, that they were so barbarous at his time: it is not like, that so many hundred years before as Boethius doth fain, they were ruled with so many good laws, and wholesome institutes. Neither do I, for my part, writ this, to the intent I would detract any thing from the Scottish glory, in so much as I know very well that this nation, after that it had departed from barbarousness, and embraced Christian religion, and obeyed laws, and rights precisely like other people: was so firmly joined in league of friendship with our britains: that we read, how in many wars, th`one nation aided the other. I acknowledge also, that many things have been by them done both wisely, & valiantly in Britain, France, and Italy, and that the Englishmen, howbeit a strong nation, seldom assayed the Scots in war, but that they were always ready with all their force, to join with them in battle, which is no sign of a cowardly, or heart less people. But I writ this only to this intent, that the truth of the history may be known, and that the Scots themselves may contemn this fabler, & hold themselves contented with this, that together with the Saxons, Frenchmen, & englishmen, most noble nations: they were first known to the Roman world. And now let us see what substantial, & approved writers, whom both we, & they must credit: have transported to memory touching the Scots, and redshanks.  
The first therefore, of the Romans, so far as I know: Mamertinus in his Panegyricus, called Maximinianus, maketh mention of the redshanks, by these words. And truly, not like as there is but one name of Britain, so should the loss be but small to the commonwealth, of a land so plentiful of corn, so flourishing with numbers of pastures, so flowing with rivers of metals, so gainful for revenues, so welbeset with havens, so wide in circuit. Which when Cesar, first of the Romans, & the beginner of this your name entered into: wrote that he had found another world, supposing it to be so big: that it seemed not to be compassed with the ocean, but rather to compass the ocean about. But at that time Britain was nothing furnished with ships for War by Sea, and the Romans, after the Punic, and Asiatic wars: had lately been busied against Pirates, & afterward by the Mithridatick fight: was very well practised by Sea, and Land. Besides, this nation was then but rude, and the britains being accustomed but only to the redshanks, and Irishmen their enemies, as yet but half naked: soon yielded unto the Roman arms, and ensigns, that Caesar almost in all that expedition, could vaunt himself but of this own thing, that he had sailed upon the ocean. He affirmeth, that the britains only dwell in an Island, and termeth them Hibernenses, 
Hibernenses.  who afterward were called Scots. Also another Panegyricus unto Constantinus the Emperor, speaketh of the redshanks, called Pictones, as followeth. For neither he (speaking of his father Constantius) after such, and so many notable acts, which he hath done, vouchsafeth to get, not only the woods, and Marises of the Calidones and other Pictones: but neither Ireland which lieth nigh, neither the farthest Tile, neither yet the fortunate islands, if there be any such. Thus far the Panegiricus.  
This he wrote about the year after Christ was borne three hundred & twenty, at what time it seemeth, that the Pictones, or redshanks began first to inhabit the farther most parts of Scotland.  
After him Ammianus Marcellinus, 
Lib. 20.  first of the Latins: made mention of the Scots, in the year of our salvation 364. In the tenth Consulship of Constantius, and the third of julianus, when as in Britain, by excursion and breaking forth of the Scots, & redshanks, being wild nations, peace being broken: the places about nigh to the frontirs were spoiled. And afterward in the life of Valentinian, and Valens, he sayeth. At this time, as though alarm 
Lib. 26.  were sounded throughout all the Roman dominions: the most fierce, and savage nations arose, & forcibly invaded their near neighbours. The Alemanni, or Almains spoiled the country of France, and Rhetia together. Sarmatae: the Ponnoniae, and the Quadi, now Bohemans: The redshanks, Saxons, Scots, and Attacotti: much molested the britains. And afterward. At that time 
Lib. 27.  the redshanks being divided into two nations, Deucalidonae, and Vecturiones, also the Attacotti, a very warlike nation, and the Scots wand'ring uncerteinely about here, and there: wasted, and spoiled very much. And as for the coasts of Gallia, they were spoiled by Frenchmen, and Saxons, etc. Hereby it appeareth, in what darkness the Scottish state is drowned. For Boethius, in no place maketh mention of the Attacotti, who appear by this author to have dwelled in Albania, and to have been of the Scottish race. Wherefore it is most likely, that a little before that time, the Scots, and Attacotti, (who afterward vanished into the name of the Scots) forth of Ireland, and from the Hebrides, the redshanks 
Hebrides.  out of the Orchades, whereas they lurked before, by one consent entered into Albania, and there provoked by war the Romans, and britains, & that they departed out of the field some time conquerors, and sometimes conquered. For shortly after, Ammianus reporteth, that after that these nations were by Theodosius, a valiant captain under Valentinian vanquished, and driven out of the Roman province: they were at quiet. And this can be no disparedgment, but rather a great glory to the Scottish nation, that rather at that time, then before that, forcibly against the Romans will, they planted them seats in Britain. Which is proved not out of vain, and fabulous writers, such as is Boethius, and other such like: but out of substantial authors, and such as do very well know the state of Britain.  
After all these Claudianus a Poet, singularly learned, in divers places maketh mention of these nation, as for example, of the Getick war:  

A power also there came, against the  
farthest britains bend,  
Which bridled hath the Scots so fierce,  
and notes with iron brent  
Then failing: reads, whilst Readshanks  
blood, and breath is spent.   
And in his Panegyricus to Honorius:  

The nimble Moors hath he and picts  
so termed by name full true  
subdued, and he the Scots with blade  
at random did pursue.   
And of the fourth Consulship of Honorius.  

Were wet with Saxons slain.  
The Orchades, and Island eke  
was hot with Readshanks bain.  
And frozen Irland eke, dead heaps  
of Scotshmen wept amain.   
Who did ever set forth more plainly, the natural country of both nations? For he showeth how Readshanks came from Thule, that is to say Islands of 
Thule.  the North, and the Scots but lately out of Ireland. And in another place, in his Panegyricus: Britain speaketh unto Stilico.  

And me (she saith) with countries near  
about who was destroyed  
Almost: defenced well hath Stilico.  
When Irlands soil on every side  
The Scots do move, and seas  
with noisome sails do foam about.  
By whose help now it is,  
that Scottish force I do not doubt,  
Ne do I dread the Picts, etc.   
Hereby it appeareth manifestly, that at this time, that is to wit, the year of our salvation. 410. the Scots possessed no certain place in Britain, but many times used to make eruptions out of Ireland, and by little and little subdued the North parts of the Island, and at length having driven thence the inhabitants: established their kingdom there, under Valentinian the younger, the year of God incarnate: 444. when as now the Romans had left of the charge, and care of Britain.  
This much I had briefly to say, touching the original of the Scots, and redshanks. Now I will address myself, to the description of Albania or Scotland. It is separate from England 
Albania.  by the River tweed, the hill Cheviot, and certain little Rivers running down into the channel Soluathianus The first people which come to hand: are Gallovidiani, of old time called by the Romans, NOVANTES, and not brigants, as we have showed before. Ptolomaeus called their city Leucopibia, which we term now Caërleil, & 
Caërleil.  standeth in the entrance of both kingdoms. Next unto these were the Gadini, nigh the river Glota, which some do better call Cluyda, howbeit, that name, by reason of the propriety of the tongue: is sometime pronounced Gluyda, whereby grew that error of calling it Glot. Upon this rivers side: sometime 
Glot.  there stood a noble City of the britains, called Caër Alchuyd, or Archuyd, that is to say: a City standing upon Cluyda, which is now of the Scots called Dounbritton, because it was restored again by the britains, about the year of our salvation. 800.  
Above these, towards the East Sea, lieth a region, which now is called Landonia, and Mercia, March, but in times past Breunicia, and of the picts, called also redshanks: Pictlandia. The Maeatae are placed here by Dion. For (saith he) the Maeatae dwell beyond the wall, unto the Caledonij. Ptolomaeus layeth the Vacomagi beyond Tueda. This limiting wall (as Spartianus reporteth) was first builded by Adrianus the Emperor, fourscore miles in length. And Capitolinus is author, that Antoninus erected another made of Tur●es, between the britains. And last of all, that Severus, by a trench which was cast from Sea, to Sea: divided the Roman province from the other Britain's all men do generally agreed. Whereby our countrymen call it Mur severus, that is to say: Severus wall, and in another place Gual severus, Severus valley, at this day. In this region standeth Edemburge, 
Edenburge  the seat of the kings of Scotland, sometime builded by Eboracus king of britains called also Castle Mynyd agnes, that is to say: the castle of S. Agnes hill, & afterward the castle of Virgins. The water there which is now called Forthea, was called the Picticum Sea, and afterward the Scottish Sea, and thus far stretched the kingdom of Northumberland. Tacitus calleth the same Bodotua, howbeit Polydorus, so termeth the River Levinus, which out of the lake Lomundus: floweth into Cluyda. For (saith he) Glota, and Bodotua two divers arms of the Sea, running forth a great length: are kept a sunder with a narrow piece of ground. Wherefore Bodotua floweth not into Glota, neither is it any river, but an arm of the Sea, therefore it cannot be Levinus by any means. Beyond these arms of the Sea: dwelled the Caledonijs, the most nobliest nation of Albania, where now the inland Scots inhabit. At the East part was Horestia, now Angusia, Fisa, and Mernia. At the West: were the Epidij, and more towards the North, the Creoni. And after these the Canovaci, where now Lennosia, & Argadia, and Lorna are. The Carini possessed Loguhabria, the Logi: Strathnavernia: And at the other Sea coast, the Cauti: Moravia, and Rossia. And the Cornabijs, which are farthest of all, inhabited Sutherlandia, and Cathanisia.  
And whereas Boethius writeth, that in the time of Claudius the Emperor, the Moravi came by an whole Navy into Scotland: it is most false, as appeareth in Histories. For the nation of the Slavi whereof the Moravi took their beginning: was altogether unknown to the world, until the time of the Emperor Mauritius, about the year of our lord. 600. The Marcomanni also, and the Quadi: inhabited those places, which afterward, the year of our Lord. 900. being under Arnulphus: began by Zuentebaldus king of the SLAVI, to be called the kingdom of Moravia.  
Beyond Scotland, in the german 
Orchades.  ocean: are the Islands called Orchades, whereof the biggest is called Pomonia. And on the other side of Albania, in the sea Vergivium, which the britains call Norweridh, as who should say the Irish Sea, from whence I conjecture that the antic name Vergivium was derived: lie the Isles Hebrides, in numbered 
Hebrides.  two and forty, of others called Euboniae. 
Euboniae.  The I'll of Anglisea is none of these, as I will show in another place. And not far hence lieth Ireland, an Island 
Irland.  also, which our countrymen call Ywerdhon, the inhabitants Verni. Whereby, in my opinion, they do far better, which terms it juernia, as Mela, and Juvenal in his second Satire, or jerna, as Claudianus, and Dionysius, rather than Hibernia, now Ireland. The britains, and Scots do call the inhabitants by one name, Guyddhyl.   

THus having▪ ended the 
¶ The description of Wales  description of Scotland, with the Islands lying thereabout: let us now proceed to wales, the third part of Britain. The same is divided from Lhoëgr, that is England: by the rivers Severn, & Dee, and on every other side is environed by the Vergivium, or Iris he ocean. And it was called Cambria, as our chronicles do report of Camber, the third son of Brutus, like as Lhoëgr of Locrinus, and Albania of Albanactus 
Cambria.  his other sons also. This same only, with Cornwall, a most ancient country of britains: enjoyeth as yet the old inhabitants. The welshmen use the British tongue, and are the very true britains by birth. And although some do writ, that Wales doth not stretch forth on this side the River Vaga, or Weigh: this can be no fraud to us. For we have taken in hand to describe Cambria, and not Wallia, Wales, as it is now called by a new name, and unacquainted to the welshmen. In North-wales, the welshmen, keep their old bounds. But in South-Wales: the Englishmen are come over Severn, and have possessed all the land between it, and Weigh. So that all Herefordshyre, & the Forest of Deane, and Glocestreshyre, & a great part of worcestershyre, & Schreupshyre on this side Severn: are inhabited by Englishmen, at this day.  
These regions, with certain corners of Fluitenshyre, and Denbyghshyre, were sometime under the kings of March. And our countrymen, unto this day, do call their near borderers Gwyry Mers, that is to say, the men of March.  
For OFFA, a most mighty king of March, the year of the incarnate word seven hundred, and seventy, to the intent that the bounds of his kingdom towards the britains in Wales, might the better be known: caused a very deep ditch, with an exceeding high wall to be made, from the water Devanus, a little above the Castle called Filix, through ●ie hills, and deep valleys, Fens, Kockes, Cliffs, & Rivers, unto the mouth of the River weigh, about an hundred miles long. The same, reserving the old name (for of our countrymen it is called Clauddh Offa, that is to say, Offas' ditch) it may easily be seen of all, throughout the whole coast. And all the towns, and villages almost, which be on the East side thereof: have their names ending in these terminations, ton, or ham, whereby it appeareth, that the Saxons, sometime dwelled there. Howbeit now, the Welshmen, in all places, beyond that ditch towards Ihoëgr: have planted themselves. The inhabitants of this region, are called in their mother tongue, Cymbri. In which word, the force of the sound of the letter B, is scarcely perceived in pronouncing.  
And it is very likely, that this was the most ancient name, and that Cambria a region of England, was thereof so called.  
When I perceived that the Cymbri, 
Cymbri.  which fought with the Romans so many bloody battles, were called by the same name that ours are: it came into my mind, to inquire, and search what good writers have thought of the beginning of that nation. And having read much thereof: I found also very much, whereby I am so persuaded, that I dare avouch that it was this our British nation. First the name is all one with ours, than their tongue, which is a very great argument. For Plinius in his 
Plin. lib. 4. cap. 13.  fourth book, and. 13. chapter saith, that Philemon was of the Cymbri, called Mori marussium, that is to say, Mare mortuum the Dead Sea, unto the promontory Rubeas. etc. And our countrymen call the Dead Sea, in their tongue: Mor Marw. And as for these words: neither the Germans, neither the Danes, neither Suenones, neither the Slavi, neither the Lithuani, nor the Lyvones, do understand them. Wherefore it is manifest, that the Cymbri were none of these nations. But our Cymbri do speak so: wherefore it is evident, that they were of the same name, and tongue.  
Moreover, Plutarch in the life of Marius: affirmeth, that they departed out of a far country, and that it was not known whence they came, nor whether they went, but the like clouds, they issued into France, and Italy, with the Almains. Whereupon the Romans supposed, that they had been Germans, because they had big bodies, with sharp and horrible eyes. Thus much ●e. Since therefore he hath left their original unknown, and our chronicles do testify, how that the britains had always great familiarity with the Northern Germans: it is like enough that the british Cymbri, passed over into Denmark, whereby it was termed Cymbrica, and so joining with the Almains: made war upon the Romans and first vanquished Papirius, with his army in Illyrica. Afterwards overcame Aurelius Scaurus with his Legions in France, himself being slain by king Belus, which name is also familiar amongst the welshmen at this day. Besides that: Manlius, and Caepio, were discomfited nigh Rhodanus, when there were. 12000. of the Romans slain.  
In the end, at Athesis in Italy, they were overthrown, and almost all slain. And those which remained after the battle: escaped into Germany, and were divided into two parts. Whereof th'one returning into Britain: gave name to the country Cymbria, the other departing out of Germany: rested nigh to the Sea Balteum, & afterward were called of the Germans, Aestiones, whose 
Aestiones.  tongue, as Tacitus writeth, is like the british. And to confirm all this: I read of late in a most ancient fragment of the british tongue, how that, long since: there departed a very great army of britains into Denmarck. Which after many valiant Wars, stoutly made in most parts of the world: never returned again.  
But whereas diverse do affirm, that these were the indwellers of the Danish Chersonesus: hereby it appeareth false, that the Danes long before that time, possessed that land, as their Histories do declare. Neither is there any Danish, or Suetish writer, that ever made mention of the Cymbri. Othersome affirm, that they descended of the inhabitants of Cymerius Bosphorus. But neither the nations name, neither their manners, neither their king's names do agreed. Which if you respect ours: are all one. For Clodic, Lhes, Bel, Lhud, Thudfach, Berich, by which the kings of the Cymbri were called, be very common names amongst the britains. Their neglecting of gold, and silver, the shape of their bodies, their shields, armour, sword, yea made of brass, (whereof I saw twain, which of late were found in hollow rocks in North-wales) their reverence towards women, and priests, their custom to sacrifice men unto Mercury: declareth that they were British Cymbri. Neither will I deny that, which many do writ, that the Sicambri, and afterward 
Sicambri. Franci.  the Franci, were of their brood, unless that their own Historicians affirmed, that they were so called three hundred years before, of one Cambra daughter 
Cambra.  to Belinus, which was king of Britain, and married to Antenor their king. Wherefore I conclude, that the Cymbri, either departed forth of Britain about that time: or else were the remnants of the great army, which was gathered in Britain, and France, and settled with Brennus in the Marches of Greece, at the same time. For it is undoubtedly known, that Brennus 
Brennus.  was a perfect Britain, and brother to king Belinus, and son to Dunwallus, which not only our chronicles do testify: but also the country's name, where the ambitious man fought with Belinus his brother, and was called of him Brennich. divers rivers also amongst us called by that name, and also a most ancient castle, standing upon the top of an exceeding high hill in Gwania, called Dinas Brancha, that is to say, Brennus' Court or Palace: are a very good argument hereof. Besides this, there remain most ancient Rhymes in the praise of Cornwenna their Mother, because that when Brennus came forth of France, with aid against his brother: with her naked breast, and paps she reconciled them together, which one hath thus interpreted.  

O out Alas, what meaneth this?  
do you my bowels harm?  
What wicked cause doth move,  
two brothers powers to be so warm?  
Cannot all Britain you contain?  
since it is very sure,  
That both you twain, within this  
womb of mine, did once endure?  
May not your mother's tears,  
nor torn hears from purpose pluck?  
Nor naked doleful breasts,  
in tender age, which both did suck?   
Who then joining their armies: ●anne over all France, and Italy, vanquished the Romans, and took the city, and departed out of Italy, as Polybius reporteth. And Belinus returned into Britain, but Brennus with. 15000▪ thousand footmen, &. 61200. thousand ●orsemen, as Pausanias writeth: set upon the greeks. And having subdued the Macedonians, Thessalians, Thracians, & the Poeonians: all the other people of the greeks he overthrew at Thermopilae, in a most horrible bloody battle. In fine, when as he was about to sack the Temple of Apollo of Delphos: his army was wholly almost, miraculously slain by the fall of a mighty great cliff, & a wonderful Rain from Heaven. Wherewith Brennus being struck with sorrow: a most courageous gentleman as he was: slew himself.  
And I wots well, how Polydorus complaineth of the supputation of years, when as in deed, the time agreeth very well with the British history. But where as he maketh two Brennus: that is altogether beside credit, since no writer before him ever yielded the same to memory. And as concerning the true supputation of the age of the world, divers authors have diversly written. Besides these reasons, by their own tongue, which is the best proof that may be, we will easily convince that they were britains, and that Brennus soldiers spoke the british tongue, we will likewise soon declare  
Pausanias in his tenth book writeth thus. Brennus had with him forth, 20400. thousand horsemen, which were all fighting men, for the truer numbered of them in deed were above threescore thousand, and two hundred. For there followed every horseman, two servants on horseback. These, when their masters were fighting: stood always in the rearward, and assisted them, that if by chance they were unhorsed: they should se● them on theirs, and if the man were slain, the servant should succeed in his place, but if they were both killed by force of fight: then was the third at hand ready to supply for them that were dead. If the first, and chief had received a wound: one of these other conveyed him out of the battle, & the third fulfilled the roomth of him that was hurt. And this practice of fighting on horseback, they term in their country language, Trimarchisia, for they call an horse Marcha. Thus far Pausanias.  
What can be spoken more plainly? 
Trimarchisia.  Our britains at this day call Tres in the masculine gendre: Tri, and in the feminine Tair, that is, Three. And an horse they call March. Whereby Tri-march, unto them signifieth three Horses. Hereby therefore all must needs confess, either that the Frenchmen spoke the british tongue (which almost all Histories do deny:) or that these were natural britains. And afterward he saith, that the Frenchmen call a Shield: Tyren, in their country speech, which word we do likewise use at this present, calling a shield Taria. Moreover Atheneus writeth, that the Relics of the Frenchmen, under Bathanasius their captain: took up their dwelling about Ister, and after that were parted into twain. Whereof the one were called Scordisci, and 
Scordisci. Brenni.  dwelled in Hungarye, the other by the name of Brenni: possessed part of the Alpes, by the mount Brennerus in Tirolensis shire, whom Appianus, calleth all by the name of Cymbri. Which do all show, that they were britains. For Bathynad, in our country language signifieth a formed judge. For Bath is beauty or form: Ynad, with us, is a judge, in authority next to the king. For when Brennus was dead: they chose him to their captain. Farther, Yscar, with us is to separate, & Yscaredic, signifieth those which be separated. Where of this part of France, when it departed from the residue: was termed Yscaredic, from whence Scordisci is derived, retaining the name of Brennus' captain. And Brynn, in British is a Mountain, or Hill, of which word Brynnerus was so called. over, and besides this: Gatheli, or the Irishmen, when as about this time, they departed out of Cantabria, now Biscay, wandering upon the Sea, to seek new dwellings: called all britains Brennach, of Brennus their famous captain, by which name they call our countrymen to this day. And thus much sufficeth to have said of Brennus.  
But whereas some affirm, that the Frenchmen used the British tongue, by certain French words cited by Rhenanus, Sidonius, and Lazius, it appeareth to be most false. Notwithstanding 
The bounds of France  I can not sufficiently marvel, that of the tongue of this most mighty nation, whose bounds are comprised by the Rhine, the Pyrenei mounts, Appeninus, and the ocean: there is almost no show, or token to be found remaining. And that it was most ancient: it appeareth out of Berosus, Annius, Giambularius, and Postellus. Whereby 
Etymon of Gallia.  Gallia, now France, was so called of Rain, which the hebrews call GAL, and the britains Glaw, as who should say, berayned, or overflowed by the Deluge. Notwithstanding the Spayniards, 
Spayniardes,  although they were afflicted by the Romans, the Cattis, the Alani, the Vandali, the Goths, the Suevi, and Mauri, or Moors: yet in Cantabria, called now BISCAY, and ASTHURIA▪ (for these are only the very true spaniards, and Hiberi) they have preserved their ancient speech. For that, which is commonly called the Spanish tongue: is but a medley made out of the Latin, Gothish, and Arabic.  
But let us omit all these things, and return again unto our Cambria, called Wales, which we in our mother tongue do term Cymbri. This, more than four hundred years since, as Gyraldus hath very well noted, the Englishmen, after the fashion, and manner of the Germans: have called Wallia, that is Wales. For when the ancient Almains had sometime joining next unto them of Foreigners, the Frenchmen, whom they called Walli: it came to pass, that afterward they called all strangers, and those which dwelled in other provinces: Walli, and Wallisei. Like as at this present, as well Frenchmen, as Italians, and Burgundians 
Walsh▪ and welsh  they call Walli, & all things that come forth of strange countries: Walshe. This country I say, which (that I may use the words of Gyraldus) by a false name, yet most frequented at these days, but less proper, is called Wallia, Wales: containeth in length two hundred miles, and about one hundred in breadth. For it reacheth in length, from the Haven Gordwr in Mona, called Anglysey, unto the haven Eskewyn in Venta: eight days journey. In breadth from Porth Mawr, that is to say: the great haven of Menevia, unto Rhyd helig, which the britains call Vadum Salicis, the Englishmen Wyllowford, about four days journey. A land much abounding, and very well fortified with high Mountains, low Ualleyes, great Woods, Waters▪ & Fens. In such sort: that from time the Saxons first usurped this Island, the residue of the britains, which departed into those coasts, neither by the Englishmen long ago, neither since by the Normans, could be altogether subdued. As for those, which betook themselves to the South corner, which of their Captains name was called Conavia, because it is not so well defensed: were not able to resist. For the third part of the britains, which do now remain, possessing the Southerly sea coast of France, a singular good country: was not translated thither after the destruction, & conquest of Britain: but long ever that, by Maximus the Tyrant. Who, after many sharp battles, which the British youth sustained under him during those wars: was with this farthermoste shore of France rewarded, by the emperors liberality. Thus far Gyraldus.  
This country, sometime was inhabited only by the britains, but after ward the Englishmen began to possess it, unto Offas' ditch, against whom the welshmen made infinite wars, until the coming of William the Norman. Under whose son Henry, the flemings being then driven out of their country, by breaking in of the sea: took upon them the possession of Rosse, a province of Demetia. Who, in many wars were provoked by the Princes of Wales, but always valiantly defended themselves, and theirs, and at this day, differing from the Welshmen in tongue, and manners: are yet in the same place recompted for flemings. The kings of England, especially Henry the First, the Second, and Third of that name, calling unto them the Scots, Irishmen, and Cantabre Gascons: did very much provoke, and molest this nation with continual wars. But the Welshmen, being divided under three kings, whom they called Princes (which was the very cause of their destruction) defended themselves, and their own stoutly. Howbeit certain Regions of South wales, as Rosse, Gla Morgan, Wenta, Brechnocke, and part of Powys, by Robert, son to Hammon, and certain 
Noble Earls of Glocestre.  worthy Earls of Gloucester, the Brussij, the Bohunes, Brian Gylford, Adam of Newmercate, but specially by Roger Mountgomery, and his sons, Hago which was slain in Anglysey, Robert of BELISINE, and ARNULPH, which builded the Castle of Penbroke, and the Fytzalanes, Lords of Oswastrey, & Clun: were quailed, and tamed in many battles, & came into the right, & possession of the conquerors. And Gwynedh, although that part thereof which lieth on this side Conway, was first weakened by the earls of Chester, & afterward by the forenamed kings, which at the River Cluda, sundry times wasted all with fire, and sword: nontwithstanding after the departure of the kings: they drove the Englishmen thence, and razed their Castles down to the ground, and always defended their bounds. Until the year of our Lord a thousand two hundred fourscore & two: Edward the first of that name, 
Edward the. 1.  leading a mighty army against prince Lew●lyn, and an other arriving in the isle of Angly●ey, and vanquishing the same, from whence they entered into Aruon, a region exceedingly well fortified by natural situation, by a bridge made of boats, in the very same place, where sometime Agricola lead over his Soldiers. Where the two armies joining together: vanquished a great multitude of the Gascons, and Biernes, with divers other noble men, & brought them in subjection to the Englishmen. When as also at the same time, his third army, under the Earl of Glocest●e, and Roger Martumar, sacked, and spoiled South-Wales, being accompanied with many Earls, and Lords of Wales, which loved not the prince. Until that the prince himself, being forsaken by many of his own men: was by the men of Buelt betrayed, not far from the river Vaga, or weigh, whether he came with a very few soldiers. And by one Adam Francton, which fought under the conduct of Helias walwin: far from the residue of his own power, being accompanied with one only Page, and unarmed, with certain other noble men of that country, which had told the same before to his enemies: was there slain most dishonourably. After whose death, the Welshmen came in subjection to the Englishmen, and had always afterward to their prince: the king of England's eldest 
Prince of Wales.  son, or daughter, if male issue failed.  
This king builded certain towns, and Castles there, which he compassed with stone walls, and left garrisons in them to keep the Welshmen in awe. And provided by special laws, for that intent made, that Welshmen should enjoy no such liberties, nor freedoms, as they, and their posterity had granted unto the Englishmen. But by many Edicts, & Decrees set forth against the Welshmen, especially by Henry the fourth (who by reason of a 
Henry the fourth. Owen Glender.  Rebellion made by one Owen, which dwelled near the Valley of Dee, was very highly offended with all that nation) the kings of England kept them under the yoke of servitude, & abolishing their own proper Laws: brought in the English Laws, providing by general commandment, that no man should use the welsh tongue in any Court, or School. Howbeit, the honour of th● most ancient tongue, so much prevailed, that not only the welshmen themselves: but also the inhabitors of the English towns, through Wales, being now called by the name of welshmen: do gladly frequent the same. And hath removed the bounds into Englandwardes, over the River Dee, chiefly since the beginning of the reign of Henry the seventh, a most prudent 
Henry the seventh.  Prince: until this day. Who, lineally descending from his grandfather. Owen Tudyr, a welshman, borne in the isle of Anglysey: quite delivered all the welshmen from such laws of bondage, as in other kings days they were subject unto. And the most mighty Prince, king Henry the eight, his son: delivered 
Henry the eight.  them wholly from all servitude, and made them in all poyncts equal to the Englishmen. Whereby it cometh 
Commendation of welshmen.  to pass, that laying aside their old manners, they, who before were wont to live most sparingly: are now enriched and do imitate the Englishmen in diet, & apparel, howbeit, they be somedeal impatient of labour, and overmuch boasting of the Nobility of their stock, applying themselves rather to the service 
Their skill in service.  of noble men, then giving themselves to the learning of handicrafts. So that you shall find but few noble men in England, but that the greater part of their retinue (wherein Englishmen exceed all other nations) are welsh men borne. For men chiefly brought up with Milk meats, being nimble, and well set of body: are very apt to do any kind of business.  
Besides, being somewhat high minded, and in extreme poverty, acknowledging the nobility of their family: are more given to the culture, and trimming of their bodies (like Spayniards) then to riches, or the belly, and being very apt to learn courtlike behaviour: are therefore by the English nobility, preferred before Englishmen. Howbeit also, of late they have very commendably begun to inhabit Towns, to learn occupations, to exercise merchandise, to till the ground well, and to do all other kinds of public, and necessary functions, as well as Englishmen. And in this one thing surpassing 
Their studies in learning.  them, that there is no man so poor, but for some space he setteth forth his children to School, and such as profit in study: sendeth them unto the Universities, where, for the most part, they enforce them to study the Civil law.  
Whereby it chanceth, that the greater sort of those which profess the Civil, or Canon laws in this Realm: are Welshmen. And you shall find but few of the ruder sort, which cannot read, and writ their own name, and play on the Harp after their manner. And now also the holy Scriptures, and daily service, are printed in their tongue. And like as this nation (as Tacitus reporteth) being very impatient of injuries, was always at variance in continual wars, and slaughter within itself: so now, through fear of laws which they do very civilly obey: they strive in actions, and controversies unto the consuming of all their goods.  
And thus much touching the manners, and demeanour of the Welshmen at this day: but now hear of their old, out of Gyraldus. Which writeth thus.  
If is a light nation, a sharp nation, rather than a rough, a nation wholly given unto wars. For here, not only the noblemen: but all the multitude is ready so arinur. For the Trumpet no sooner soundeth alarm: but the husbandman cometh as speedily to battle from the Plough: as doth the courtier from the Court. For not here, as in other places. The Ploughman's toil in circle round doth run:  
For in March, and April only, they steer once for Oats, but they fallow not twice in Summer, and the third Winter after for wheatland. The most part of the people is fed with Rudder beasts for the pail. They feed on Oats, Cheese, Milk, and Butter, on Flesh more abundantly, on Bread more sparyngly. They trouble themselves with no Merchandise, with no travel by Sea, with no handicrafts, neither with any affairs else, saving Martial. And yet they seek for preservation of peace, and their liberty. They fight for their country, they labour for their liberty. For which, not only to blade it out: but also to lose their lives they count it sweet. Whereby it cometh, that they think it shame to die in their Beds, and an honour to die in war. And these being now the remnants of Aeneas train: would run forth headlongewise in armour for their liberty. Of whom this is very notable to be marked, that many times, being naked: they dare encounter with those which bear weapon, unarmed with those which are armed, and footmen with horsemen. In which conflict, many times, only through their nimbleness, & courage of mind: they become the conquerors. And are not unlike unto those in place, and nature, of whom the Poet speaketh.  

Subject unto the Northern Bear, 
Lucan. li. ●   
Most happy folk by their mischance,  
on whom those heaps of fear,  
And chiefest dread of death doth  
nothing daunt. Whereby doth rise  
To them a ready mind to run to fight,  
and death despise,  
Accounting for to spare life, that will  
come again: great cowardice.   
And in another place. A nation slenderly armed, trusting rather to their agility, than the force of their men. For if they be overcome to day, and shamefully turned in to bloody fight: notwithstanding tomorrow they prepare a new expedition, not mindful of their loss, nor shame. And although they prevail not, when War is proclaimed with open meetings, yet in secret ambushments, and breakings in by night, they will vex their enemy. So that being nothing troubled with hunger, nor cold, neither wearied with martial affairs, neither falling into desperation by adversity, but soon ready to rise up after a fall, and priest by and by again to assay the peril of war, as in battle easy: so in continuance of war hard to be overcome. Whereby Claudianus, seemeth to speak of the nature of the same nation, saying:  
If that their hearts you let a while, 
Ad Eutro. lib. 2.   
To rest: so many slaughters they,  
devoid of sense do seem  
To take, and of small price the loss  
of so much blood to deem.  
Thus much he, and more, which shortly god willing, shallbe set forth. Now let us come to the description of the land.  
This land, after the British destruction: 
The description of Wales.  was divided into six Regions: as I read of late in a very ancient book, written of the laws of the britains. For (saith that book) after that the Saxons had vanquished the britains, & obtained the Sceptre of the Realm, and the crown of London: all the people of Wales, assembled together at the mouth of the River Devey, to choose a king. And yno i Doethant Gwyr Gwynedh, à Gwyr Powys, à Gwyr Deheubarth, à Reynnwc, ac Esylluc, à Morganuc. That is to say, and thither came men of Gwynedh, and men of Powys, and men of Deheubarth, and of Reynnucia, and of Syllucia, and Morgania, & they chose Maylgun, whom others call Maclocunius of 
Maylgun of Gwynedh.  Gwynedh, to be their king. This was about the year of our Lord. ●60. Howbeit, afterward, in the lamentable conflict against Ethelfredus king of Northumberland: are recited the kings of Dynetia, which falsely they call Demetia, of Guenta, of Powysia, and of North-wales. And in another place, ●ention is made of the kings of Stra 〈…〉 Cluyde. So that hereby it is easily 〈…〉 ered, that this country was subject 〈…〉 ivers' petikinge or Earls, unto 
Rodericu●  〈…〉 e of Roderike the great, who ob 〈…〉 the Monarchy of all Wales, the year of our Lord, 843. dividing it into three parts, which he left in possession of his three sons. For unto Meruinius (as Gyraldus termeth him, to whom I consent) his eldest son: he gave Gwynedh, to Anaraudus (whom some make the eldest) Powys, & to Cadelhus the youngest: Deheubarth. And that I may use the words of Gyldas: South-Wales was allotted to Cadelhus, with the blessing, and goodwill of all the people, which they call Deheubarth, which is as much to say: as, the right side. Which, although in quantity it be far the biggest: notwithstanding, by reason of noble men, which in the welsh tongue are called Vchelwyr, that is to say, high men wherewith it aboundeth, which were wont to rebel against their Lords, & to defy them in armour: it seemed to be the worse. This division (whilst their posterity contended among themselves, in Civil war, and each of them alone with the Englishmen in external:) at last destroyed the kingdom of wales.  
The chiefest of these kingdoms, which the inhabitants call Gwynedh, Englishmen North-wales, & the Latin writers corruptly Venodotia: had in 
Venodotia.  ancient time these limits. On the West, and North sides it hath Vergivium, or the Irish ocean, at the south-west and by South: the River Devye, Whereby it is cut of from South-Wales. On the South and East sides, it is severed from Powys, and England with high Hills, and sometime with waters unto the force of the River Dee. The same also was parted into four Regions, which contained fifteen Cantredi, which signifieth an hundred villages.  
The principallest of these Regions, was the isle of Anglysey, of whom we have spoken in another place, & in the same was a kings Palace, the seat of North-wales, in Aberfraw: whereof the kings of Gwynedh, have the name of the kings of Aberfraw. For in the laws of Howel Dha (that is to say, good Howel) of walls both king and lawyer, which I have seen written both in the British and Latin tongues: it was decreed, that like as the king of Aberfraw, aught to pay threescore and three pounds for tribute unto the king of London: So likewise the kings of Dinesur, an Matrafall, were severally bound to pay so much. Whereby it appeareth, that this 
Islands nigh wales.  king was the chiefest prince of all wales. About Anglysey be divers little islands as Ynis Adar, that is to say: the isle of Birds sometime, but now it is called Ynis Moylrhoniaid, to wit the isle of Whales, in English Ysterisd. Also Ynis Lygod, that is, the isle of mice, and the isle Seirial, in english Preêstholme.  
The second Region of Gwynedh, called Arfon, as who should say above Anglysey, the best fortified part of all Wales. For it centeyneth the highest Mountains, and Rocks of all Britain, which we term Yriri, the Englishmen Snowdowne, because they carry Snow. For height, and plenty of cattle: scarce inferior to the Alpes. It hath in it many Rivers, and standing Waters. Beyond whose farthest promontory, called Lhynus, lieth an isle, which Ptolomaeus termeth Lymnos, our countrymen Eulhi, the Englishmen Bardesey, that is to say: the isle of the Bardi. In Arfon, overagainst Anglysey: stood an ancient City, called of the Romans Segontium, of the britains Caërsegont, of a River which passeth thereby. But now out of the ruins thereof, there is a new Town, and a Castle founded by Edward the first of 
Edward the. 1.  that name, king of England, called Caër Arfon, that is to say: a Town upon Anglysey. And not far from thence, overagainst Anglysey, lieth the Bishops See of Banchor. And upon Conway water, which there ebbeth, and sloweth: standeth Conway, of our country men called Aberconwy, a walled town builded by the same king. Then followeth Meridnia, with us Merionydh, and Gyraldus calleth it the land of the sons of Conavius. The same (as he sayeth) is the most roughest, and sharpest of all Wales, having in it most highest Mountains. The people use long Spears, wherewith they be of great force, as the South-Wales men with their Bows, so that an Harnies' cannot bear it of. So much he.  
The Sea coast there, by occasion of 
Herrings taking.  great Herring taking: is much frequented by people of divers countries. In the same standeth the Town Harlechia, by the Sea side. And within the land: is the great lake Tegid, through which the river Dee, which we call Doverduwy, that is to say, the water of Dee: floweth. Where it is worth the noting, that there is in that Pond a peculiar kind of Fish, which is never found in the running water, neither the Salmons, whereof the River is full, do ever entre into the Lake. In this country, and in Arfon, are seen great multitude of Dear, and Goats upon the high Hills. And these two countries, of all Wales: came last into the power of the Englishmen. Neither did the people of this country ever frequent domestical incursions, but before our time, always seemed to obey laws rightfully.  
The farthest, & last part of Gwynedh, is called of our countrymen Berfedhwlad that is to say: the inward, and midland region, and is severed from Arfon, by the river Conway, of whom Antoninus, & Ptolomaeus do speak, under the name of Novius. In this, besides the forenamed River, standeth a most antic city of the britains, called Dyganwy in Rosse, of the Englishmen Gannock, & 
Gannock.  famous in Tacitus by the name of Cangorum, whereof the people of that country were called of the Romans CANGI. And Ptolomaeus mentioneth the Promontory of the jangani, which they call now, Gogarth. A place so fortified by nature: that it can scarce be taken by man's strength. This city (as I say) was the seat, and Palace of the later kings of Britain, when, as now their power began to quail, as namely of Maylgun Caduanus, Cadwalla, whom Bede, termeth a most cruel Tyrant, because he persecuted his enemies very fiercely, and of Cadwalladar, who was the last king of Britain, of the British blood. This City, the year of our redemption: eight hundred and sixteen Cananus Dyndaythuy, reigning in Wales, was strooken with lightening from Heaven, and burned in such sort: that it could never be afterward restored: howbeit, the name remaineth to the place to this day, out o● whose rubbish: Conovia was builded. 
Henry Lacey Earl of Lincoln.   
Moreover, in this Territory, in Rhyfaniacum: Henry Lacey, earl of Lincoln, to whom the conquer our thereof, Edward the first, gave that land: erected a very stout Castle, not only by natural situation, but also by a Wall of wonderful thickness, made of a very hard kind of stone, in my opinion the strongest, and best defensed thing in England. Adding also thereto, a town walled about, which by the ancient name he called Dynbech, although those which came afterward, termed it Denbigh. This fine Town, and my sweet 
Denbigh.  country, being compassed well-nigh about, with very fair Parks, & standing in the entrance of an exceeding pleasant Ualley: aboundeth plentifully with all things, that are necessary to the use of man. The Hills yield Flesh, and white meats. The most fertile Ualley: very good Corn and grass. The sweet rivers with the Sea, at hand: minister all sorts of Fish, and Fowl. Strange wines come thither forth of Spain, France, & Greece, abundantly. And being the chief town of the shire, standing in the very middle of the country: it is a great market Town, famous, and much frequented with wares, and people, from all parts of North-wales. The indwellers have the use of both tongues. And being endued by kings of England, with many Privileges, and Liberties: are ruled by their own laws. The valley, nigh whereto this Town standeth: is termed amongst us Dyphryn Clwyd, that is to say: the Ualley of Clwyd. It is almost eighteen miles in length, and in breadth in some place four miles, in other some six. On the East, west, and South sides: it is environed with high Hills, on the North with the ocean Sea. In the midst, it is cut in twain by the River Clwyd, whereof it taketh name, into whom, divers other little streams falling out of the Hills: do discharge themselves, by reason whereof: irriguous, and pleasant Meadows, & plentiful pastures do lie about the banks thereof. In the entrance of which Ualley: Ruthyn an ancient town, and Castle of the Gray's, from 
The family of Gray'S.  whence the most noble family amongst the Englishmen took beginning: is to be seen. And not far from the Sea: standeth Rudhlan, in Tegengyl, sometime a great Town, but now a little Uyllage. In the same Province is a Cathedral Church, of our country men called LHANEL WEY, of the Englishmen, S. Assaph, builded 
S. Assaph.  between two Rivers, CLWYD, and ELWEY.  
I remember, that I have read, that there was one ELBODIUS Arch 
Elbodius.  bis●hoppe of North-wales, preferred unto that honour, by the bishop of Rome. Who first of all, the year of our, Salvation, seven hundred three score and two: reconciled the Welshmen to the romish Church, from which before, they had disagreed. For the britains, imitating the Asiaticke Church: celebrated their EASTER from the fourteen day of the Moon: unto the twenty. When the Romans, following the Nicene counsel: keep their Easter from the fifteen, to the one and twenty. Whereby it cometh to pass, that these Nations, have celebrated that Feast, on divers Sundays. But let the bishops take regard, how far they do err from the Decrees of the NICENE Counsel, while they follow that uncertain rule of the motion of the Son, and Moon, which they call the Golden 
The Golden number, reproved.  Number, being therein very foully deceived. Which thing, in times passed, was objected for a crime, against the britains, by the over superstitious Mounke Augustine, and likewise by Bede, which to much attributed unto such titles, in somuch that for the same cause: he durst term them Heretics: But now, howbeit under curse of the Nicene counsel, it be otherwise commanded: it is rejected by the Prelates themselves, and the whole Church of Europe. But let us return to our purpose.  
In that place, where the See of S. Assaph is: was sometime a College of learned Agonists, that I may use Capgraves' words, celebrated for multitude, under Centigeme a Scot, which was called Elguense, or Eluense, of a River. This Province Tegenia, is called of the Latins Igenia, and after, being vanquished by the Englishmen: began to be termed Tegengel, that is to say: the Englishmens Tegenia. Afterwards being inhabited by britains, coming forth of Scotland, & driving the Englishmen thence: with the Ualley of Clwyd, Ruthyn, and Rosse, make one kingdom, which Marianus calleth Streudglead, our countrymen term it Stradclwyd, that is to say: the soil of Clwyd. For this word Strat, with the name of some River joined thereto, doth usually signify amongst the welsh men, a vain, or soil of land, nigh to a River, as Strad Alyn, Strad Towyn, with many such like. Their last prince called Dunwallon, forsaking his kingdom, 
Dunwallon.  when the Danes afflicted all Britain: departed to Rome, the year after the incarnation, 971. where shortly after he died. In Tegenia, is a well of a marvelous nature, which being six miles from the Sea, in the parish of Kilken: ebbeth: and floweth twice in one day. Yet have I marked this of late, when the Moon ascendeth from the East Horizon, to the South (at what time all Seas do flow) that then the water of this Well diminisheth and ebbeth. And not far from this place, is the famous Fountain taking name of the superstitious worshipping of the 
Wenefrides' well.  Virgin Winifred, which boiling up suddenly, out of a place which they call Sychnant, that is to say a dry valley: raiseth forth of itself a great stream, which runneth immediately into Devanus. This water, besides that it breedeth Moss, of a very pleasant savour: is also most wholesome unto man's body, both for washing, and drinking, and of very good taste, in so much that many being washed therein: were cured of divers infirmities, wherewith they were borne. Moreover, in Tegenia: there is a certain ancient monument of an old building, in a place called Pot Vary, sometime renowned by Roman letters and Arms. The town which they call Flynt, standing upon the water 
Flint.  Deva: is known not only to be the head of Tegenia, but also the whole shire.  
After the description of Gwynedh, 
Powisia.  let us now come to Powys, the second kingdom of Wales. Which in the time of Germane Altisiodorensis, which preached sometime there, against Pelagius Heresy: was of power▪ as is gathered out of his life. The king whereof, as is there read, because he refused 
God's judge meant.  to hear that good man: by the secret, and terrible judgement of God, with his Palace, and all his household: was swallowed up into the bowels of the Earth, in that place, whereas, not far from Oswastry, is now a standing water, of an unknown depth, called Lhunclys, that is to say: the devouring of the Palace. And there are many Churches found in the fame Province, dedicated to the name of Germane. The City of Schreusbury, in old time, was the Prince's seat of this Kingdom. But when the Englishmen had taken it: it was translated to Mathraval, a place five miles from Pole, of Powys. This Region had on the Northside Gwynedh, on the East from Chestre, unto Herford: England, on the South, & West the River Wey, and very high Hills, whereby it was disjoined from South-Wales. And because the land was plain, and near to England, and much vexed with continual War by Englishmen, and afterward by the Normans: this part of Wales did first experiment the yoke of English subjection. Which brooding stout men, and such, whose nature could not abide to be at rest, but given to Murder, and excursions: not only procured infinite trouble unto the kings of England: but wrought also great injury unto their neighbours the Welshmen. But afterward, being parted between two brothers, as was the custom of the britains: it began to wax weak. And the part, which lieth on the Northside of Tanat, Murnia, and Severn: befell unto Madoc, whereof it was called Powys Fadoc. The other part came both in name, and possession of Gwenwynwyn.  
The first lost the name of Powys, for being subdued by the Normans: it came into the power, and right of the conquerors. The first region thereof Mailor, is divided into twain, by the River Dee, namely the Saxon, and Welsh, whereof the first: appertaineth unto Flyntshyre, and the other unto Denbyghshyre, in the which standeth the Castle of Lion, 
Castle of Lion.  now commonly called Holt. And not far from thence, are seen the rubbish and relics of the most notable, and famous Monastery of Banchor, while the glory of the britains flourished. In the same were two thousand, & one hundred monks, very well ordered, & learned, and divided into seven sorts, daily serving God. Among whom, those which were simple, and unlearned: by their handy labour provided meat, and drink, and apparel for the learned, and such as applied their study. And if any thing were remaining: they divided it unto the poor. That place, hath sent forth many hundreds of excellently well learned men, amongst whom, it hath also vomited forth to the world, the most detestable Archeheretick Pelagius. And afterward, through 
Pelagius.  the envy, and malice of Augustine, not the Bishop of Hippo, but the most arrogant monk, and the most cruel execution of his Ministre Ethelfrede: worthy men, of far more perfect ordre than he was of, were made away, and 
A wicked deed.  the whole house, from the very foundations, together with their most noble Liberary, more precious than Gold, was raised down, and destroyed with fire, and sword.  
It were overlong to repeat, what 
Agustine the Moonk.  Latin, and British chronicles do report, of the intolerable pride of this man. For when he, sitting in his regal seat, disdained to rise up unto the British bishops, which came unto him humbly, and meekly, as it become Christians to do, they beholding the same: both judged, and said, that he was not the minister of the most gentle, and meek lamb Christ: but of Lucifer, as they had learned in the holy scriptures, & so they departed home again. For which contempt, and reproach, and partly also, because they agreed not in some points, with the Archbishop of Cantorbury, which he had appointed, & with the Church of Rome, he so stirred the hate of the Englishmen against them: that shortly after, as I said, by Ethelfred, through the aid, and help of Ethelbert king of Kent, provoked thereto by Augustine: the Mounkes which desired peace, were most cruelly slain. And afterward the britains, under the conduct of Brochwell, king of Powys: were vanquished. Until that at length, being aided with power from Belthrusius, Duke of Cornwall, Caduane king of North-wales, Meredoc, king of South-Wales, and heartened forward by the Oration of their most learned Abbot Dunetus, 
Dunetus.  who commanded, as our Chronacles' report, that every one should kiss the ground, in remembrance of 
Note this place.  the communion of the Body of our Lord, & should take up water in their hands forth of the River Dee, and drink it, in commemoration of the most sacred Blood of CHRIST, which was shed for them. Who, having so Communicated: they overcame the Saxons in a famous battle, and slew of them, as Huntyngton writeth: a thousand threescore, and six, and created Carduanus their king, in the City of Legions. Next ensue Yale, and Chyrk, hilly countries. In this last, standeth that antic Castle, which at this day, is called Brennus' Palace. And these appertain unto Denbighshyre. But more to the North: are Stradalin, so named of the river ALYN, and Hope, of Fluitenshire.  
Towards SCHREUSBURY, lieth 
Whitting ton. Fitzalanes  Whittington, and Oswastrey, a noble Market, and enwalled round, at the charges of the FITZALANES, a most ancient family of England, whose inheritance it is, and these belong unto Schropshire. Above these in the West: are the Edeirnion men, joined now unto the Merionydh men, upon the river Dee. And all these, at this present, are called Gwynedhij, or men of Gwynedh, for the name of the men of Powis, is perished amongst them. The second Region of Powys, contained the same Province, which now only enjoyeth the name of Powys, and sometime stretched very wide, but now containeth only three Cantredes, lying wholly on the Northside of the River Severn, which is the second river of 
Severn.  Britain, falling from the high Mountains of Plymnonia, and rising forth of the same head, with Wey, and Rhydwely, and running throuhh Arwistli, and Kedewen in Powys: maketh speed to Schreusbury, and so floweth forward through Brydgenorth, Worcestre, and Glocestre, from which, not far of, it ebbeth and floweth, and between Wales, Devonshire, and Cornwall: beareth name of the Severn Sea. Our countrymen term it Hafren, and not Severn, as the Englishmen do. The chief town, and kings seat of Powys, called Matrafal: retaineth the ancient name, howbeit the buildings be defaced, and worn. And one mile from Severn: standeth a Town, the only market of all that Region, of the Englishmen Pole, of the Welshmen called Tralhung, that is to say, the town of the standing water, so called of the Lake whereto it is nigh, where there stand aloft two Castles, builded sometime by the Princes of Powys. This princedom, came by inheritance unto a woman, called Havisia, who being married unto one Carleton, an Englishman: made him Lord of Powis, from which house, at length it descended unto the Gray's, in the North. Next unto that, standeth Cadevenna, a new town, above whom, towards the rising of Severn,: are Arwistle, and Lhanidlos, countries well known by reason of the Towns. And more by West, and by North, at the head of Devey, Mouthuy, now a portion of Merionedh, & Kefelioc, known by the town Machaulhaith. On the other side of Severn, beneath the Region Kerey, there is a Castle by a little Town, which Welshmen call Trefaldwyn, that is to say, Baldwynes town, but the Englishmen term it, 
Roger Mountgomer.  Montgomery, of the builder Roger of Mont Gomer. From this Town, all these Regions being joined together: are called Montgomershyre, a country brooder sometime of noble horses: now it sendeth forth but few, and by the forenamed Roger, and his sons, very valiant, and warlike gentlemen: very sorely afflicted, until that Robert being accused of high Treason: was enforced to fly his country. The region is hilly, and by reason of plentifulness of Pastures: very good for grasinge of cattle, abounding with many waters, and bringing forth tall men, very well favoured, much addicted unto Idleness, and unprofitable games. Whereby it cometh to pass, that you shall find many rich English Farmers amongst them, when as the landlords themselves, which will take no pains: do become very poor. These six shires, namely Anglysey, Aruon, Merionydh, Denbyghshyre, Fluitense, and Montgomershyre: Englishmen comprise under the name of North-wales.  
There remaineth yet that part of Powis, which stretched sometime unto Wey, whose first Region taketh name of the River Colunwy, and of the Castle, and possession of the Fitzalanes.  
Next to Melienyth, and Gurttrenion, hilly countries, and at the South, RADENOR, called of the Welshmen: Maisifod, head of the shire. joining unto these, are the Eluil, with the Castle of pain, by Wey, which our country men call Gwy. Beyond all these, are Prestene, which we call S. andrew's 
Prestenia.  Church, and Kynton, with the Castle of Huntingdon. And upon Themis, of us called Tefedioc▪ standeth the fair town, & Castle of Ludlaw in Schreupshyre, 
Ludlaw.  in old time called DINAV, the work of Roger Montgomer. And above that: the castle of Wigmore, the patrimony of 
Wigmore Ca●●le.  the Mortumars. And at Severn: Bridgenorth, & Beaudely, in old time very well known, by the castle Tyrhil▪ And on the south-west side, upon Logus, which we call Lhygwy, on a passing fertile plain: standeth Lhanlhieni, of the Englishmen Lemstre. And not far thence, is the ancient City Henfford, that is to say●: an old way, of Englishmen, in old time called Ferleg, now Hereford, standing upon Wey, or more truly upon Gwy.  
Towards Severn: are Maluern hills, and in the very corner between Severn and Wey, not far from the town of Rosse: is that renowned Wood: which of the Danes, is called the Forest of Deane. These Regions, with all Herefordshyre, beyond Wey, before they were possessed by the Englishmen: in old time, were termed in British, Euryeynnwc, and the inhabitants Eurnwyr, of which name there remaineth yet some signification apparent, in one place of Herefordshire. For that, which the Englishmen called Vrchenfeld: the Welshmen called Ergnig, and afterward Ergengel. And no marvel, since the lest portion thereof, retaineth now (as I have said) the name of Powis.  
There remaineth the third kyngkingedome 
dehubarth  of Wales, of the English called South-Wales, of our countrymen which inhabit the land: Deheubarth, that is to say: the right, or South part, for so we use to term the South. The same is wholly compassed with the Irish Sea, the stream of Severn, and the rivers Weigh, and Dyvei. And although the country be very fertile, & the land rich, and far more bigger than Gwynedh: notwithstanding, as Gyraldus saith, it was counted the worse. And that not only, because Vchelwyr, that is to say: the nobliest, & chiefest men, refused to obey their kings: but also by reason that the sea coasts thereof, were continually molested by the Englishmen, Normans, & flemings. Whereby the Prince, was compelled to forsake Caer mardthyn his seat, and to apoyncte the principal place of his regality, at Dinefur in Cantremawr. And, although these princes, were of great authority in Wales: yet after that Rhesus, the son 
Rhesus.  of Theodore, the great, was slain, through the treason of his own men: they were no longer termed Dukes, nor Princes, but Arglwydhi, that is to say, Lords. Until at length, through Civil Wars, by dividing of their lands amongst many, and also by external (while the Englishmen endeavoured to possess all by force, and craft:) they were so weakened, that after the death of Rhesus, the son of Griffith, a very noble, and valiant Gentleman: they lost both the authority, and name of Princes, and Lords.  
Now let us descend unto the description of the Province, whereof the first Region, which cometh to hand: is that, which Gyraldus calleth Ceretica, our countrymen Ceredigion, the Englishmen Cardigan. Where it is to be noted, 
Cardigan.  as in all other, that C, and G, have the force of Cappa, & Gamma. This region on the North, hath the Irish Sea, on the East, the river Dyvei, whereby it is deviued from Gwynedh, & towards Powis, very high Hills, on the South, Caermyrthyn, and on the West, Dyfetia.  
Their tongue (as Gyraldus affirmeth) 
The welsh tongue.  is esteemed the finest, of all the other people of wales. And Gwynedh: the purer, with out permixtion, coming nearest unto thancient British. But the Southern most rudest, & coarsest, because it hath greatest affinity with strange tongues.  
The sea coast of this part: Richard 
Richard Clarens.  Clarens, a very noble man, coming in with a navy, and building Castles at the mouth of Teifi, and Vstwyth: possessed it for his own, and leaving garrisons there: returned into England. But when he understood that his men were besieged by the Welshmen, being boldened by his great power: he intended by an over rash enterprise, to go aid them by land. But, at Coed Gronus, not far from Abergeveni, he was slain with all his army, by jerwerthus of Caërlheon. And so those Forts returned again unto their old lords.  
I suppose that the mouth of Ystwyth, is of Ptolomaeus called Rotossa, and Tibium: Abertius, but that, through negligence of the transcribers: they were confounded into one. Not far from this place, standeth Lhanpaternfawr, that is the Church of Paternus the great, which in old time was had in great veneration. For welshmen, above all other nations, were accustomed to reverence Churches, & attribute much honour unto ecclesiastical persons. For (as Gyraldus reporteth) they used not once to touch the most deadlyest foes they had, and such as were accused of Treason, if they escaped unto the church. Yea, not so much as their enemy's cattle, if they fed in any Pastures, or Leazes, which appertained unto the Church. Moreover, when they be armed, and going unto battle, if they fortune to meet with a Priest on the way: they will cast down their weapons, and require benediction with a stooping head. In the same Region, is a place, in which (they say) under Dews' feet, whom in Lantine they call 
DAVID,  David, while he inveyhed against the Pelagians: the earth bellowed, and rose up in an hill, which they term Lhandewybrevy. In the other part of the Region is the principal Town of the Shire, upon the river Teify, which we term Aberteifi, to say, the mouth of Teifus, the Englishmen call it Cardigan. This River only of all Britain, as Gyraldus reporteth, aboundeth with Otters, but now our countrymen know not what they ar. The bore name which is Auanc: they take for a Monster of the water.  
Passing forth along, by the same Sea coast: there cometh unto our view, a Region of ancient time, termed of our countrymen Dyfed, of Ptolomaeus, Demetia, for Dynetia, in English, Westwales, and now Penbrokeshyre. The same reacheth from Sea, to Sea, the farther Promontory whereof: Ptolomaeus calleth Octopitarum, a little declining from the word Pebidion. By the Northern Ocean, a long lie: Trefdraeth, & Aberguain, & Cilgaren, within the main land, & in the west Angle, is the Bishops See of Meneve, sometime famous with an Archbishops see. For Devi, who is called David, translated the Archbishopprick from the City of Legions, where it was of antiquity: into Meneve. Afterwhome, there sat there, five & twenty Archbishops, whose names are found in Gyraldus. The 
Samson.  last whereof, called Samson, in the time of a grievous Plague of Pestilence then reigning: fled into Armorica, or the less Britain, with his pall, where being chosen Bishop of Dole: he left there his pall, which his successors have enjoyed unto this day, before whom the Archbishop of Turo hath prevailed. But ours, by occasion of the Saxon war, and their own poverty: lost their ancient dignity, notwithstanding all Bishops of Wales, were consecrated by the Bishop of Meneve, and he of them, as his suffragans, until the days of Henry the first, when as Bernhard, was consecrated by the Archbishop of Cantorbury, and used himself long time after as Archbishop, until in the end: his action fell at Rome. This much Gyraldus.  
Neither was there any Bishop of Meneve before Morgenew: which was the. xxxiii. from David: that tasted any flesh. And he, the very same night, when he first tasted flesh: was slain by Pirates. This Church hath been very often spoiled, and destroyed by English, and Danish Pirates. Here, in the valley Rosea, was borne the great Patrick, who endued Ireland with the 
Patrick.  Christian faith. Haverfordia, which they call now West Hereford, is distant from this See: xxi. miles, in old time called of the britains, Aberdaugleddaw that is to say: the mouth of two swords. For so the chiefest Rivers of all Britain, which make any haven: are termed. Englishmen call the same Milford, and some Alaunicum, by the Latin name. The Welshmen call this Town now Hulphordh, and the Haven reserveth his antic name. Upon the same crook, or bosom: standeth Benbrock, head of the shire, the work of Arnulph Montgomer, which Girarde of Wyndelesour valiantly defended against Rhesus, son to Theodore. And after that peace was established (as Gyraldus reporteth) he took to wife Nessa, the daughter of Thesus, on whom he begat worthy issue, both Male, and Female, by whom, both the Sea coast of Wales, remained unto the Englishmen: and the force of Ireland was afterward vanquished. At the South Sea lieth Tenbigh, as Englishmen term it, but welshmen, Dinbegh Ypyscot, that is to wit, fishing Denbygh, so 
Denbygh.  called, for difference twixt it, and the other, which is in Gwynedh. This same part of Demetia, or Dynetia, is at this day possessed, and inhabited by flemings, sent thither by Henry the first▪ The people being stout, and rough: defended themselves, and theirs: valiantly against the Welshmen▪ And although many times, especially by Cadwallader, Conanus, and Howell, sons of Owaen Prince of Gwynedh, and Rhesus, son to Gryffeth of North-wales, and lastly by Leweline the great, as Parisiensis termeth him, who had in his army thirty thousand men: they were almost destroyed, and slay: yet have they always recovered their strength again, and unto this day are known from Welshmen by diversity of their manners, and tongue.  
The third Province of South-Wales, Maridinia: taketh name of Maridunum, a very ancient City, whereof both Latin, and Greek writers make mention. By which name, it was so called and known, long before the birth of that very well learned man, whom the Englishmen corruptly call Merlin, but our countrymen Merdhin. 
Merlin.  Neither did the City take name of him: but he of that, whereas he was borne. We call the same Caer fryd●in by reason of propriety of the tongue, whereby we change M, into FIVE, the consonant (for whom our countrymen do use FLETCHER) in the Castle, & City of Merdhyn. That same Ambrose, who was borne of a noble Virgin (whose fathers name is of purpose suppressed) for his passing skill in the Mathematicals, and wondered knowledge in all other kind of learning: was by the rude common people reputed to be the son of an incubus, or a Male Devil, which in similitude and likeness of men, do use carnally to company with women.  
This Town, as Gyraldus, writeth, was in old time compassed round with a fair brickewall. And upon the river Clarus, which Ptolomaeus, termeth Tobius, we Towi: is said that the kings seat and Palace of South-Wales was builded, until that it was taken by the Englishmen. After what time it was removed unto Dynefur upon the same River, a place very well fortified with woods, and hills. In this Region, by reason of the strong situation of places: the princes of South-Wales, made well-nigh their continual abode. Which was divided from Ceretica, by the River Tifey, by whose side: 
Emlyn Castle.  standeth the noble Castle of Emlyn. On the other sides, it is environed with very high hills, and with the Sea.  
Towards the Sea: is Catguilia, now Cydweili, a country sometime possessed by Mauritius of London. Next whom lieth Gwhir, which joineth unto Morgania, with a Town at the mouth of Tawai, of us Abertawai, of Englishmen called Swansei. Morgania, of Englishmen Glamorgan, of us called Morganwc, and Gwladforgan, that is to say: the country of Morgan, of one Morgan, 
Morgan.  which was there slain by his Aunts son Cuneda, who was king of Lhoëgr more than two thousand years since: so called. It lieth on the Severn Sea, and was always wont to be rebellious against his Prince. Wherefore, when it refused to obey his true, and lawful Prince: by the just judgement of God, 
Treason and Rebellion always punished.  which always revengeth Rebellion, and Treason: it was enforced to come in servitude unto strangers. For about the year of our Lord, one thousand, fourscore, and ten, when jestinus, son to Gurgantus, earl of Morgania, refused to obey Rhesus, son to Theodore, Prince of South-Wales, and sent Aeneas son to Cedivorus, sometime Lord of Demetia, into England, to take muster of Soldiers, and there received a great army under the conduct of one Robert, son to Hamo, and joining with other Rebels out of WENTA, and BRECHINIA: met with RHESUS in Black hill, and there slew him. And so paying the Englishmen their Wages: discharged them. But they, taking regard unto the goodness of the soil, and the great variance which was then amongst the Welshmen: as inforetime the Saxons had done: they turned their force of Arms against those, which entertained them, and soon displaced them wholly of all the champion, and the best of the country. Which HAMO divided amongst 
Ham●.  twelve knights, which he brought with him, reserving the better part to himself. Who, building there certain Castles and joining their power together: defended their Farms, and lordships which they had possessed, and taken. Whose heirs peaceably enjoy the same, unto this day. But jestinus, scarcely reserved to himself, and his: the hillye country. The twelve knights names were these, London, Straddling, Sanct 
The▪ xii. knights names.  john, Turberuille, Granuille, Humfreyville, Sanctquintin, Sorus, Sullius, Berkerolus, Syward, and fleming. In this province are, NETH upon a River of the same name, Pontfayn, that is to say, Stone bridge, Englishmen falsely call it Cowbridge, Lantwyd, Wenny, Dynwyd, Towns and Castles, besides Caër Phili, a most ancient Castle, and Fortress. Which, as report goeth, was erected by the Romans, and Caerdid, the principal town of the shire, standing upon the river Taf, English men term it Cardyd. And not far from thence is Landaf, to say: a Church standing on Taws, ennobled with a 
Landaf.  Bishops See. Next unto this region lieth Wenta, under Momuthshyre.  
This, in old time was called Siluria, which may easily be proved, contrary unto the ridiculous authority of Boethius, and Polydorus.  
And first to begin with Tacitus, who affirmeth, that the Siluri lie over against Spain. But these are far more near Spain, than any part of Scotland: wherefore it is more like, that they dwelled here, rather than in Scotland. Moreover, whereas, in a fair discourse, he describeth the expedition of Agricola, against the Albani, or Scots, and there reciteth all the people, and nations of Albania: he never maketh mention of the Siluri, which was the most Warlike nation of them all. And undoubtedly, if they had been in Scotland: he would never have passed them over with silence. Considering also, how he telleth that there were exceeding great forests in Siluria, the tokens whereof remain as yet in Wenta.  
Ptolomaeus also, and after him Marius Niger, layeth the Siluri, next unto the Demeti, and Maridunum, but somedeal more Casterly. Besides these authorities, the most ancient book of the British laws, mentioneth Syllwc, a province of Wales, whose inhabitants we must needs call in the British tongue: Syllwr, whereby they were of the Romans termed Silures. And one part of Wenta, is at this day called Gwent lhwc, leaving out one silable, as though it were, Went silluc. Also Chepstow, a fine market Town in 
Chepstow.  Wenta, before a few years since passed: was called by the name of Strigulia, which seemeth to come somewhat near to Siluria. Moreover Antoninus, a very grave author, maketh mention, how Venta of the Siluri, was not far from this, towards the ferry, or place of passage over the Severn. Wherefore it were but a jest, hence forth, to seek for the Siluri in Scotland. And although that Plinius writeth, that out of the Region of the Siluri, over into Ireland, was but a very short cut: we must thus take it, that at his time, Britain was not sufficiently known, nor the people of Albania long after that, subdued. Whereby, when certain of the Romans, as Englishmen use now a days, had passed over into Ireland, out of South-Wales: others, which never saw Britain: supposed it to be a very short cut. In this Region is situate the most ancient, & noble city of Legions 
City of Legions.  which our countrymen call Caerlheon are Wisk, that is to say: the city of Legions upon Usk, for difference sake, between it, and the other, which is builded in North-wales, upon the River Dee. Of whom Gyraldus writeth thus: The same was an ancient, and noble Town, the tokens whereof remain as yet, an huge Palace, a Giantlike Tower, goodly Baths, and Hot houses, Relics of Churches, and places like Theatres, compassed with beautiful Walls, partly yet standing. Also buildings under the ground, conducts, secret passages, and vaults under the earth, Stews framed by wonderful workmanship. There lie two martyrs julius, & Aron, which had churches dedicated unto them. There was also a Cathedral Church of an Archbishop, under Dubricius, which fell to David. This much he.  
Also on the otherside of Usk, in the way which leadeth to Strigulia, are seen ancient Ditches, and the remnants of town Walls of the Siluri of Venta, which now also they call Caerwent, to wit: the City Venta, whereof the name grew to the whole country. At the mouth of Wey, which we call Gwy: is a famous Market Town, in old time Strigulia, but now called the Castle 
Castle of Gwent.  of Gwent. The Earls Marshals, & their heirs of this place, did very much weaken the state of Wales. Not far hence is Monmuth, of us Monwy, so called by the meeting of Mona, & Weigh together, the head of the whole shire. Above, at Osca: are the Castle of Osca called Brynbuga, & in the upper Venta, at the meeting of Usk, and Gevenna: is Abergeuenny, the Lord whereof, Brienne Guildford: wrought much 
Brienne Guildford.  mischief against the Wenti. But afterward, Willus Brustius, Lord of Brecknoc, under pretence of love, and friendship: called the nobles of Wenta into this Castle to Feasting, and Banqueting. Who coming thither, with Sesylius, son to Dunwallan, chief 
A cruel deed.  man of all that Region, and his son Gryf sith, suspecting no deceit, and unarmed: were everichone most cruelly slain, by Brustius gward, which were put ready in armour for that purpose. And afterward suddenly breaking into Sesylius house: the unmerciful Butchers, murdered the young Infant, Cadwaladar his son despiteously, before the Mother's face. Whose sons notwithstanding, taking the Castle, and having slay ranulph Poerius, with many other noble men: at Lhandyvegad manfully revenged their father's death. But BRUSTIUS, being reserved unto greater mischief: was famished to 
A just revenge.  death, with his Mother in the Castle of Windelesour.  
And here, I thought good to note, that the name of Sesylius, being common among the britains and welshmen: aught to be written not with C. (which always expresseth the nature of the English KING,) but with S. For else it should be read amongst the Welshmen: Kyllius. There remaineth yet the last Inland Region of South-Wales, which maketh the shire of Brechnock, the head whereof Brechnock, or as the Welshmen term it Aberhodni: standeth in usk, upon the fall of HODNI. Bernhard of Newmarcat, first of all 
Bernhard of Newmercate.  Englishmen, by force of arms subdued the same. Above this Region, lieth Bogwelth, which they term Buellt, a rough, and hilly country, reaching from Weigh to Tobius. Beneath, is Ewias, won by the power of Paganus, the son of john. Which afterward was parted in twain, Herold, and Lacey. And not far thence: is Haya, well known by Roman monuments, called TREGELLI, that is to wit: the Town of Hasels.  
These seven Shires: Credigion, DWETIA, called also Demetia, and Penbrokes' hire, Caer marthyn, Morganic●, now Glamorgan, Gwenta called also Montanus mouth, Brechenoc, and Radenor: are by Englyshmen ascribed unto South-Wales.  
Thus much when I had written of the true, antic, and now accustomed names of the Regions, and cities of Britain: I determined here to have ended, lest by this my unpolished, and barbarous writing: I should become tedious to the impatient Reader. But when I called to my remembrance, how Polydorus Virgilius, whose works be in all men's hands, doth in all places nip, & gird at the britains, endeavouring in words, to extenuate the glory of the British name, and to obscure them with a perpetual blot, in his history often terming them a cowardly, and false generation: I thought it worth the travel, to bring forth a few authorities, out of the books of famous writers, and approved Historiographers. Whereby the indifferent Reader, may easily judge, what credit is to be given to the said Polydorus. And that such as are of the learnedst writers, of the state of Britain: either he read them not, or else (that is more like) being incensed with envy, and hate of the British name: passed them over with silence.  
Caesar himself, who first all the Romans, 
Caesar.  made mention of Britain, how be it, no man is accounted an upright judge in his own cause: confesseth, that at the first encounter, the britains fought valiantly against the Romans, and that they troubled them very much and afterward, that the Legion which was sent for provision of Corn, and Uitayle, was so pressed by their enemies: that they could scarce endure it. And that at his coming, for fear (as he sayeth) they retired. And that I may use his own words: Caesar supposing it to be an unfit time, to provoke the enemy, and to give him battle: kept himself in his own place, and after short time, brought back his Legions into their Tents. This retreat some termed a flight, which may also be proved, because that shortly after, when it was past midnight: he took shipping privily, and departed out of Britain. Neither was this the power of all Britain, but a band of Kentyshmen, suddenly gathered, as appeareth 
Kentishmen.  in his history.  
After this, in his first book, he showeth, that the British wagonners fought stoutly upon the way, and in another place that they entered forcibly into his Campe. And that the Roman cohorts or bands, being afeard, when Laberius the Tribune was slain: salfly returned back again. Which, what other can it signify, then that they escaped by flight? He confesseth also, how Casivelanus, by the falling from him of Mandrubatius, and certain his Cities: was especially moved, not by battle wearied, to send Ambassadors unto him, to entreat of Peace. All these things spitefully Polydorus, dissembleth.  
Also Diodorus Siculus, who wrote 
Diodorus Siculus.  in the time of Augustus, sayeth: It is reported, that the inhabitants of Britain, are Aborigines, that is to say, first borne in the Country, leading their lives after the manner of men, in old times. In fight they use Chariots, such as is said, the ancient worthies of Greece, used in the battle of Troy. In behaviour, they are simple, and upright, far distant from the craft and wiliness of men of our age, Their fare is nothing excessive, nor costly, far from the dainty delicates of ritchmen. Thus much he.  
Tacitus also, a worthy writer, doth 
Tacitus.  wonderfully commend the puissant deeds of Cataracus, against the people of Rome, and confesseth, that after the taking of him: they were oftentimes ●oyled, and discomfited by one only city of the Siluri. And, as for Venusius, whom he writeth to have been fierce, and hateful against the Romans: he reporteth, that he vanquished, not only the Romans: but such britains also as aided them. His words be these.  
The kingdom to Venusius, and unto us remained War. And after it followeth, that he cannot deny, but when queen Boadicia (whom Dion termeth Bundwica) was deservedly exasperated: 
Boadicia.  she caused. lx. and ten thousand Romans to be slain. Whose courage more than manlike, and noble deeds worthy to be extolled with praise unto Heaven, and equivalent to the acts of renowned Emperors, and Captains Tacitus, & also Dion, men of great name have celebrated in fair, and large discourse. And in the life of Agricola.  
In wishing for dangers, there is like boldness in britains, and frenchmen. And when they come unto the pinch, in refusing of them: like dasterdnes. Howbeit, the britains resembling more hardiness, as being such, whom long rest, and peace had not yet made soft, or effeminate.  
For we have heard also, that the Frenchmen have flourished in wars. But shortly after, cowardice crept in through Idleness, whereby they lost both manhood, and liberty, which likewise befell to the vanquished britains, the residue whereof remain yet, such as the frenchmen were.  
They are strong on foot, certain of them do fight in chariots, the drivers whereof are counted the worthier. Whose clientes, and servants do fight and defend them. Infore time they were prepared for kings, but now through favour, and faction: every prince hath gotten them.  
Neither were there any thing more profitable for our use, against strange, and valiant nations: saving that they do not generally safeguard, and defend all. It is seldom, that two, or three Cities do join, to withstand their common danger, so that whilst they fight severally: they are overcome universally. Also in another place.  
The britains do muster, pay tribute, and fulfil other commandments of the Empire, without stay, or grudging, so that there be no injury offered, which they can hardly abide. And now they be subdued to obey, but not yet to be slaves. And a little afterward.  
But now they begin to instruct the children of Princes, in liberal sciences, sayeth Agricola. And to prefer the wits of the britains in study, before the Frenchmens'. That they, which of late detested the Roman tongue: do now desire to be eloquent therein. Afterwards, the majesty of our attire, and our Gown was commonly worn, & by little, and little, they came to the imitation of our vices, and superfluities, as to have Galleries, Baths, and to use our nysenesse in feasting. Which amongst the unskilful was termed, humanity, when as in deed, it is part of servility.  
Dion Cassius, a man that had been Consul, among other things hath left this in writing unto posterity, of Caesar's expedition into Britain. The britains durst not set openly upon the Romans, because they kept diligent watch, and ward, but they took certain which were sent, as it were, unto their friends, and confederates Region, to provide victual, whom they slew all, excepting a few, which Caesar coming with speed: rescued. Then began they to assault the Camp, wherein they prevailed not, but were repulsed, not without slaughter on their side. Howbeit, they never took peace, before that they had been many times put to the worst. Caesar, contrary to that he had purposed: ended the war, requiring yet more pledges, of whom notwithstanding, he received but few. So Caesar returned in to the continent, & such things as were unquiet during his absence: he appeased, gaining nothing to himself, nor to the City of Rome out of Britain, but only the glory of the expedition taken in hand.  
Which both he himself did very much set forth in words: and the Romans extolled wonderfully at Rome. In so much, that in consideration of these deeds, so happily achieved: they decreed a supplication, or thanks giving of twenty days. And in another place.  
The britains calling forth their fellows, and communicating the effect of their intent unto Suella, who amongst all the Petiroyes, or Earls of that Island, was of greatest power: they marched unto the Roman ships where they road at anchor. With whom the Romans meeting: at the first encounter, were troubled with the Wagons, but anon making a lane amongst them, and avoiding the Wagons: they cast their Darts against the enemy, which came running in sidelong upon them, and so restored the battle.  
After this battle, both parts stood still in the same place: and in another conflict, when the barbarous people had overcome the Roman footmen: yet being discomfited by the horsemen: retired back to the River Thames.  
Moreover Herodian, in the life of Severus, writeth thus of the britains. For divers places of Britain, (sayeth he) by common washing in of the ocean, do become Marish. In these Marshes therefore, the Earbarous people do swim, and wade up to the belly, not regarding the miering, and durteing of their naked bodies. For they know not the use of garments, but they arm their bellies & their necks, supposing that to be an ornament, & a token of riches, like as other barbarous people do Gold. They paint also their bodies with divers pictures, and shapes of all manners of beasts, & living things. Wherefore they wear on nothing, lest thereby they should hide the painting of their body. It is a very warlike Nation, and greedy of slaughter, contented only with a narrow Shield, and a Spear, and a Sword hanging down by their naked side. They are altogether ignorant of the use of the breastplate, and headpiece, taking them to be a let unto them, in passing over the Fens, and Marshes.  
Besides these: Eutropius of the French war, writeth thus: Caesar passeth over into Britain, having thereto prepared. lxxx. ships, partly for burden, and partly to fight, and maketh war upon the britains. Where, being first wearied, with a sharp battle, and afterward falling into a cruel tempest: returned into France, and so forth. And afterward. Again, at the beginning of the spring: he sailed into Britain, where at the first encounter of the Horsemen, he was vanquished, and there was Labienus the Tribune slain, and at the second battle, with great peril of his own men: he overcame the britains, and constrained them to fly.  
Suetonius Tranquillus, affirmeth, that Vespasianus overcame in battle, two mighty, and valiant nations of Britain, and that he fought thirty times with the enemy, which is a token of no cowardly, but of a most stout, and warlike nation. Eutropius also in the. ix. book of his history writeth thus. When notwithstanding War was in vain made against Carausius the Britain, a man very expert in martial assayres: in the end peace was concluded. And Sextus Ruffus, reciting 
Bands of britains.  the Roman Legions, among the Legions of the master of the footmen: reckoneth up Britannicians, and British, and among the Legions Comitalensis the second British Legion. And again among the Legions of the master of the horsemen: the French Britons, and again, Britons. And afterward, with the worthy, & approved earl of Spain: the invincible younger Britons. And in an other place, he numbereth the younger British carriars, with the Earl of Britain.  
But what shall it be needful, to tu●n over the works of so many learned men, that the glory of Britain may appear? When as so many puissant kings, so many invincible captains so many noble Roman Emperors, sprung forth of the British blood, have made manifest unto the world, by their noble acts, well worthy immortality: what manner men this Island bringeth forth. For, what shall I speak of Brennus, the tamer of the Romans, and 
Brennus.  Greeks, and almost of all the nations in the world? What of Caswallan, to 
Caswalian.  whom, as Lucan reporteth: julius Caesar did turn his fearful back? What 
Cataracus  of Cataracus, who molested the people of Rome with war, the space of. ix. years? What of Bunduica, that valiant 
Bunduica.  manlike dame? Who, to begin with all, and for han●●ll sake, slew. lxx. thousand Romans. Of whom such fear invaded Rome, and Italy: (as Virunnius writeth) as never the like before, neither at coming of Brennus, nor of Hannibal. What of Arviragus, the 
Arviragus  invincible king of Britain? Who, in despite of the Romans, which were Lords of all the world, preserved his liberty? What of those noble Captains, which fought thirty times with Vespasian? Who also with sorrow, and angwise of mind, killed Severus, the most valiant Emperor, because he could not overcome them? What (as I say) shall I speak of these? when as Britain, hath yielded forth, & communicated to the rest of the world, Constantinus 
Constantinus Magnus.  Magnus, not only a most valiant, and fortunate Captain: but that more is, a perfect goodman, and the first Emperor of the Christians, instructed by Helen his Mother, a Britain also. How much France, and Italy for their delivery from tyrants are indebted unto Britain for this man, which was brought forth out of the midst of the bowels thereof: all men do well know, only Polydorus excepted, and William Petit the Monk, his schoolmaster, of late brought to light (unworthy ever to have seen light) by the slanderers, & detra●tours of the British glory. And, for as much as, a certain Frenchman of late days, and also an ancient Greek author, of the name of Mayor, affirm that he was borne at Dyrachium, called now Durazo: I mean to bring forth the most ancient words of the Panegyricus, which was pronounced before Constantinus, himself. O (saith he) most fortunate, and now above all lands, most blessed Britain, which didst first behold Constantinus the Emperor. Nature hath worthily endued thee, with all benefits of air, and soil, in whom is neither overmuch cold of Winter, nor heat of Summer. Where there is also such plenty of Corn: that it sufficeth for the use of Ceres, and Liber, that is to say: for Bread, and Drink. Where are also Woods without wild, and cruel beasts, the Earth without hurtful Serpents. Contrariwise of tame cattle: an innumerable multitude, strutting with Milk, and laden with Flieses, with all other things necessary and commodious for our life, very long days, and no nights without some light, whilst that uttermost plains of the Sea shore raiseth no shadow, and the show, and aspect of the Stars of Heaven, deo exceed the bounds of night, that the Sun, which to us seemeth to go down: appeareth there but to pass by. Good lord, what a thing is this, that always from some furthermost end of the world, there come down new powers from God, to be worshipped of all the earth? Thus far he.  
What of Bonosus, out of the captains of the bounds of Rheticus, a 
Bonosus.  more courageous, then fortunate Emperor? What of Carausius Augustus, 
Carausius.  who, the space of seven years together, wore his princely Robes, contrary to the will of iovius, and Herculius?  
What of alectus Caesar, for subdueing 
alectus.  whom: Mamertinus seemeth to prefer Maximianus before Caesar julius whose words I will not stick to allege. And truly (saith he) & so forth.  
After him sprang the Emperor 
Maximus.  Maximus, a Britain, and nephew to Helen, a man both stout, and virtuous, and worthy of Augustus, but that in his youth, leading an army against Gratianus, whom he vanquished: he had sacked his country. Who by Helen his wife, daughter to Euda: left his son Victor Emperor. And as Paulus Diaconus writeth, Bitayne also acknowledgeth Marcus, and Gratianus, the Emperors. Moreover Constantinus, with his Son Constans, when Gratianus their countryman was slain: were created Emperors in Britain, in name like to the above said, but not in happiness, against whom Gerontius their Captain (of whose death there are extant very ancient British Rhymes) made another Maximus than the first was, Augustus. And after all these: Ambrose Aurelius, is by Panuinius, accounted the last Emperor of the British blood.  
Besides these. xij. Emperors: Britain hath also brought forth to the world the most puissant, and invincible 
King Arthure.  king, Arthur, whose everlasting renown, and most noble deeds: our friend Master Leland, hath set forth, and made more apparent by infinite testimonies, and most weighty arguments against the gnarring, and doggish mouth, and hatred more than ever was Vatinians, of Polydorus Urbine, and of the greasy Monk Rhicuallensis, more conversant in the Kitchen, then in the histories of old writers.  
And not only our countrymen: but also Spayniardes, Italians, Frenchmen, and the Sueones, beyond the Sea Baltheum, (as Gothus reporteth out of their Histories) do celebrated, and advance unto this day, in their books the worthy acts of this puissant king. Caduanne also, who from prince of Gwynedh, become King of the britains, and his son Cadwalla (whom BEDE calleth a Tyrant, because he persecuted the Saxons with cruel War) whilst the BRITISH Empire was in decaying: were valiant Kings. And after the Brityshe destruction, there rose up noble gentlemen in Wales, not to be debarred of their due praise: as Roderick the great, and his Nephew by his 
Roderick the great.  Son Howell, surnamed GOOD, both famous as well in war: as peace. Also Gryffith, the Son of Lhewelin, the Son of SESYL●IVS▪ who most stoutly defended Wales, his native country. And after him Owayn, prince of Gwynedh, who most hardly withstood at COL: Henry the second, the 
Henry the second.  most mightiest king of all that ever reigned in England, thrice entering into Wales with great armies, whose son also he slow in Anglysey, and the greater part of his army, as Gyraldus reporteth. And his nephew likewise, borne of his son, lewelyn the great whose innumerable triumphs (that I may use the words of Parisiensis, the Englishman) do require special treatises.  
And not these only: but also the Cornishmen, 
Cornishmen.  being the remnants of the old britains, as they are the stoutest of all the British nations: so are they counted to this day, the most valiant in warlike affairs. Neither yet the 
Britonsnigh France.  Britons, which devil nigh France, a nation of the same brood, do any whit degenerate from their forefathers When as they▪ did not only many hundred years prosperously defend, amongst the thickest of stout, & sturdy nations, those seats which they had purchased with their manhood, and prows: but also have vanquished the Goths, and Frenchmen in great battles, and stoutly withstood the most mighty prince Charles the Main, put to flight the army of his son Lewes the Emperor, which was sent against them, under conduct of Murmanus, overcame Charles calvus then Emperor, and king of France in open fight, twice vanquishing his army, Numenius being king, the Emperor privily flying thence, leaving there his Pavilions, and Tents, and all other his kinglike provision, as Regino writeth. But Herispous, son to Numenius, compelled the same Charles, to make shameful, and dishonourable truce with him. Whom Solomon also, son to Herispous, a valiant, and warlike gentleman, enforced to retire back, when he was coming against him with a mighty army.  
But when Solomon was dead: the 
divisions are dangerous.  Britons, through desire to reign, and contention who should next be king: fell unto Civil wars among them selves, as Sigisbertus saith, and so they were constrained to leave of the destruction, and over running of France, which they had determined.  
What shall I speak of the noble deeds of Vrfandus, an invincible captain, 
hasting.  against Hastynge the Norman, and Pastquitanus the Briton? Of judicaël also, and Alane, who manfully drove the Normans out of their coasts, which pitifully wasted, and spoiled all France? What shall I need to touch such Wars, as they made long after, upon the kings of France, being therein aided by th●impregnable power of the Englishmen, since it is well known to all men, that it was always, a most potent nation?  
And, that I may at length stop Polydorus 
Gyldas.  mouth, together with his Gyldas: thus much I say, that if he stick in any point unto him: he was no historiographer, but a Priest, and a Preacher. Whose custom is very sharply to inveigh against the faults of their hearers. Wherefore, if we seek authorities out of Sermons, as Polydorus Urbine hath done: What Parish, what Town, what nation, or kingdom, may escape infamy? What hath Bernhard written of the Romans? Thus surely, terming them impious, unfaith full, seditious, dishonest, traitorous, great speakers, but little doers. These things are by divines spoken in the Pulpit, according unto their manner, that the like faults might be amended, and the life reformed, not that the Romans, or britains were such in deed. Neither is there any man, unless he be a shameless Sycophant, that lieth in wait for all occasions to dispraise, and accuse, which will go about by wresting of sentences forth of the sermons of preachers: sclaundrously to tax, & infamously to note, any whole covent, shire, city, or people. Wherefore, let such idle, & ill disposed slanderers, leave of, and suffer the true renown of Britain appear to the world, neither judge me, good Reader, of two sharp a tongue. Seeing (so god help me) neither envy of any foreign name, neither thirst of vain glory, neither hatred of any nation but alonely the love of my country, which is evil spoken of undeservedly, and desire to set forth the truth: have provoked me to writ thus much.  
And touching this rude, and disordered little treatise: truly I would not have suffered it to have come to light, had I not well hoped, that all learned men, would accept this my endeavour in good part, and also take occasion by this, which I have rashly enterprised first: to handle the same matter more at large, in fair discourse, and finer stile. And if they shall think any thing herein, spoken over sharply, or not well advisedly: I submit myself to the judgement of those, that be better learned, and if I be admonished of my faults: I promise' to amend them, when occasion shallbe given. Thus far you well.    

 

   

Certain Welsh, or rather true British words, converted into Latin by the Author, & now translated into English.  
Ac 
with.  Aber, 
force, or rage of water.  Armorica, 
upon the Sea.  Arglwydhi. 
Lords.  Auanc, 
an Otter.  avon, 
a River.  Bara, 
Bread.  Bath, 
beauty, fo●●, or cunlines  Britunn, 
a Britain.  Brynn, 
a Mountain or Hill.  Caër, 
a City.  Cain, 
White.  Cariad, 
love.  Clauddh, 
a Ditch.  Dha, 
Good.  Dinas, 
a Court, or Palace.  Deheubarth. 
the right side.  Duw. 
God.  Dwer, Dewr, and Dwr, 
Water.  Dyphryn, 
a Ually.  Dynfynnaint. 
deep, & narrow valleys  Fa, 
a Place.  Fie, 
Mine.  Flynt. 
a Flint stone.  Celli, 
Hasell trees.  Glás, 
blue colour or woad.  Glaw, 
rain.  Grwc. 
an heap.  Gwr. 
a Man.  Gwadh, 
a Country.  Gual, 
a Ually.  Guent, 
white.  Gwydh, 
Perspicuous.  Helig, 
Wyllow trees.  I, 
His.  Lhan, 
a Church.  Lhradron, 
thieves.  Lhydaw. 
the shore.  Lhyfyr. 
a Book.  Mam, 
a Mother.  March, 
An horse.  Maur, 
Great.  Mur, 
a Wall.  Mynyd. 
an Hill.  O, 
forth of.  Pen 
an Head.  Phrainc. 
France.  Phrydain, 
Britain.  Porth, 
an Haven.  Pride, 
beauty, or comeliness.  Rhyd. 
a Ford.  Rhufain, 
Rome.  Saison, 
an Englishman.  Saissonaëg. 
English.  Strat. 
a soil.  Sychnant, 
a dry Ually.  Tair, 
Three, fem. gendre.  Tan, 
Fire.  Taria, 
a Shield.  Tre, 
a Town.  Tri, 
Three, masc. gendre,  Ynis, 
an Island.  Ynad. 
a judge, next the King  Yscar, 
to separate.  Yscaradic. 
Separated.   
FINIS.   

¶ Imprinted at London, by Richard johnes: and are to be sold at his shop, joining to the south-west door of Paul's Church.