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THE WORKS
OF
GILDAS AND NENNIUS,
TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN.
THIS SERIES OF THE MONKISH HISTORIANS,
PUBLISHED UNDER THE SUPER INTENDENCE OF
THE REV. D.R. GILES, C. C. COLL. OXFORD,
MEMBER OF THE ENGLISH FIISTORICAL SOCIETY,
WILL BE COMPLETED IN A BOUT TWELVE VOLUMES.
BEDE'S ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY,
AND
THE WORKS OF GILDAS AND NENNIUS,
ARE NOW PUBLISHE D.
RICHARD OF DEVIZES’ CHRONICLE OF
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A. NIO
RICHARD OF CIRENCESTER'S DESCRIPTION
OF BRITAIN,
w ILL FORM THE NEXT VOLUME, TO BE FOLLOWED
IMMEDIATELY BY
WILLIAM OF MALMESBURY'S HISTORY,
GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTH,
A NID
WILLIAM OF N E W B U R Y :
ALL OF WHICH ARE IN A STATE OF FORWARDN ESS.
THE SE WILL BE SUCCEED ED BY THE REMAINING CHRONICLES
NECES SARY TO COMPLETE THE SERIES.
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THE WORKS
GILDAS AND NENNIUS,
TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN,
AND WITH THE FORMER TRANSLATIONS CAREFULLY COMPARED
AND CORRECTED.
% x^{ ( A .*.*
5 V ** X …
B Y J. A. G I L E S, L L, D,
LATE FELLOW OF C. C. COLL. OXFORD.
LONDON :
JAMES BOHN, 12, KING WILLIAM STREET, STRANI),
MDCCCXLI.
LONDON :
WILLIAM STEVENS, PRINTER, BELL YARD,
TEMPLE BAR.
THE
WORKS OF GILDAS,
SURNAMED THE WISE,
TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN,
*
B Y J. A. G. I L E S. L. L. D.
LATE FELLOW OF C. C. COLL. OXFORD.
LONDON :
JAMES BOHN, 12, KING WILLIAM STREET, STRAND.
MDCCCXLI.
J) A
ºf Q
^ Jº
+ FS
, Gs "t t
LONDON :
Wí LLIAM STEVENS, PRINTER, B E I, I, YA RD,
TENIPI, P. B.A.R.,
OO
Lou) .
WY-1D-SO
") \2,32.
TO THE RIGHT REVEREND
HENRY,
LORD BISHOP OF EXETER,
THIS TRANSLATION OF
GILDAS,
is Respectfully INSCRIBED,
BY HIS LORDSHIP's
OBEDIENT AND HUMBLE SERVANT,
J. A. GILES.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
—-º-
PREFACE º wº
WORKS OF GILDAS
I. THE PREFACE
II. THE HISTORY
III. THE EPISTLE g tº
INDEX OF PROPER, NAMES g tº
PREFACE.
—sº-
OF Gildas, the supposed author of this work,
little or nothing is known. Mr. Stevenson, in
the Preface to his edition of the original Latin,
lately published by the English Historical So-
ciety, says: “We are unable to speak with cer-
tainty as to his parentage, his country, or even
his name, the period when he lived, or the works
of which he was the author.” Such a statement
is surely sufficient to excuse us at present from
saying more on the subject, than that he is sup-
posed to have lived and have written what re-
mains under his name during some part of the
sixth century. It may not be irrelevant to in-
form the reader that he may shortly expect some
valuable elucidations from the pen of Mr. Wright,
who has kindly communicated to the translator
his intention to reduce the History of Gildas to
so shadowy a state of existence that no more than
viii PR EFA C E.
a nominis umbra will remain. Of the present
translation, the first or historic half is entirely
new; in the rest, consisting almost entirely of
texts from Scripture, the translator has thought
it quite sufficient to follow the old translation of
Habington, correcting whatever errors he could
detect, and in some degree relieving the quaint
and obsolete character of the language. It has
been remarked by Polydore Virgil, that Gildas
quotes no other book but the Bible; and it may
be added, that his quotations are in other words
than those of the Vulgate or common authorized
translation. The title of the old translation is as
follows: “The epistle of Gildas the most ancient
British Author: who flourished in the yeere of
our Lord, 546. And who by his great erudition,
Sanctitie, and wisdome, acquired the name of
Sapiens. Faithfully translated out of the origi-
nall Latine.” London, 12mo, 1638.
THE
WO R K S OF GILD AS,
SURNAMED
“SAPIENS,” OR THE WISE.
I. THE PREFACE.
§ 1. WHATEveR in this my epistle I may write in my
humble but well-meaning manner, rather by way of
lamentation than for display, let no one suppose that it
springs from contempt of others, or that I foolishly
esteem myself as better than they ;-for, alas ! the sub-
ject of my complaint is the general destruction of every
thing that is good, and the general growth of evil
throughout the land;—but that I would condole with my
country in her distress and rejoice to see her revive
therefrom : for it is my present purpose to relate the
deeds of an indolent and slothful race, rather than the
exploits of those who have been valiant in the field. I
have kept silence, I confess, with much mental anguish,
compunction of feeling and contrition of heart, whilst I
revolved all these things within myself; and, as God the
searcher of the reins is witness, for the space of even
B
2 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
All that foll-
lows, enclos-
ed within
brackets, up
to page 5, is
OYmitted in
some copies.
ten years or more, [my inexperience, as at present also,
and my unworthiness preventing me from taking upon
myself the character of a censor. But I read how the
illustrious lawgiver, for one word's doubting, was not
allowed to enter the desired land; that the sons of the
high-priest, for placing strange fire upon God's altar,
were cut off by a speedy death ; that God's people, for
breaking the law of God, save two only, were slain by
wild beasts, by fire and sword in the deserts of Arabia,
though God had so loved them that he had made a way
for them through the Red Sea, had fed them with bread
from heaven, and water from the rock, and by the lift-
ing up of a hand merely had made their armies invin-
cible ; and then, when they had crossed the Jordan and
entered the unknown land, and the walls of the city had
fallen down flat at the sound only of a trumpet, the
taking of a cloak and a little gold from the accursed
things caused the deaths of many: and again the breach
of their treaty with the Gibeonites, though that treaty
had been obtained by fraud, brought destruction upon
many; and I took warning from the sins of the people
which called down upon them the reprehensions of the
prophets and also of Jeremiah, with his fourfold Lamen-
tations written in alphabetic order. I saw moreover in
my own time, as that prophet also had complained, that
the city had sat down lone and widowed, which before
was full of people ; that the queen of nations and the
princess of provinces (i. e. the Church), had been made
tributary; that the gold was obscured, and the most ex-
cellent colour (which is the brightness of God's word)
changed; that the sons of Sion (i.e. of holy Mother
Church), once famous and clothed in the finest gold,
THE WORKS OF . GILDAS. 3
grovelled in dung; and what added intolerably to the
weight of grief of that illustrious man, and to mine,
though but an abject, whilst he had thus mourned them
in their happy and prosperous condition, “Her Nazarites
were fairer than snow, more ruddy than old ivory, more
beautiful than the sapphire.” These and many other
passages in the ancient Scriptures I regarded as a kind
of mirror of human life, and I turned also to the New,
wherein I read more clearly what perhaps to me before
was dark, for the darkness fled, and truth shed her
steady light—I read therein that the Lord had said, “I
came not but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel;”
and on the other hand, “But the children of this king-
dom shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall
be weeping and gnashing of teeth:” and again, “It is
not good to take the children's meat and to give it to
dogs:” also, “Woe to you, scribes and pharisees, hypo-
crites " I heard how “many shall come from the east
and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven:” and on the con-
trary, “I will then say to them, ‘Depart from me, ye
workers of iniquity ’” I read, “Blessed are the bar-
ren, and the teats which have not given suck;” and on
the contrary, “Those, who were ready, entered with
him to the wedding; afterwards came the other virgins
also, saying ‘Lord, Lord, open to us:” to whom it was
answered, ‘I do not know you.’” I heard, forsooth,
“Whoever shall believe and be baptized, shall be saved,
but whoever shall not believe shall be damned.” I read
in the words of the apostle that the branch of the wild
olive was grafted upon the good olive, but should never-
theless be cut off from the communion of the root of its
B 2
A-d
Omitted in
some copies.
4. THE WORKS OF GII,D AS.
Omitted in
some copies.
}
fatness, if it did not hold itself, in fear, but entertained
lofty thoughts. I knew the mercy of the Lord, but I
also feared his judgment: I praised his grace, but I
feared the rendering to every man according to his
works: perceiving the sheep of the same fold to be dif-
ferent, I deservedly commended Peter for his entire
confession of Christ, but called Judas most wretched,
for his love of covetousness: I thought Stephen most
glorious on account of the palm of martyrdom, but
Nicholas wretched for his mark of unclean heresy: I
read assuredly, “They had all things common :” but
likewise also, as it is written, “Why have ye conspired
to tempt the spirit of God?” I saw, on the other hand,
how much security had grown upon the men of our time,
as if there were nothing to cause them fear. These
things, therefore, and many more which for brevity's
sake we have determined to omit, I revolved again and
again in my amazed mind with compunction in my heart,
and I thought to myself, “If God’s peculiar people,
chosen from all the people of the world, the royal seed,
and holy nation, to whom he had said, “My first-begotten
Israel,’ its priests, prophets, and kings, throughout so
many ages, his servant and apostle, and the members of
his primitive church, were not spared when they devi-
ated from the right path, what will he do to the dark-
ness of this our age, in which, besides all the huge and
t
heinous sins, which it has in common with all the wicked
of the world committed, is found an innate, indelible, and
irremediable load of folly and inconstancy?” “What,
wretched man (I say to myself) is it given to you, as if
you were an illustrious and learned teacher, to oppose
the force of so violent a torrent, and keep the charge
THE WORKS OF GILDAS, 5
committed to you against such a series of inveterate.
crimes which has spread far and wide, without interrup-
tion, for so many years? Hold thy peace : to do other-
wise, is to tell the foot to see, and the hand to speak.
Britain has rulers, and she has watchmen: why dost
thou incline thyself thus uselessly to prate * She has
such, I say, not too many, perhaps, but surely not too
few : but, because they are bent down and pressed
beneath so heavy a burden, they have not time allowed
them to take breath. My senses, therefore, as if feel-
ing a portion of my debt and obligation, preoccupied
themselves with such objections, and with others yet
more strong. They struggled, as I said, no short time,
in a fearful strait, whilst I read, “ There is a time for
speaking, and a time for keeping silence.” At length,
the creditor's side prevailed and bore off the victory:
If (said he) thou art not bold enough to be marked with
the comely mark of golden liberty among the prophetic
creatures, who enjoy the rank as reasoning beings next
to the angels, refuse not the inspiration of the under-
standing ass, to that day dumb, which would not carry
forward the tiara'd magician who was going to curse
God’s people, but in the narrow pass of the vineyard
crushed his loosened foot, and thereby felt the lash; and
though he was, with his ungrateful and furious hand,
against right justice, beating her innocent sides, she
pointed out to him the heavenly messenger holding the
naked sword, and standing in his way, though he had not
seen him.]
Wherefore in zeal for the house of God and for his
holy law, constrained either by the reasonings of my own
thoughts, or by the pious entreaties of my brethren, I
6 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
Or AEtius,
see page 16.
now discharge the debt so long exacted of me ; humble,
indeed, in style, but faithful, as I think, and friendly to
all Christ's youthful soldiers, but severe and insupport-
able to foolish apostates; the former of whom, if I am
not deceived, will receive the same with tears flowing
from God's love; but the others with sorrow, such as is
extorted from the indignation and pusillanimity of a con-
victed conscience.
§ 2. I will, therefore, if God be willing, endeavour to say
a few words about the situation of Britain, her disobe-
dience and subjection, her rebellion, second subjection
and dreadful slavery—of her religion, persecution, holy
martyrs, heresies of different kinds—of her tyrants, her
two hostile and ravaging nations—of her first devasta-
tion, her defence, her second devastation and second
taking vengeance — of her third devastation, of her
famine, and the letters to Agitius—of her victory and
her crimes—of the sudden rumour of enemies—of her
famous pestilence—of her counsels—of her last enemy,
far more cruel than the first—of the subversion of her
cities, and of the remnant that escaped ; and finally, of
the peace which, by the will of God, was granted her in
these our times.
TIII WORKS OF GlLDAS. 7
II. THE HISTORY.
$ 3. THE island of Britain, situated on almost the ut- º
most border of the earth, towards the south and west,
and poised in the Divine balance, as is said, which sup-
ports the whole world, stretches out from the south-
west towards the North Pole, and is eight hundred
miles long and two hundred broad, except where the
headlands of sundry promontories stretch farther into
the sea. It is surrounded by the ocean, which forms
winding bays, and is strongly defended by this ample
and, if I may so call it, impassable barrier, save on the
south side, where the narrow sea affords a passage to
Belgic Gaul. It is enriched by the mouths of two noble
rivers, the Thames and the Severn, as it were two arms,
by which foreign luxuries were of old imported, and by
other streams of less importance. It is famous for eight-
and-twenty cities, and is embellished by certain castles,
with walls, towers, well-barred gates, and houses with
threatening battlements built on high, and provided with
all requisite instruments of defence. Its plains are
spacious, its hills are pleasantly situated, adapted for
superior tillage, and its mountains are admirably calcu-
lated for the alternate pasturage of cattle, where flowers
of various colours, trodden by the feet of man, give it
the appearance of a lovely picture. It is decked, like a
man's chosen bride, with divers jewels, with lucid foun-
tains, and abundant brooks wandering over the Snow-
white sands; with transparent rivers, flowing in gentle
murmurs, and offering a pledge of sweet slumber to those
who recline upon their banks, whilst it is irrigated by
abundant lakes, which pour forth cool torrents of re-
freshing water.
S TIHE WORISS OF GILDAS.
Its disobe-
dience.
ºf
*~
§ 4. This island, stiff-necked and stubborn-minded,
from the time of its being first inhabited, ungratefully
rebels, sometimes against God, sometimes against her
own citizens, and frequently, also, against foreign kings
and their subjects. For what can there either be, or
be committed, more disgraceful, or more unrighteous in
human affairs, than to refuse to show fear to God or
affection to one's own countrymen, and (without detri-
ment to one's faith) to refuse due honour to those of
higher dignity, to cast off all regard to reason, human
and divine, and in contempt of heaven and earth to be
guided by one's own sensual inventions ! I shall, there-
fore, omit those ancient errors common to all the na-
tions of the earth, in which, before Christ came in the
flesh, all mankind were bound ; nor shall I enumerate
those diabolical idols of my country, which almost sur-
passed in number those of Egypt, and of which we still
see some mouldering away within or without the de-
serted temples, with stiff and deformed features as was
customary. Nor will I call out upon the mountains,
fountains, or hills; or upon the rivers, which now are
subservient to the use of men, but once were an abomi-
nation and destruction to them, and to which the blind
people paid divine honour. I shall also pass over the
by-gone times of our cruel tyrants, whose notoriety was
spread over to far distant countries; so that Porphyry,
that dog who in the East was always so fierce against
the Church, in his mad and vain style added this also,
that “ Britain is a land fertile in tyrants.” I will only
endeavour to relate the evils which Britain suffered in
the times of the Roman emperors, and also those which
she caused to distant states; but as far as lies in my
power, I shall not follow the writings and records of my
own country, which (if there ever were any of them)
have been consumed in the fires of the enemy, or have
accompanied my exiled countrymen into distant lands,
but be guided by the relations of foreign writers, which,
TIII) WORKS OF GILDAS. 9
being broken and interrupted in many places, are there-
fore by no means clear.
§ 5. For when the rulers of Rome had obtained the sº.
empire of the world, subdued all the neighbouring na-
tions and islands towards the east, and strengthened
their renown by the first peace which they made with
the Parthians, who border on India, there was a gene-
ral cessation from war throughout the whole world; the
fierce flame which they kindled could not be extinguished
or checked by the Western Ocean, but passing beyond
the sea, imposed submission upon our island without re-
sistance, and entirely reduced to obedience its unwarlike
but faithless people, not so much by fire and sword and
warlike engines, like other nations, but threats alone,
and menaces of judgment frowning on their countenance,
whilst terror penetrated to their hearts.
§ 6. When afterwards they returned to Rome, for Revolts.
want of pay, as is said, and had no suspicion of an ap-
proaching rebellion, that deceitful lioness (Boadicea),
put to death the rulers who had been left among them,
to unfold more fully, and to confirm the enterprises of
the Romans. When the report of these things reached
the Senate, and they with a speedy army made haste to
take vengeance on the crafty foxes, as they called them,
there was no bold navy on the sea to fight bravely for
the country; by land there was no marshalled army, no
right wing of battle, nor other preparation for resist-
ance; but their backs were their shields against their
vanquishers, and they presented their necks to their
swords, whilst chill terror ran through every limb, and
they stretched out their hands to be bound, like women:
So that it has become a proverb far and wide, that the
Britons are neither brave in war, nor faithful in time of
peace.
§ 7. The Romans, therefore, having slain many of the is reduced.
rebels, and reserved others for slaves, that the land
might not be entirely reduced to desolation, left the
I () TII E WORKS Ol' GILDAS,
island, destitute as it was of wine and oil, and returned
to Italy, leaving behind them taskmasters, to scourge the
shoulders of the natives, to reduce their necks to the
yoke, and their soil to the vassalage of a Roman pro-
vince; to chastise the crafty race, not with warlike
weapons, but with rods, and, if necessary, to gird upon
their sides the naked sword, so that it was no longer
thought to be Britain, but a Roman island: and all their
money, whether of copper, gold, or silver, was stamped
with Caesar's image.
$ 8. Meanwhile these islands, stiff with cold and frost,
and in a distant region of the world, remote from the
visible sun, received the beams of light, that is, the holy
precepts of Christ,--who is the true Sun, and who shows
to the whole world his splendour, not only from the tem-
poral firmament, but from the height of heaven, which
surpasses every thing temporal,—at the latter part,
as we know, of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, by whom his
religion was propagated without impediment, and death
threatened to those who interfered with its professors.
Diocletian's $9. These rays of light were received with lukewarm
*|m. by the inhabitants, but they nevertheless took
root among some of them in a greater or a less degree,
until the nine years' persecution of the tyrant Diocle-
tian, when the churches throughout the whole world
were overthrown, all the copies of the Holy Scriptures
which could be found, burnt in the streets, and the
chosen pastors of God’s flock butchered, together with
their innocent sheep, in order that not a vestige, if pos-
sible, might remain in some provinces of Christ's reli-
gion. What disgraceful flights then took place—what
slaughter and death inflicted by way of punishment in
divers shapes—what dreadful apostacies from religion;
and on the contrary, what glorious crowns of martyr-
dom then were won—what raving fury was displayed by
the persecutors, and patience on the part of the suffer-
ing Saints, Ecclesiastical History informs us; for the
Christianity.
THE WORKS OF CHILDAS. 11
whole church were crowding in a body, to leave behind
them the dark things of this world, and to make the
best of their way to the happy mansions of heaven, as if
to their proper homes.
§ 10. God, therefore, who wishes all men to be saved, º,
and who calls sinners no less than those who think them- ***.
selves righteous, magnified his mercy towards us, and,
as we know, during the above-named persecution, that
Britain might not totally be enveloped in the dark
shades of night, he, of his own free gift, kindled up
among us bright luminaries of holy martyrs, whose
places of burial and of martyrdom, had they not for our
manifold crimes been interfered with and destroyed by
the barbarians, would have still kindled in the minds of
the beholders no small fire of divine charity. Such were
St. Alban of Verulam, Aaron and Julius, citizens of
Carlisle, and the rest, of both sexes, who in different
places stood their ground in the Christian contest.
§ 11. The first of these martyrs, St. Alban, for cha- jºº of
rity’s sake saved another confessor who was pursued by tians.
his persecutors, and was on the point of being seized, by
hiding him in his house, and then by changing clothes
with him, imitating in this the example of Christ, who laid
down his life for his sheep, and exposing himself in the
other's clothes to be pursued in his stead. So pleasing
to God was this conduct, that between his confession
and martyrdom, he was honoured with the performance
of wonderful miracles in presence of the impious blas-
phemers who were carrying the Roman standards, and
like the Israelites of old, who trod dry-foot an unfre-
quented path whilst the Ark of the Covenant stood some
time on the sands in the midst of Jordan; so also the
martyr, with a thousand others, opened a path across º
the noble river Thames, whose waters stood abrupt like
precipices on either side; and seeing this, the first of his
executors was stricken with awe, and from a wolf became
a lamb; so that he thirsted for martyrdom, and boldly
I 2 THE WORKS OF GILDAS,
Prosperity of
the Church
until the
Arian heresy.
underwent that for which he thirsted. The other holy
martyrs were tormented with divers sufferings, and their
limbs were racked in such unheard of ways, that they,
without delay, erected the trophies of their glorious
martyrdom even in the gates of the city of Jerusalem.
For those who survived, hid themselves in woods and
deserts, and secret caves, waiting until God, who is the
righteous judge of all, should reward their persecutors
with judgment, and themselves with protection of their
lives.
§ 12. In less than ten years, therefore, of the above-
named persecution, and when these bloody decrees began
to fail in consequence of the death of their authors, all
Christ's young disciples, after so long and wintry a
night, begin to behold the genial light of heaven. They
The tyrants.
Maximus.
rebuild the churches, which had been levelled to the
ground; they found, erect, and finish churches to the
holy martyrs, and’ everywhere show their ensigns as
token of their victory; festivals are celebrated and sa-
craments received with clean hearts and lips, and all the
Church's sons rejoice as it were in the fostering bosom of
a mother. For this holy union remained between Christ
their head and the members of his church, until the
Arian treason, fatal as a serpent, and vomiting its
poison from beyond the sea, caused deadly dissension be-
tween brothers inhabiting the same house, and thus, as
if a road were made across the sea, like wild beasts of
all descriptions, and darting the poison of every heresy
from their jaws, they inflicted dreadful wounds upon
their country, which is ever desirous to hear something
new, and remains constant long to nothing.
§ 13. At length also, new races of tyrants sprang up,
in terrific numbers, and the island, still bearing its Ro-
man name, but casting off her institutes and laws, sent
forth among the Gauls that bitter scion of her own
planting, Maximus, with a great number of followers,
and the ensigns of royalty, which he bore without de-
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 13
cency and without lawful right, but in a tyrannical man-
ner, and amid the disturbances of the seditious soldiery.
He, by cunning arts rather than by valour, attaching to
his rule, by perjury and falsehood, all the neighbouring
towns and provinces, against the Roman state, extended
one of his wings to Spain, the other to Italy, fixed the
seat of his unholy government at Treves, and so furiously
pushed his rebellion against his lawful emperors that he
*** **, re-grº.
drove one of them out of Rome, and caused the other to wº
terminate his most holy life. Trusting to these success .#. *
ful attempts, he not long after lost his accursed head slain.
before the walls of Aquileia, whereas he had before cut
off the crowned heads of almost all the world.
§ 14. After this, Britain is left deprived of all her ºn
soldiery and armed bands, of her cruel governors, and of
the flower of her youth, who went with Maximus, but
never again returned ; and utterly ignorant as she was
of the art of war, groaned in amazement for many years
under the cruelty of two foreign nations—the Scots from
the north-west, and the Picts from the north.
§ 15. The Britons, impatient at the assaults of the . * *
Scots and Picts, their hostilities and dreadful oppres-
sions, send ambassadors to Rome with letters, entreat-
ing in piteous terms the assistance of an armed band
to protect them, and offering loyal and ready submission
to the authority of Rome, if they only would expel
their invading foes. A legion is immediately sent, for-
getting their past rebellion, and provided sufficiently
with arms. When they had crossed over the sea and
landed, they came at once to close conflict with their
cruel enemies, and slew great numbers of them. All of
them were driven beyond the borders, and the humi-
liated natives rescued from the bloody slavery which
awaited them. By the advice of their protectors, they
now built a wall across the island from one sea to the
other, which being manned with a proper force, might be
a terror to the foes whom it was intended to repel, and
14 TIIE WORIKS OF GILDAS.
a protection to their friends whom it covered. But this
wall, being made of turf instead of stone, was of no use
vº to that foolish people, who had no head to guide them.
º, § 16. The Roman legion had no sooner returned
home in joy and triumph, than their former foes, like
hungry and ravening wolves, rushing with greedy jaws
upon the fold which is left without a shepherd, are
wafted both by the strength of oarsmen and the blowing
wind, break through the boundaries, and spread slaugh-
ter on every side, and like mowers cutting down the
ripe corn, they cut up, tread under foot, and overrun the
whole country.
iºn. § 17. And now again they send suppliant ambas-
sadors, with their garments rent and their heads covered
with ashes, imploring assistance from the Romans, and,
like timorous chickens, crowding under the protecting
wings of their parents, that their wretched country
might not altogether be destroyed, and that the Roman
name, which now was but an empty sound to fill the ear,
might not become a reproach even to distant nations.
Upon this, the Romans, moved with compassion, as far
as human nature can be, at the relation of such horrors,
send forward, like eagles in their flight, their unexpected
bands of cavalry by land and mariners by sea, and plant-
ing their terrible swords upon the shoulders of their ene-
mies, they mow them down like leaves which fall at the
destined period; and as a mountain-torrent swelled with
numerous streams, and bursting its banks with roaring
noise, with foaming crest and yeasty wave rising to the
stars, by whose eddying currents our eyes are as it were
dazzled, does with one of its billows overwhelm every
obstacle in its way, so did our illustrious defenders
vigorously drive our enemies' band beyond the sea, if
any could so escape them; for it was beyond those
same seas that they transported, year after year, the
plunder which they had gained, no one daring to resist
them.
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 15
§ 18. The Romans, therefore, left the country, giving
notice that they could no longer be harassed by such
laborious expeditions, nor suffer the Roman standards,
with so large and brave an army, to be worn out by sea
and land by fighting against these unwarlike, plundering
vagabonds; but that the islanders, inuring themselves
to warlike weapons, and bravely fighting, should valiantly
protect their country, their property, wives and children,
and, what is dearer than these, their liberty and lives;
that they should not suffer their hands to be tied behind
their backs by a nation which, unless they were ener-
vated by idleness and sloth, was not more powerful than
themselves, but that they should arm those hands with
buckler, sword, and spear, ready for the field of battle ;
and, because they thought this also of advantage to the
people they were about to leave, they, with the help of
the miserable natives, built a wall different from the
former, by public and private contributions, and of the
same structure as walls generally, extending in a straight
line from sea to sea, between some cities, which, from
Romans
leave Britain
finally.
fear of their enemies, had there by chance been built.
They then give energetic counsel to the timorous na-
tives, and leave them patterns by which to manufacture
arms. Moreover, on the south coast where their ves-
sels lay, as there was some apprehension lest the barba-
rians might land, they erected towers at stated intervals,
commanding a prospect of the sea; and then left the
island never to return.
§ 19. No sooner were they gone, than the Picts and
Scots, like worms which in the heat of mid-day come
forth from their holes, hastily land again from their
canoes, in which they had been carried beyond the
Cichican valley, differing one from another in manners,
but inspired with the same avidity for blood, and all
more eager to shroud their villainous faces in bushy hair
than to cover with decent clothing those parts of their
body which required it. Moreover, having heard of the
Picts and
cots again
invade.
The meaning
of this ex-
pression is
not known.
O’Connor
thinks it is
the Irish Sea.
16 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
Third em-
bassy to
Rome.
Or Agitius,
according to
another read-
ing.
departure of our friends, and their resolution never to
return, they seized with greater boldness than before on
all the country towards the extreme north as far as the
wall. To oppose them there was placed on the heights
a garrison equally slow to fight and ill adapted to run
away, a useless and panic-struck company, which slum-
bered away days and nights on their unprofitable watch.
Meanwhile the hooked weapons of their enemies were not
idle, and our wretched countrymen were dragged from
the wall and dashed against the ground. Such prema-
ture death, however, painful as it was, saved them from
seeing the miserable sufferings of their brothers and
children. But why should I say more ? They left their
cities, abandoned the protection of the wall, and dis-
persed themselves in flight more desperately than before.
The enemy, on the other hand, pursued them with more
unrelenting cruelty than before, and butchered our
countrymen like sheep, so that their habitations were
like those of Savage beasts; for they turned their arms
upon each other, and for the sake of a little sustenance,
imbrued their hands in the blood of their fellow-country-
men. Thus foreign calamities were augmented by do-
mestic feuds; so that the whole country was entirely
destitute of provisions, save such as could be procured
in the chase.
§ 20. Again, therefore, the wretched remnant, send-
ing to AEtius, a powerful Roman citizen, address him as
follows:—“To AEtius, now Consul for the third time :
the groans of the Britons.” And again a little further,
thus:–“ The Barbarians drive us to the sea; the sea
throws us back on the barbarians: thus two modes of
death await us, we are either slain or drowned.” The
Romans, however, could not assist them, and in the
meantime the discomfited people, wandering in the
woods, began to feel the effects of a severe famine,
which compelled many of them without delay to yield
themselves up to their cruel persecutors, to obtain sub-
THE WORKS OF GILDAS, 17
sistence : others of them, however, lying hid in moun-
tains, caves, and woods, continually sallied out from
thence to renew the war. And then it was, for the
first time, that they overthrew their enemies, who had
for so many years been living in their country; for their
trust was not in man, but in God; according to the
maxim of Philo, “We must have Divine assistance,
when that of man fails.” The boldness of the enemy
was for a while checked, but not the wickedness of our
countrymen: the enemy left our people, but the people
did not leave their sins.
§ 21. For it has always been a custom with our º
nation, as it is at present, to be impotent in repelling tons.
foreign foes, but bold and invincible in raising civil war,
and bearing the burdens of their offences: they are
º I say, in following the standard of peace and
truth, but bold in wickedness and falsehood. The au-
dacious invaders therefore return to their winter quar-S-
ters, determined before long again to return and plunder. )
And then, too, the Picts for the first time seated them-
selves at the extremity of the island, where they after-
wards continued, occasionally plundering and wasting
the country. During these truces, the wounds of the
distressed people are healed, but another sore, still
more venomous, broke out. No sooner were the ravages
of the enemy checked, than the island was deluged with
a most extraordinary plenty of all things, greater than
was before known, and with it grew up every kind of
luxury and licentiousness. It grew with so firm a root,
that one might truly say of it, “Such fornication is
heard of among you, as never was known the like among
the Gentiles.” But besides this vice, there arose also
every other, to which human nature is liable, and in
particular that hatred of truth, together with her sup-
porters, which still at present destroys every thing good
in the island ; the love of falsehood, together with its
inventors, the reception of crime in the place of virtue,
C
18 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
the respect shown to wickedness rather than goodness,
the love of darkness instead of the Sun, the admission
of Satan as an angel of light. Kings were anointed, not
according to God's ordinance, but such as showed them-
selves more cruel than the rest; and soon after, they
were put to death by those who had elected them, with-
out any inquiry into their merits, but because others
still more cruel were chosen to succeed them. If any
one of these was of a milder nature than the rest, or in
any way more regardful of the truth, he was looked
upon as the ruiner of the country, every body cast a
dart at him, and they valued things alike whether pleas-
ing or displeasing to God, unless it so happened that
what displeased him was pleasing to themselves. So
1s. i. 4, 5., that the words of the prophet, addressed to the people
º: of old, might well be applied to our own countrymen:
º “Children without a law, have ye left God and provoked
from the au- to anger the holy one of Israel? Why will ye still in-
thorized Ver- º º º G º o º
sion: the quire, adding iniquity ? Every head is languid and every
author pro-
bably quoted heart is sad: from the sole of the foot to the crown,
from memo-
Wºm ºthere is no health in him.” And thus they did all things
sion. contrary to their salvation, as if no remedy could be
applied to the world by the true Physician of all men.
And not only the laity did so, but our Lord's own flock
and its shepherds, who ought to have been an example
to the people, slumbered away their time in drunken-
ness, as if they had been dipped in wine; whilst the
swellings of pride, the jar of strife, the griping talons of
envy, and the confused estimate of right and wrong, got
such entire possession of them, that there seemed to be
poured out (and the same still continueth) contempt
upon princes, and to be made by their vanities to wander
astray and not in the way.
§ 22. Meanwhile, God being willing to purify his
family who were infected by so deep a stain of woe, and
at the hearing only of their calamities to amend them ;
a vague rumour suddenly as if on wings reaches the ears
THE WORKS OF GELDAS. 19
of all, that their inveterate foes were rapidly approaching
to destroy the whole country, and to take possession of
it, as of old, from one end to the other. But yet they
derived no advantage from this intelligence; for, like
frantic beasts, taking the bit of reason between their
teeth, they abandoned the safe and narrow road, and
rushed forward upon the broad downward path of vice,
which leads to death. Whilst, therefore, as Solomon
says, the stubborn servant is not cured by words, the
fool is scourged and feels it not: a pestilential disease
mortally affected the foolish people, which, without the
sword, cut off so large a number of persons, that the
living were not able to bury them. But even this was
no warning to them, that in them also might be fulfilled
the words of Isaiah the prophet, “And God hath
called his people to lamentation, to baldness, and to the
girdle of sackcloth; behold they begin to kill calves,
and to slay rams, to eat, to drink, and to say, We
will eat and drink, for to-morrow we shall die.” For
the time was approaching, when all their iniquities, as
formerly those of the Amorrhaeans, should be fulfilled.
For a council was called to settle what was best and
most expedient to be done, in order to repel such fre-
quent and fatal irruptions and plunderings of the above-
named nations.
§ 23. Then all the councillors, together with that
proud tyrant Gurthrigern, the British king, were so
blinded, that, as a protection to their country, they
sealed its doom by inviting in among them (like wolves
into the sheep-fold) the fierce and impious Saxons, a race
hateful both to God and men, to repel the invasions of
the northern nations. Nothing was ever so pernicious
to our country, nothing was ever so unlucky | What
palpable darkness must have enveloped their minds!
darkness desperate and cruel! Those very people,
whom, when absent, they dreaded more than death it-
self, were invited to reside, as one may say, under the
C 2
20 THE WORKS OF GILD AS.
self-same roof. Foolish are the princes, as it is said, of
Thafneos, giving counsel to unwise Pharaoh. A multi-
tude of whelps came forth from the lair of this barbaric
~...~~~. --- * *
and with omens and prophecies favourable, for it was
foretold by a certain soothsayer among them, that they
should occupy the country to which they were sailing
three hundred years, and half of that time, a hundred
and fifty years, should plunder and despoil the same.
They first landed on the eastern side of the island, by
the invitation of the unlucky king, and there fixed their
sharp talons, apparently to fight in favour of the island,
but alas ! more truly against it. Their mother-land,
finding her first brood thus successful, sends forth a
larger company of her wolfish offspring, which sailing
over, join themselves to their bastard-born comrades.
From that time, the germ of iniquity and the root of
contention planted their poison amongst us, as we
deserved, and shot forth into leaves and branches. The
barbarians being thus introduced as soldiers into the
island, to encounter, as they falsely said, any dangers in
defence of their hospitable entertainers, obtain an allow-
ance of provisions, which, for some time being plentifully
bestowed, stopped their doggish mouths. Yet they
complain that their monthly supplies are not furnished
in sufficient abundance, and they industriously aggravate
each occasion of quarrel, saying that unless more libe-
rality is shown them, they will break the treaty and
plunder the whole island. In a short time, they follow
up their threats with deeds.
iº. § 24. For the fire of vengeance, justly kindled by
former crimes, spread from sea to sea, fed by the hands
of our foes in the east, and did not cease, until, destroy-
ing the neighbouring towns and lands, it reached the
other side of the island, and dipped its red and savage
tongue in the western ocean. In these assaults there-
TIIL WORKS OF GILDAS. 2]
fore, not unlike that of the Assyrian upon Judaea, was
fulfilled in our case what the prophet describes in words
of Lamentation: “They have burned with fire the sanc-
tuary ; they have polluted on earth the tabernacle of
thy name.” And again, “O God, the Gentiles have
come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they
defiled,” &c. So that all the columns were levelled
with the ground by the frequent strokes of the battering-
ram, all the husbandmen routed, together with their
bishops, priests, and people, whilst the Sword gleamed,
and the flames crackled around them on every side.
Lamentable to behold, in the midst of the streets lay
the tops of lofty towers, tumbled to the ground, stones These are
the words of
of high walls, holy altars, fragments of human bodies, ºn.
lation : the
covered with livid clots of coagulated blood, looking as ºna
if they had been squeezed together in a press; and with perhaps cor.
no chance of being buried, save in the ruins of the "
houses, or in the ravening bellies of wild beasts and
birds; with reverence be it spoken for their blessed
souls, if, indeed, there were many found who were car-
ried, at that time, into the high heaven by the holy
angels. So entirely had the vintage, once so fine, dege-
nerated and become bitter, that, in the words of the
prophet, there was hardly a grape or ear of corn to be
seen where the husbandman had turned his back.
§ 25. Some, therefore, of the miserable remnant, sufferings of
being taken in the mountains, were murdered in great the Britons.
numbers; others, constrained by famine, came and
yielded themselves to be slaves for ever to their foes,
running the risk of being instantly slain, which truly was
the greatest favour that could be offered them : some
others passed beyond the seas with loud lamentations
instead of the voice of exhortation. “ Thou hast given
us as sheep to be slaughtered, and among the Gentiles
hast thou dispersed us.” Others, committing the safe-
guard of their lives, which were in continual jeopardy,
to the mountains, precipices, thickly wooded forests, and
22 TIII, WORKS OF GILDAS.
Various for-
tune of the
war till the
time of Gil-
das.
to the rocks of the seas (albeit with trembling hearts),
remained still in their country. But in the meanwhile,
an opportunity happening, when these most cruel rob-
bers were returned home, the poor remnants of our
nation (to whom flocked from divers places round about
our most miserable countrymen as fast as bees to their
hives, for fear of an ensuing storm), being strengthened
by God, calling upon him with all their hearts, as the
poet says,
“With their unnumbered vows they burden heaven,”
that they might not be brought to utter destruction,
took arms under the conduct of Ambrosius Aurelianus,
a modest man, who of all the Roman nation was then
alone in the confusion of this troubled period by chance
left alive. His parents, who for their merit were adorned
with the purple, had been slain in these same broils, and
now his progeny in these our days, although shamefully
degenerated from the worthiness of their ancestors,
provoke to battle their cruel conquerors, and by the
goodness of our Lord obtain the victory.
§ 26. After this, sometimes our countrymen, some-
times the enemy, won the field, to the end that our Lord
might in this land try after his accustomed manner
these his Israelites, whether they loved him or not,
until the year of the siege of Bath-hill, when took place
also the last almost, though not the least slaughter of
our cruel foes, which was (as I am sure) forty-four years
and one month after the landing of the Saxons, and also
the time of my own nativity. And yet neither to this day
are the cities of our country inhabited as before, but being
forsaken and overthrown, still lie desolate; our foreign
wars having ceased, but our civil troubles still remaining.
For as well the remembrance of such a terrible desola-
tion of the island, as also of the unexpected recovery of
the same, remained in the minds of those who were eye-
witnesses of the wonderful events of both, and in regard
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 23
thereof, kings, public magistrates, and private persons,
with priests and clergymen, did all and every one of
them live orderly according to their several vocations.
But when these had departed out of this world, and
new race succeeded, who were ignorant of this trouble-
some time, and had only experience of the present pros- |
perity, all the laws of truth and justice were so shaken
and subverted, that not so much as a vestige or remem-
brance of these virtues remained among the above-
named orders of men, except among a very few, who,
compared with the great multitude which were daily
rushing headlong down to hell, are accounted so small a
number, that our reverend mother, the church, scarcely
beholds them, her only true children, reposing in her
bosom ; whose worthy lives being a pattern to all men,
and beloved of God, inasmuch as by their holy prayers,
as by certain pillars and most profitable supporters, our
infirmity is sustained up, that it may not utterly be
broken down. I would have no one suppose I intended
to reprove, if forced by the increasing multitude of
offences, I have freely, aye, with anguish, not so much
declared as bewailed the wickedness of those who are
become servants not only to their bellies, but also to
the devil rather than to Christ, who is our blessed
God, world without end. -
For why shall their countrymen conceal, what foreign
nations round about now, not only know, but also con-
tinually are casting in their teeth.
24. THE WORKS OF GILDAS,
Depravity of
the Britons.
Constantine.
Of this Con-
stantine little
is known.
III. THE EPISTLE.
§ 27. BRITAIN has kings, but they are tyrants; she
has judges, but unrighteous ones; generally engaged in
plunder and rapine, but always preying on the innocent;
whenever they exert themselves to avenge or protect, it
is sure to be in favour of robbers and criminals; they
have an abundance of wives, yet are they addicted to
fornication and adultery; they are ever ready to take
oaths, and as often perjure themselves; they make a vow
and almost immediately act falsely; they make war, but
their wars are against their countrymen, and are unjust
ones; they rigorously prosecute thieves throughout their
country, but those who sit at table with them are rob-
bers, and they not only cherish but reward them; they
give alms plentifully, but in contrast to this is a whole
pile of crimes which they have committed; they sit on
the seat of justice, but rarely seek for the rule of right
judgment ; they despise the innocent and the humble,
but seize every occasion of exalting to the utmost the
bloody-minded, the proud, murderers, the combined and
adulterers, enemies of God, who ought to be utterly de-
stroyed and their names forgotten.
They have many prisoners in their gaols, loaded with
chains, but this is done in treachery rather than in just
punishment for crimes, and when they have stood before
the altar, swearing by the name of God, they go away
and think no more of the holy altar than if it were a
mere heap of dirty stones.
§ 28. Of this horrid abomination, Constantine, the
tyrannical whelp of the unclean lioness of Damnonia, is
not ignorant.
This same year, after taking a dreadful oath (whereby
he bound himself first before God, by a solemn protesta-
THE WORKS OF GILDAS, 25
tion, and then called all the Saints, and Mother of God
to witness, that he would not contrive any deceit against
his countrymen), he nevertheless, in the habit of a holy
abbot amid the sacred altars, did with sword and jave-
lin, as if with teeth, wound and tear, even in the bosoms
of their temporal Mother, and of the Church their spi-
ritual Mother, two royal youths, with their two attend-
ants, whose arms, although not cased in armour, were
yet boldly used, and, stretched out towards God and his
altar, will hang up at the gates of thy city, O Christ,
the venerable ensigns of their faith and patience; and
when he had done it, the cloaks, red with coagulated
blood, did touch the place of the heavenly sacrifice. And
not one worthy act could he boast of previous to this
cruel deed; for many years before he had stained him-
self with the abomination of many adulteries, having put
away his wife contrary to the command of Christ, the
teacher of the world, who hath said: “What God
hath joined together, let not man separate,” and again :
“Husbands, love your wives.” For he had planted in
the ground of his heart (an unfruitful soil for any good
seed) a bitter Scion of incredulity and folly, taken from
the vine of Sodom, which being watered with his vulgar
and domestic impieties, like poisonous showers, and
afterwards audaciously springing up to the offence of
God, brought forth into the world the sin of horrible
murder and sacrilege ; and not yet discharged from the
entangling nets of his former offences, he added new
wickedness to the former.
§ 29. Go to now, I reprove thee as present, whom I
know as yet to be in this life extant. Why standest
thou astonished, O thou butcher of thine own soul ?
Why dost thou wilfully kindle against thyself the eter-
nal fires of hell ? Why dost thou, in place of enemies,
desperately stab thyself with thine own sword, with
thine own javelin' Cannot those same poisonous cups
of offences yet satisfy thy stomach? Look back (I
Gildas re-
proves Con-
stantine.
26 THE WORKS OF GILDAS,
beseech thee) and come to Christ (for thou labourest,
and art pressed down to the earth with this huge bur-
then), and he himself, as he said, will give thee rest.
Come to him who wisheth not the death of a sinner,
but that he should be rather converted and live. Un-
loose (according to the prophet) the bands of thy neck,
O thou son of Sion. Return (I pray thee) although
from the far remote regions of sins, unto the most holy
Father, who for his son that will despise the filthy food
of Swine, and fear a death of cruel famine, and so come
back to him again, hath with great joy been accustomed
to kill his fatted calf, and bring forth for the wanderer,
the first robe and royal ring, and then taking as it were
a taste of the heavenly hope, thou shalt perceive, how
sweet our Lord is. For if thou dost contemn these, be
thou assured, thou shalt almost instantly be tossed and
tormented in the inevitable and dark floods of endless
fire.
Gildas re- § 30. What dost thou also, thou lion's whelp (as the
flºº. prophet saith), Aurelius Conanus? Art not thou as the
former (if not far more foul) to thy utter destruction,
swallowed up in the filthiness of horrible murders, forni-
cations, and adulteries, as by an overwhelming flood of
the sea º Hast not thou by hating, as a deadly serpent,
the peace of thy country, and thirsting unjustly after
civil wars and frequent spoil, shut the gates of heavenly
peace and repose against thine own soul? Being now left
alone as a withering tree in the midst of a field, remem-
ber (I beseech thee) the vain and idle fancies of thy
parents and brethren, together with the untimely death
that befel them in the prime of their youth; and shalt
thou, for thy religious deserts, be reserved out of all thy
family to live a hundred years, or to attain to the age of
a Methusalem? No, surely, but unless (as the Psalmist
saith) thou shalt be speedily converted unto our Lord,
that King will shortly brandish his sword against thce,
who hath said by his prophet, “I will kill, and I will
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 27
cause to live, I will strike, and I will heal, and there is
no one who can deliver out of my hand.” Be thou
therefore shaken out of thy filthy dust, and with all
thy heart converted to Him who hath created thee, that
“when his wrath shall shortly burn out, thou mayst be
blessed by fixing thy hopes on him.” But if otherwise,
eternal pains will be heaped up for thee, where thou
shalt be ever tormented and never consumed in the
cruel jaws of hell.
§ 31. Thou also, who like to the spotted leopard, art ºn.
diverse in manners and in mischief, whose head now is pore.
growing grey, who art seated on a throne full of deceits,
and from the bottom even to the top art stained with mur-
der and adulteries, thou naughty son of a good King, like
Manasses sprung from Ezechiah, Vortipore, thou foolish
tyrant of the Demetians, why art thou so stiff: What!
do not such violent gulfs of sin (which thou dost swallow
up like pleasant wine, nay, rather which swallow thee
up), as yet satisfy thee, especially since the end of thy
life is daily now approaching? Why dost thou heavily
clog thy miserable soul with the sin of lust, which is
fouler than any other, by putting away thy wife, and
after her honourable death, by the base practices of thy
shameless daughter? Waste not (I beseech thee) the
residue of thy life in offending God, because as yet an
acceptable time and day of salvation shines on the faces
of the penitent, wherein thou mayest take care that
thy flight may not be in the winter, or on the sabbath
day. “Turn away (according to the Psalmist) from
evil, and do good, seek peace and ensue it,” because the
eyes of our Lord will be cast upon thee, when thou doest
righteousness, and his ears will be then open unto thy
prayers, and he will not destroy thy memory out of the
land of the living ; thou shalt cry, and he will hear thee,
and out of thy tribulations deliver thee; for Christ
doth never despise a heart that is contrite and humbled
with fear of him. Otherwise, the worm of thy torture
28 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
shall not die, and the fire of thy burning shall never be
extinguished.
The reprox. $ 32. And thou too, Cuneglasse, why art thou fallen
.* into the filth of thy former naughtiness, yea, since, the
very first spring of thy tender youth, thou bear, thou
rider and ruler of many, and guider of the chariot which
is the receptacle of the bear, thou contemner of God, and
vilifier of his order, thou tawny butcher, as in the Latin
tongue thy name signifies? Why dost thou raise so great
a war as well against men as also against God himself,
against men, yea, thy own countrymen, with thy deadly
weapons, and against God with thine infinite offences?
Why, besides thine other innumerable backslidings,
having thrown out of doors thy wife, dost thou, in the
lust, or rather stupidity of thy mind, against the apostle's
express prohibition, denouncing that no adulterers can
be partakers of the kingdom of heaven, esteem her de-
testable sister, who had vowed unto God the everlasting
continency, as the very flower (in the language of the
poet) of the celestial nymphs? Why dost thou provoke
with thy frequent injuries the lamentations and sighs of
saints, by thy means corporally afflicted, which will in
time to come, like a fierce lioness, break thy bones in
pieces? Desist, I beseech thee (as the prophet saith)
from wrath, and leave off thy deadly fury, which thou
breathest out against heaven and earth, against God and
his flock, and which in time will be thy own torment;
rather with altered mind obtain the prayers of those
who possess a power of binding over this world, when in
this world they bind the guilty, and of loosing when they
loose the penitent. Be not (as the apostle saith)
proudly wise, nor hope thou in the uncertainty of riches,
but in God who giveth thee many things abundantly,
and by the amendment of thy manners purchase unto
thyself a good foundation for hereafter, and seek to enter
into that real and true state of existence which will be not
transitory but everlasting. Otherwise, thou shalt know
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 29
and see, yea, in this very world, how bad and bitter a
thing it is for thee to leave the Lord thy God, and not
have his fear before thine eyes, and in the next, how
thou shalt be burned in the foul encompassing flames of
endless fire, nor yet by any manner of means shalt ever
die. For the souls of the sinful are as eternal in per-
petual fire, as the souls of the just in perpetual joy and
gladness.
§ 33. And likewise, O thou dragon of the island, who ºf
hast deprived many tyrants, as well of their kingdoms tº
as of their lives, and though the last-mentioned in my
writing, the first in mischief, exceeding many in power,
and also in malice, more liberal than others in giving,
more licentious in sinning, strong in arms, but stronger
in working thine own soul's destruction, Maglocune,
why art thou (as if soaked in the wine of the Sodomiti-
cal grape) foolishly rolling in that black pool of thine
offences? Why dost thou wilfully heap like a moun-
tain, upon thy kingly shoulders, such a load of sins:
Why dost thou show thyself unto the King of kings
(who hath made thee as well in kingdom as in stature
of body higher than almost all the other chiefs of
Britain) not better likewise in virtues than the rest ;
but on the contrary for thy sins much worse ? Listen
then awhile and hear patiently the following enumera-
tion of thy deeds, wherein I will not touch any domestic
and light offences (if yet any of them are light) but only
those open ones which are spread far and wide in the
knowledge of all men. Didst not thou, in the very be-
ginning of thy youth, terribly oppress with sword, spear,
and fire, the king thine uncle, together with his coura-
geous bands of Soldiers, whose countenances in battle
were not unlike those of young lions? Not regarding
the words of the prophet, who says, “The blood-thirsty
and deceitful men shall not live out half their days;”
and even if the sequel of thy sins were not such as en-
sued, yet what retribution couldst thou expect for this
30 TIIE WORKS OF GILDAS.
offence only at the hands of the just Judge, who hath
said by his prophet : “Woe be to thee who spoilest,
and shalt not thou thyself be spoiled 3 and thou who
killest, shalt not thyself be killed? and when thou shalt
make an end of thy spoiling, then shalt thou thyself fall.”
§ 34. But when the imagination of thy violent rule
had succeeded according to thy wishes, and thou wast
urged by a desire to return into the right way, night
and day the consciousness of thy crimes afflicted thee,
whilst thou didst ruminate on the Lord's ritual and the
ordinances of the monks, and then publish to the world
and vow thyself before God a monk with no intention to
be unfaithful, as thou didst say, having first burst through
those toils in which such great beasts as thyself were
used to become entangled, whether it were love of rule,
of gold, or silver, or, what is stronger still, the fancies of
thy own heart. And didst thou not, as a dove which
cleaves the yielding air with its pinions, and by its rapid
turns escapes the furious hawk, safely return to the cells
where the saints repose, as a most certain place of
refuge : Oh how great a joy should it have been to our
Mother Church, if the enemy of all mankind had not
lamentably pulled thee, as it were, out of her bosom
Oh what an abundant flame of heavenly hope would
have been kindled in the hearts of desperate sinners,
hadst thou remained in thy blessed estate Oh what
great rewards in the kingdom of Christ would have
been laid up for thy soul against the day of judgment, if
that crafty wolf had not caught thee, who of a wolf wast
now become a lamb (not much against thine own will)
out of the fold of our Lord, and made thee of a lamb, a
wolf like unto himself, again? Oh how great a joy
would the preservation of thy salvation have been to
God the Father of all saints, had not the devil, the
father of all castaways, as an eagle of monstrous wings
and claws, carried thee captive away against all right
and reason, to the unhappy band of his children? And
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 31
to be short, thy conversion to righteousness gave as
great joy to heaven and earth, as...now thy detestable
return, like a dog to his vomit, breedeth grief and
lamentation: which being done, “the members which
should have been busily employed, as the armour of jus-
tice for the Lord, are now become the armour of iniquity
for sin and the devil;” for now thou dost not listen to
the praises of God sweetly sounded forth by the pleasant
voices of Christ's soldiers, nor the instruments of eccle-
siastical melody, but thy own praises (which are nothing)
rung out after the fashion of the giddy rout of Bacchus
by the mouths of thy villanous followers, accompanied
with lies and malice, to the utter destruction of the
neighbours; so that the vessel prepared for the service
of God, is now turned to a vessel of dirt, and what was
once reputed worthy of heavenly honour, is now cast
as it deserves into the bottomless pit of hell.
§ 35. Yet neither is thy sensual mind (which is over-
come by the excess of thy follies) at all checked in its
course with committing so many sins, but hot and prone
(like a young colt that coveteth every pleasant pasture)
runneth headlong forward, with irrecoverable fury,
through the intended fields of crime, continually increas-
ing the number of its transgressions. For the former
marriage of thy first wife (although after thy violated
vow of religion, she was not lawfully thine, but only by
right of the time she was with thee), was now despised
by thee, and another woman, the wife of a man then
living, and he no stranger, but thy own brother's son, en-
joyed thy affections. Upon which occasion that stiffneck
of thine (already laden with sins) is now burdened
with two monstrous murders, the one of thy aforesaid
nephew, the other, of her who once was thy wedded
wife : and thou art now from low to lower, and from bad
to worse, bowed, bent, and sunk down into the lowest
depth of sacrilege. Afterwards, also didst thou publicly
marry the widow, by whose deceit and suggestion such
32 THE WORKS OF GII,DAS,
a heavy weight of offences was undergone, and take her,
lawfully, as the flattering tongues of thy parasites with
false words pronounced it, but as we say, most wickedly,
to be thine own in wedlock. And therefore what holy
man is there, who moved with the narration of such an
history, would not presently break out into weeping and
lamentations? What priest (whose heart lyeth open
unto God) would not instantly, upon hearing this, ex-
claim with anguish in the language of the prophet:
“Who shall give water to my head, and to my eyes a
fountain of tears, and I will day and night bewail those
of my people, who are slaughtered.” For full little
(alas !) hast thou with thine ears listened to that repre-
hension of the prophet speaking in this wise: “Woe be
unto you (O wicked men) who have left the law of the
most holy God, and if ye shall be born, your portion
shall be to malediction, and if ye die, to malediction
shall be your portion, all things that are from the earth,
to the earth shall be converted again, so shall the
wicked from malediction pass to perdition:” if they
return not unto our Lord, listening to this admoni-
tion: “Son, thou hast offended; add no further offence
thereunto, but rather pray for the forgiveness of the
former.” And again, “Be not slow to be converted unto
our Lord, neither put off the same from day to day, for
his wrath doth come suddenly.” Because, as the Scrip-
ture saith, “When the king heareth the unjust word,
all under his dominion become wicked.” And, the just
king (according to the prophet) raiseth up his region.
, But warnings truly are not wanting to thee, since thou
• *-*-*.*.*.* ~ *
hast had for thy instructor the most eloquent master of
almost all Britain. Take heed, therefore, lest that
which Solomon noteth, befall thee, which is, “Even as
he who stirreth up a sleeping man out of his heavy
sleep, so is that person who declareth wisdom unto a
fool, for in the end of his speech will he say, What
hast thou first spoken 3 Wash thine heart (as it is
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 33
written) from malice, oh, Jerusalem, that thou mayst
be saved.” Despise not (I beseech thee) the unspeak-
able mercy of God, calling by his prophet the wicked in
this way from their offences: “I will on a sudden
speak to the nation, and to the kingdom, that I may
root out, and disperse, and destroy, and overthrow.” As
for the sinner he doth in this wise exhort him vehe-
mently to repent. “And if the same people shall repent
from their offence, I will also repent of the evil which I
have said that I would do unto them.” And again, “Who
will give them such an heart, that they may hear me,
and keep my commandments, and that it may be well
with them all the days of their lives.” And also in the
Canticle of Deuteronomy, “A people without counsel
and prudence, I wish they would be wise, and under-
stand, and foresee the last of all, how one pursueth a
thousand and two put to flight ten thousand.” And
again, our Lord in the Gospel, “Come unto me all ye
who do labour and are burthened, and I will make you
rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because
I am meek and humble of heart, and ye shall find repose
for your souls.” For if thou turn a deaf ear to these
admonitions, contemn the prophets, and despise Christ,
and make no account of us, humble though we be, so
long as with sincere piety and purity of mind, we bear
in mind that saying of the prophet, that we may not be
found, “Dumb dogs, not able to bark;” (however I for
my part may not be of that singular fortitude, in the spirit
and virtue of our Lord as to declare, “To the house of
Jacob their sins, and the house of Israel their offences;”)
and so long as we shall remember that of Solomon,
“He who says that the wicked are just, shall be ac-
cursed among the people, and odious to nations, for they
who reprove them shall have better hopes.” And again,
“Respect not with reverence thy neighbour in his ruin,
nor forbear to speak in time of salvation.” And as long
also as we forget not this, “Root out those who are led
D
34 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
to death, and forbear not to redeem them who are mur-
dered ;” because, as the same prophet says, “Riches
shall not profit in the day of wrath, but justice delivereth
from death.” And “If the just indeed be hardly saved,
where shall the wicked and sinner appear?” If, as I
said, thou scorn us, who obey these texts, the dark flood
of hell shall without doubt eternally drown thee in that
deadly whirlpool, and those terrible streams of fire that
shall ever torment and never consume thee, and then
shall the confession of thy pains and sorrow for thy sins
be altogether too late and unprofitable to one, who now
in this accepted time and day of salvation deferreth his
conversion to a more righteous way of life.
§ 37. And here, indeed, if not before, was this la-
mentable history of the miseries of our time to have
been brought to a conclusion, that I might no further
discourse of the deeds of men; but that I may not be
thought timid or weary, whereby I might the less care- .
fully avoid that saying of Isaiah, “Woe be to them who
call good evil, and evil good, placing darkness for light,
and light for darkness, bitter for sweet, and sweet for
bitter, who seeing see not, and hearing hear not, whose
hearts are overshadowed with a thick and black cloud of
vices;” I will briefly set down the threatenings which
are denounced against these five aforesaid lascivious
horses, the frantic followers of Pharaoh, through whom
his army is wilfully urged forward to their utter destruc-
tion in the Red Sea, and also against such others, by
the sacred oracles, with , whose holy testimonies the
frame of this our little work is, as it were, roofed in,
that it may not be subject to the showers of the envious,
which otherwise would be poured thereon. Let, there-
fore, God's holy prophets, who are to mortal men the
mouth of God, and the organ of the Holy Ghost, forbid-
ding evils, and favouring goodness, answer for us as well
now as formerly, against the stubborn and proud princes
of this our age, that they may not say we menace them
THE WORIKS OF GILDAS. 35
with such threats, and such great terrors of our own
invention only, and with rash and over zealous meddling.
For to no wise man is it doubtful how far more grievous
the sins of this our time are than those of the primitive
age, when the apostle said, “Any one transgressing the
law, being convicted by two or three witnesses, shall die,
how much worse punishment think ye then that he de-
serveth, who shall trample under his foot the Son of
God 2’’
§ 38. And first of all appears before us Samuel (by
God's commandment) the establisher of a lawful king-
dom, dedicated to God before his birth, undoubtedly
known by marvellous signs, to be a true prophet unto
all the people, from Dan even to Bersheba, out of
whose mouth the Holy Ghost thundereth to all the
potentates of the world, denouncing Saul the first king
of the Hebrews, only because he did not accomplish
some matters commanded him of our Lord, in these
words which follow : “Thou hast done foolishly, neither
yet hast thou kept the commandments of our Lord thy
God, that he hath given thee in charge; which if thou
hadst not committed, even now had our Lord prepared
thy reign over Israel for ever, but thy kingdom shall no
farther arise.” And what did he commit, whether it
were adultery, or murder, like to the offences of the
present time? No truly, but broke in part one of God's
commandments, for, as one of our writers says, “The
question is not of the quality of the sin, but of the vio-
lating of the precept.” Also when he endeavoured to
answer (as he thought) the objections of Samuel, and
after the fashion of men wisely to make excuses for his
offence in this manner: “Yea I have obeyed the voice
of our Lord, and walked in the way through which he
hath sent me :” with this rebuke was he corrected by
him: “What I will our Lord have burnt offerings or
oblations, and not rather that the voice of our Lord
should be obeyed? Obedience is better than oblations,
D 2
36 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
and to hearken unto him, better than to offer the fat of
rams. For as it is the sin of soothsaying to resist, so
is it the offence of idolatry not to obey; in regard there-
fore that thou hast cast away the word of our Lord, he
hath also cast thee away that thou be not king.” And
a little after, “Our Lord hath this day rent the king-
dom of Israel from thee, and delivered it up to thy
neighbour, a man better than thyself. The triumpher
of Israel truly will not spare, and will not be bowed with
repentance, neither yet is he a man that he should re-
pent ;” that is to say, upon the stony hearts of the
wicked : wherein it is to be noted how he saith, that to
be disobedient unto God is the sin of idolatry. Let not
therefore our wicked transgressors (while they do not
openly sacrifice to the gods of the Gentiles) flatter them-
selves that they are not idolaters, whilst they tread like
swine the most precious pearls of Christ under their feet.
§ 39. But although this one example as an invincible
affirmation might abundantly suffice to correct the
wicked: yet, that by the mouths of many witnesses all
the offences of Britain may be proved, let us pass to the
rest. What happened to David for numbering his people,
when the prophet Gad spake unto him in this sort 3 Thus
saith our Lord: “The choice of three things is offered
thee, choose which thou wilt, that I may execute it upon
thee. Shall there befal thee a famine for seven years, or
shalt thou fly three months before thine enemies, and
they pursue thee, or shall there be three days’ postilence
in thy land.” For being brought into great straits by
this condition, and willing rather to fall into the hands
of God who is merciful, than into those of men, he was
humbled with the slaughter of seventy thousand of his
subjects, and unless with the affection of an apostolic
charity, he had desired to die himself for his country-
men, that the plague might not further consume them,
saying, “I am he that have offended, I the shepherd
have dealt unjustly ; but these sheep, what have they
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 37
sinned ? Let thy hand (I beseech thee) be turned
against me, and against the house of my father;” he
would have atoned for the unadvised pride of his heart
with his own death. For what doth the Scripture after-
wards declare of his son? “And Solomon wrought that
which was not pleasing before our Lord, and he did not
fill up the measure of his good deeds by following the
Lord like his father David. And our Lord said unto
him; because thou hast thus behaved thyself, and not
observed my covenant and precepts, which I have com-
manded thee, breaking it asunder; I will divide thy
kingdom, and give the same unto thy servant.”
$ 40. Hear now likewise what fell upon the two
sacrilegious kings of Israel (even such as ours are),
Jeroboam and Baasha, unto whom the sentence and
doom of our Lord is by the prophet in this way
directed: “For what cause have I exalted thee a prince
over Israel, in regard that they have provoked me by
their vanities. Behold I will stir up after Baasha and
after his house, and I will give over his house as the
house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. Whoso of his
blood shall die in the city, the dogs shall eat him, and
the dead carcass of him that dieth in the field, shall the
fowls of the air eat.” What doth he also threaten unto
that wicked king of Israel, a worthy companion of the
former, by whose collusion and his wife's deceit, inno-
cent Naboth was for his father's vineyard put to death,
when the holy mouth of Elias, yea, the selfsame mouth
that was instructed with the fiery speech of our Lord,
thus spake unto him : “Hast thou killed and also taken
possession, and after this wilt thou yet add more. Thus
saith our Lord, in this very place, wherein the dogs
have licked the blood of Naboth, they shall lick up thy
blood also.” Which fell out afterwards in that very sort,
as we have certain proof. But lest perchance (as befel
Ahab also) the lying spirit which pronounceth vain
things in the mouths of your prophets may seduce you,
38 THIE WORKS OF GILDAS.
hearken to the words of the Prophet Micaiah: “Behold
God hath suffered the spirit of lying to possess the
mouths of all thy prophets that do here remain, and our
Lord hath pronounced evil against thee.” For even
now it is certain that there are some teachers inspired
with a contrary spirit, preaching and affirming rather
what is pleasing, however depraved, than what is true:
whose words are softer than oil, and the same are darts,
who say, peace, peace, and there shall be no peace to
them, who persevere in their sins, as says the prophet
in another place also: “It is not for the wicked to
rejoice, saith our Lord.”
$41. Azarias also, the son of Obed, spoke unto Asa,
who returned from the slaughter of the army of ten
hundred thousand Ethiopians, saying, “Our Lord is
with you, while you remain with him, and if you will
seek him out, he will be found by you, and if you will
leave him, he will leave you also.” For if Jehoshaphat,
for only assisting a wicked king, was thus reproved by
the Prophet Jehu, the son of Ananias, saying, “If thou
givest aid to a sinner, or lovest them whom our Lord
doth hate, the wrath of God doth therefore hang over
thee,” what shall become of them, who are fettered in
the snares of their own offences? whose sin we must of
necessity hate, if not their souls, if we wish to fight in
the army of our Lord, according to the words of the
Psalmist, “Hate ye evil, who love our Lord.” What
was said to Jehoram, the son of the above-named Jehosha-
phat, that most horrible murderer (who being himself a
bastard, slew his noble brethren, that he might possess
the throne in their place), by the prophet Elias, who was
the chariot and charioteer of Israel? “Thus speaketh
the Lord God of thy father David. Because thou hast
not walked in the way of thy father Jehoshaphat, and in
the ways of Asa the king of Judah, but hast walked in
the ways of the kings of Israel, and in adultery accord-
ing to the behaviour of the house of Ahab, and hast
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 39
moreover killed thy brethren, the sons of Jehoshaphat,
men far better than thyself; behold our Lord shall
strike thee and thy children with a mighty plague.”
And a little afterwards, “And thou shalt be very sick
of a disease of thy belly, until thy entrails shall together
with the malady itself, from day to day, come forth out
of thee.” And listen also what the prophet Zachariah,
the son of Jehoiades, menaced to Joash, the king of
Israel, when he abandoned our Lord even as ye now do,
and the prophet spoke in this manner to the people:
“Thus saith our Lord, Why do ye transgress the com-
mandments of our Lord and do not prosper ? Because
ye have left our Lord, he will also leave you.”
§ 42. What shall I mention of Isaiah, the first and
chief of the prophets, who beginneth his prophecy, or
rather vision, in this way: “Hear, O ye heavens, and
O thou earth conceive in thine ears, because our Lord
hath spoken, I have nourished children, and exalted
them, but they themselves have despised me. The ox
hath known his owner, and the ass his master's crib,
but Israel hath not known me, and my people hath not
understood.” And a little further with threatenings
answerable to so great a folly, he saith, “The daughter
of Sion shall be utterly left as a tabernacle in the vine-
yard, and as a hovel in the cucumber garden, and a
city that is sacked.” And especially convening and
accusing the princes, he saith, “Hear the word of our
Lord (O ye princes of Sodom), perceive ye the law of
our Lord, O ye people of Gomorrah.” Wherein it is to
be noted, that unjust kings are termed the princes of
Sodom, for our Lord forbidding sacrifices and gifts to
be offered to him by such persons, and seeing that we
greedily receive those offerings which in all nations are
displeasing unto God, and to our own destruction suffer
them not to be bestowed on the poor and needy, speak
thus to them who, laden with riches, are likewise given
to offend on this head: “Offer no more your sacrifice in
40 TIHE WORKS OF GILDAS.
vain, your incense is abomination unto me.” And again
he denounceth them thus: “And when ye shall stretch
out your hands, I will turn away mine eyes from you,
and when ye shall multiply your prayers, I will not
hear.” And he declareth wherefore he does this, say-
ing, “Your hands are full of blood.” And likewise
showing how he may be appeased, he says, “Be ye
washed, be ye clean, take away the evil of your thoughts
from mine eyes, cease to do evil, learn to do well, seek
for judgment, succour the oppressed, do justice to the
pupil or orphan.” And then assuming as it were the
part of a reconciling mediator, he adds, “Though your
sins shall be as scarlet, they shall be made white as
snow : though they shall be as red as the little worm,
they shall be as white as wool. If ye shall be willing
and will hear me, ye shall feed on the good things of the
land; but if ye will not, and shall provoke me unto
wrath, the sword shall devour you.”
§ 43. Receive ye the true and public avoucher, wit-
messing, without any falsehood or flattery, the reward of
your good and evil, not like the soothing humble lips of
your parasites, which whisper poisons into your ears.
And also directing his sentence against ravenous judges,
he saith thus: “ Thy princes are unfaithful, companions
of thieves, all love gifts, hunt after rewards, they do no
justice to the orphan, the widow's cause entereth not
unto them. For this saith our Lord God of Hosts, the
strong one of Israel. Alas, I will take consolation upon
my foes, and be revenged upon mine enemies, and the
heinous sinners shall be broken to powder, and offenders
together with them and all who have left our Dord, shall
be consumed.” And afterwards, “The eyes of the
lofty man shall be brought low, and the height of men
hath bowed down.” And again, “Woe be to the
wicked, evil befall him, for he shall be rewarded accord-
ing to his handy-work.” And a little after, “Woe be
unto you who arise early to follow drunkenness, and to
TIIE WORKS OF GILDAS. 41
drink even to the very evening, that ye may fume with
wine. The harp, and the lyre, and the tabor, and the
pipe, and wine are in your banquets, and the work of
our Lord ye respect not, neither yet consider ye the
works of his hands. Therefore is my people led captive
away, because they have not had knowledge, and their
nobles have perished with famine, and their multitude
hath withered away with thirst. Therefore hath hell en-
larged and dilated his spirit, and without measure opened
his mouth, and his strong ones, and his people, and his
lofty and glorious ones, shall descend down unto him.”
And afterwards, “Woe be unto you who are mighty for
the drinking of wine, and strong men for the procuring of
drunkenness, who justify the wicked for rewards, and
deprive the just man of his justice. For this cause even
as the tongue of the fire devoureth the stubble, and as
the heat of the flame burneth up, so shall their root be
as the ashes, and their branch shall rise up as the dust.
For they have cast away the law of our Lord of Hosts,
and despised the speech of the holy one of Israel. In all
these the fury of our Lord is not turned away, but as
yet his hand is stretched out.”
§ 44. And further on, speaking of the day of judg-
ment and the unspeakable fears of sinners, he says,
“Howl ye, because the day of our Lord is near at hand
(if so near at that time, what shall it now be thought to
be 3) for destruction shall proceed from God. For this
shall all hands be dissolved, and every man's heart shall
wither away, and be bruised, tortures and dolours shall
hold them, as a woman in labour so shall they be grieved,
every man shall at his neighbour stand astonished,
burned faces shall be their countenances. Behold, the
day of our Lord shall come, fierce and full of indigna-
tion, and of wrath, and fury, to turn the earth into a
desert, and break her sinners in small pieces from off
her, because the stars of heaven and the brightness of
them, shall not unfold their light, the sun in his rising
42 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
shall be covered over with darkness, and the moon shall
not shine in her season, and I will visit upon the evils of
the world, and against the wicked, their own iniquity,
and I will make the pride of the unfaithful to cease, and
the arrogancy of the strong, I will bring low.” And
again, “Behold our Lord will disperse the earth, and
he will strip her naked, and afflict her face, and scatter
her inhabitants, and as the people, so shall be the priest,
and as the slave, so shall be his lord, as the handmaid
so shall be her lady, as the purchaser, so shall be the
seller, as the usurer, so shall be he that borroweth, as
he who demandeth, so shall he be that oweth. With
dispersing shall the earth be scattered, and with sack-
ing shall she be spoiled. For our Lord hath spoken
this word. The earth hath bewailed, and hath flitted
away, the world hath run to nothing, she is weakened
by her inhabitants, because they have transgressed laws,
changed right, brought to ruin the eternal truce. For
this shall malediction devour the earth.”
§ 45. And afterwards, “ They shall lament all of
them who now in heart rejoice, the delight of the tim-
brels hath ceased, the sound of the gladsome shall be
silent, the sweetness of the harp shall be hushed, they
shall not with singing drink their wine, bitter shall the
potion be to the drinkers thereof. The city of vanity is
wasted, every house is shut up, no man entering in ; an
outcry shall be in the streets over the wine, all gladness
is forsaken, the joy of the land is transferred, solitari-
ness is left in the town, and calamity shall oppress the
gates, because these things shall be in the midst of the
land, and in the midst of the people.” And a little
further, “Swerving from the truth, they have wandered
out of the right way, with the straggling of transgressors
have they gone astray. Fear and intrapping falls, and
a snare upon thee who art the inhabitant of the earth.
And it shall come to pass: Whoso shall flee from the
voice of the fear, shall tumble down into the intrapping
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 43
pit, and whoso shall deliver himself out of the downfall,
shall be caught in the intangling Snare: because the
flood-gates from aloft shall be opened, and the founda-
tions of the earth shall be shaken. With bruising shall
the earth be broken, with commotion shall she be
moved, with tossing shall she be shaken like a drunken
man, and she shall be taken away as if she were a
pavilion of one night's pitching, and her iniquities shall
hang heavy upon her, and she shall fall down, and shall
not attempt to rise again. And it shall be, that our
Lord in the same day shall look on the warfare of
heaven on high, and on the kings of the earth, who are
upon the earth, and they shall be gathered together in
the bundle of one burden into the lake, and shall there
be shut up in prison, and after many days shall they be
visited. And the moon shall blush, and the sun be con-
founded, when our Lord of Hosts shall reign in Mount
Sion and in Jerusalem, and be glorified in the sight of
his seniors.”
§ 46. And after a while, giving a reason why he
threateneth in that sort, he says thus, “Behold the
hand of our Lord is not shortened that he cannot save,
neither is his ear made heavy that he may not hear.
But your iniquities have divided between you and your
God, and your offences have hid his face from you, that
he might not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood,
and your fingers with iniquity: your lips have spoken
lying, and your tongue uttereth iniquity. There is none
who calleth on justice, neither is there he who judgeth
truly, but they trust in nothing, and speak vanities, and
have conceived grief, and brought forth iniquity.” And
a little after, “Their works are unprofitable, and the
work of iniquity is in their hands, their feet run into
evil, and make haste that they may shed the innocent
blood; their thoughts are unprofitable thoughts, spoil
and confusion are in their ways, and the way of peace
they have not known, and in their steps there is no
44 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
judgment, their paths are made crooked unto them,
every one who treadeth in them is ignorant of peace ;
in this respect is judgment removed far off from you,
and justice taketh no hold on you.” And after a few
words, “And judgment hath been turned back, and
justice hath stood afar off, because truth hath fallen
down in the streets, and equity could not enter in, and
truth is turned to oblivion, and whoso hath departed
from evil, hath lain open to spoil. And our Lord hath
seen, and it was not pleasing in his eyes, because there
is not judgment.”
§ 47. And thus far may it suffice among many, to
have recited a few sentences out of the prophet Isaiah.
But now with diligent ears hearken unto him, who
was foreknown before he was formed in the belly, sancti-
fied before he came out of the womb, and appointed a
prophet in all nations: I mean Jeremiah, and hear what
he hath pronounced of foolish people and cruel kings,
beginning his prophecy in this mild and gentle manner.
“And the word of God was spoken unto me saying,
Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, and thou shalt pro-
nounce, Hear the word of our Lord, thou house of
Jacob, and all ye kindred of the house of Israel: Thus
saith our Lord: What iniquity have your fathers found
in me, who have been far removed from me, and walked
after vanity, and are become vain, and have not said,
Where is he who made us go up out of the land of
Egypt :" And after a few words, “From the begin-
ning of thine age thou hast broken my yoke, violated my
bands, and said, I will not serve, I have planted thee my
chosen vine, all true seed. How art thou therefore con-
verted into naughtiness º O strange vine? If thou
shalt wash thee with nitre, and multiply unto thee the
herb borith, thou art spotted in my sight with thine
iniquity, saith our Lord.” And afterwards, “Why will
ye contend with me in judgment? Ye have all forsaken
me, saith our Lord, in vain have I corrected your chil-
THE WORKS OF GILDAS, sº 45
dren, they have not received discipline. Hear ye the
word of our Lord. Am I made a solitariness unto
Israel, or a late bearing land : why therefore hath my
people said, we have departed, we will come no more
unto thee ? Doth the virgin forget her ornament, or
the spouse her gorget: my people truly hath forgotten
me for innumerable days. Because my people are
foolish, they have not known me, they are unwise and
mad children. They are wise to do evil, but to do well
they have been ignorant.”
§ 48. Then the prophet speaketh in his own person
saying, “O Lord thine eyes do respect faith, thou hast
stricken them, and they have not sorrowed, thou hast
broken them and they have refused to receive disci-
pline, they have made their faces harder than the
rock, and will not return.” And also our Lord: “De-
clare ye this same to the house of Jacob, and make it to
be heard in Judah, saying, Hear, ye foolish people who
have no heart, who having eyes see not, and ears hear
not. Will ye not therefore dread me, saith our Lord,
and will ye not conceive grief from my countenance, who
have placed the sand as the bound of the sea, an eternal
commandment which she shall not break, and her waves
shall be moved, and they cannot, and her surge shall
swell, and yet not pass the same : But to this people is
framed an incredulous and an exasperating heart, they
have retired and gone their ways, and not in their heart
said, Let us fear our Lord God.” And again, “Because
there are found among my people wicked ones, framing
wiles to entangle as if they were fowlers, setting snares
and gins to catch men; as a net that is full of birds, so
are their houses filled with deceits. Therefore are they
magnified and enriched, they are become gross and fat,
and have neglected my speeches most vilely, the orphans'
cause they have not decided, and the justice of the poor
they have not adjudged. What' shall I not visit these
46 TIIE WORKS OF GILDAS.
men, saith our Lord ž or shall not my soul be revenged
upon such a nation?”
§ 49. But God forbid that ever should happen unto
you, that which followeth, “Thou shalt speak all these
words unto them, and they shall not hear thee, and thou
shalt call them, and they shall not answer thee, and thou
shalt say unto them, this is the nation that hath not
heard the voice of their Lord God, nor yet received dis-
cipline, faith hath perished, and been taken away from
out of their mouth.” And after some few speeches,
“Whoso falleth doth he not arise again, and whoso is
turned away, shall he not return again? why therefore
is this people in Jerusalem, with a contentious aversion
alienated ? they have apprehended lying, and they will
not come back again. I have been attentive, and
hearkened diligently, no man speaketh what is good.
There is none who repenteth of his sin, saying, What
have I done? All are turned unto their own course,
like a horse passing with violence to battle. The kite
in the sky hath known her time, the turtle, and swallow,
and stork have kept the season of their coming, but my
people hath not known the judgment of God.” And the
prophet, being smitten with fear at so wonderful a
blindness, and unspeakable drunkenness of the sacrile-
gious, and lamenting them who did not lament them-
selves (even according to the present behaviour of these
our unfortunate tyrants), beseecheth of our Lord, that
an augmentation of tears might be granted him, speak-
ing in this manner, “I am contrite upon the contrition
of the daughter of my people, astonishment hath pos-
sessed me: is there no balm in Gilead, or is there no
physician there? Why therefore is not the wound of
the daughter of my people healed? Who shall give
water unto my head, and to mine eyes a fountain of
tears, and I will day and night bewail the slaughtered of
my people? who will grant me in the wilderness the inn
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 47
of passengers, and I will utterly leave my people, and
depart from them, because they are all of them adul-
terers, a root of offenders, and they have bent their
tongue as the bow of lying, and not of truth, they are
comforted in the earth, because they have passed from
evil to evil, and not known me, saith our Lord.” And
again : “And our Lord hath said, Because they have
forsaken my law, which I have given them, and not
heard my voice, nor walked thereafter, and have wan-
dered away after the wickedness of their own heart, in
that respect our Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, saith
these words, Behold I will feed this people with worm-
wood, and give them to drink the water of gall.” And
a little after (speaking in the person of God), “See
therefore thou do not pray for this people, nor assume
thou for them praise and prayer, because I will not hear
in the time of their outcry unto me, and of their
affliction.”
§ 50. What then shall now our miserable governors
do, these few who found out the narrow way and left the
large, were by God forbidden to pour out their prayers -
for such as persevered in their evils, and so highly pro-
voked his wrath, against whom on the contrary side
when they returned with all their hearts unto God (his
divine Majesty being unwilling that the soul of man
should perish, but calling back the castaway that he
should not utterly be destroyed) the same prophets
could not procure the heavenly revenge, because Jonas,
when he desired the like most earnestly against the
Ninevites, could not obtain it. But in the meanwhile
omitting our own words, let us rather hear what the
prophetic trumpet soundeth in our ears speaking thus:
“If thou shalt say in thy heart, why have these evils
befallen? For the multitude of thine iniquities. If the
Ethiopian can change his skin, or the leopard his sundry
spots, ye may also do well when ye have learned evil,”
ever supposing that ye will not. And afterwards:
48 TIIE WORKS OF GILDAS.
“These words doth our Lord say to this people, who
have loved to move their feet, and have not rested, and
not pleased our Lord ; now shall he remember their
iniquities, and visit their offences, and our Lord said
unto me, Pray thou not for this people to work their
good, when they shall fast, I will not hear their prayers;
and if they offer burnt sacrifices and oblations, I will not
receive them.” And again, “And our Lord said unto
me, if Moses and Samuel shall stand before me, my soul
is not bent to this people, cast them out away from my
face, and let them depart.” And after a few words:
“Who shall have pity on thee Jerusalem, or who shall
be sorrowful for thee, or who shall pray for thy peace?
Thou hast left me (saith our Lord) and gone away back-
ward, and I will stretch forth my hand over thee, and
kill thee.” And somewhat after : “ Thus saith our
Lord, Behold I imagine a thought against you, let every
man return from his evil course, and make straight your
ways and endeavours, who said, we despair, we will go
after our own thoughts, and every one of us will do the
naughtiness of his evil heart. Thus therefore saith our
Lord. Ask the Gentiles, who hath heard such horrible
matters, which the Virgin Israel hath too often com-
mitted ? Shall there fail from the rock of the field, the
snow of Libanus? or can the waters be drawn dry that
gush out cold and flowing ? because my people hath for-
gotten me.” And somewhat also after this, propound-
ing unto them an election, he speaking saith, “Thus
saith our Lord, Do ye judgment and justice, and deliver
him who by power is oppressed out of the hand of the
malicious accuser; and for the stranger, and orphan,
and widow, do not provoke their sorrow, neither yet
work ye unjustly the grief of others, nor shed ye forth
the innocent blood. For if indeed ye shall accomplish
this word, there shall enter in through the gates of this
house, kings of the lineage of David, sitting upon his
throne. But if ye will not hearken unto these words,
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 49
by myself I have sworn (saith our Lord) that this house
shall be turned into a desert.” And again (for he
spoke of a wicked king), “As I live (saith our Lord) if
so be that Jechonias shall be a ring on my right hand, I
will pluck him away, and give him over into the hands
of them who seek his life.”
§ 51. Moreover, holy Abraham crieth out saying,
“Woe be unto them who build a city in blood, and pre-
pare a town in iniquities, saying, are not these things
from our Almighty Lord ž and many people have failed
in fire, and many nations have been diminished.” And
thus complaining, he begins his prophecy: “How long
(O Lord) shall I call, and thou wilt not hear 2 shall I
cry out unto thee, to what end hast thou given me
labours and griefs, to behold misery and impiety º
And on the other side, “And judgment was sat upon,
and the judge hath taken in regard hereof, the law is
rent in pieces, and judgment is not brought fully to his
conclusion, because the wicked through power treadeth
the just under foot. In this respect hath passed forth
perverse judgment.”
§ 52. And mark ye also what blessed Hosea the pro-
phet says of princes: “For that they have transgressed
my covenant, and ordained against my law, and ex-
claimed, we have known thee, because thou art against
Israel. They have persecuted good, as if it were evil.
They have reigned for themselves and not by me, they
have held a principality, neither yet have they acknow-
ledged me.”
§ 53. And hear ye likewise the holy Prophet Amos,
in this sort threatening: “In three heinous offences of
the sons of Judah, and in four I will not convert them,
for that they have cast away the law of our Lord, and
not kept his commandments, but their vanities have
seduced them. And I will send fire upon Judah, and it
shall eat the foundations of Jerusalem. Thus saith our
Lord; in three grievous sins of Israel, and in four I will
E
50 THE WORKS OF GII,DAS.
not convert them, for that they have sold the just for
money, and the poor man for shoes, which they tread
upon the dust of the earth, and with buffets they did
beat the heads of the poor, and have eschewed the way
of the humble.” And after a few words: “Seek our
Lord and ye shall live, that the house of Joseph may
not shine as fire, and the flame devour it, and he shall
not be, that can extinguish it. The house of Israel hath
hated him who rebuketh in the gates, and abhorred the
upright word.” Which Amos, being forbidden to pro-
phecy in Israel, without any fawning flattery, saith in
answer, “I was not a prophet, nor yet the son of a
prophet, but a goatherd; I was plucking Sycamores and
our Lord took me from my herd, and our Lord said unto
me, go thy way and prophecy against my people of
Israel, and now hear thou the word of our Lord (for he
directed his speech unto the king), thou Sayest, do not
prophecy against Israel, and thou shalt not assemble
troops against the house of Jacob. For which cause
our Lord saith thus, thy wife in the city shall play the
harlot, and thy sons and daughters shall die by the
sword, and thy ground be measured by the cord, and
thou in a polluted land shalt end thy life, but for Israel,
she shall be led from his own country a captive.” And
afterwards, “Hear therefore these words, ye who do
outrageously afflict the poor, and practise your mighty
power against the needy of the earth, who say, when
shall the month pass over that we may purchase, and
the sabbaths that we may open the treasuries.” And
within a few words after, “Our Lord doth swear against
the pride of Jacob, if he shall in contempt forget your
actions, and if in these the earth shall not be disturbed,
and every inhabitant thereof fall to lamentation, and the
final end as a flood ascend, and I will turn your festival
days into wailing, and cast haircloth on the loins of
every one, and on the head of every man baldness, and
make him as the mourning of one over his beloved, and
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 51
those who are with him, as the day of sorrow.” And
again, “In the sword shall die all the sinners of my
people, who say, evils shall not approach, nor yet shall
light upon us.”
§ 54. And listen ye likewise, what holy Michah the
prophet hath spoken, saying, “Hearken, ye tribes. And
what shall adorn the city ? shall not fire? and the house
of the wicked hoarding up unjust treasures, and with
injury unrighteousness. If the wrongful dealer shall be
justified in the balance, and deceitful weights in the
scales, by which they have heaped up their riches in
ungodliness.”
§ 55. And hear also what threats the famous pro-
phet Zephaniah thundereth out : (saith he) “The great
day of our Lord is near, it is at hand, and very swiftly
approacheth. The voice of the day of our Lord is ap-
pointed to be bitter and mighty, that day, a day of wrath,
a day of tribulation and necessity, a day of clouds and
mist, a day of the trumpet and outcry, a day of misery
and extermination, a day of darkness and dimness upon
the strong cities and high corners. And I will bring
men to tribulation, and they shall go as if they were
blind, because they have offended our Lord, and I will
pour out their blood as dust, and their flesh as the dung
of oxen, and their silver and gold shall not be able to
deliver them in the day of the wrath of our Lord. And
in the fire of his zeal shall the whole earth be consumed,
when the Lord shall accomplish his absolute end, and
bring solitariness upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
Come together and be joined in one, thou nation without
discipline, before ye be made as the fading flower, before
the wrath of our Lord falleth upon ye.”
§ 56. And give ear also unto that which the prophet
Haggai speaketh : “Thus saith our Lord, I will once
move the heaven, and earth, and sea, and dry land, and
I will drive away the thrones of kings, and root out the
E 2
Zephaniah.
Haggai.
52 TIIE WORKS OF GILDAS.
power of the kings of the Gentiles, and I will chase away
the chariots of those who mount upon them.”
§ 57. Now also behold what Zacharias the son of
Addo, that chosen prophet, said, beginning his prophecy
in this manner: “Return to me, and I will return unto
ye (saith our Lord), and be not like your fathers, to
whom the former prophets have imputed, saying, Thus
saith our Almighty Lord, Turn away from your ways,
and they have not marked whereby they might obe-
diently hear me.” And afterwards, “And the angel
asked me, what dost thou see ? and I said, I see a flying
scythe, which containeth in length twenty cubits. The
malediction which hath proceeded upon the face of the
whole earth : because every one of her thieves shall be
punished even to the death, and I will throw him away,
saith our Almighty Lord, and he shall enter into the
house of fury, and into the house of swearing falsehood
in my name.”
§ 58. Holy Malachy the prophet also saith, “Behold
the day of our Lord shall come, inflamed as a furnace,
and all proud men, and all workers of iniquity shall be
as stubble, and the approaching day of the Lord of Hosts
shall set them on fire, which shall not leave a root nor a
bud of them.”
§ 59. And hearken ye also what holy Job debateth of
the beginning and end of the ungodly, saying, “For
what purpose do the wicked live, and have grown old
dishonestly, and their issue hath been according to their
own desire, and their sons before their faces, and their
houses are fruitful, and no fear nor yet the scourge of
our Lord is upon them. Their cow hath not been abor-
tive, their great with young hath brought forth her
young ones and not missed, but remaineth as an eternal
breed: and their children rejoice, and taking the psaltery
and harp, have finished their days in felicity, and fallen
peaceably asleep down into hell.” Doth God therefore
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 53
not behold the works of the wicked ? Not so truly;
“But the candle of the ungodly shall be extinguished,
and destruction shall fall upon them, and pains as of one
in childbirth, shall withhold them from wrath; and they
shall be as chaff before the wind, and as the dust which the
whirlwind hath carried away. Let all goodness fail his
children, let his eyes behold his own slaughter, nor yet
by our Lord let him be redeemed.” And a little after
he saith of the same men, “Who have ravenously taken
the flock with the shepherd, and driven away the beast
of the orphans, and engaged the ox of the widow, and
deceiving, have declined from , the way of necessity.
They have reaped other men's fields before the time, the
poor have laboured in the vineyards of the mighty with-
out hire and meat, they have made many to sleep naked
without garments, of the covering of their life they have
bereaved them.” And somewhat afterwards, when he
had thoroughly understood their works, he delivered
them over to darkness. “Let therefore his portion be
accursed from the earth, let his plantings bring forth
witherings; let him for this be rewarded according to
his dealings: let every wicked man like the unsound
wood be broken in pieces. For arising in his wrath hath
he overthrown the impotent. Wherefore truly shall he
have no trust of his life, when he shall begin to grow
diseased, let him not hope for health, but fall into lan-
guishing. For his pride hath been the hurt of many,
and he is become decayed and rotten, as the mallows in
the scorching heat, or as the ear of corn when it falleth
off from its stubble.” And afterwards, “If his children
shall be many, they shall be turned to the slaughter, and
if he gather together silver as if it were earth, and like-
wise purify his gold as if it were dirt, all these same
shall the just obtain.”
§ 60. Hear ye moreover what blessed Esdras, that
cyclopædia of the divine law, threateneth in his dis-
course. “Thus saith our Lord God: My right hand shall
54 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
not be sparing upon sinners, neither shall the sword
cease over them who spill the innocent blood on the
earth. Fire shall proceed from out of my wrath, and
devour the foundations of the earth, and sinners as if
they were inflamed straw. Woe be unto them who
offend, and observe not my commandments, saith our
Lord, I will not forbear them. Depart from me ye
apostatizing children, and do not pollute my sanctuary.
God doth know who offend against him, and he will
therefore deliver them over to death and to slaughter.
For now have many evils passed over the round compass
of the earth. A sword of fire is sent out against you,
and who is he that shall restrain it ! shall any man re-
pulse a lion that hungereth in the wood? or shall any
one quench out the fire when the straw is burning? our
Lord God will send out evils, and who is he that shall
repress them ż and fire will pass forth from out of his
wrath, and who shall extinguish it? it shall brandishing
shine, and who will not fear it : it shall thunder, and
who will not shake with dread : God will threaten all,
and who will not be terrified ? before his face the earth
doth tremble, and the foundations of the sea shake from
the depths.”
§ 61. And mark ye also what Ezechiel the renowned
prophet, and admirable beholder of the four evangelical
creatures, speaketh of wicked offenders, unto whom piti-
fully lamenting beforehand the scourge that hung over
Israel, our Lord doth say, “Too far hath the iniquity of
the house of Israel and Judah prevailed, because the
earth is filled with iniquity and uncleanness. Behold I
am, mine eyes shall not spare, nor will I take pity.”
And afterwards, “Because the earth is replenished with
people, and the city fraughted with iniquity, I will also
turn away the force of their power, and their holy things
shall be polluted, prayer shall approach and sue for peace,
and it shall not be obtained.” And somewhat after,
“The word of our Lord (quoth he) was spoken unto me
TIIE WORKS OF GILDAS. 55
saying, Thou son of man, the land that shall so far sin
against me as to commit an offence, I will stretch forth
my hand upon her, and break in pieces her foundation
of bread, and send upon her famine, and take away
mankind and cattle from her ; and if these three men,
Noah, Daniel, and Job, be in the midst of her, they shall
not deliver her, but they in their justice shall be saved,
saith our Lord. If so be that also I shall bring in evil
beasts upon the land and punish her, she likewise shall
be turned to destruction, and there shall not be one who
shall have free passage from the face of the beasts, and
although these three men are in the midst of her, as I live
(saith our Lord) their sons and daughters shall not be
preserved, but they alone shall be saved, and as for the
land it shall fall to confusion.” And again, “The son
shall not receive the unrighteousness of the father,
neither the father the son's unrighteousness. The jus-
tice of the just shall be upon himself. And the unjust
man, if he turneth him away from all the iniquities
which he hath dome, and keepeth all my commandments,
and doth justice and abundance of mercy, he shall live
in life and shall not die. All his sins, whatsoever he
hath committed, shall have no further being ; he shall
live the life in his own justice which he hath performed,
Do I with my will voluntarily wish the death of the un-
righteous (saith our Lord) rather than that he should
return from his evil way and live? But when the just
shall turn himself away from his justice, and do iniquity,
according to all the iniquities which the unrighteous
hath committed, all the just actions (which he hath
done) shall remain no further in memory. In his
offence wherein he hath fallen, and in his sins in which
he hath transgressed, he shall die.” And within some
words afterwards: “And all nations shall understand,
that the house of Israel are led captive away for their
offences, because they have forsaken me. And I have
turned my face from them, and yielded them over into
56 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
the hands of their enemies, and all have perished by the
sword ; according unto their unclean sins, and after
their iniquities have I dealt with them, and turned my
face away from them.”
§ 62. This which I have spoken may suffice concern-
ing the threats of the holy prophets: only I have thought
it necessary to intermingle in this little work of mine,
not only these menaces, but also a few words bor-
rowed out of the wisdom of Solomon, to declare unto
kings matter of exhortation or instruction, that they
may not say I am willing to load the shoulders of men
with heavy and insupportable burthens of words, but not
so much as once with mine own finger (that is, with
speech of consolation) to move the same. Let us there-
fore hear what the prophet hath spoken to rule us.
“Love justice (saith he) ye that judge the earth.” This
testimony alone (if it were with a full and perfect heart
observed) would abundantly suffice to reform the gover-
nors of our country. For if they had loved justice, they
would also love God, who is in a sort the fountain and
original of all justice. “Serve our Lord in goodness,
and seek him in simplicity of heart.” Alas! who shall
live (as a certain one before us hath said) when such
things are done by our countrymen, if perchance they
may be any where accomplished; “Because he is found
of those who do not tempt him, he appeareth truly to
them who have faith in him.” For these men without
respect do tempt God, whose commandments with stub-
born despite they contemn, neither yet do they keep to
him their faith, unto whose oracles be they pleasing, or
somewhat severe, they turn their backs and not their
faces. “For perverse thoughts do separate from God,”
and this in the tyrants of our time very plainly appeareth.
But why doth our meanness intermeddle in this so mani-
fest a determination ? Let therefore him who alone is
true (as we have said) speak for us, I mean the Holy
Ghost, of whom it is now pronounced, “The Holy Ghost
THE WORIKS OF GILDAS. 57
verily will avoid the counterfeiting of discipline.” And
again, “Because the spirit of God hath filled the globe
of the earth.” And afterwards (showing with an evi-
dent judgment the end of the evil and righteous) he
saith, “How is the hope of the wicked as the down that
is blown away with the wind, and as the smoke that
with the blast is dispersed, and as the slender froth that
with a storm is scattered, and as the memory of a guest
who is a passenger of one day. But the just shall live
for ever, and with God remaineth their reward, and their
cogitation is with the highest. Therefore shall they
receive the kingdom of glory, and the crown of beauty
from the hand of our Lord. Because with his right
hand he will protect them, and with his holy arm defend
them.” For very far unlike in quality are the just and
ungodly, as our Lord verily hath spoken, saying, “Them
who honour me I will honour, and whoso despise me
shall be of no estimation.”
§ 63. But let us pass over to the rest: “Hearken,
(Saith he) all ye kings, and understand ye, learn, ye judges
of the bounds of the earth, listen with your ears who
keep multitudes in awe, and please yourselves in the
troops of nations. Because power is given unto you
from God, and puissance from the highest, who will
examine your actions, and sift your thoughts. For that
when ye were ministers of his kingdom, ye have not
judged uprightly, nor kept the law of justice, nor yet
walked according to his will. It shall dreadfully and
suddenly appear unto you, that a most severe judgment
shall be given on them who govern. For to the meaner
is mercy granted, but the mighty shall mightily sustain
torments. For he shall have no respect of persons, who
is the ruler of all, nor yet shall he reverence the great-
ness of any one, because he himself hath made both
small and great, and care alike he hath of all; but for
the stronger is at hand a stronger affliction. Unto you
therefore (O kings) are these my speeches, that you may
58 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
learn wisdom, and not fall away from her. For whoso
observeth what things are just, shall be justified, and
whoso learneth what things are holy, shall be sanctified.”
§ 64. Hitherto have we discoursed no less by the
oracles of the prophets, than by her own speeches with
the kings of our country, being willing they should know
what the prophet hath spoken saying, “As from the
face of a serpent, so fly thou from sins: if thou shalt
approach unto them they will catch thee, their teeth are
the teeth of a lion, such as kill the Souls of men.” And
again, “How mighty is the mercy of our Lord, and his
forgiveness to such as turn unto him.” And if we have
not in us such apostolical zeal, that we may say, “I did
verily desire to be anathematized by Christ for my
brethren,” notwithstanding that we may from the bot-
tom of our hearts speak that prophetic saying, “ Alas!
that the soul perisheth.” And again, “Let us search
out our ways, and seek and return unto our Lord : let
us lift our hearts together with our hands to God in
heaven.” And also that of the apostle, “We covet
that every one of you should be in the bowels of Christ.”
§ 65. And how willingly, as one tossed on the waves
of the sea, and now arrived in a desired haven, would I
in this place make an end (shame forbidding me further
to proceed) did I not behold such great masses of evil
deeds done against God by bishops or other priests, or
clerks, yea Some of our own order, whom as witnesses
myself must of necessity first of all stone (according
unto the law) with the hard blows of words (lest I should
be otherwise reproved for partiality towards persons) and
then afterwards the people (if as yet they keep their
decrees) must pursue with their whole powers the same
execution upon them, not to their corporal death but to
the death of their vices and their eternal life with God.
Yet (as I before said) I crave pardon of them, whose
lives I not only praise, but also prefer before all earthly
treasure, and of the which (if it may be) yet before my
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 59
death I desire and thirst to be a partaker: and so hav-
ing both my sides defended with the double shields of
Saints, and by those means invincibly strengthened to
sustain all that arise against me, arming moreover my
head in place of a helmet with the help of our Lord, and
being most assuredly protected with the sundry aids of
the prophets, I will boldly proceed notwithstanding the
stones of worldly rioters fly never so fast about me.
§ 66. Britain hath priests, but they are unwise; very
many that minister, but many of them impudent ; clerks,
she hath, but certain of them are deceitful raveners;
pastors (as they are called) but rather wolves prepared
for the slaughter of souls (for they provide not for the
good of the common people, but covet rather the glut-
tony of their own bellies), possessing the houses of the
church, but obtaining them for filthy lucre's sake; in-
structing the laity, but showing withal most depraved
examples, vices, and evil manners; seldom sacrificing,
and seldom with clean hearts, standing at the altars; not
correcting the commonalty for their offences, while they
commit the same sins themselves; despising the com-
mandments of Christ, and being careful with their whole
hearts to fulfil their own lustful desires, some of them
usurping with unclean feet the seat of the apostle Peter;
but for the demerit of their covetousness falling down
into the pestilent chair of the traitor Judas; detracting
often, and seldom speaking truly ; hating verity as an
open enemy, and favouring falsehoods, as their most
beloved brethren; looking on the just, the poor, and the
impotent, with stern countenances, as if they were de-
tested serpents, and reverencing the sinful rich men
without any respect of shame, as if they were heavenly
angels, preaching with their outward lips that alms are
to be disbursed upon the needy, but of themselves not
bestowing one halfpenny, concealing the horrible sins of
the people, and amplifying injuries offered unto them-
selves, as if they were done against our Saviour Christ ;
|
60 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
expelling out of their houses their religious mother per-
haps, or sisters, and familiarly and indecently entertain-
ing strange women, as if it were for some more secret
office, or rather, to speak truly, though fondly (and yet
not fondly to me, but to such as commit these matters),
debasing themselves unto such bad creatures; and after
all these seeking rather ambitiously for ecclesiastical
dignities, than for the kingdom of heaven; and defend-
ing after a tyrannical fashion their achieved preferments,
nor ever labouring with lawful manners, to adorn the
same; negligent and dull to listen to the precepts of
the holy Saints (if ever they did so much as once hear
that which full often they ought to hear), but diligent
and attentive to the plays and foolish fables of secular
men, as if they were the very ways to life, which indeed
are but the passages to death ; being hoarse, after the
fashion of bulls, with the abundance of fatness, and
miserably prompt to all unlawful actions; bearing their
countenances arrogantly aloft, and having nevertheless
their inward senses, with tormenting and gnawing con-
sciences, depressed down to the bottom, or rather to the
bottomless pit, glad at the gaining of one penny, and at
the loss of the like value sad, slothful and dumb in the
apostolical decrees (be it for ignorance or rather the
burden of their offences), and stopping also the mouths
of the learned, but singularly experienced in the deceit-
ful shifts of worldly affairs; and many of this sort and
wicked conversation, violently intruding themselves into
the preferments of the church, yea rather buying the
same at a high rate, than being any way drawn there-
unto, and moreover as unworthy wretches, wallowing
(after the fashion of swine) in their old and unhappy
puddle of intolerable wickedness, after they have at-
tained unto the seat of the priesthood or episcopal
dignity (who neither have been installed or resident on
the same), for usurping only the name of priesthood,
they have not received the orders or apostolical pre-
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 61
eminence, but how can they who are not as yet fully
instructed in faith, nor have done penance for their sins,
be any way supposed meet and convenient to ascend
unto any ecclesiastical degree (that I may not speak of
the highest) which none but holy and perfect men, and
followers of the apostles, and (to use the words of the
teacher of the Gentiles) persons free from reprehension,
can lawfully and without the foul offence of sacrilege
undertake.
§ 67. For what is so wicked and so sinful as after the
example of Simon Magus (even if with other faults he
had not been defiled before), for any man with earthly
price to purchase the office of a bishop or priest, which
with holiness and righteous life alone ought lawfully to
be obtained; but herein they do more wilfully, and des-
perately err in that they buy their deceitful and unpro-
fitable ecclesiastical degrees, not of the apostles or their
successors, but of tyrannical princes, and their father
the devil; yea rather they raise this as a certain roof
and covering of all offences, over the frame of their
former serious life, that being protected under the
shadow thereof, no man should lightly hereafter lay to
their charge their old or new wickedness, and hereupon
they build their desires of covetousness and gluttony,
for that being now the rulers of many they may more
freely make havock at their pleasures. For if truly any
such offer of purchasing ecclesiastical promotions were
made by these impudent sinners (I will not say with
St. Peter), but to any holy priest, or godly king, they
would no doubt receive the same answer which their
father Simon Magus had from the mouth of the apostle
Peter, saying: “ Thy money be with thee unto thy per-
dition.” But (alas !) perhaps they who order and ad-
vance these ambitious aspirers, yea they who rather
throw them under foot, and for a blessing give them a
cursing, whilst of sinners they make them not peni-
tents (which were more consonant to reason), but sacri-
fºs
62 THE WORKS OF GILDAS,
legious and desperate offenders, and in a sort instal
Judas, that traitor to his master, in the chair of Peter,
and Nicholas, the author of that foul heresy, in the seat
of St. Stephen, the martyr, it may be, at first obtained
their own priesthood by the same means, and therefore
do not greatly dislike in their children, but rather re-
spect the course, that they their fathers did before
follow. And also, if finding resistance, in obtaining
their dioceses at home, and some, who severely renounce
this chaffering of church-livings, they cannot there attain
to such a precious pearl, then it doth not so much loath
as delight them (after they have carefully sent their
messengers beforehand) to cross the seas, and travel
over most large countries, that so in the end, yea even
with the sale of their whole substance, they may win
and compass such a pomp, and such an incomparable
glory, or to speak more truly, such a dirty and base
deceit, and illusion. And afterwards with great show
and magnificent Ostentation, or rather madness, return-
ing back to their own native soil, they grow from stout-
ness to stateliness, and from being used to level their
looks to the tops of the mountains, they now lift up their
drowsy eyes into the air, even to the highest clouds,
and as Novatus, that foul hog, and persecutor of our
Lord's precious jewel, did once at Rome, so do these
intrude themselves again into their own country, as
creatures of a new mould, or rather as instruments of
the devil, being even ready in this state and fashion to
stretch out violently their hands (not so worthy of the
holy altars as of the avenging flames of hell) upon
Christ's most holy sacrifices.
§ 68. What do ye therefore (O unhappy people !)
expect from such belly beasts? (as the apostle calleth
them). Shall your manners be amended by these, who
not only do not apply their minds to any goodness, but
(according to the upbraiding of the prophet) labour also
to deal wickedly : Shall ye be illuminated with such
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 63
eyes as are only with greediness cast on those things
that lead headlong to vices (that is to say), to the gates
of hell? Nay truly, if according to the saying of our
Saviour, ye fly not these most ravenous wolves like those
of Arabia, or avoid them as Lot, who ran most speedily
from the fiery shower of Sodom, up to the mountains,
then being blind and led by the blind, ye will both to-
gether tumble down into the infernal ditch.
§ 69. But some man perchance will objecting say,
that all bishops or all priests (according to our former
exception), are not so wickedly given, because they are
not defiled with the infamy of schism, pride, or unclean
life, which neither we ourselves will deny, but albeit we
know them to be chaste, and virtuous, yet will we
briefly answer.
What did it profit the high-priest Hely, that he
alone did not violate the commandments of our Lord, in ;ºf
taking flesh with forks out of the pots, before the fat tament.
was offered unto God, while he was punished with the
same revenge of death wherewith his sons were ; what
one (I beseech ye) of them, whose manners we have
before sufficiently declared, hath been martyred like
Abel, from malicious jealousy of his more acceptable
sacrifice (which with the heavenly fire ascended up into
the skies) since they fear the reproach even of an ordi-
nary word? Which of them “hath hated the counsel
of the malicious, and not sat with the ungodly,” so that
of him as a prophet, the same might be verified which
was said of Enoch, “Enoch walked with God and was
not to be found” in the vanity (forsooth) of the whole
world, as then leaving our Lord, and beginning to halt
after idolatry : Which of them, like Noah in the time
of the Deluge, hath not admitted into the ark of salva-
tion (which is the present church) any adversary unto
God, that it may be most apparent that none but inno-
cents or singular penitents, ought to remain in the house
of our Lord? Who is he that offering sacrifice like
64. TIIE WORKS OF GILDAS.
In the text
Jesus Nave.
Melchisedeck, hath only blessed the conquerors, and
them who with the number of three hundred (which was
in the sacrament of the Trinity) delivering the just man,
have overthrown the deadly armies of the five kings,
together with their vanquishing troops, and not coveted
the goods of others ? Which of them hath like Abra-
ham, at the commandment of God, freely offered his
own son on the altar to be slain, that he might accom-
plish a precept of Christ, agreeable to this saying, thy
right eye if it cause thee to offend, ought to be pulled
out ; and another of the prophet, that he is accursed
who withholdeth his sword from shedding blood : Who
is he that like Joseph, hath rooted out of his heart the
remembrance of an offered injury : Who is he that like
Moses, speaking with our Lord in the mountain, and
not there terrified with the sounding trumpets, hath in
a figurative sense presented unto the incredulous people
the two tables, and his horned face which they could
not endure to see, but trembled to behold : Which of
them, praying for the offences of the people, has from
the very bottom of his heart cried out, like unto him
saying: “O Lord this people hath committed a grievous
sin, which if thou wilt forgive them, forgive it; other-
wise blot me guilty out of thy book?”
§ 70. Which of them, inflamed with the admirable
zeal of God, hath courageously risen to punish fornica-
tion, curing without delay by the present medicine of
penance, the affection of filthy lust, lest the fire of the
wrath of God should otherwise consume the people, as
Phinees the priest did, that by these means justice for
ever might be reputed unto him : Which of them hath
in moral understanding imitated Joshua, the son of Nun,
either for the utter rooting forth (even to the slaughter
of the last and least of all) the seven nations out of the
land of promise, or for the establishing of spiritual Israel
in their places? Which of them hath showed unto the
people of God their final bounds beyond Jordan (that it
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 65
might be known what was suited to every tribe) in such
sort as the aforenamed Phineas and Jesus have wisely
divided the land : Who is he that to overthrow the
innumerable thousands of Gentiles, adversaries to the
chosen people of God, hath, as another Jephtha, for a
votive and propitiatory sacrifice, slain his only daughter,
(by which is to be understood his own proper will) imi-
tating also therein the apostle, saying, “ Not seeking
what is profitable to me, but to many, that they may be
saved;” which daughter of his met the conquerors with
drums and dances, by which are to be understood the
lustful desires of the flesh? Which of them, that he
might disorder, put to flight, and overthrow the camps
of the proud Gentiles, by the number of three hundred,
(being, as we before said, the mystery of the blessed
Trinity,) and with his men holding in their hands those
noble sounding trumpets, (which are prophetical and
apostolical senses, according as Our Lord said to the
prophet, “Exalt thy voice as a trumpet;” and the
psalmist of the apostles, “Their sound hath passed
throughout the whole earth,”) and bearing also those
famous flagons shining in the night with that most glit-
tering fiery light, (which are to be interpreted the bodies
of Saints joined to good works, and burning with the
flame of the Holy Ghost, yea having, as the apostle
writes, “ This treasure in earthen vessels,”) hath after
hewing down the idolatrous grave (by which is morally
meant dark and foul desire) marched on like Gideon, with
an assured faith in the evident sign of the fleece, which
to the Jews was void of the heavenly moisture, but to
the Gentiles made wet with the dew of the Holy Ghost?
§ 71. Who is he among them that (earnestly wishing
to die to this world, and live to Christ) hath, as another
Sampson, utterly cut off such innumerable luxurious
banqueters of the Gentiles, while they praised their gods,
(by which is meant, while the senses of men extolled
these earthly riches, according to the apostle speaking
F.
66 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
thus; “And covetousness which is idolatry,”) shaking
with the power of both his arms the two pillars (by
which are to be understood, the wicked pleasures of the
soul and body) by which the house of all worldly wicked-
ness is in a sort compacted, and underpropped ? Which
of them, like Samuel, with prayers and the burnt sacri-
fice of a sucking lamb, hath driven away the fear of the
Philistines, raised unexpected thunder-claps, and shower-
ing clouds, established without flattery a king, deposed
him when he displeased God, and anointed another his
better in his place and kingdom, and when he shall give
to the people his last farewell, shall appear like Samuel
in this sort, saying, “Behold I am ready, speak ye be-
fore our Lord and his anointed, whether I ever took
away the ox or ass of any man, if I have falsely accused
any one, if I have oppressed any body, if I have received
a bribe from the hands of any ?” Unto whom it was
answered by the people, “Thou hast not wrongfully
charged us, nor oppressed us, nor taken any thing from
the hands of any ?” Which of them, like the famous
prophet Elias, who consumed with heavenly fire the
hundred proud men, and preserved the fifty that humbled
themselves; and afterwards denounced without flattery
or dissimulation, the impending death of the unjust
king (that sought not the counsel of God by his pro-
phets, but of the idol Accaron), hath utterly overthrown
all the prophets of Baal (by which are meant the worldly
senses ever bent, as we have already said, to envy and
avarice) with the lightning sword (which is the word of
God)? and as the same Elias moved with the zeal of
God, after taking away the showers of rain from the land
of the wicked, who were now shut up with famine in a
strong prison, as it were of penury, for three years and
six months, being himself ready to die for thirst in the
desert, hath complaining said, “They have murdered
(O Lord) thy prophets, and undermined thine altars,
and I alone am left, and they seek my life :"
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 67
§ 72. Which of them, like Elisha, hath punished his
dearly beloved disciple, if not with an everlasting
leprosy, yet at least by abandoning him, if burthened
too much with the weight of worldly covetousness for
those very gifts which his master before (although very
earnestly entreated thereto) had despised to receive 3 and
which of these among us hath like him revealed unto
his servant, (who despaired of life, and on a sudden
trembled at the warlike army of the enemies that be-
sieged the city wherein he was,) through the fervency of
his prayers poured out unto God, those spiritual visions,
so that he might behold a mountain replenished with a
heavenly assisting army, of warlike chariots and horse-
men, shining with fiery countenances, and that he might
also believe that he was stronger to save, than the foe
to hurt. And which of them, like the above-named
Elisha, with the touch of his body, being dead to the
world, but living unto God, shall raise up another,
whose fate had been different from his, namely, death to
God, but life to his vices, so that instantly revived, he
may yield humble thanks to Christ for his unexpected
recovery from the hellish torments of his mortal crimes?
Which of them hath his lips purified and made clean
with the fiery coals carried by the tongues of the
cherubim, from off the altar, (that his sins may be
wiped away with the humility of confession,) as it is
written of Esaias, by whose effectual prayers, together
with the aid of the godly King Ezechias, a hundred
fourscore and five thousand of the Assyrian army,
through the stroke of one angel, without the least print
of any appearing wound, were overthrown and slain :
Which of them, like blessed Jeremy, for accomplishing
the commandments of God, for denouncing the threats
thundered out from heaven, and for preaching the truth
even to such as would not hear the same, hath suffered
loathsome stinking prisons as momentary deaths? And
to be brief, what one of them (as the teacher of the
F 2
68 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
Gentiles said) hath endured like the holy prophets to
wander in mountains, in dens, and caves of the earth, to
be stoned, to be sawn in sunder, and assailed with all
kinds of death, for the name of our Lord?
§ 73. But why do we dwell in examples of the Old
Testament as if there were none in the New : Let
therefore those (who suppose they can, without any
labour at all, under the naked pretence of the name of
priesthood, enter this strait and narrow passage of
Christian religion) hearken unto me while I recite and
gather into one a few of the chiefest flowers out of the
large and pleasant meadow of the saintly soldiers of the
i.º.º.º. New Testament. Which of you (who rather sleep than
tament. lawfully sit in the chair of the priesthood), being cast
out of the council of the wicked, hath after the stripes
of sundry rods, like the holy apostles, from the bottom
of his heart, given thanks to the blessed Trinity that he
was found worthy to suffer disgrace for Christ's true
deity ? What one for the undoubted testimony of God,
having his brains dashed out with the fuller's club,
hath, like James the first, a bishop of the New Testa-
ment, suffered corporal death? Which of you, like
James the brother of John, has by the unjust prince
been beheaded ? Who, like the first deacon and martyr
of the gospel, (having but this only accusation, that he
saw God, whom the wicked could not behold,) has by
ungodly hands been stoned to death? What one of you,
like the worthy keeper of the keys of the heavenly
kingdom, has been nailed to the cross with his feet
upward, in reverence for Christ, whom, no less in his
death than in his life, he endeavoured to honour, and
hath so breathed his last : Which of you, for the con-
fession of the true word of Christ, hath, like the vessel
of election, and chosen teacher of the Gentiles, after
suffering imprisonment and shipwreck, after the terrible
scourges of whips, the continual dangers of seas, of
thieves, of Gentiles, of Jews, and of false apostles, after
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 69
the labours of famine, fasting, and watching, after in-
cessant care over all the churches, after his trouble for
such as scandalized, after his infirmity for the weak,
after his wonderful travels over almost the whole world
in preaching the gospel of Christ, lost his head at last
by the stroke of the descending sword :
§ 74. Which of you, like the holy martyr Ignatius,
bishop of the city of Antioch, hath after his miraculous
actions in Christ, for testimony of him been torn by the
jaws of lions, as he was once at Rome? whose words (as
he was led to his passion) when you shall hear (if ever
your countenances were overcome with blushing), you
will not only, in comparison of him, esteem yourselves
no priests, but not so much even as the meanest Chris-
tians; for in the epistle which he sent to the church of
Rome, he writeth thus: “From Syria even unto Rome,
I fight with beasts, by land and sea, being bound and
chained unto ten leopards, I mean the soldiers appointed
for my custody, who for our benefit bestowed upon them
become more cruel, but I am the better instructed by
their wickedness, neither yet am I in this justified; oh,
when shall those beasts come the workers of my salva-
tion (which are for me prepared)? when shall they be
let loose at me? when shall it be lawful for my carcase
to enjoy them ? whom I do most earnestly wish to be
eagerly enraged against me, and truly I will incite them
to devour me; moreover, I will humbly pray, lest per-
chance they should dread to touch my body (as in some
others they have before done), yea also, if they hesitate,
I will offer violence, I will force myself upon them.
Pardon me (I beseech you), I know what is commodious
for me, even now I begin to be the disciple of Christ;
let all envy, whether of human affection or spiritual
wickedness, cease, that I may endeavour to obtain Christ
Jesus; let fires, let crosses, let cruelty of beasts, let
breaking of bones, and rending of limbs, with all the
pains of the whole body, and all the torments devised by
70 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
the art of the devil, be together poured out on me alone,
so that I may merit to attain unto Christ Jesus.” Why
do you behold these things with the sleepy eyes of your
souls : why do you hearken unto them with the deaf
ears of your senses? Shake off (I beseech you) the dark
and black mist of slothfulness from your hearts, that
so you may see the glorious light of truth and humi-
lity. A Christian, and he not mean, but a perfect one,
and a priest not base, but one of the highest, a martyr
of no ordinary sort, but one of the chiefest, saith :
“Now I begin to be the disciple of Christ.” And you,
like the same Lucifer, who was thrown down out of
heaven, are puffed up with words, and not with power,
and after a sort do chew under the tooth, and make
pretence in your actions, as the author of this your
wickedness hath thus expressed: “I will mount up into
the heavens, and be like unto the highest.” And again;
“I have digged and drunk water, and dried up with the
steps of my feet all the rivers of the banks.” You
would more rightly have imitated him and hearkened
unto his words (who is without doubt the most true
example of all goodness and humility), saying by his
prophet, “I am verily a worm and not a man, the re-
proach of men, and the outcast of the people.” Oh
unspeakable matter that he called himself “the reproach
of men,” when he washed away the reproaches of the
whole world. And again in the gospel; “I am not able
to do any thing of myself,” when at the same time he
was co-eternal with the Father, co-equal with the Holy
Ghost, and consubstantial with both, and created, not
by the help of another, but by his own Almighty power,
the heaven and earth, with all their inestimable orna-
ments; and ye nevertheless have arrogantly lifted up
your voices, notwithstanding the prophet saith, “Why
do earth and ashes swell with pride #"
§ 75. But let us return unto our subject. Which of
you (I say), like Polycarp, the famous bishop of the
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 71
church of Smyrna, that witness of Christ, hath cour-
teously entertained as guests at his table, those who
violently drew him out to be burned, and when for the
charity which he did bear unto Christ, he was brought
to the stake, said, “He who gave me grace to endure
the torment of the fire, will likewise grant me without
fastening of nails to bear the flames with patience.”
And now passing over in this my discourse the mighty
armies of Saints, I will yet touch on one only, for ex-
ample's sake, Basil, the bishop of Caesaria, who when he
was thus by the unrighteous prince threatened, that
(unless he would on the next day be as the rest,
defiled in the dirty dunghill of the Arian heresy) he
should be put to death, answered (as it is reported), “I
will be to-morrow the same as to-day, and for thee, I do
not wish thee to change thy determination.” And again,
“Would that I had some worthy reward to bestow on
him that would speedily discharge Basil from the bands
of this breathing bellows.” Which one of you doth en-
deavour to daunt the menaces of tyrants, by inviolably
keeping the rule of the apostolical speech, which in all
times and ages hath been observed by all holy priests,
to suppress the suggestion of men, when they sought to
draw them into wickedness, saying in this manner; “It
behoveth us to obey God rather than men.”
§ 76. Wherefore after our accustomed manner, taking
refuge in the mercy of our Lord, and in the sentences
of his holy prophets, that they on our behalf may now
level the darts of their oracles at imperfect pastors
(as before at tyrants), so that thereby they may receive
compunction, and be amended, let us see what manner
of threats our Lord doth by his prophets utter against
slothful and dishonest priests, and such as do not, both
by examples and words, rightly instruct the people. For
even Eli, the priest in Shilo, because he did not severely
proceed (with a zeal worthy of God) in punishing his
sons, when they contemned our Lord, but (as a man
72 THE WORKS OF GII.D.A.S.
overswayed with a fatherly affection) too mildly and
remissly admonished them, was sentenced with this
judgment by the prophet speaking unto him : “Thus
saith our Lord ; I have manifestly shewed myself unto
the house of thy father, when they were the servants of
Pharaoh in Egypt, and have chosen the house of thy
father out of all the tribes of Israel, for a priesthood
unto me.” And a little after; “Why hast thou looked
upon mine incense, and upon my sacrifice, with a dis-
honest eye 3 and hast honoured thy children more than
me, that thou mightest bless them from the beginning
in all sacrifices in my presence? And now so saith our
Lord : Because whoso honoureth me I will honour him
again: and whoso maketh no account of me shall be
brought to nothing. Behold the days shall come, and I
will destroy thy name, and the seed of thy father's house.
And let this be to thee the sign, which shall fall upon
thy two sons Hophni and Phineas, in one day shall they
both die by the sword of men.” If thus therefore they
shall suffer, who correct them that are under their
charge, with words only, and not with condign punish-
ment, what shall become of those who by offending ex-
hort you, and draw others unto wickedness?
§ 77. It is apparent also what befel unto the true
prophet, who was sent from Judah to prophesy in
Bethel, and forbidden to taste any meat in that place,
after the sign which he foretold, was fulfilled, and after
he had restored to the wicked king his withered hand
again, being deceived by another prophet (as he was
termed), and so made to take but a little bread and
water, his host speaking in this sort unto him: “Thus
saith our Lord God: Because thou hast been disobedient
to the mouth of our Lord, and hast not observed the
precept which the Lord thy God hath commanded, and
hast returned, and eaten bread and drunk water in this
place, in which I have charged thee that thou shouldest
neither eat bread nor drink water, thy body shall not be
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 73
buried in the sepulchre of thy forefathers. And so,
(saith the Scripture) it came to pass, that after he had
eaten bread and drunk water, he made ready his ass,
and departed, and a lion found him in the way and slew
him.”
§ 78. Hear ye also the holy prophet Esaias, how he
speaketh of priests on this wise. “Woe be to the un-
godly, may evil befal him; for the reward of his hands
shall light upon him. Her own exactors have spoiled
my people, and women have borne sway over her. O
my people, they who term thee blessed, themselves
deceive thee, and destroy the way of thy footsteps. Our
Lord standeth to judge, and standeth to judge the
people. Our Lord will come unto judgment with the
elders of the people and her princes. Ye have consumed
my vine, the spoil of the poor is in your house. Why
do ye break in pieces my people, and grind the faces of
the poor ? saith our Lord of Hosts.” And also ; “Woe
be unto them who compose ungodly laws, and in their
writing have written injustice, that they may oppress
the poor in judgment, and work violence to the cause of
the lowly of my people, that widows may be their prey,
and they make spoil of the orphans; what will ye do in
the day of visitation and calamity approaching from afar
off?” And afterwards; “But these also in regard of
wine have been ignorant, and in respect of drunkenness
have wandered astray; the priests have not understood,
because of drunkenness, and have been swallowed up in
wine, they have erred in drunkenness, they have not
known him who seeth, they have been ignorant of judg-
ment. For all tables are filled with the vomit of their
uncleanness, in so much as there is not any free place to
be found.”
§ 79. “Hear therefore the word of our Lord, O ye
deceivers, who bear authority over my people that is in
Jerusalem. For ye have said, we have entered into a
truce with death, and with hell we have made a cove-
74 THE WORKS OF GULDAS.
nant. The overflowing scourge when it shall pass forth
shall not fall upon us, because we have placed falsehood
for our hope, and by lying we have been defended.”
And somewhat after ; “And hail shall overthrow the
hope of lying, together with the defence. Waters shall
overflow, and your truce with death shall be destroyed,
and your covenant with hell shall not continue, when
the overflowing scourge shall pass forth; ye shall also
be trodden under foot, whensoever it shall pass along
through you, it shall sweep you away withal.” And
again ; “And our Lord hath said: Because this people
approacheth with their mouth, and with their lips glorify
me, but their heart is far from me, behold therefore I
will cause this people to wonder by a great and stupen-
dous miracle. For wisdom shall decay and fall away
from her wise men, and the understanding of her sages
shall be concealed. Woe be unto you that are profound
in heart, to conceal counsel from our Lord, whose works
are in darkness, and they say who seeth us! And who
hath known us? for this thought of yours is perverse.”
And afterwards; “Thus saith our Lord : Heaven is my
seat, and the earth my footstool. What is this house
that ye will erect unto me, and what place shall be found
for my resting-place ; all these things hath my hand
made, and these universally have been all created, saith
our Lord. On whom truly shall I cast mine eye, but
on the humble poor man, and the contrite in spirit, and
him that dreadeth my speeches? he that sacrificeth an
ox, is as he that killeth a man; he that slaughtereth a
beast for sacrifice, is like him who beateth out the brains
of a dog; he that offereth an oblation, is as he that
offereth the blood of a hog; he that is mindful of frank-
incense, is as he that honoureth an idol: of all these
things have they made choice in their ways, and in their
abominations hath their soul been delighted.”
§ 80. Hear also what Jeremy, that virgin prophet,
speaketh unto the unwise pastors in this sort : “Thus
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 75
saith our Lord : What iniquity have your fathers found
in me, because they have removed themselves far off
from me, and walked after vanity, and are become vain?”
And again; “And entering in, ye have defiled my land,
and made mine inheritance abomination. The priests
have not said, Where is our Lord ž and the rulers of the
law have not known me, and the pastors have dealt
treacherously against me. Wherefore I will as yet con-
tend in judgment with you, saith our Lord, and debate
the matter with your children.” And a little after-
wards; “Astonishment and wonders have been wrought
in the land. Prophets did preach lying, and priests did
applaud with their hands, and my people have loved such
matters. What therefore shall be done in her last and
final ends? To whom shall I speak and make protesta-
tion that he may hear me 3 behold their ears are uncir-
cumcised, and they cannot hear. Behold the word of
our Lord is uttered unto them for their reproach, and
they receive it not : because I will stretch out my hand
upon the inhabitants of the earth, saith our Lord. For
why, from the lesser even unto the greater, all study
avarice, and from the prophet even unto the priest, all
work deceit, and they cured the contrition of the daugh-
ter of my people, with ignominy, saying, Peace, peace,
and peace there shall not be. Confounded they are, who
have wrought abomination: but they are not with con-
fusion confounded, and have not understood how to be
ashamed. Wherefore they shall fall among those who
are falling, in the time of their visitation shall they rush
headlong down together, saith our Lord.” And again ;
“All these princes of the declining sort, walking fraudu-
lently, being brass and iron, are universally corrupted,
the blowing bellows have failed in the fire, the finer of
metals in vain hath melted, their malicious acts are not
consumed, call them refuse and reprobate silver, because
our Lord hath thrown them away.” And after a few
words, “I am, I am, I have seen, saith our Lord. Go
76 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
your ways to my place in Shilo, where my name hath
inhabited from the beginning, and behold what I have
done thereunto for the malice of my people Israel. And
now because ye have wrought all these works, saith our
Lord, and I have spoken unto you, arising in the morn-
ing, and talking, and yet ye have not heard me, and I
have called you, and yet ye have not answered, I will
so deal towards this house, wherein my name is now
called upon, and wherein ye have confidence, and to
this place which I have given unto you, and to your
fathers, as I have done to Shilo, and I will cast you
away from my countenance.”
§ 81. And again; “My children have departed from
me, and have no abiding, and there is none who any
more pitcheth my tent, and advanceth my pavilion : for
the pastors have dealt fondly and not sought out our
Lord. Wherefore they have not understood, and their
flock hath been dispersed.” And a little after ; “What
is the matter that my beloved hath in my houses com-
mitted many offences? shall the holy flesh take away
thy maliciousness from thee, wherein thou hast gloried ?
our Lord shall call thy name a plentiful, fair, fruitful,
goodly olive; at the sound of the speech a mighty fire
hath been inflamed in her, and her orchards have been
quite consumed therewith.” And again; “Come ye to
me, and be ye gathered together, all ye beasts of the
earth, make haste to devour. Many pastors have
thrown down my vine, they have trampled my part
under foot, they have given over my portion which was
well worthy to be desired, into a desert of solitariness.”
And again he speaketh : “Thus saith our Lord unto
this people, which have loved to move their feet, and not
rested, nor yet pleased our Lord; now shall he remem-
ber their iniquities and visit their offences. Prophets
say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, and there
shall be no famine among you, but our Lord shall give
true peace unto you in this place. And our Lord hath
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 77
said unto me, The prophets do falsely foretell in my
name; I have not sent them, nor laid my commandment
on them; they prophesy unto you a lying vision, and
divination together with deceitfulness, and the seduce-
ment of their own hearts. And therefore thus saith our
Lord: In sword and famine shall those prophets be con-
sumed; and the people to whom they have prophesied
shall by means of the famine and sword be cast out into
the streets of Jerusalem, and there shall be none to bury
them.”
$ 82. And moreover; “Woe be to the pastors who
destroy and rend in pieces the flock of my pasture, saith
Our Lord. Thus therefore saith our Lord God of Israel
unto the pastors who guide my people, ye have dispersed
my flock, and cast them forth, and not visited them:
Behold, I will visit upon you the malice of your endea-
vours, saith our Lord. For the prophet and the priest
are both defiled, and in my house have I found their
evil, saith our Lord, and therefore shall their way be as
a slippery place in the dark, for they shall be thrust
forward, and fall down together therein, for I will bring
evils upon them, the year of their visitation, saith our
Lord. And in the prophets of Samaria, I have seen
foolishness, and they did prophesy in Baal, and deceived
my people of Israel, and in the prophets of Jerusalem,
have I seen the like resemblance, adultery, and the way
of lying, and they have comforted the hands of the
vilest offenders, that every man may not be converted
from his malice : they have been all made to me as
Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as those of Gomorrha.
Thus therefore saith our Lord to the prophets: Behold,
I will give them wormwood for their food, and gall for
their drink. For there hath passed from the prophet of
Jerusalem pollution over the whole earth. Thus saith
our Lord of Hosts: listen not to the words of prophets,
who prophesy unto you, and deceive you, for they speak
the vision of their own heart, and not from the mouth of
78 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
our Lord. For they say unto these who blaspheme me,
‘Our Lord hath spoken, peace shall be unto you,' and
to all that walk in the wickedness of their own hearts,
they have said, evil shall not fall upon them. For who
was present in the counsel of our Lord, and hath seen
and heard his speech, who hath considered of his word,
and hearkened thereunto ? Behold, the whirlwind of
the indignation of our Lord passeth out, and a tempest
breaking forth, shall fall upon the heads of the wicked ;
the fury of our Lord shall not return, until the time
that he worketh and until he fulfilleth the cogitation of
his heart. In the last days of all shall ye understand
his counsel.”
§ 83. And little also do ye conceive and put in exe-
cution that which the holy prophet Joel hath likewise
spoken in admonishment of slothful priests, and lamen-
tation of the people's suffering for their iniquities, say-
ing: “Awake ye who are drunk, from your wine, and
weep and bewail ye all, who have drunk wine even to
drunkenness, because joy and delight are taken away
from your mouths. Mourn ye priests, who serve the
altar, because the fields have been made miserable. Let
the earth mourn, because corn hath become miserable,
and wine been dried up, oil diminished, and husbandmen
withered away. Lament ye possessions, in regard of
wheat and barley, because the vintage hath perished
out of the field, the vine withered up, the figs dimi-
nished : the pomegranates, and palm, and apple, and all
trees of the field are withered away, in respect that the
children of men have confounded their joy.” All which
things are spiritually to be understood by you, that your
Souls may not wither away with so pestilent a famine,
for want of the word of God. And again; “Weep out
ye priests, who serve our Lord, saying, “Spare, O Lord,
thy people, and give not over thine inheritance unto re-
proach, and let not nations hold dominion over them,
that Gentiles may not say, Where is their God?’” And
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 79
yet ye yield not your ears unto these sayings, but admit
of all matters by which the indignation of God's fury is
more vehemently inflamed.
§ 84. With diligence also attend ye what holy Hosea
the prophet hath spoken unto priests of your behaviour.
“Hear these words (O ye priests), and let the house of
Israel, together with the king's house, mark them,
fasten ye them in your ears, for unto you pertaineth
judgment, because ye are made an entangling Snare to
the espying watch, and as a net stretched over the toils
which the followers of hunting have framed.”
$ 85. To you also, may this kind of alienation from
our Lord be meant by the prophet Amos saying, “I
have hated and rejected your festival days, and I will not
receive the savour in your Solemn assemblies, because
albeit ye offer your burnt sacrifices and hosts, I will not
accept them, and I will not cast mine eye on the vows
of your declaration. Take away from me the sound of
your songs, and the psalm of your organs I will not
hear.” For the famine of the evangelical meat con-
suming, in your abundance of victuals, the very bowels
of your souls, rageth violently within you, according as
the aforesaid prophet hath foretold, saying, “Behold the
days shall come, saith our Lord, and I will send out a
famine upon the earth; not the famine of bread, nor the
thirst of water, but a famine in hearing the word of
God, and the waters shall be moved from sea to sea, and
they shall run over from the north even unto the east,
seeking the word of our Lord, and shall not find it.”
$ 86. Let holy Micah also pierce your ears, who like
a heavenly trumpet soundeth loudly forth against the
deceitful princes of the people, saying, “ Hearken now,
ye princes of the house of Jacob, is it not for you to
know judgment, who hate goodness, and seek after mis-
chief, who pluck their skins from off men, and their flesh
from their bones? Even as they have eaten the flesh of
my people, and flayed their skins from them, broken
80 THE WORKS OF GILDAS,
their bones to pieces, and hewed them small as meat to
the pot, they shall cry to God, and he will not hear
them, and in that season turn his face away from them,
even as they before have wickedly behaved themselves
in their inventions. Thus speaketh our Lord of the
prophets who seduce my people, who bite with their
teeth, and preach against them peace, and if a man
giveth nothing to stop their mouths, they raise and
sanctify a war upon him. Night shall therefore be unto
you in place of a vision, and darkness unto you in lieu of
divination, and the sun shall set upon your prophets, and
the day shall wax dark upon them, and seeing dreams
they shall be confounded, and the diviners shall be de-
rided, and they shall speak ill against all men, because
there shall not be any one that will hear them, but that
I myself shall do mine uttermost and strongest endea-
vour in the spirit of our Lord, in judgment and in power,
that I may declare unto the house of Jacob their im-
pieties, and to Israel their offences. Hearken therefore
unto these words, ye captains of the house of Jacob, and
ye remnants of the house of Israel, who abhor judgment,
and overthrow all righteousness, who build up Sion in
blood, and Jerusalem in iniquities: her rulers did judge
for rewards, and her priests answered for hire, and her
prophets did for money divine, and rested on our Lord,
saying, And is not the Lord among us ; evils shall not
fall upon us. For your cause therefore shall Sion be
ploughed up as a field, and Jerusalem as the watchhouse
of a garden, and the mountain of the house as the place
of a woody wilderness.” And after some words ensuing,
“Woe is me for that I am become as he that gathereth
stubble in the harvest, and a cluster of grapes in the
vintage, when the principal branch is not left to be
eaten. Woe is me, that a soul hath perished through
earthly actions, the reverence of sinners ariseth even
with reverence from the earth, and he appeareth not
that shall use correction among men. All contend in
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 8].
judgment for blood, and every one with tribulation
afflicteth his neighbour, for mischief he prepareth his
hands.
$ 87. Listen ye likewise how the famous prophet
Zephaniah debated also in times past, concerning your
revellers (for he spake of Jerusalem, which is spiritually
to be understood the church or the soul), saying, “O
the city that was beautiful and set at liberty, the confi-
ding dove hath not hearkened to the voice, nor yet en-
tertained discipline, she hath not trusted in our Lord,
and to her God she hath not approached.” And he
showeth the reason why, “Her princes have been like
unto roaring lions, her judges as wolves of Arabia did
not leave towards the morning, her prophets carrying
the spirit of a contemptuous despising man; her priests
did profane what was holy, and dealt wickedly in the
law, but our Lord is upright in the midst of his people,
and in the morning he will not do injustice, in the morn-
ing will he give his judgment.”
§ 88. But hear ye also blessed Zachary the prophet,
in the word of God, admonishing you : “For thus saith
our Almighty Lord, Judge ye righteous judgment, and
work ye every one towards his brother mercy and pity,
and hurt ye not through your power the widow, or
orphan, or stranger, or poor man, and let not any man
remember in his heart the malice of his brother ; and
they have been stubborn not to observe these, and have
yielded their backs to foolishness, and made heavy their
ears that they might not hearken, and framed their
hearts not to be persuaded that they might not listen
to my law and words, which our Almighty Lord hath
sent in his spirit, through the hands of his former pro-
phets, and mighty wrath hath been raised by our
Almighty Lord.” And again; “Because they who have
spoken, have spoken molestations, and diviners have
uttered false visions and deceitful dreams, and given
vain consolations; in respect hereof they are made as
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82 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
dry as sheep, and are afflicted because no health was to
be found; my wrath is heaped upon the shepherds, and
upon the lambs will I visit.” And within a few words
after; “The voice of lamenting pastors, because their
greatness is become miserable. The voice of roaring
lions, because the fall of Jordan is become miserable:
thus saith our Almighty Lord : They who possessed
have murdered, and yet hath it not repented them, and
they who sold them, have said; Our Lord is blessed and
we have been enriched, and their pastors have suffered
nothing concerning them. For which I will now bear
no sparing hand over the inhabitants of the earth, saith
our Lord.”
§ 89. Hear ye moreover what the holy prophet Ma-
lachy denounceth unto you, saying, “Ye priests who
despise my name, and have said: Wherein do we despise
thy name? in offering on mine altar polluted bread:
and ye have said, Wherein have we polluted it ! In that
ye have said: The table of our Lord is as nothing, and
have despised such things as have been placed thereon;
because if ye bring what is blind for an offering, is it not
evil? If ye set and apply what is lame or languishing,
is it not evil? Offer therefore the same unto thy go-
vernor, if he will receive it, if he will accept of thy per-
son, saith our Almighty Lord. And now do ye humbly
pray before the countenance of your God, and earnestly
beseech him (for in your hands have these things been
committed) if happily he will accept of your persons.”
And again; “And out of your ravenous theft ye have
brought in the lame and languishing, and brought it in
as an offering. Shall I receive the same at your hands,
Saith our Lord : Accursed is the deceitful man who
hath in his flock one of the male kind, and yet making
his vow offereth the feeble unto our Lord, because I am
a mighty king, Saith our Lord of Hosts, and my name is
terrible among the Gentiles. And now unto you apper-
taineth this commandment, O ye priests, if ye will not
THE WORKS () F. GILDAS. 83
hear, and resolve in your hearts to yield glory unto my
name, saith our Lord of Hosts, I will send upon you
poverty, and accurse your blessings, because ye have not
settled these things on your hearts. Behold I will
stretch out my arm over ye, and disperse upon your
countenances the dung of your solemnities.” But that
ye may in the mean time, with more zeal prepare your
organs and instruments of mischief, to be converted
into goodness, hearken ye (if there remain ever so little
disposition to listen in your hearts) what he speaketh of
a holy priest, saying, “My covenant of life and peace
was with him (for historically he did speak of Levi and
Moses), I gave fear unto him, and he was timorous of
me, he dreaded before the countenance of my name,
the law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not
found in his lips, he walked with me in peace and equity,
and turned many away from unrighteousness. For the
lips of the priest shall keep knowledge, and from out of
his mouth they shall require the law, because he is the
angel of our Lord of Hosts.” And now again he
changeth his style, and ceaseth not to rebuke and re-
prove the unrighteous, saying, “Ye have departed from
the way, and scandalized many in the law, and made
void my covenant with Levi, saith our Lord of Hosts.
In regard whereof I have also given you over as con-
temptible and abject among my people, according as ye
have not observed my ways, and accepted countenance
of men in the law. What, is there not one father of us
all ? What, hath not one God created us? Why there-
fore doth every one despise his brother ?” And again,
“Behold our Lord of Hosts will come, and who can
conceive the day of his coming, and who shall endure to
stand to behold him : For he shall pass forth as a
burning fire, and as the fuller's herb, and shall sit melt-
ing and trying silver, and he shall purge the sons of
Levi, and cleanse them as gold and as silver.” And
somewhat afterwards; “Your words have grown strong
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84 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
against me, saith our Lord, and ye have spoken thus.
He is vain who serveth God, and what profit because we
have kept his commandments, and walked sorrowfully
before our Lord of Hosts. We shall therefore now call
the arrogant blessed, for because they are erected and
builded up, while they work iniquity, they have tempted
God, and are made safe.” º
§ 90. But hear ye also what Ezechiel the prophet
hath spoken, saying, “ Woe upon woe shall come, and
messenger upon messenger shall be, and the vision shall
be sought for of the prophet, and the law shall perish
from the priests, and counsel from the elders.” And
again; “Thus saith our Lord : In respect that your
speeches are lying, and your divinations vain. For this
cause, behold, I will come unto you, Saith our Lord ; I
will stretch out my hand on your prophets, who see lies,
and them who speak vain things, in the discipline of my
people they shall not be, and in the Scripture, of the
house of Israel, they shall not be written, and into the
land of Israel they shall not enter, and ye shall know
that I am the Lord, because they have seduced my
people, saying, The peace of our Lord, and there is not
the peace of our Lord. Here have they built the wall;
and they anointed it, and it shall fall.” And within
some words afterwards; “Woe be unto these who
fashion pillows, apt for every elbow of the hand, and make
veils upon every head of all ages to the subversion of
souls, and the souls of my people are subverted, and
they possess their souls, and contaminated me unto my
people for a handful of barley, and a piece of bread to
the slaughter of the souls, whom it behoved not to die,
and to the delivery of the souls, that were not fit to
live, while ye talk unto my people that listeneth after
vain speeches.” And afterwards; “Say, thou son of
man, thou art earth which is not watered with rain,
neither yet hath rain fallen upon thee in the day of
wrath, in which thy princes were in the midst of thee as
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 85
roaring lions, ravening on their prey, devouring souls in
their potent might, and receiving rewards, and thy
widows were multiplied in the midst of thee, and her
priests have despised my law, and defiled my holy things.
Between holy and polluted, they did not distinguish, and
divided not equally between the unclean and clean, and
from my Sabbaths they veiled their eyes, and in the
midst of them they defiled.”
§ 91. And again ; “And I sought among them a man
of upright conversation, and one who should altogether
stand before my face, to prevent the times that might
fall upon the earth, that I should not in the end utterly
destroy it, and I found him not. And I poured out
upon it, the whole design of my mind, in the fire of my
wrath for the consuming of them : I repaid their ways
on their heads, saith our Lord.” And somewhat after ;
“And the word of our Lord was spoken unto me, say-
ing: O son of man, speak to the children of my people,
and thou shalt say unto them: The land whereupon I
shall bring my sword, and the people of the land shall
take some one man among them, and ordain him to be
a watchman over them, and he shall espy the sword
coming upon the land, and sound with his trumpet, and
signify unto the people, whoso truly shall then hear the
sound of the trumpet, and yet hearing shall not beware :
and the sword shall come and catch him, his blood shall
light upon his own head, because when he heard the
sound of the trumpet, he was not watchful, his blood
shall be upon him, and this man, for that he hath pre-
served his own soul, hath delivered himself. But the
watchman if he shall see the sword coming, and not
give notice with his trumpet, and the people shall not
beware, and the sword coming shall take away a soul
from among them, both the soul itself is caught a captive
for her iniquities, and I will also require her blood at
the hand of the watchman. And thou, O son of man,
I have appointed thee a watchman over the house of
86 TIIE WORKS OF. GILDAS.
Israel, and if thou shalt hear the word from out of my
mouth, when I shall say to a sinner, Thou shalt die the
death, and yet wilt not speak whereby the wicked may
return from his way: both the unjust himself shall die
in his iniquity, and truly I will require his blood also at
thy hands. But if thou shalt forewarn the wicked of
his way, that he may avoid the same, and he nevertheless
will not withdraw himself from his course, this man shall
die in his impiety, and thou hastpreserved thine own soul.”
§ 92. And so let these few among a multitude of
prophetical testimonies suffice, by which the pride or
sloth of our stubborn priests may be repelled, to the end
they may not suppose that we act rather of our own in-
vention, but by the authority of the laws, and Saints,
denounce such threats against them. And now let us
also behold what the trumpet of the Gospel, sounding to
the whole world, speaketh likewise to disordered priests;
for as we have often said, this our discourse tendeth not
to treat of them, who obtain lawfully the apostolical seat,
and such as rightly and skilfully understand how to dis-
pose of their spiritual food (in time convenient) unto
their fellow-servants (if yet at this time there remain any
great number of these in this our country); but we only
talk of ignorant and unexpert shepherds, who leave their
flock, and feed on vain matters, and have not the words
of a learned pastor. And therefore it is an evident
tolzen that he is not a lawful pastor, yea not an ordinary
Christian, who rejecteth and denieth these sayings,
which are not so much ours (who of ourselves are very
little worth), as the decrees of the Old and New Testa-
ment, even as one of ours right well doth say, “We do
exceedingly desire that the enemies of the church should
also, without any manner of truce, be our adversaries:
and that the friends and defenders thereof should not
only be accounted our confederates, but also our fathers
and governors.” For let every one with true examina-
tion, call his own conscience unto account, and so shall
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 87
he easily find, whether according to true reason he pos-
sesseth his priestly chair or no. Let us see (I say)
what the Saviour and Creator of the world hath spoken.
“Ye are (saith he) the salt of the earth; if that the
salt vanisheth away, wherein shall it be salted? it pre-
vaileth to no purpose any farther, but that it be cast out
of the doors, and trampled under the feet of men.”
§ 93. This only testimony might abundantly suffice
to confute all such as are impudent; but that it may be
yet, by the words of Christ, more evidently proved with
what intolerable bonds of crimes these false priests
entangle and oppress themselves, some other sayings are
also to be adjoined; for it followeth : “Ye are the light
of the world. A city placed on a mountain cannot be
hid, neither do they light a candle, and put it under a
bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine unto
all who are in the house.” What priest therefore of
this fashion and time, who is so possessed with the
blindness of ignorance, doth as the light of a most bright
candle, shine with the lamp of learning and good works,
in any house, to all that sit in the darksome night :
What one is so accounted a safe public and conspicuous
refuge, to all the children universally of the church, that
he may be to his countrymen a defensible and strong
city, situated on the top of a high mountain 3 More-
over, which one of them can accomplish one day together,
that which followeth : “Let your light so shine before
men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father who is in Heaven:” since rather a certain
most obscure cloud of theirs, and the black night of
offences, hang over the whole island, in such a manner,
that they all turn almost away from the righteous course,
and make them to wander astray through unpassable
and cumbersome paths of wickedness, and so their hea-
venly Father is not only by their works not magnified,
but also by the same intolerably blasphemed. These
testimonies of Holy Scripture, which are either already
S8 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
cited, or hereafter to be intermixed in this Epistle, I
would gladly wish to interpret in some historical or
moral sense (as far as my meanness would allow).
§ 94. But for fear lest this our little work should be
immeasurably tedious unto those who despise, loathe,
and disdain, not so much our speeches as God's sayings,
I have already alleged and mean hereafter to affirm
these sentences plainly without any circumstance. And
to proceed, within a few words after : “For whoever
shall break one of the least of these commandments, and
so instruct men, shall be called the least in the kingdom
of heaven.” And again; “Judge ye not that ye may
not be adjudged; for in what judgment ye shall judge,
ye shall be judged.” And which one (I pray you) of
your company will regard this same that followeth :
“But why dost thou see (saith he) the mote in thy
brother's eye, and considerest not the beam in thine
own eye 2 or how dost thou say to thy brother, Suffer
me to cast the mote out of thine eye, and behold the
beam remaineth still in thine own eye ‘’” Or this which
follows: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, neither yet
shall ye cast your pearls before swine, lest perchance
they tread them under their feet, and turn again and
rend you,” which hath often befallen you. And admo-
nishing the people, that they should not by deceitful
doctors (such as ye) be seduced, he saith : “Keep
yourselves carefully from false prophets, who come unto
you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous
wolves: by their fruit shall ye know them. Do men
gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? So every
good tree beareth good fruit, and the evil, evil fruit.”
And somewhat afterward; “ Not every one who saith
unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of
heaven, but whoso doeth the will of my Father that is
in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
§ 95. And what shall then become of you, who (as
the prophet hath said) believe God only with your lips,
TIIE WORKS OF GILDAS. 89
and do not adhere to him with your hearts. And how
do ye fulfil that which followeth ; “Behold I send you
forth as sheep in the midst of wolves.” Whereas you
act quite contrariwise, and proceed as wolves against a
flock of sheep: or the other following sentence; “Be
ye wise as serpents and simple as doves,” since ye are
only wise to bite others, with your deadly mouths, and
not, with the interposition of your whole body, to defend
your head, which is Christ, whom with all the endeavours
of your evil actions you tread under foot ; neither yet
have ye the simplicity of doves, but the resemblance
rather of the black crow, which taking her flight out of
the ark, that is the church of God, and finding the car-
rion of earthly pleasures, did never with a pure heart
return back thither again. But let us look on the rest.
“Fear not (saith he) them who kill the body, but are
not able to slay the soul, but fear him, who can over-
throw both soul and body in hell.” Revolve in your
minds which of these ye have performed ? And what
one of you is not wounded in the very secrets of his
heart, by this testimony following, which our Saviour
uttereth unto his apostles, of evil prelates, saying, “Do
ye suffer them, the blind leaders of the blind, but if the
blind be a guide to the blind, both shall fall into the
ditch?” But the people doubtless whom ye have go-
verned, or rather beguiled, have just occasion to listen
hereunto.
§ 96. Mark ye also the words of our Lord speaking
unto his apostles and to the people, which words like-
wise (as I hear) ye yourselves are not ashamed to pro-
nounce often in public : “Upon the chair of Moses
have the scribes and pharisees sate, observe ye therefore
and accomplish, all that they shall speak unto you ; but
do not according to their works. For they only speak,
but of themselves do nothing.” It is truly to priests a
dangerous and superfluous doctrine, which is overclouded
with sinful actions. “Woe be unto you, hypocrites,
90 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
who shut up the kingdom of heaven before men, and
neither yourselves enter in, nor yet suffer those that
would to enter in.” For ye shall with horrible pains be
tormented, not only in respect of your great offences,
which ye heap up for punishment in the world to come,
but also in regard of those who daily perish through
your bad example, whose blood in the day of judgment
shall be required at your hands.
Yield ye also diligent attention unto the misery,
which the parable setteth before your eyes that is
spoken of the servant, who saith, in his heart, “My
Lord delayeth his coming,” and upon this occasion, per-
chance, “ hath begun to strike his fellow servants, eat-
ing and drinking with drunkards. The Lord of the
same servant therefore (saith he) will come on a day
when he doth not expect him, and in an hour whereof
he is ignorant, and will divide him (away from his holy
priests), and will place his portion with the hypocrites
(that is, with them who under the pretence of priesthood
do conceal much iniquity), affirming that there shall be
weeping and gnashing of teeth ;” such as they have not
experienced in this present life, either for the daily ruin
of the children of our holy mother church, or for the
desire of the kingdom of heaven.
§ 97. But let us see what Paul, the true scholar of
Christ, and master of the Gentiles, who is a mirror for
every ecclesiastical doctor, “Even as I am the disciple
of Christ,” speaketh about a work of such importance in
his first Epistle on this wise: “Because when they have
known God, they have not magnified him as God, or
given thanks unto him; but vanished in their own cogi-
tations, and their foolish heart is blinded; affirming
themselves to be wise, they are made fools.” Although
this seemeth to be spoken unto the Gentiles; look into
it notwithstanding, because it may conveniently be ap-
plied to the priests and people of this age. And after a
few words; “Who have changed (saith he) the truth
THE WORKS OF GILDAS, 91
of God into lying, and have reverenced and served the
creature rather than the Creator who is blessed for
ever: therefore hath God given them over unto the
passions of ignominy.” And again ; “And even as
they have not approved themselves to have God in their
knowledge, so God hath yielded them up to a reprobate
sense, that they may do such things as are not conve-
nient, being replenished with all iniquity, malice, un-
cleanness of life, fornication, covetousness, naughtiness,
full of envy, murder (i.e. of the souls of the people),
contention, deceit, wickedness, backbiters, detractors,
hateful to God, spiteful, proud, puffed up, devisers of
mischief, disobedient to their parents, senseless, disor-
dered, without mercy, without affection, who, when they
had known the justice of God, understood not that they
who commit such things, are worthy of death.”
$98. And now what one of the aforesaid sort hath
indeed been void of all these ? And if he were, yet per-
haps he may be caught in the sense of the ensuing sen-
tence, wherein he saith; “Not only those who do these
things, but those also who consent unto them,” for none
of them truly are free from this wickedness. And after-
wards; “But thou, according to thy hardiness and im-
penitent heart, dost lay up for thyself wrath, against the
day of wrath, and revelation of the just judgment of
God, who will yield unto every one according unto his
works.” And again; “ For there is no acceptation of
persons with God. For whosoever have offended without
the law, shall also without the law perish : whosoever have
offended in the law, shall by the law be judged. For
the hearers of the law shall not with God be accounted
just, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” How
severe a sentence shall they therefore sustain, who not
only leave undone, what they ought to accomplish, and
forbear not what they are forbidden, but also flee away
from the very hearing of the word of God, as from a ser-
pont, though lightly sounding in their ears.
92 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
§ 99. But let us pass over to that which followeth to
this effect : “What shall we therefore say, shall we
continue still in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid,
for we who are dead to sin, how shall we again live in
the same ** And somewhat afterwards; “Who shall
separate us (saith he) from the love of Christ : tribula-
tion, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness,
or danger, or the sword?” What one (I pray you) of
all you, shall with such an affection be possessed in the
inward secret of his heart, since ye do not only labour
for achieving of piety, but also endure many things for
the working of impiety, and offending of Christ? Or
who hath respected this that followeth : “The night
hath passed, and the day approached. Let us therefore
cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of
light, even as in the day, let us honestly walk, not in
banquetting, and drunkenness, not in couches, and wan-
tonness, not in contention, and emulation, but put ye on
our Lord Jesus Christ, and make no care to bestow
your flesh in concupiscences.”
§ 100. And again, in the first Epistle to the Corin-
thians, he saith : “As a wise workmaster have I laid
the foundation, another buildeth thereupon, but let
every man consider how he buildeth thereon. For no
man can lay any other foundation besides that which is
laid, even Christ Jesus. But if any man buildeth upon
this, gold, and silver, precious stones, hay, wood, stubble,
every one's work shall be manifest ; for the day of our
Lord shall declare the same, because it shall be revealed
in fire, and the fire shall prove what every man's work
is. If any man's work shall remain, all by the fire
shall be adjudged. Whoso shall build thereupon, shall
receive reward. If any man's work shall burn, he
shall suffer detriment. Know ye not that ye are the
temple of God, and that the spirit of God dwelleth in
you? but if any man violate the temple of God, God
will destroy him.” And again; “If any man seemeth
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 93
to be wise among you in this world, let him be made
a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of
this world, is foolishness with God.” And within a
few words afterwards: “Your glorying is not good.
Know ye not, that a little leaven corrupteth the
whole mass : Purge ye therefore the old leaven, that ye
may be a new sprinkling.” How shall the old leaven
(which is sin) be purged away, that from day to day
with your uttermost endeavours is increased. And yet
again: “I have written unto you in mine Epistle, that
ye be not intermingled with fornicators, not truly the
fornicators of this world, or the avaricious, ravenous, or
idolatrous, otherwise ye ought to depart out of this
world. But now have I written unto you, that ye be
not intermingled, if any one is named a brother, and be
a fornicator, or avaricious, or an idolator, or a slan-
derer, or a drunkard, or ravenous, with such an one, ye
should not so much as eat.” But a felon condemneth
not his fellow thief for stealing, or other open robbery,
whom he rather liketh, defendeth, and loveth, as a
companion of his offence.
§ 101. Also in his second Epistle unto the Corin-
thians; “Having therefore (saith he) this administra-
tion, according as we have obtained mercy, let us not
fail, but let us cast away the secrets of shame, not walk-
ing in subtilty, nor yet corrupting the word of God,”
(that is by evil example and flattery). And in that
which followeth, he thus discourseth of wicked teachers,
saying: “For such false apostles are deceitful workmen,
transfiguring themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no wonder. For Satan himself transfigureth him-
self into an angel of light. It is not much therefore if
his ministers are transfigured as ministers of justice,
whose end will be according unto their works.”
§ 102. Hear likewise what he speaketh unto the
Ephesians; and consider if ye find not your consciences
attainted as culpable of this that followeth where he
94 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
denounceth thus: “I say and testify this in our Lord,
that ye do not as now walk like the Gentiles in the
vanity of their own sense, having their understanding
obscured with darkness, alienated from the way of God,
through ignorance, which remaineth in them in regard
of the blindness of their heart, who despairing, have
yielded themselves over to uncleanness of life, for the
working of all filthiness and avarice.” And which of ye
hath willingly fulfilled that which next ensueth : “There-
fore be ye not made unwise, but understanding what is
the will of God, and be ye not drunk with wine, wherein
there is riotousness, but be ye fulfilled with the Holy
Ghost.”
§ 103. Or that which he saith to the Thessalonians.
“For neither have we been with you at any time in the
speech of flattery, as yourselves do know; neither upon
occasion of avarice, neither seeking to be glorified by
men, neither by you, nor any others, when we might be
honoured, as other apostles of Christ. But we have
been made as little ones in the midst of you, or even as
the nurse cherisheth her small tender children, so de-
siring you, we would very gladly deliver unto you, not only
the Gospel, but also our very lives.” If in all things ye
retained this affection of the apostle, then might ye be
likewise assured, that ye lawfully possessed his chair.
Or how have ye observed this that followeth : “Ye
know (saith he) what precepts I have delivered unto
you. This is the will of our Lord, your sanctification,
that ye abstain from formication, and that every one of
you know how to possess his own vessel, in honour and
Sanctification, not in the passion of desire, like the
Gentiles who are ignorant of God, and that none of you
do encroach upon or circumvent his brother in his busi-
ness, because our Lord is the revenger of all these. For
God hath not called us into uncleanness; but unto
sanctification. Therefore whoso despiseth these, doth
not despise man, but God.” What one also among you
TIII WORKS OF GILDAS. 95
Jº
hath advisedly and warily kept this that ensueth :
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the
earth, fornication, uncleanness of life, lust, and evil con-
cupiscence, for which the wrath of God hath come upon
the children of diffidence?” Ye perceive therefore upon
what offences the wrath of God doth chiefly arise.
§ 04. In which respect hear likewise what the same
holy apostle, with a prophetical spirit, foretelleth of you,
and such as yourselves, writing plainly in this sort to
Timothy : “For know you this, that in the last days
there shall be dangerous times at hand. For men shall
be self-lovers, covetous, puffed up, proud, blasphemous,
disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, wicked, without
affection, incontinent, unmeek, without benignity, be-
trayers, froward, lofty, rather lovers of sensual pleasures,
than of God, having a show of piety, but renouncing the
virtue thereof.” Avoid thou these men, even as the
prophet saith; “I have hated the congregation of the
malicious, and with the wicked I will not sit.” And a
little after, he uttereth that (which in our age we be-
hold to increase), saying: “Ever learning, and never
attaining unto the knowledge of truth: for even as
Jannes and Mambres resisted Moses, so do these also
withstand the truth: men corrupted in mind, reprobate
against faith, but they shall prosper no further; for
their folly shall be manifest unto all, as theirs likewise
was.”
§ 105. And evidently doth he also declare how priests
in their office ought to behave themselves, writing thus
to Titus: “Show thyself an example of good works, in
learning, in integrity, in gravity, having thy word sound
without offence, that he who standeth on the adverse
part, may be afraid, having no evil to speak of us.” And
moreover he saith unto Timothy ; “Labour thou as a
good soldier of Christ Jesus; no man fighting in God's
quarrel entangleth himself in worldly business, that he
may please him unto whom he hath approved himself,
96 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
for whoso striveth in the lists for the mastery, receiveth
not the crown, unless he hath lawfully contended.” This
is his exhortation to the good. Other matter also
which the same Epistles contain, is a threatening adver-
tisement to the wicked (such as yourselves, in the judg-
ment of all understanding persons, appear to be). “If
any one (saith he) teacheth otherwise, and doth not
peaceably assent to the sound sayings of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and that doctrine which is according to piety,
he is proud, having no knowledge, but languishing about
questions, and contentions of words, out of which do
spring envies, debates, blasphemies, evil suspicions, con-
flicts of men corrupted in mind, who are deprived of
truth, esteeming commodity to be piety.”
§ 106. But why in using these testimonies, here and
and there dispersed, are we any longer (as it were)
tossed up and down in the silly boat of our simple under-
standing, on the waves of sundry interpretations? We
have now therefore at length thought it necessary to
have recourse to those lessons, which are gathered out
of Holy Scriptures, to the end that they should not only
be rehearsed, but also be assenting and assisting unto
the benediction, wherewith the hands of priests, and
others of inferior sacred orders, are first consecrated,
and that thereby they may continually be warned never,
by degenerating from their priestly dignity, to digress
from the commandments, which are faithfully contained
in the same ; so as it may be plain and apparent unto
all, that everlasting torments are reserved for them, and
that they are not priests, or the servants of God, who
do not with their utmost power follow and fulfil these
instructions and precepts. Wherefore let us hear what
the prince of the apostles, Saint Peter, hath signified
about this so weighty a matter, saying: “Blessed be
God, and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who
through his mercy hath regenerated us into the hope of
eternal life, by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 97
from the dead, into an inheritance which can never
corrupt, never wither, neither be defiled, preserved in
heaven for you, who are kept in the virtue of God;” why
then do ye fondly violate such an inheritance, which is
not as an earthly one, transitory, but immortal and eter-
nal : And somewhat afterwards; “ For which cause
be ye girded in the loins of your mind, sober, perfectly
hoping in that grace which is offered to you in the reve-
lation of Jesus Christ:” examine ye now the depths of
your hearts, whether ye be sober and do perfectly pre-
serve the grace of priesthood, which shall be duly dis-
cussed and decided in the revelation of our Lord. And
again he saith: “As children of the benediction, not
configuring yourselves to those former desires of your
ignorance, but according unto him who hath called you
holy, be ye also holy in all conversation. For which
cause it is written ; Be ye holy because I am holy.”
Which one of you (I pray) hath with his whole mind so
pursued sanctity, that he hath earnestly hastened, as
much as in him lay, to fulfil the same : But let us be-
hold what in the second lesson of the same apostle is
contained; “My dearest, (saith he,) sanctify your souls
for the obedience of faith through the spirit in charity,
in brotherhood, loving one another out of a true heart
perpetually, as born again not of corruptible seed, but of
incorruptible, through the word of God, living and re-
maining for ever.”
§ 107. These are truly the commandments of the
apostle; and read in the day of your ordination, to the
end ye should inviolably observe the same, but they are
not fulfilled by you in discretion and judgment, may not
so much as duly considered or understood. And after-
wards; “Laying therefore aside all malice, and all de-
ceits, and dissemblings, envy, and detractions, as infants
newly born, reasonable and without guile covet ye milk,
that ye may thereby grow to salvation, because our
Lord is sweet.” Consider ye also in your minds if these
II
98 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
sayings which have sounded in your deaf ears, have not
often likewise been trodden by you under foot : and
again; “Ye truly are the chosen lineage, the royal
priesthood, the holy nation, the people for adoption,
that ye may declare his virtues, who hath called you
out of darkness into his marvellous light.” But truly by
you are not only the virtues of God not declared and
made more glorious, but also through your wicked ex-
amples are they (by such as have not perfect belief)
despised. Ye have perchance at the same time likewise
heard, what is read in the lesson of the Acts, on this
wise; “Peter arising in the midst of the disciples said:
Men and brethren, it is expedient that the Scripture be
fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost hath by the mouth of
David foretold of Judas.” And a little after ; “This
man therefore purchased a field, of the reward of ini-
quity.” This have ye heard with a careless or rather
blockish heart, as though the reading thereof nothing
at all appertained unto yourselves. What one of you
(I pray you) doth not seek the field of the reward of
iniquity ? For Judas robbed and pillaged the purse,
and ye spoil and waste the sacred gifts and treasures
of the church, together with the souls of her children.
He went to the Jews to make a market of God, ye pass
to the tyrants, and their father the Devil, that ye may
despise Christ. He set to sale the Saviour of the world
for thirty-pence, and you do so even for one poor half-
penny.
§ 108. What need many words? The example of
Matthias is apparently laid before you for your confu-
sion, who was chosen into his place, not by his own
proper will, but by the election of the holy apostles, or
rather the judgment of Christ, whereat ye being blinded,
do not perceive how far ye run astray from his merits,
while ye fall wilfully and headlong into the manners and
affection of Judas the traitor. It is therefore manifest
that he who wittingly from his heart termeth you
THE WORKS OF GILDAS. 99
priests, is not himself a true and worthy Christian.
And now I will assuredly speak what I think: this
reprehension might have been framed after a milder
fashion, but what availeth it to touch only with the
hand, or dress with gentle ointment, that wound which
with impostumation or stinking corruption is now grown
so horrible, that it requireth the searing iron, or the or-
dinary help of the fire, if happily by any means it may be
cured, the diseased in the meanwhile not seeking a
medicine, and the physician much erring from a rightful
remedy ? O ye enemies of God, and not priests O ye
traders of wickedness, and not bishops' O ye betrayers
and not successors of the holy apostles! O ye adversaries
and not servants of Christ! Ye have certainly heard at
the least, the sound of the words, which are in the se-
cond lesson taken out of the Apostle Saint Paul, al-
though ye have no way observed the admonitions and
virtue of them, but even as statues (that neither see
nor hear) stood that day at the altar, while both then,
and continually since he hath thundered in your ears,
saying: “Brethren, it is a faithful speech, and worthy
of all acceptance.” He called it faithful and worthy,
but ye have despised it, as unfaithful and unworthy.
“If any man coveteth a bishopric, he desireth a good
work.” Ye do mightily covet a bishopric in respect of
avarice, but not for spiritual convenience and for the
good work which is suitable to the place, ye want it.
“It behoveth therefore such an one, to be free from all
cause of reprehension.” At this saying we have more
need to shed tears than utter words; for it is as much
as if the apostle had said, he ought to be of all others
most free from occasion of rebuke. “The husband of
one wife,” which is likewise so condemned among us, as
if that word had never proceeded from him ; “Sober,
wise ;” yea, which of ye hath once desired to have these
virtues engrafted in him, “using hospitality.” For this,
if perchance it hath been found among ye, yet being
I ()0 THE WORKS OF GJLDAS.
nevertheless rather done to purchase the favour of the
people, than to accomplish the commandment, it is of no
avail, our Lord and Saviour saying thus: “Verily, I say
unto you, they have received their reward.” Moreover,
“A man adorned, not given to wine; no fighter, but
modest; not contentious, not covetous:” O lamentable
change O horrible contempt of the heavenly com-
mandments And do ye not continually use the force
of your words and actions, for the overthrowing or
rather overwhelming of these, for whose defence and
confirmation (if need had required) ye ought to have
suffered pains, yea and to have lost your very lives.
§ 109. But let us see what followeth; “Well govern-
ing (saith he) his house, having his children subjected
with all chastity.” Imperfect therefore is the chastity
of the parents, if the children be not also endued with
the same. But how shall it be, where neither the
father, nor the son, depraved by the example of his evil
parent, is found to be chaste? “But if any one knoweth
not how to rule over his own house, how shall he em-
ploy his care over the church of God?” These are the
words, that with apparent effects, should be made good
and approved. “Deacons in like manner, that they
should be chaste, not double tongued, not overgiven to
much wine, not followers of filthy gain, having the mys-
tery of faith in a preconscience, and let these also be
first approved, and so let them administer, having no
offence.” And now trembling truly to make any longer
stay on these matters, I can for a conclusion affirm one
thing certainly, which is, that all these are changed into
contrary actions, in so much that clerks (which not with-
out grief of heart, I here confess,) are shameless and
deceitful in their speeches, given to drinking, covetous
of filthy lucre, having faith (or to say more truly) un-
faithfulness in an impure conscience, ministering not
upon probation of their good works, but upon foreknow-
ledge of their evil actions, and being thus defiled with
THE WORKS OF GILDAS, 101
innumerable offences, they are notwithstanding admitted
unto the holy office: ye have likewise heard on the same
day (wherein ye should with far more right and reason
have been drawn to prison or punishment, than pre-
ferred unto priesthood) when our Lord demanded whom
his disciples supposed him to be, how Peter answered,
“Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God;” and our
Lord in respect of such his confession, said unto him :
“Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jonas, because flesh and
blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father
who is in heaven.” Peter therefore, instructed by God
the Father, did rightly confess Christ; but ye being
taught by the devil your father, do with your lewd
actions, wickedly deny our Saviour. It is said to the
true priest, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I
build my church:” but ye resembled “the foolish man,
who hath builded his house upon the sand.” And verily
it is to be noted, that God joineth not in the workman-
ship with the unwise, when they build their house
upon the deceitful uncertainty of the sands, according
unto that saying: “They have made kings unto them-
selves, and not by me.” Similarly that (which followeth)
soundeth in like sort, speaking thus: “And the gates of
hell (whereby infernal sins are to be understood) shall
not prevail.” But of your frail and deadly frame, mark
what is pronounced: “The floods came, and the winds
blew, and dashed upon that house and it fell, and great
was the ruin thereof.” To Peter and his successors, our
Lord doth say: “And I will give unto thee the keys
of the kingdom of heaven.” But unto you; “I know
you not, depart from me all ye workers of iniquity,”
that being separated with the goats of the left-hand, ye
may together with them go into eternal fire. It is also
promised unto every good priest : “Whatsoever thou
shalt loose upon earth, shall be likewise loosed in
heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth,
shall be in like sort bound in heaven.” But how shall
ye loose any thing, that it may be loosed also in heaven,
102 THE WORKS OF GILDAS.
since yourselves for your sins are severed from heaven,
and hampered in the bands of your own heinous offences,
as Solomon saith: “With the cords of his sins, every
one is tied ?” And with what reason shall ye bind any
thing on this earth, that above this world may be like-
wise bound, unless it be your only selves, who, entangled
in your iniquities, are so detained on this earth, that ye
cannot ascend into heaven, but without your conver-
sion unto our Lord in this life, will fall down into the
miserable prison of hell?
§ 110. Neither yet let any priest flatter himself upon
the knowledge of the particular cleanness of his own body,
since their souls (over whom he hath government) shall
in the day of judgment be required at his hands as the
murderer of them, if any through his ignorance, sloth,
or fawning adulation have perished, because the stroke
of death is not less terrible, that is given by a good man,
than that which is inflicted by an evil person : otherwise
would the apostle never have said that which he left
unto his successors, as a fatherly legacy; “I am clear
and clean from the blood of all: for I have not forborne
to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” Being
therefore mightily drunken with the use and custom of
sins, and extremely overwhelmed with the waves (as it
were) of increasing offences, seek ye now forthwith the
uttermost endeavours of your minds (after this your
shipwreck), that one plank of repentance which is left,
whereby ye may escape and swim to the land of the
living, that from you may be turned away the wrath of
our Lord, who saith : “I will not the death of a sinner:
but that he may be converted and live.” And may the
same Almighty God, of all consolation and mercy, pre-
serve his few good pastors from all evil, and (the com-
mon enemy being overcome) make them free inhabitants
of the heavenly city of Jerusalem, which is the congre-
gation of all Saints; grant this, O Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost, to whom be honour and glory, world without
end. Amen.
INDEX OF PROPER, NAMES.
AARON (the Martyr)
AEtius, or Agitius
Alban, St.
Ambrosius Aurelianus
Aquileia
Arian heresy
Aurelius Conanus
Bath-hill
Belgic Gaul .
Carlisle
Cichican Valley
Constantine
Cuneglasse
Damnonia
Egypt
—Q-
Page
11 || Gurthrigern
6, 16 || Italy e
. 11 || Julius (the Martyr) .
22 || Maglocune
13 | Maximus
12 || Philo
26 | Porphyry
22 | Severn
7 || Spain
11 | Thames
15 Tiberius Caesar
24 | Treves
28 Verulam
24 Vortipore
8
LONDON :
WILLIAM STEVENS, Pl-RNTER, BELL YARD,
TEMPLE BAR's
Page
7,
19
13
11
29
12
17
13
11
10
13
11
27
THE
HISTORY OF THE BRITONS:
BY
N EN NIU S.
REVISED AND AUGMENTED FROM THE TRANSLATION
OF THE REW. W. GUNN.
B Y J. A. G. I L E S, LL.D .
LATſ. FELLOW OF C. C. COJ, L, OXFORD,
IONDON :
JAMES BOHN, 12, KING WILLIAM STREET, STRAND.
MDCCCX I, I,
LONDON :
wi I.LIAM STEVENs, PRINTER, BELL YARD,
TEMPLE BAR,
N E N N IU S 'S
HISTORY OF THE BRITONS.
TO THE RIGHT REVEREND
EDWARD,
LORD BISHOP OF DURHAM,
ONE OF
THE COUNCIL OF THE ENGLISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
THIS TRANSLATION OF
NENNIUS,
IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,
BY HIS LORDSHIP"S
O BE DIENT AND HUMBLE SERVANT,
J. A. GILES.
PREFACE.
TILE History of the Britons, of which a transla-
tion is in this volume presented to the public,
is generally ascribed to Nennius, but so little is
known about the author, that we have hardly
any information handed down to us respecting
him except this mention of his name. It is
also far from certain at what period the his-
tory was written, and the difference is no less
than a period of two hundred years, some assign-
ing the work to seven hundred and ninety-six,
and others to nine hundred and ninety-four.
The recent inquiries of Mr. Stevenson, to be
found in the Preface to his new edition of the
original Latin, render it unnecessary at present to
delay the reader's attention from the work itself.
The present translation is substantially that of
the Rev. W. Gunn, published with the Latin
original in 1819, under the following title: “The
vi PR EFA C E.
‘Historia Brittonum,’ commonly attributed to
Nennius; from a manuscript lately discovered
in the library of the Vatican Palace at Rome:
edited in the tenth century, by Mark the Hermit;
with an English version, fac-simile of the origi-
nal, notes and illustrations.” The kindness of
that gentleman has enabled the present editor to
reprint the whole, with only a few corrections
of slight errata, which inadvertency alone had
occasioned. In the margin are given the prin-
cipal various readings found in MSS. different
from that which Mr. Gunn employed, and more-
over the two prologues and several pages of
genealogies, which did not occur in that gentle-
man's translation or original MS., have here
been added.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
—Q-
Page
MR. GUNN's PREFACE Q gº e ix
NENNIUs’s HISTORY OF THE BRITONs tº gº I
APPENDIX
THE COMMENCEMENT OF NENNIUS's HISTORY IN THE
oRIGINAL LATIN, ACCORDING TO MR. GUNN's Ms. 37
HANES TALIESIN, OR THE HISTORY OF TALIESIN . 41
MR. GUNN'S PREFACE.
THE Editor, some years since, during a residence in
Rome, obtained permission to search the library of the
Vatican palace, for manuscripts relating to the history
and affairs of this country. In the course of this inte-
resting employment, an ancient exemplar of the “His-
toria Brittonum” was discovered. Presuming that one
which dates much higher than any hitherto known, might
be free from the inaccuracies and interpolations long
complained of in those of more recent date, a copy was
procured; and it is this work to which the attention of
the reader is solicited.
The original is on parchment, fairly written in double
columns, and fills ten pages of a miscellaneous volume,”
of the folio size. Great care has been taken to obtain
* Consisting of ninety-three pages. The first eighteen contain
—“Nitardi Angelberti opus de rebus gallicis;”—from p. 19 to
46, “Frodoardi Chronicon ab obitu Karoli magni ad annum
978;”—from p. 47 to 57, the present work;-the genealogy of
Karolus magnus, consisting of nine lines, then follows; and from
p. 57, to the end—“Nonnull. Rom. Pontificum Vitae a Stephano
I. ad Hadrianum.” From some conformity in date and subject,
these are put together under the direction of the Scrittori of the
library, part of whose employment it is to arrange and repair the
MSS. ; and who then consigns them to a binder, whose workshop
is contiguous to the reading-room.
X MR. GUNN's PREFACE.
a faithful transcript of it; the orthography, however
erroneous, is preserved, the capital and small letters
correspond with the original; there is the same division
of paragraphs; the forms of the points, and the location
of them, though no guide to the sense, have one com-
mon resemblance ; nor, except in a few instances, are
any orthographical corrections attempted. So dry and
abrupt is the style, as to set a literal version at defiance;
in that now offered, the meaning of the author is, I
trust, preserved. I once entertained a doubt as to the
propriety of one, since the perusal of the work will be
limited to that description of readers, who will never
refer to a translation as an authority, when the original
is before them.
Respecting the age of the manuscript, the reader is,
in the course of it, thrice referred to the tenth century;
and the gentlemen officially employed in the library
were unanimous in assigning it to that period.” From
* The subjoined quotations and remarks are favourable to their
opinion. In MSS. of the sixth, seventh, and eighth centuries,
the characters called “uncials,” and “demi-uncials,” were princi-
pally used. They were rarely joined, nor were they separated
into words: attempts towards punctuation are rarely seen. This
form of writing was abandoned in the ninth century, and was suc-
ceeded by the small characters, much resembling those which
were continued, with variations, till the invention of printing. Of
these, examples are engraved in Astle (Origin and Progress of
Writing). Tab. 19, fig. 7, are of the ninth, and Tab. 23, fig. 1, of
the tenth century. In comparing the fac-simile from Mark with
these rules, we may observe, that, excepting in the title, and at the
commencement of certain words, and these not uniformly, nor of
the greatest importance, no mixture of capitals occurs, as in the
uncial or demi-uncial; none of the letters are joined, though they
are divided into words.
It is a matter of surprise, that the pauses required in reading
and speaking should not have carlier led to a correct system of
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. xi
the title “ Alexandriana,” we learn, that this manu-
script once belonged to that extraordinary personage,
punctuation. The ancient manner of writing among the Greeks
and Romans was in capitals, placed at equal distances, without
any blank spaces to separate the words, or any marks to divide or
sub-divide the sentences. In some inscriptions and MSS. all the
words are parted by dots or periods; in others, complete sentences,
or paragraphs only, are distinguished by points or blank spaces.
The origin of points is, however, of considerable antiquity, and
both the Greeks and Romans had marks of distinction in their
writings; but the first approach to punctuation, as now under-
stood, consisted in the different position of one single point. “At
the bottom of a letter it was equivalent to a comma; in the middle
it was equal to a colon; and at the top it denoted a period, or the
conclusion of a sentence. This mode was easily practised in an-
cient MSS. so long as they were written in capitals; but when
small letters were adopted (that is, about the ninth century), this
distinction could not be observed; a change was therefore made
in this manner of punctuation.” (Montf. Palaeog. Recens : p. 41.)
The use of the period (“Punto fermo”) in the early Italian poetry,
is accurately described by Crescimbeni (tom. i. lib. vi. c. 16. Dell.
Ortografia, del puntare, e accentare.) “In the eighth, ninth, and
tenth centuries, writers began to leave a space between the words,
and to make use of commas, colons and periods; but without any
degree of regularity.” (Essay on Punctuation, p. 10.) If we ex-
amine the MS. before us by these rules, we shall find the colon,
the period, and the semicolon; the latter, either of the form now
used, or with the comma of it placed above, though generally in
an oblique direction : there are no single commas. These points are
all promiscuously inserted, not as in modern composition to mark
the sense, but sometimes where none are wanted; at others,
omitted where they are required. The plate in Astle last referred
to, exhibits symptoms of the same irregular punctuation. One
cause assigned for the arbitrary and unnecessary insertion of
points, is explained by Marini; from whom it appears, that it was
once customary for copiers and correctors of transcripts not to
cancel errors, lest they should deform the MS., but to mark them
by points, and that these were continued by subsequent scribes.
“Antichissima usanza fu degli Scrittori, e Correctori de' Codici,
e carte, sottoporre de' punti alle lettere o parole, che si volevano
concellate, e come mon esistenti per mom deformare lo Scritto” (v.
Schow Charta papyr, p. 67,) “mel papiro (l. 30,) erasi per isbaglio
xii MR. GUNN's PREFACE.
Alexandria Christina,” who, in whatever country she
visited, after she had abdicated the throne of Sweden,
fatto tuitionem vestram in vece di tuitio vestra, pero non solo si
sono messi i soliti punti sotto le lettere, che non si dovevano essere ;
ma e sopra e per mezzo, in tanto che tra questi restassero esse quasi
chiuse ed incarcerate, &c. &c. &c.” (Marini Papiri Diplomat. &c.
No. 132. Roma, 1805. Fol.) I have examined Schow (Roma,
1788, 4to.) above referred to, with his Adnotatio Paleographica,
p. 110 of the same work; as also a passage in Winkelman (Storia
delle Arti del Disegno, tom. iii. p. 199. Roma, 1784), all of which
treat of similar extraneous additions, but not so immediately to
the subject as Marini. The greatest variety of points I ever met
with in the same MS., are to be seen in the great charter of Edgar,
engraved in Hickes's Thesaurus (vol. i. p. 158). This beautiful
specimen of ancient writing dates A. 964, of course very nearly
contemporary with Mark, to which the letters bear a resemblance
in form. The slight similarity to the Saxon is in both much the
same; and it is remarkable, that in the former, there are a few
lines in that language, without any alterations in the letters.
On the grave accent, Scaliger remarks—“Accentus graves, qui
dictionibus Latinis apponuntur, nostra memoria introducti sunt et
in libros illati; qui cum nihil juvent auditorem qui nescit utrum sit
accipiendum quantum aut quantum adverbialiter vel ut nomen :
nec etiam pronunciantem; toto coelo Latino ablegandi et fugandi
sunt. Virgulae (, , ) et cola (; ; ) nostra etiam tempestate inventa
à Manutio, cum antiquis prorsus incognita fuerint. Multi dicunt,
ad quid istae Latinitatis minutiae exquiruntur Dicam, ad quid
Latiné loqui affectus * (Scaligerana, p. 4). When small letters
superseded the use of capitals in Latin MSS., the latter were re-
tained as dates, till Arabic numerals were adopted. (Du Cange,
v. Numerica, notae.) When this occurred, it is to be regretted
that dates were not written at full length, instead of abbreviations
in Roman capitals; since the omission, addition, or curvature of a
single stroke, may present a period, wide of the original, to the
perplexity of the chronologist, and the perversion of historical
facts. The “Historia Brittonum” is, from this circumstance, so
abundant in these inaccuracies, that I hesitate to admit as authen-
tic any of the assigned aeras, which cannot be otherwise verified;
and as they rarely conduce to illustration, I have in the translation
commonly left them unaltered. **,
* She, on Christmas day, 1654, in the Basilica of Sta. Maria
Maggiore, abjured Lutheranism, and was solemnly received into
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. xiii
suffered no literary curiosity to pass unappropriated,
which she could obtain, either by recompense or favour.
When in France she purchased the Petavian library;
and from a note on one of the leaves of the manuscript,
it is said to have been procured by Aleaxander Petavius,
from the monastery of St. Germain. Together with the
spoils of the libraries of Prague and Dresden (the gift of
her father Gustavus Adolphus,) she bequeathed her col-
lection to Pope Alexander the Eighth, who, with the
addition of his private library, deposited the whole in
the Vatican.*
the bosom of the church of Rome, by Alexander the Seventh, who,
on this occasion, superadded to her former name that of Alexan-
dra—“aggiunseal nome di Christiana (Christina) quello d’Ales-
sandria.” (Platina Vit. Alessand. 7.)
* An attempt to trace the rise and history of this wonderful
collection may not be unacceptable to the reader. There are
reasons for believing that the Palatine, the Ulpian, and other
celebrated libraries in ancient Rome, did not survive the disasters
which befel that city, after the decease of Theodosius. (Tira-
boschi, tom. iv. p. 318.) In the fourth century, collections of
books were frequent, not only in Italy, but throughout the limits
of the Latin churches. St. Augustine on his death-bed, with
anxious care, consigned his own library to his successor, and all
the books of his church of Hippo ; a solicitude then prevalent
among other bishops. (Ibid. 319.) In that period, private
collections were formed in the houses of the Roman citizens,
as appears from the epistles of Symmachus (l. 8, ep. 22), who
was himself provided with one. These accumulations were often
made, both from motives of vanity, and the expectation that, like
the supposed property of the lamp of Epictetus, they might confer
wit and learning on the possessor. Ausonius thus satirizes a col-
lector of this description :
“Emptis quod libris tibi bibliotheca referta est
Doctum et Grammaticum te Philomuse putas?
Hoc genere et chordas, et plectra et barbita conde;
Omnia mercatus, cras citharacdus eris.”—Epist. 44.
Though it is probable that a papal library was early formed at
xiv MR. GUNN's PREFACE.
Of the real author, or rather compiler of this work,
Rome, and it is not likely that such men as St. Damasus (A. 384),
and St. Leon (A. 461), one celebrated for learning, the other for
piety, should have been unprovided, we yet find no record of any
before the time of Hilary (A. 467), who established two, in the Ba-
silica of the Lateran Palace. (Anastas. v. Pontif. tom. i. p. 78.)
In the sixth century, we first hear of Bibliothecarius of the
apostolical library, an office which through successive ages to the
present time, has been honourably and respectably filled.
For several centuries that followed, we meet with no other than
casual allusions to the papal library; but these are sufficient to
assure us it was always preserved. Others, from this silence, have
supposed it to be in a very neglected condition: the conjecture is
not well founded; for the centre of the western churches must have
been always provided with the means of gratifying the various
and incessant applications made to it, from every quarter where
their influence extended; and we know, that throughout every
age, many were the pontiffs who were interested in the promotion,
not only of sacred, but of profane learning. The calumny of John
of Salisbury (Policraticon, l. I, c. 9), which has been amplified by
Brucker (Hist. Crit. Philos. 1. 7, c. 2), that Gregory I. (A.
594-604) burned the works of classical authors, has been candidly
examined and ably refuted by Tiraboschi (tom. v. p. 173): nor do
we need further proof of the miscellaneousness of the papal collec-
tions, when we recollect, that though thinly scattered indeed over
the dark ages, we yet find Roman writers whose talents would have
embellished any age or country, but whose works could not have
been composed without the help of many books, and, those of
ancient authors in particular.
A digression to the state of literature in our own country, during
the seventh and eighth centuries, may be pardoned, and the view
is gratifying.
In the sixth age began the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons
to Christianity, by papal missionaries; and, after long and pertina-
cious resistance, the integrity of the long and regularly established
British church was destroyed, and became subject to that of
Rome. But, if lost independence was lamented, it must be con-
ceded, that civilization and learning, far exceeding the regular
growth of human proficiency in a similar period, and during a rude
age in particular, was conferred on the island in exchange. From
the commencement of this great ecclesiastical event, intercourse
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. XV
nothing is satisfactorily known; manuscripts of it are
with Rome was incessant; persons of every rank, both clergy and
laity, resorted thither (Beda, Hist. l. 5, c. 7), and a school was
there established for the youth of Britain. Detailed particulars
are scarcely to be expected. Among innumerable instances, doubt-
less, we know that the Saxon monk, Biscop (A. 669), who was
greatly favoured by contemporary popes, and especially by
Agatho, made repeated visits to Rome, expressly for the promo-
tion of religion and the decoration of churches. In one of his
returns, he was accompanied by Theodore, archbishop of Canter-
bury, and brought with him several ingenious artists, as glaziers
and painters, together with books, relicks, robes, and pictures.
(Ibid. l. 4, c. 18, and Vit. Sanct, p. 203.) This eminent prelate
was a native of Tarsus, in Cilicia, and after his arrival
visited great part of the island. He established a seminary
at or near Oxford; and being skilful both in human and divine
learning, his audience was numerous; “literis sacris simul et se-
cularibus—abundanter ambo erant instructi, congregatä discipulo-
rum catervâ.” The sciences of arithmetic, astronomy, and music,
were also cultivated. Some of his pupils were alive in the time
of Beda, who could deliver themselves in Greek and Latin with
equal ease and perspicuity. (Ibid. l. 4, c. 2.) Egbert, arch-
bishop of York (A. 731), and brother of Eadbert, king of Northum-
berland, founded a noble library in his metropolitan city, which
could only have been furnished from Rome. (Malms. de Gestis
Regum Anglor. l. 1, c. 3.) We are not left to conjecture
as to the importance of its contents; for our countryman Al-
cuinus, who was a pupil of that prelate, and the keeper of it,
left a catalogue, which still exists. (Gale, Scrip. xv. p. 730.
De Pontificibus Sanct. Eccles. Ebor. l. 1536.) The state of
learning in Britain, was, at this period, superior to that of
Gaul; a fact, proved by the following circumstance: Alcuinus,
who was the preceptor, and the valued friend of Charlemagne,
received from him the Abbacy of St. Martin at Tours, to which late
in life he retired. In this privacy, he addressed a letter to his
royal patron, whence the following extracts are taken : “The
employments of your Alcuinus in his retreat are suited to his
humble sphere ; but they are neither inglorious nor unprofitable.
I spend my time in the halls of St. Martin, in teaching some of
the noble youths under my care the intricacies of grammar, and
inspiring them with a taste for the learning of the ancients;
in describing to others the order and revolutions of those shining
xvi MR. GUNN's PREFACE.
numerous; and of those which the editor has examined,
orbs which adorn the azure vault of heaven; and in explaining to
others the mysteries of divine wisdom, which are contained in the
holy scriptures; suiting my instructions to the views and capacities
of my scholars, that I may train up many to be ornaments to the
church of God, and the court of your imperial majesty. In doing
this, I find a great want of several things, particularly of those
excellent books in all arts and sciences which I enjoyed in my
native country, through the expense and care of my great master
Egbert. May it, therefore, please your majesty, animated with
the most ardent love of learning, to permit me to send some of our
young gentlemen into England, to procure for us those books
which we want, and transplant the flowers of Britain into France,
that their fragrance may no longer be confined to York, but may
perfume the palaces of Tours.-I need not put your majesty in
mind, how earnestly we are exhorted in the holy scriptures to the
pursuit of wisdom; than which nothing is more conducive to a
pleasant, happy, and honourable life; nothing a greater preserva-
tive from vice; nothing more becoming or more necessary to those
especially who have the administration of public affairs, and the
government of empires. Learning and wisdom exalt the low, and
give additional lustre to the honours of the great. By wisdom
kings reign, and princes decree justice. Cease not, then, O
gracious king ! to press the nobility of your court to the eager
pursuit of wisdom and learning in their youth, that they may
attain to an honourable old age and a blessed immortality.”
(Henry’s Hist. Eng. 8vo. vol. iv. p. 37.) No stronger perception
of the importance of letters can be conceived, than is expressed in
this admirable letter. It teaches us that in this age implements of
erudition were at hand, and required but a Charlemagne to patro-
nize, and an Alcuinus to execute.
During the series of vicissitudes and disasters which for ages
afflicted the Queen of Cities, her library was preserved. On the
removal of the seat of government to Avignon by Clement V.,
the literary treasures of the see accompanied the Pontiff. (Tirab.
tom. xi. p. 38.) This secession ended with Martin V. (A. 1417),
who fixed himself at Rome, and brought part of them with him;
and, making allowance for loss and spoliation, the remainder was
afterwards restored to their original situation by Pius V. (Ibid.
tom. viii. 1. 7, tom. xiv. p. 213.) These being deposited in the
Vatican, are generally said to have been the foundation of that
collection. I however find, that so long previous as the com-
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. xvii
the following have proved most useful in the illustrations
he has attempted. These are, three in the British
mencement of the eighth century, the library of the Lateran,
formed by Hilary, was transferred to the Basilica of St. Peter (a
situation which answers to the present), and from time to time
received augmentations. (Thrab. tom. v. 159. Muratori, Scrip.
Rer. Ital. tom. iii. part 1. p. 154-163.) Nicholas v. (A. 1447-
1455), Callistus III. Sixtus IV. and v. are justly deemed the
parents of the library, and the enlargers of the structure in which
it is contained. After many unsuccessful attempts, in the reign of
the pope last mentioned, it became open to the public. (Thrab.
vol. xiv. p. 214.)
This stupendous library, consisting chiefly of manuscripts,
admits of six great divisions; viz.
1. Vaticana, consisting of those MSS. which existed from the
earliest times, together with the accessions of subsequent Popes.
2. Palatina, or that which was brought from Heidelberg, and
given to Gregory xv. by Maximilian, Duke of Bavaria, after the
capture of that city.
3. Alexandriana, or that which was bequeathed to Alexander
VIII. by Christina, queen of Sweden.
4. Urbinata, transferred to Rome from Urbino, when that
Duchy devolved to the church, during the reign of Urban VIII.
5. Capponiana, given to Benedict XIV. by the Marquis Alesan-
dro Capponi.
6. Ottoboniana, purchased of the house of Ottoboni, by the
Pontiff last mentioned.
The history of the acquirement and removal of such parts of the
Palatine collection to Rome as had not been previously dispersed,
is curious: “Avea il Duca di Baviera Massimiliano nella guerra
mossa contro di Federigo Elettor Palatino, siccome dicemmo,
fatto l’ acquisto d’ Eidelberga, e di tutto il Palatinato inferiore
(A. 1622.) In essa Città si trovava un insigne Biblioteca di An-
tichi Codici scritti a mano, Ebraici, Greci, Latini, e d'altre Lin-
gue, raccolti per quanto fu divolgato, da tutti i Monisteri di
quella Provincia, introdotta che vi fü l’Eresia. Attento il Pon-
tefice Gregorio (xv.) a profittar anch’ egli dell' altrui naufragio,
si per qualche ricompensa de Sussidj prestati al Duca in quell’im-
presa, come ancora per la pretensione, che appartenesse alla
Santa Sede quel tesoro di manuscritti, come spoglio di Luoghi sa-
cri fece gagliarde istanze di ottenerli, e il Duca vi condiscese. Scri-
vono alcuni che la persona inviata dal Papa Urbano VIII. ad
b
xviii MR. GUNN's PREFACE.
Museum,” one in the Bodleian, another in the library of
Ben'et College, Cambridge, and one lent him by Owen
Pughe, Esq. formerly the property of Selden.
The “Historia Brittonum,” is by turns assigned to
Nennius, to an anonymous Anglo-Saacon, to the two
Gildas's (Minor and Sapiens), and to Mark the Ancho-
rite. On close examination, however, I do not find
sufficient reason for yielding the claim to any one of
these in preference to another. To account for the
singularity of assigning to various authors the same
performance, I learn from the gentleman last-men-
Eidelberga per trasportar que' Codici a Roma, a cagion della
poca Sua accortezza lasció shorar quella si riguardevole Libreria,
essendone stati asportati i Codici migliori. Non pochi certamente
se me trovano nella Real Biblioteca di Vienna. Dipoca attenzione
per questo fu accusato Leone Alacci uomo di gran credito per la
sua erudizione, e per tanti libri dati alla luce, giacchè a lui fu ap-
poggiata l' incombenza suddetta.” (Muratori, A. 1623. Tirabos.
tom. viii. part 1. p. 65, edit. 1812.)
The Alexandrian collection has also been supposed to have suf-
fered spoliation before it reached its present destination; “passó,”
is the expression of Muratori (A. 1689), “per la maggior parte,
nella Vaticana.” The number of manuscripts it comprises, is esti-
mated at between 1900 and 2000.
* I. Vitell. Vitell. A. xIII. P. Plut; Ix, A. intitled “ Nenniä
antiquum exemplar.”
2. Vespas. D.XXI. p. 115. Plut. VI. A. intitled “Antiquis-
simum exemplar Nennii in quo,” plura continentur quam in aliis.
3. Plut. 624. V. 28. T. This copy was once in the possession
of Sir Simon D’Ewes, who professes to have compared it with
many others. He styles it “Anglo-Saxonici anonymi chronica.”
The Bodleian, is No. 2016 of the Catalogues of MSS. published
1697. Fol. now Bodl. No. 163. This was once in the collection
of Archbishop Usher, who enriched it with notes and collations.
The title runs, “Incipiunt gesta Britonum a Gilda (Gilda Minori)
sapiente composita.” To the attention of the late Rev. Mr. Price,
librarian, the editor owes extracts so copious as nearly to amount
to a complete transcript.
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. xix
tioned that nothing was more common than for the
transcribers of the ancient British manuscripts to affix
their own names to the same work, with such additions
or retrenchments as they thought proper, so as to
make it pass for their own composition. The hope
expressed in the first page of the preface, that a copy
nearer the time to which the subject relates, than any
other which has descended to us, might be free from
the errors, interpolations, and substitutions, which dis-
figure those of later date, has been in a great measure
defeated. For so many of these have, by repeated
transcripts made between the period of compilation and
the tenth century, insinuated themselves into the text,
as materially to vitiate the original, that the censure
of St. Jerome on the insufficient scribes in his day,
is applicable to the case before us: “Imperitiam nota-
riorum librariorumque” incuriam, qui scribunt quod mon
inveniunt, sed quod intelligunt: et dum alienos errores
* Notarius and Librarius (to which may be added Antiqua-
rius) are terms which, before the invention of printing, frequently
denoted the profession of a copier.—The third of these, was
properly the transcriber of such MSS. as were ancient. (Isidor.
l. 6, c. 14. Macri Hierolewicon. Du Cange v. Antiquarii.)
The eminent and excellent Cassiodorus (480-575), at the age of
seventy retired from public life, to a monastery he founded near
his native Squillaci, and to which he prescribed the rules of St.
Benedict. He enriched it with a valuable library, from which the
works of profane authors were not excluded. Among all his
amusements, he declares, that the copying MSS. gave him the
most pleasure; artists were engaged to adorn them with figures,
and to bind them elegantly. When he had attained his ninety-
third year, he composed a treatise on orthography, for the use of his
monks, that they might hence learn to transcribe correctly. In times
less remote, as the demands for books increased, and as public
schools and universities were formed, besides such as were claus-
tral, secular scribes were established universally and became a
b 2
XX MR. GUNN's PREFACE.
emendare nituntur, ostendunt Suos.” (Epist. ad Lu-
cinium, No. 27.) *
numerous body. Not only men, but women were thus occupied,
to whose insufficiency the defects of many MSS. are assignable.
(P. Sarti de Profess. Bonon. tom. i. part 1. p. 186.) This au-
thority refers to the female scribes of Bologna. We may, however,
believe the practice to have been general; for Engelhardus (Abbas,
A. 1200, Vita Stat. Michildis Virgin. tom. v. c. 23. Canissii), re-
ports an accident which happened to a nun in the exercise of this
employment: “Cum soror una cui usus erat scribendi membra-
nam, dum ad lineas punctaret Subulam incauté trahens, oculum
transfigit.” Defective transcript is, however, not solely to be at-
tributed to females; for the accurate and elegant Petrarch indig-
mantly exclaims: “Who shall prescribe an effectual remedy for
the ignorance and worthlessness of copiers, who spoil and confuse
the performances they undertake —At this time, every one who
can redden letters” or guide a pen, though void of learning, skill,
or ability, assumes the character of a scribe. I should not cen-
sure their defects in orthography (for that is a long forgotten art,)
if they would faithfully transcribe what is before them. They
might betray their insufficiency, but we should have in the copy
the substance of the original. They now confound both together,
and by substituting one thing for another, we can scarce identify
the author from which they transcribed. If Cicero, Livy, and
many other illustrious writers, could return to life, and re-peruse
their own compositions, would they understand them, and doubt-
ing the whole, would they believe them to be their own, or rather,
those of some barbarous people * (De Rem. Utriusque Fortuna,
l. 1, dial. 43.)
* The terms miniator and illuminator, are not unfrequently used in common.
The first is, however, derived from the colouring substance used; it has not
properly any reference to the diminutive size of the picture represented, nor
is it exclusively so considered by the modern Italians. “Miniare, quasi minio
describere. Relever en vermeillon. Joann. de Janua. Miniare minio prae-
parare vel scribere minio. Miniator, qui minio scribit, vel praeparat minium.
Miniographus quiminio scribit. Miniographia, scriptura cum minio facta.--
(Dw Cange.) Illuminator, Aurarius pictor, qui libros variis figuris, iisque
aureis condecorat. Illuminare, pingere coloribus, adumbrare, and the word
was employed so early as the eighth century, in a less contracted manner;
and the following passage from the Epistles of Alcuinus (No. 1), may
perhaps explain the origin of that branch of the art.—“Quosdam stellarum
ordine, ceu picto cujuslibet magnæ domus culmine inluminari gestio.”—
(Du Cange.)
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. xxi
As Nennius has commonly been considered the author
of this chronicle, it may be expected that I should pro-
It was once the custom publicly to expose lists of MSS. as a
modern bookseller does his printed catalogue. These expressed
the number of pages each contained, the terms on which they
might be bought, consulted, perused, or copied. To purchase, was
not within the ability of every one. At Bologna, highly celebrated
for beauty and fidelity of execution, the price of a bible, in the
thirteenth century, was eighty bolognese livres; three of which
equalled two fiorini d'oro.—This coin is no longer current. “The
florins of Florence weigh a drachm, and are no less than twenty-
four carats fine, according to Italian writers; being intrinsically
worth about twelve shillings.” (Pinkerton on Medals, vol. ii. p. 19.)
At the same period and place, 200 florins were given for a
splendid missal, ornamented with gold letters and painted designs.
The word Bibliotheca was equivocal, and frequently meant the
books of the Old and New Testament only. (Macri Hieroleai-
con.) The following extract from a catalogue of the books of
Cardinal Guala, A. 1227, bequeathed by him to the monastery of
St. Andrea, in Vercelli, of which he was the founder, is curious,
both as examples of splendid decoration, and for the enumeration
of letters in which they were written : “Bibliotheca magna de
littera Parisiensi, cooperta purpurá, et ornata floribus aureis et
literae capitales aureae—item alia bibliotheca de littera Boloniensi
cooperta corio glauco—item alia bibliotheca de littera Boloniensi
cum corio rubro : item bibliotheca de littera Anglicana—item
bibliotheca parva pretiosissima de littera Parisiensi cum litteris
aureis et ornamento purpureo—item Exodus, Leviticus, de littera
antiqua—item xII Prophete in uno volumine de littera Lombarda
—item moralia B. Gregorii super Job, de bona littera antiqua
aretina.” (Tiraboschi, tom. iv. l. 1. p. 83.) Hitherto, except for
very distinguished purposes, MSS. had been copied with but little
attention to elegance; they now became objects of splendid luxury.
The aid of painters was sought for, (“hodie scriptores non sunt
scriptores sed pictores,”) who displayed their talents in gilding
initials and ornamenting the margins, in which were whimsical
figures grinning like baboons;–for such was the conceit of the
facetious Odofredus Beneventanus (preceptor to the celebrated
Jacobus Baldewinus, A. 1230 (Trithem. apud Fabric. Bib. Eccles.
p. 108), who thus exposes the misapplication of the stipend
granted to a young student by his father—“Dixit Pater filio—
vade Parisios vel Bononiam, et mittam tibi annuatim centum
xxii MR. GUNN's PREFACE.
duce such traditions respecting him as are now remain-
ing. Nennius and Gildas are described by Jeffrey (l. I,
c. 17. l. 4, c. 3 and 4) and Tysilio (Coll. Camb. p. 30
and 75) as British historians. “Nennius (Nyniaw)
who was the brother both of Caswallon (Cassibelinus)
and Ludd, quarrelled with the latter; and of this dis-
sension, Gildas the historian has given a large account;
for which reason I choose to pass it over for fear of
debasing by my accounts what so great a writer has so
eloquently related.” It is further asserted, that Nen-
libras. Iste, quid fecit Ivit Parisios, et fecit libros suos babu-
inare de literis aureis—ibat ad cerdonem et faciebat se calceari
omni die Sabbati.” Babuimare may not exclusively apply to the
quadruped, but may indicate those capricious animal-forms dis-
played in the margins of illuminated MSS. “Babewynus Simii
species. Ital. Babbuino—Visitatio Thesaurariae S. Pauli Lon-
dinensis ann. 1295. Imago quaedam pulchra Beatae Virginis
cum pede quadrato stante super quatuor Babewynos.—Hinc stulti
infantes Babewini dicuntur.” (Macri Hierolea-icon, v. Babewymus.)
These designs are not meant for the animals to which they bear
some resemblance, nor are they the result of arbitrary fancy
merely, but symbolical modifications of infernal spirits trodden
under foot by the blessed Virgin, as frequently represented in
carvings and illuminated missals, under those of divine persons.
(“The dragon shalt thou tread under thy feet.” Psalm, 91, 13—
Gori. diptych. passim.) Perhaps from an idea of degradation, they
are frequently seen on the under side of the folding seats in cathe-
dral stalls, called “Misericordiae,” at times of such a description,
as to betray the low ebb of the popular feeling of decorum, which
even a sacred edifice could not chasten.
In the dark ages, every man was his own manufacturer. I meet
with the appointment in monasteries of “ Pergamenarius—officium
in monasteriis, apud Adelardum in Statut. Corbinensis, l. 1, c. 1.
Qui Pergamena parabat, et est in vita B. Mariani Abbat. Ratispon.
n. 9. (Du Cange) Adelardus (A. 753–826) was of the blood royal in
France, and founded the monastery of Corbio in Saxony. I quote
from memory, but if I mistake not, by the capitulary of Charle-
magne, monks were intitled to the skins of animals taken in hunt-
ing, to make covers for their books.
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. xxiii
nius encountered Julius Caesar, and fell by his hand.
Balaeus” (Cent. 1. c. 15 and 59) affirms “ that this was
the same Nennius who wrote a book of the British his-
tory, which was afterwards translated into Latin by his
* This biographer thus describes Nennius and his reputed asso-
ciates: “Nennius Bannochorensis collegii Pontifex (ut illum Cap-
gravus appellat) et egregius brytannorum doctor olim fuit Elvo-
dugi probi, atque Beulani presbyteri non infimus”—that he was a
monk of Bangor iscoed, and one of the fifty who escaped from the
massacre of that community under Ædelfrid, A. 613; that he
composed his history from the annals of the Romans, the Scots,
and Saxons; from the chronicles of Jerome, Eusebius, Prosper,
Isidore, and St. Patrick; from the British Taliessin, Melkin,
Gildas, Elvodugus, and others; that he flourished in the reign of
Cadvan, A. 620; that Elvodugus Probus was his preceptor, A.
590, and who was succeeded in the same capacity by Beulanus
presbyter, A. 610; and that Samuel Beulanus, a Briton, and son
of the last-mentioned, was the annotator of his history. The
legends speak of a St. Nennius, who, in the sixth century pre-
sided in the “Magnum Monasterium.” (Brittannia Sancta, vol. i.
p. 50–125. Usser. Antiq. p. 494.) Capgrave (from whom Bale
professes to have made this compilation) was provincial of the
Augustine friars, and confessor to the famous Duke of Gloucester,
epitomised the Sanctilogium Brittanniae ; adding here and there
many fancies and interpolations of his own. (Nicholson, pt. ii.
c. 1, p. 98.) The epitome itself is extracted from the “Historia
aurea” of John of Tynmouth. (MS.) The only Elvodugus (El-
bodus or Elbodius) visible in the history and antiquities of Wales,
lived in the eighth, and in the beginning of the ninth century.
Dates do not indeed accord, but incidental facts make it probable
that it is the same which is alluded to by Capgrave. “Elvod, a
saint descended from Caw, a Bishop at Caer Gybi, in Mona, and
afterwards at Bangor Deiniol (Caermarthenshire) whom Caradog
styles primate of Gwynedd (North Wales).” He died in the year
809. (Camb. Biog. Elvod. Deinolen.) “The clergy of Wales had
hitherto preserved with great firmness, an independence of the
Romish church. About this period (A. 762), however, they suf-
fered Elbodius to be appointed by the Pope, Archbishop of Wales,
who soon brought them to act in conformity to the Romish ob-
servance of Easter.” (Warrington’s Wales, vol. ii. p. 404.—H.
Lhuyd. Frag. fol. 55.)
xxiv. MR. GUNN's PREFAGE.
namesake the Abbot of Bangor.”* If any truth be
involved in this extravagance, we may infer, that there
* I have, on the term Bangor, received from Mr. Owen Pughe
the following valuable remarks: “The word Bangor, in Welsh, is
simply an appellation for any college; and all the Christian socie-
ties among the Britons, began to assume that epithet towards the
close of the fifth century; thatsis, when they began to have regu-
lar jurisdictions over districts, and to have Gwnydai, or white-
houses, which was a term for chapter houses: an institution in-
troduced by Germanus and his followers. Before that period,
the British Christians called their societies by the simple name of
Cór, a circle, or congregation. But at the time above stated, they
dignified the name by the additional epithet of Ban, high, superior
or supreme, that is to say Bangor, (variously written in MSS.
Ban Cor, Banchor, and Bangor.) This makes the expression
“Magnum monasterium,” (generally with respect to Nennius
applied to the celebrated monastery of Bangor iscoed, in Flint-
shire) equivocal ; because “great monastery,” is nothing but a
translation of the appellative Bangor, unless an additional name
had been given with it to fix its locality. I will here subjoin a
list of the Bangors, or colleges of Wales, from a curious MS.
enumerating the principal fathers of the British church. Cór
Dyvrig, or congregation of Dubricius, at Caer Llion upon Wysc.
Dewi, or St. Davids, removed this to Mynyw, or Menevia, where
Gymyr of Caer Gawg, his grandfather on his mother's side, had left
all his lands for the support of the church. Cór Tathan, or Bangor
Tathan, in Caer Went, or Venta silurum, founded by Tathan, son
of Amwn Zu, under the patronage of Esner Gwent, in the begin-
ning of the sixth century. Bangor Garmon, or the college of Ger-
manus, at Llanveithin in Glamorgan. This was founded by St.
German, about A. D. 460. Cór Tewdws in Caer Worgorn, or the
congregation founded by the Emperor Theodosius in Caer Wor-
gorn. This was destroyed by the Irish in the middle of the fifth
century. It was restored by Germanus, over which he placed
Illtyd or Iltutus, whence it was called Bangor Illtyd, or College of
St. Iltutus, in Glamorgan, now called by the English Lantwit
Major, and by the Welsh Llan Illtyd Wawr.
Bangor Catog, or College of Catog, founded by him under the
direction of St. Germanus, at the present Llancarvan in Glamor-
gan. Bangor y Ty Gwyn ar Dāv, the college of the White House
on Tav, or the present Whitland Abbey in Caermarthenshire, was
founded by Pawl Hén, or Paulinus, over which he placed the
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. XXV
was once a British history which may have furnished
these excerpta, or such of them as have reference to a
brothers Flewyn and Gredivel, about A. D. 480. Flewyn and
Gredivel were the sons of Ithel Hael of Armorica. (Cambrian
Biography, p. 123, 124, 280.) Bangor Padarn, or College of Pa-
darn. This society, consisting of one hundred and twenty mem-
bers, was established by Padarn the son of Pedredin ab Emyr
Llydaw, in the close of the fifth century. He came from Armo-
rica with his cousin Cadvan; and was first at Bangor Illtyd.
Bangor Padarn, was at the present Llanbadarn Vawr, in Cardigan-
shire. (Camb. B. p. 217.) Cör Beuno, or the congregation of
Beuno, which he established about the close of the sixth century.
It came afterwards to be called Bangor Clynog, or College of
Clynog ; and now Clynog Wawr in Arvon (Caernarvonshire).
Bangor Cadvan, or College of Cadvan, also called Bangor Enlli,
or College of Bardsey; founded by Cadvan, in the close of the
fifth century, under the direction of Emyr Llydaw, and patronage
of Einiou, son of Owain Danwyn, as sovereign of the country.
This was one of the most celebrated of the Welch seminaries.
Bangor Deiniol, or the college of Deiniol, the son of Dunod ab
Pabo, who founded it, A. D. 525. This is also called Bangor
Wawr uç Conwy, the great college over Conwy, and Bangor Vawr
yn Arllegwez, or the great college in Arllegwez; being the present
Bangor in Caernarvonshire. It was raised to the dignity of a
bishopric in the time of Deiniol, who died in 554. In the time of
Elood, this see became the metropolitan of North Wales. Elood
died in A. 809. Cór Cybi, or congregation of Cybi, at the present
Caer Gybi, or Holyhead, in Anglesey. Cór Penmon, founded by
Einion, in the beginning of the sixth century, over which he
placed Seiriol, and thence also called Cór Seiriol, or congregation
of Seiriol. This was in Priestholme island, near Beaumaris. Ban-
gor Asav, or College of Asav, afterwards called Llan Elvy by the
Welsh, and St. Asaph by the English. This was founded by
Asav, under the direction of Cyndeyrn (Kentigern) in the former
part of the sixth century. Bangor Dunod, or College of Dunod,
son of Pabo. It was founded by Dunod and his sons Deiniol
Cynwyl and Gwartham, in the beginning of the sixth century,
upon lands granted by Cyngen, king of a part of Powys, and the
Vale Royal. This place was also called Bangor Maelor, the Col-
lege of Maelor; Bangor Vaws yn Maelor, the great College in
Maelor; and Bangor Iscoed, or College of Underwood. This
seminary never flourished after the massacre of its members; after
xxvi MR. GUNN's PREFACE.
remote period, and that it was originally written in the
vernacular tongue.
The present manuscript varies not, as to general
import, from the copies of the “Historia Brittonum”
already known. It differs from those edited by Gale
(Scrip. xv.) and Bertram (Scrip. III.) in certain trans-
positions of the subject—in the omission of two intro-
ductory prefaces—in not acknowledging the assistance
of Samuel Bewley, (the reputed master of Nennius)
—in detaching the life of St. Patrick from the body
of the work, and placing it at the end.
In the brief parallel now to be offered, I confine
myself to the copy edited by Bertram, not only as the
latest, but because it exhibits marks of care and dili-
gence superior to all others.
In Bertram (c. 1) the date of the transcript is
brought down to the thirtieth year of Enerauth (Ana-
rawed) king of Monia (Anglesey) “qui regit modo reg-
num Wenedociae regionis.” This son of Roderic the
great was the sovereign of North Wales, who fixed
his royal seat at Aberfraw, in Anglesey: he began
his reign A. 877. (Warrington's Wales, vol. i. p. 223.)
In Mark, instead of this date, both in the commence-
ment (p. 1), and in the course of the narrative re-
peatedly, that of the fifth of Edmund is substituted.
the bloody battle there in A. 603, when the Britons were defeated
there under Brogwel. (Camb. Biog. p. 91.)
The term was not restricted to our island. There was a Bangor
in Belleisle, on the coast of Brittany. (Welsh Dict. v. Bangor.)
St. Patrick founded the monastery of Beannchor in Ulster, of
which Comhgallus was the first abbot. (Jocelin's Life of St. Pa-
trick, c. 98.) In Scotland there are two parishes called Banchory;
one in Aberdeen, the other in Kincardineshire.”
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. xxvii
From page 2 to page 9 (Bertram, c. 2 to the end of
c. 11), is briefly discussed the subject of the first
peopling of Britain, and the adjacent isles; the arrival
and settling of the Picts and Scots professedly ex-
tracted from the Roman annals, from ancient books,
and from tradition. The facts are abruptly given, and
scarcely connected; the last historical event records the
victories of the Cunedda family in the fourth century.
The narrative is here interrupted, and the copier makes
a computation to the year of transcript, or the fourth of
Mervinus. Here is terminated what may be called the
first division of the work; the materials of it were pro-
bably brought together soon after the period of the
successes last mentioned, which form a decided epocha
in the Cambrian history.
In page 10 (Bertram, 2. 12 and 13), another relation
is adduced; taken “ex veteribus libris veterum nostro-
rum.” The line of Brutus is here made to coalesce with
the patriarchal genealogies of tribes and families spread
over the face of the ancient world. From page 11 to
page 17 (Bertram, c. 14, to c. 28), is narrated the
invasion, prevalence, and departure of the Romans. In
page 18 (Bertram, c. 28 and 29), the Saxons are intro-
duced ; Vortigern receives them in Thanet. We here
find, but in Mark alone, a repetition of the computation
to the fifth year of Edmund–“ in quo scribimus.”
From page 19 (Bertram, c. 29 to 35), the civil detail
is again interrupted, by an account of the mission and
miracles of St. Germanus. In page 29 to page 33
(Bertram, c. 35 to 53), details of our national history
are resumed. These comprise the treachery and suc-
cesses of the Saxons, the battles of Vortimer, the pre-
xxviii MR. GUNN's PREFACE.
tended second mission of St. Germanus, and the fall of
Vortigern. From the fifty-third chapter of Bertram,
though the facts differ not materially from those in
Mark, the arrangement is not the same. In page 34 of
Mark, is recited, the influx of the Saxons into Britain,
the death of Hengist, the battles of Arthur, and the un-
remitting augmentation of that people to the time of
Ida, A. 547. Omitting all intermediate events, the
final computation to the year 945 (“ad hunc quem nos
scribimus”) answering to the fifth of Edmund, is again
repeated, and the termination of the work is announced
by the following solemn appeal:—“Et quicumque hoc
legerit in melius augeatur! Prestante domino nostro IHU
CRso qui cum coaeterno Patre et Spiritu Sancto vivit et
regnat Deus per infinita secula seculorum : amen.”
The life of St. Patrick (apparently no part of the
performance originally) follows in a detached form. In
other copies, this legend is incorporated in the work, of
which it makes a part from the fifty-second to the sixty-
first chapter.
Independently of the historical notices dispersed
throughout this chronicle, there are others referable to
a subject at all times interesting, but which has of late
years risen in importance from the researches of men of
taste and learning: I mean the origin of romantic fic-
tion in Britain. Opinions as to the people with whom
this species of composition first arose, are various; and
the imputed honour has, among others, been conceded
to the Celts, Scandinavians, Armoricans, and Arabians.
Ideas so unsettled argue no agreement in those points,
which essentially affect the question; and where there is
no common ground to stand upon, conviction is little to
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. xxix
be expected. The plans proposed are in general too
exclusive, for when a system is universal, and acts with
the force and certainty of an instinct, it is not asssign-
able to accidents, but to a settled principle in the
human constitution. Leaving it then to others to filiate
the aberrations of excursive fancy, If asked, when did
romantic fiction commence? I should reply,–from the
time man began to hope and to fear—for even in the
best constructed mind, so powerfully do these motives
irritate his restless temper, alternately urging him to
seek pleasure or alleviation in variety, and, whether
disappointed or successful, still to continue exploring
distant and illusive sources of gratification. Thus con-
sidered, the anticipations of to-morrow are little more
than romances of the mind, which, in a greater or less
degree, subject the understanding to the imagination.
The garb is universal, for all nations have their fabu-
lous age 3–the fashion and colour, as settled by custom
or modified by novelty, are local; from the more elegant
mythology of ancient Greece, to our domestic system of
romance, in which Robin Goodfellow and his fairy train,
once charmed and awed the rustic mind.
Among the authors above alluded to, the opinions of
Mr. Ritson have had their share in swaying those of the
public. He declares that the Welsh “have no tales or
chronicles, the produce of the elder Welsh bards, nor
by any other writer, more early at least than Geoffrey of
Monmouth; if the Welsh have such stories, they are
doubtless from the French or English, and by way of
farther proof of their recency, are all in prose.” (Diss.
on Romantic Fiction, p. 36.)
Consistently with the theory advanced I contend,
XXX MR. GUNN’s PREFACE.
that writers, like painters, are not the inventors of the
mythological or legendary subjects they undertake to
delineate; but seek honour and emolument only, by
making those the object of their respective arts, to
which opinion has given popularity. That several of
the tales and traditions recorded by Geoffrey of Mon-
mouth were in existence before his day, is proved by
the date of the transcript before us.
Whether the germ of the druidical associations was
first unfolded in this island, is a question not easily
determined; they were certainly matured, and for ages
naturalized, within its limits. In the course of time
they yielded to the change assigned to human institu-
tions, yet after the period of virtual abolition, and long
subsequent to the regular establishment of Christianity,”
the spirit of bardism hovered over the unsubdued re-
treats of its beloved Cambria; and so powerfully did the
effects of habit, and the principles it inculcated, pervade
the minds and imaginations of the provincials, as to im-
part a corresponding character to their productions. The
following instances prove both the truth of this observa-
tion, and the fallaciousness of Mr. Ritson's assertion.
The tower or ship of glass (p. 7,) filled with men, and
seen off the coast of Ireland, is part of an ancient bardic
legend. “Merddin, the bard of Ambrosius, is said to
have constructed a house of glass, in which he went to
* On the gradual abolition of the druidical order and coalescence
with Christianity, much valuable information is to be derived from
Pelloutier (Hist. des Celts, tom. vii. c 4), and the researches of the
learned Benedictines of the congregation of St. Maur. (Hist. Lit.
de la France, tom. i. p. 289. tom. ii. p. 13.)
t Three centuries after the time of Mark, “ in the Spanish
Romance of Alexander, written by Joan Lorenzo Segura de
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. xxxi
sea, accompanied by nine Cylveirrd bards, of whom
nothing was heard afterwards.” (Camb. Biog. v. Merd-
din.) A farther development of this singular detail is
to be found in “The Cambrian Popular Antiquities,”
(p. 75) published by Mr. Roberts.
“Whether Merlin survived Arthur, or not, has not
been recorded in history; but it is most probable that he
did, and through some apprehension of the Saxons, en-
deavoured to escape them by sea. On this occasion, he
is said to have sailed in a ship of glass, and to have
taken with him the thirteen curiosities of Britain.”
Astorga, about the middle of the thirteenth century, is a long
description of Alexander’s descent into the sea, in a house of glass;
which I have elsewhere had occasion to quote, and therefore will
not repeat here. Where the Spaniard found the story I cannot
say; if he is to be understood literally, it was not a written legend,
but one which he received from tradition.—In the German legend
of St. Anna, written at the close of the year 1100, Mr. Coleridge
has shewn me the same story of Alexander thus related, with cir-
cumstances of greater sublimity than elsewhere—‘ He let himself
down to the bottom of the sea in a glass,’” &c. &c. &c. (Southey’s
Specimens of the later Lnglish Poets, Preface, p. 9.) Farther de-
tails of this singular fiction are to be found in Dunlop’s History
of Fiction (vol. ii. p. 127, second edition). In the continuation of
the Orlando Furioso, where the spirits are summoned to attend
Demagorgon in council, some of them, impelled by the bellows of
demons, sail through the air in ships of glass:
“Portate alcune in gran navi di vetro,
Dai fier Demonii, cento volte e cento
Con mantici soffiar lor facean dietro,
Che mai non fu per l’aria il maggior vento.”
Canto 1. Stan. 8.
* I omit the detail for the sake of brevity. On this passage,
the author remarks that “the magical powers assigned to some
of these curiosities, are so similar to what is to be found in the
Arabian tales, as to point out a common origin.” Without re-
searches into more remote antiquity—for Arabian tales might be
substituted the fictions of the early Greeks, for all the ingredients
of magical incantation exist in Homer. Pliny (l. 30, c. 1,
xxxii MR. GUNN's PREFACE.
According to the account of this voyage, as given by
Mr. Lewis Morris, he conveyed them to Bardsey
“Maxime tamen,” &c.) asserts, that no allusions to such practices
are to be discovered in the Iliad,” but that in the Odyssey we
find magical transformations, charms, and evocation of infernal
spirits; and most likely all the vulgar arts of divination particu-
larized by Theocritus (Id. 2), were used at the same period.
That the Druids were in possession of these secrets, was believed
by ancient authors. In the mystical poems of their bards, whe-
ther they refer to the rural theology then cultivated, or the awful
appeal to supernatural powers, allusions to them continually occur,
in the Mabinogion or institutional tales. These compositions,
of colour and fashion peculiarly their own, and which except in
the abridgment, of that of Culhwch in the Cambrian Biography,
that of Pwyll in the Cambrian Register (vol. i. p. 177), and some
extracts dispersed in Davies’s mythology, are unknown to the
English reader. Culhwch is told by an oracle he is to have no
wife but Olwen. She is a personification of nature, and is only
to be won by exploring her mysteries: he sets out in search of
her, and encounters a variety of extraordinary adventures. Pwyll
is a prince of Dyved (Demetia), the subject principally turns on
the magical transformations of the hero. I was some time since
favoured by Mr. Owen Pughe with the perusal of translations
of several of these tales, but knowing he intended them for
the press, did not ask his permission to make extracts from them.
The result of a second application will not be unacceptable to the
reader.
“Agreeably to your request, I send some particulars of the
Mabinogion.
The first List:
1. Ymarwar Lludd a Llevelys : The contention of Lludd and
Llevelys.
2. Benddwyd Maxen Wledig: The Dream of the Emperor
Maarimus.
3. Brån Vendigid: Brán the Blessed,
4. Pwyll Penderig Dyred : Pwyll the chieftain of Dyved.
5. Manawydan ab Llyr; Manawydan the son of Llyr.
6. Math ab Mathonwy : Math the son of Mathonwy.
No. 1. Lludd the son of Beli, was the father of Caswallaon
* May we not, however, except Achilles, who bore almost a charmed life;
and the impenetrable armour forged for him by Vulcan after the death of
Patroclus?
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. xxxiii
island, and died, and was buried there, which is very
probable: though one of the Triads says, that after he
(Cassivellaunus): he and Llevelys his brother at some game at
ball, which, with the events it produced, and their reconcilement,
are the subject of the tale.
No. 2. The dream of Maximus is concerning his elevation to
power, wherein are narrated the incidents leading to its accom-
plishment.
No. 3. The events in the tale of Brân arise out of the tale of
Pwyll. Matholwg, the supreme King of Ireland, lands with a
fleet at Harleg, in North Wales, where Brân kept his court, to
demand Branwen, the sister of Brân, in marriage. His request
is granted, and he returns to Ireland. Events then arise, wherein
Branwen is insulted with a box on the ear, called one of the three
fatal insults of Britain; for Brân invades Ireland to avenge his
sister. Only seven return from the expedition, after having de-
stroyed nearly all the people of Ireland; and Brân being mortally
wounded, he orders his companions who survive, to carry his head
to be interred in the White Hill, in London, as a protection
against all future invasions, so long as the head remained there.
The sequel of the tale recites their progress to London to bury
the head. At Harleç, in their way, they are kept seven years
listening to the birds of Rhianow, singing in the air; and in Dyved
(Dimetia), by attending to the last words of Brân, they stay in a
grand hall for eighty years, enjoying every kind of pleasing
amusement, all their misfortunes and object of further pro-
gress being kept out of their minds; but, by opening a door
looking towards Cornwall, their real condition breaks in upon
their minds, which compels them to pursue their journey. Brân
was the father of Caradawg (Caractacus); and according to the
Triads, he with all his family were carried to Rome, and remained
there seven years as hostages for the son. Brân there meets with
some Christians, and being converted, he prevails on two Chris-
tians to accompany him to Britain, by which means the faith is
introduced; which is the cause of the epithet of Blessed being
given him.
No. 4. Part of the tale of Pwyll has been given in the second
volume of the Cambrian Register, and is continued in vol. 3, now
printing.
No. 5. Manawydan is the brother of Brân, and is one of the
seven that carried his head to London: the events of this tale are a
continuation of the former; and the end of it is the doing away
C
xxxiv. MR. GUNN's PREFACE.
had sailed he was never heard of more ; which, if the
writer lived in South Wales, might well be true there,
considering the remote and unfrequented situation of
some spells or enchantments laid upon Dimetia, arising out of
events in the tale of Pwyll.
No. 6. This tale follows the other in connexion; but the in-
cidents in it are distinct, so that it may be considered as a separate
one. It opens with an embassy from Math, prince of Gwynedd
(Venedotia), to Pryderi the son of Pwyll, prince of Dyved (Di-
metia). The ambassadors are twelve bards, with Gwydion the son
of Don at their head, who had magic spells at command. The
object was, by means of rich presents, to obtain a race of new
animals, which Pryderi had possession of, and these were swine,
being the first of the kind in the island. The request is refused;
but Gwydion, by illusions, obtains the swine.
Pryderi, in revenge, invades Gywnedd; the consequence is the
ruin of both countries; and the tale proceeds with a series of
spells, often very fanciful and striking.
The- above tales I class by themselves, as they contain not one
incident connected with the adventures of Arthur and his warriors,
who are the actors in the following class of tales.
Second List :
No. 1. Peredurab Evrog : Peredur the son of Evrog.
No. 2. Culhwg ab Cilydd Culhwg the son of Cilydd, sove-
ab Celyddon Wledig : reign of Celyddon (Caledonia).
No. 3. Geraint ab Erbin : Geraint the son of JErbin.
No. 4. Owain ab Urien Owain the son of Urien.
I have not a copy of No. 4. I believe there are several other
tales in the Hengwrt collection.
With respect to the periods when these tales were composed, it
would be difficult to say; but I have no hesitation in concluding
them all to be anterior to the conquest of Wales by Ed. I.
A. D. 1283. All the personages therein were real characters,
most of whom are often mentioned by the earlier bards; and
many are mentioned in the historical Triads; many of the events
in the tales are likewise recorded in the Triads. Taliessin, who
flourished in the sixth century, mentions several of the incidents
of these tales; so also do the poets who flourished in the twelfth
and thirteenth centuries.”
MR. GUNN’s PREFACE. XXXV
Bardsey.” “The ship of glass is, by the author of the
Mythology of the Druids, ingeniously explained as signi-
fying a sacred vessel, emblematic of the ark, and the
name of Bangor Wydrin, or Glass Bangor (an ancient
name of Glastenbury) confirms the idea of Wydr, lite-
rally glass, signifying sacred. I believe gwydr, in these
instances, has no connexion with, or relation to, the
same sound, when signifying glass, but that its true
signification is sacred, though not now so used.”
(Roberts's Camb. Antiq. p. 78.) Thus defined, the
true meaning of this legend is no other than that
Merlin went to sea in a sacred ship. On examining
the work last quoted, a small boat of glass was, in the
opinion of Mr. Davies, a symbol of initiation into the
Druidical mysteries. “We are not hence to conclude
that the Druids regarded the sacred ship as constructed
of that material; but that they esteemed little glass
models as very sacred symbols of the mystical vessel,
and held the material itself in religious esteem. Thus
the stranger in the poem of the chair of Taliessin, is
introduced to the nocturnal mysteries, by exhibiting his
boat of glass, which must have been an emblem of the
* The Saxon incursion above mentioned may be that alluded to
in the following quotation from the poem called the chair of
Taliessin:-“that for the lands of Bardsey there will be an inroad
—a fleet shall arise on the face of the water. Let them call upon
him whom we have found sufficient, that he may protect us from
the wrath of the alien race.” This spot, as well as Mona, was
sacred to the ancient superstition, “and seems to have been one of
the rocks of the supreme proprietor, or places of re-animation.”
(Davies's Mythology, p. 503.) The chair of Taliessin, like several
other of the ancient British poems, contains references to the
native superstitions, mixed with tenets of the Christian faith,
(See Appendia.)
xxxvi MR. GUNN's PREEACE.
ark. Merddin and his nine bards put to Sea in the
house of glass, which could have been nothing more
than a mystical representation of the ark, &c. &c. &c.”
(Mythology and Rites of the British Druids, p. 211,
270, 277, 522.)
The next instances are the predictions and legend of
Merlin. These, in Mark, appear in an incipient form;
they were augmented from time to time, and became a
standing and national oracle: in Jeffrey, they are am-
plified, and brought down lower than Canute. During
the fourteenth century, an event is recorded, which
proves their acknowledged importance. In a national
duel between the English and the French nobility, which
was fought in Brittany (between Ploermel and Josselin),
in the reign of John the Second, Brembo, one of the
champions of the former, when his associates were
brought together for the combat, asserted, that he had
a prediction of Merlin in his favour :—the prophet
deceived him. (Massi's History of Duelling, pt. 1.
Sec. 10. p. 47.) These prophecies were afterwards
brought down to the demise of our James the First.
(Caermarthen, 1812, 8vo.)
The next allusion I notice in these prophecies, is the
cementing the foundation of Vortigern's castle with the
blood of a human sacrifice. Notwithstanding the severe
edicts issued by Tiberius against magical arts, and im-
molation, both in Gaul and Britain, it appears, that in
the time of Pliny (W. H. l. 30. c. 1. 'Sueton. v. Claud.
c. 25.) they still continued. Davies is of the opinion,
that these practices were only suppressed in those parts
of the provinces which were more immediately under
the inspection of government, and of course obnoxious
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. xxxvii
to public censure. He says, there was in the north of
Britain, or in an adjacent island (it might be beyond
the limits of the empire), a seminary of Druids, where
the doctrines and discipline of heathenism were culti-
vated without controul; and after the departure of the
Romans, their abominable rites were brought back from
the north into Mona, and into other parts of Wales;
and that the northern seminary was not suppressed till
the close of the sixth century. One of the presidents of
this society was Gwenddolew, a passage relating to whom
is quoted from the Hoianau, a poem, by Merddin, in the
northern dialect. (Davies's Mythology, p. 461, 466.
Camb. Biog. Gwenddolew.)
The following singular compromise between Christi-
anity and Druidism, is given from Dr. Jamieson's His-
tory of the Culdees (p. 20.)—“from which it should
seem, that the sacrifice of a human victim was thought
by the Druids a necessary propitiation, when the com-
mencement of an undertaking was not successful.
When Columba first attempted to build Iona, the walls,
as is said, by the operation of some evil spirit, fell down
as fast as they were erected. Columba received super-
natural intimation that they would never stand, unless
a human victim was buried alive. According to one
account, the lot fell on Oran, the companion of the saint,
as a victim that was demanded for the success of the un-
dertaking:” he suffered accordingly. (Roberts's Camb.
Antiq. p. 63.)
The next relates to the concealment of the white and
red dragons; the first the emblem of the Saxons, the
second of the Britons. This fable is of early existence,
and is explained in the Triad of the three concealments
xxxviii MR. GUNN's PREFACE.
of Britain,_* third, the dragons buried by Lludd, the
son of Beli, in the city of Pharan (Dinas Emrys), in the
mountains of Snowden. These three concealiſents Were
laid under the protection of God and his attributes, and
with imprecations against the person who should dis-
tinguish them. Vortigern discovered the dragons to
avenge himself on the Cymry, for their disaffection to
him, and then invited the Saxons as allies against the
Picts,” &c. (Collec. Camb. vol. i. p. 69. n.) “The
whole of this story seems to have been founded on some
bardic ceremony, or imposture, now unknown, in which
Merddin seems to have been merely the instrument of
the bards; and, perhaps, a party of them, which had
embraced Christianity. Whatever was the real nature
of this transaction, the pretensions of the bards to pro-
phecy were constant ; and those of Merddin were
allowed, and, certainly, had a great and decisive effect
in sustaining the spirit of the Britons to oppose their
enemies.” (Ibid. p. 120. n.)
Mr. Ritson is equally pertinacious as to the Gothic
antiquities. “The Edda itself, if not a rank forgery, is,
at least, a comparatively modern book of the thirteenth
or fourteenth century, manifestly compiled long after
Christianity was introduced into the north. Saxo, a
very ancient writer (1204), knew nothing of any Odin,
but a magician, whom the stupidity of the inhabitants of
Upsal adored as a God.” (Diss. p. 30.) This scepticism
is disproved by the Saxon genealogy in Mark, of which
Odin is the stem;-and, also, by the authority of Bede,
(Hist. l. 1. c. 15.) where the same origin is asserted.
The compilation before us, apparently formed by a
Cambrian Briton, is best illustrated by the records of
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. xxxix
the principality. These have of late years been objects
of minute investigation to men, who from talents and
attainments are capable of estimating their value;—and
the names of PUGHE, TURNER, RobHRTs, and DAVIES, will
ever be remembered with respect. Nor can I perceive
how we are justified in withholding from the traditions
of our own country, the faith we repose on those of dis-
tant ages, which, like them, were orally delivered, and
on which so much of ancient history is founded. That
I do not always yield my assent to the extent assumed
by those gentlemen, is perhaps owing to my own incom-
petency. As occasion requires, I place in them that
temperate confidence to which they seem entitled. Of
the authors now cited, my best thanks belong to Mr.
Owen PUGHE ; for, independently of his publications,
his assistance, both by letter and conference, has never
been denied. The most respectful conduct towards an
absent friend is to avoid making him the subject of
panegyric ; yet, interested motives apart, I cannot
suppress the avowal, that I feel gratified in ranking
him with those I highly esteem.
If my opinion were demanded as to the merit of this
production, I should reply,–Ancient literary remains,
rescued from long oblivion, are often contemplated with
a degree of partiality, bordering on enthusiasm, indepen-
dent of their intrinsic excellence. But, in works like
the present, which display no expansion of mind, nor
any traces of genius, it might be more beneficial, as it
would be more equitable, calmly to estimate them by
the utility to which they are subservient.
As a literary composition, the “Historia Brittonum”
maintains a place between the meagre chronicle, and
xl MR. GUNN's PREFACE.
that superior effort of talent which claims the name of
history. Neither does the compiler deserve the appel-
lation of author; since any one, destitute of endow-
ments, but possessing common industry, might, from
existing authors, the registers of convents, and memo-
rials orally delivered, have gleaned these excerpta. The
value of it, then, consists in being the repository of cer-
tain occurrences, in our days not elsewhere recognized,
or of so early a date, and of traditions otherwise for-
gotten. In a dispassionate survey, therefore, let us not
underrate the labours of the obscure recluse, who,
though occupied in an humble department of literature,
was collecting materials, which, aided by learning, and
corrected by judgment, were destined in the course of
ages to illustrate and adorn the pages of our national
history. Thus considered, the estimate of this and simi-
lar manuscripts is allied to higher motives than curiosity,
or the passion for ancient lore ; since by them we are
induced to investigate the skill possessed by our fore-
fathers in those arts which meliorate and gladden life;
we learn to be grateful that we live in an age when, by
means of progressive improvements, we are not only
freed from innumerable privations as well as evils which
they endured, but are taught to form a just estimate of
our social and domestic happiness; and, as the circle of
our pursuits expands, by the efforts of united wisdom and
the gradual progress of experience, cheers us with anti-
cipations of higher degrees of intellectual advancement.
A man has no right to complain of the task he volun-
tarily imposes on himself, and which he may always
abandon ; but, on occasions like the present, the dis-
couragements he encounters in his progress are for-
MR. GUNN's PREFACE. xli
midable and incessant. These arise principally from
contradictory, sterile, and marvellous details, which, un- “.
chastised by criticism, indolence, or credulity, have been
transmitted from one chronicle to another; so that the
narrative which the antiquarian composes in the morn-
ing, like the web of Penelope, is commonly to be dis-
arranged in the evening. To be thus tantalized might,
indeed, be tolerable, could he ascertain that truth would
eventually reward his assiduity. Yet, under the hap-
piest guidance of ability, and with materials less defec-
tive, if care and industry have not been wanting, allow-
ances are not denied to instances of unsuccessful eluci-
dation.*
I mean not hence to soften the reader by depreca-
tion; an attempt which never rescued an author from
oblivion, nor protected him from insufficiency. But it
is allowable to assert, that no one, who, for the first
time, undertook the editing of a work like that now
offered to the public, could be aware of the irksomeness
of the engagement, nor who could more truly sympathize
with the wearied copiers of Greek manuscripts, who not
unfrequently thus hailed the termination of their la-
N QXIIEP EENOI XAPO'ſ XI IIATPIAA BAEIIEIN
bours:
O'YTOX KAI OI TPA pCTXI TEAOX BIBAIOT.
* “In magnâ sylvå boni venatoris est indagantem feras, quam-
plurimas capere, nec, cuiquam culpa fuit non omnes cepisse.”
(Columell. l. 5. c. 1.)
4.

NENNIUS’S
HISTORY OF THE BRITONS.
I. THE PROLOGUE.
§ 1. NENNIUs, the lowly minister and servant of the
servants of God, by the grace of God, disciple of St.
Albotus, to all the followers of truth sendeth health.
Be it known to your charity, that being dull in in-
tellect and rude of tongue, I have presumed to deliver
these things in the Latin tongue, not trusting to my
own learning, which is little or none at all, but partly
from traditions of our ancestors, partly from writings
and monuments of the ancient inhabitants of Britain,
partly from the annals of the Romans and the chronicles
of the sacred fathers, Isidore, Hieronymus, Prosper,
Eusebius, and from the histories of the Scots and
Saxons, although our enemies, not following my own
inclinations, but, to the best of my ability, obeying the
commands of my seniors; I have lispingly put together
this history from various sources, and have endeavoured,
from shame, to deliver down to posterity the few remain-
ing ears of corn about past transactions, that they might
not be trodden under foot, seeing that an ample crop has
R
f
2 NENNIUs's IIISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
been snatched away already by the hostile reapers of
foreign nations. For many things have been in my way,
and I, to this day, have hardly been able to understand,
even superficially, as was necessary, the sayings of other
men ; much less was I able in my own strength, but like
a barbarian, have I murdered and defiled the language
% of others. But I bore about with me an inward wound,
and I was indignant, that the name of my own people,
formerly famous and distinguished, should sink into
oblivion, and like smoke be dissipated. But since, how-
ever, I had rather myself be the historian of the Britons
than nobody, although so many are to be found who
might much more satisfactorily discharge the labour
thus imposed on me; I humbly entreat my readers,
whose ears I may offend by the inelegance of my words,
that they will fulfil the wish of my seniors, and grant me
the easy task of listening with candour to my history.
For zealous efforts very often fail: but bold enthusiasm,
were it in its power, would not suffer me to fail. May,
therefore, candour be shown where the inelegance of my
words is insufficient, and may the truth of this history,
which my rustic tongue has ventured, as a kind of
plough, to trace out in furrows, lose none of its in-
fluence from that cause, in the ears of my hearers. For
it is better to drink a wholesome draught of truth from a
humble vessel, than poison mixed with honey from a
golden goblet.
§ 2. And do not be loath, diligent reader, to winnow
my chaff, and lay up the wheat in the storehouse of your
memory: for truth regards not who is the speaker, nor
in what manner it is spoken, but that the thing be true;
and she does not despise the jewel which she has
NENNIUS's HISTORY OF THE BRITONS. 3
rescued from the mud, but she adds it to her former
treasures.
For I yield to those who are greater and more elo-
quent than myself, who, kindled with generous ardour,
have endeavoured by Roman eloquence to smooth the
jarring elements of their tongue, if they have left un-
shaken any pillar of history which I wished to see re-
main. This history therefore has been compiled from a
wish to benefit my inferiors, not from envy of those who
are superior to me, in the 858th year of our Lord's in-
carnation, and in the 24th year of Mervin, king of the
Britons, and I hope that the prayers of my betters will
be offered up for me in recompense of my labour. But
this is sufficient by way of preface. I shall obediently
accomplish the rest to the utmost of my power.
B 2
4. NENNIUs's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
II. THE APOLOGY OF NENNIUS.
§ 3. I, NENNIUS, disciple of St. Elbodus, have en-
deavoured to write some extracts which the dulness of
the British nation had cast away, because teachers had
no knowledge, nor gave any information in their books
about this island of Britain. But I have got together
all that I could find as well from the annals of the Ro-
mans as from the chronicles of the sacred fathers, Hie-
ronymus, Eusebius, Isidorus, Prosper, and from the an-
nals of the Scots and Saxons, and from our own ancient
traditions. Many teachers and scribes have attempted
to write this, but somehow or other have abandoned it
from its difficulty, either on account of frequent deaths,
or the often-recurring calamities of war. I pray that
every reader who shall read this book, may pardon me,
for having attempted, like a chattering jay, or like some
weak witness, to write these things, after they had
failed. I yield to him who knows more of these
things than I do.
NENNIUS's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
5
III. THE HISTORY.
§ 4, 5. FROM Adam to the flood, are two thousand chronology.
and forty-two years. From the flood to Abraham nine
hundred and forty-two. From Abraham to Moses, six
hundred (a). From Moses to Solomon, and the first build- (a)And forty,
according to
ing of the temple, four hundred and forty-eight. From Stevensºn's
Inew edition.
Solomon to the re-building of the temple, which was he rest ºf
this chrono-
under Darius, King of the Persians, six hundred and ºth
contracted in
twelve years are computed. From Darius to the minis- i.e. he
manuscripts,
try of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the fifteenth year ...,
of the Emperor Tiberius, are five hundred and forty-ºe-
eight years. So that from Adam to the ministry of *
Christ, and the fifteenth year of the Emperor Tiberius,
are five thousand two hundred and twenty-eight years.
From the Passion of Christ are completed nine hun-
dred and forty-six; from his Incarnation, nine hundred
and seventy-six; being the fifth year of Edmund, King
of the Angles.
§ 6. The first age of the world is from Adam to Ages of the
Noah; the second from Noah to Abraham; the third."
from Abraham to David; the fourth from David to
Daniel; the fifth to John the Baptist; the sixth from
John to the Judgment, when our Lord Jesus Christ
will come to judge the living and the dead, and the
world by fire.
The first Julius. The second Claudius. The third º:
Severus. The fourth Carinus. The fifth Constantius. ; Bri-
The sixth Maximus. The seventh Maximianus. The
eighth another Severus AEquantius. The ninth Con-
stantius.
Here beginneth the history of the Britons, edited by
Mark the Anchorite, a holy bishop of that people.
6 NENNIUs's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
Brutus.
Thirty-three
cities.
W. R. twen-
ty-eight,
twenty-one.
Three is-
lands.
(a) Inis-
gueith, or
Gueith.
§ 7. The island of Britain derives its name from
Brutus, a Roman consul. Taken from the south-west
point it inclines a little towards the west, and to its
northern extremity measures eight hundred miles, and
is in breadth two hundred. It contains thirty-three
cities, viz.

j. Cairebraue (York). 'XVIII Cair daun (Doncaster).
-ſi Cair ceint (Canterbury). xviiII Cair britoc (Bristol).
Tir Cair gurcoc. xx Cair meguaid (Meivod).
-IIII Cair guorthegern. ‘XXI Cair mauiguid.
‘V’ Cair gusteint (Carnarvon). XXII Cair ligion (Chester).
vi Cair guoramegon (Worcester). ºxxIII Cair guent(Caerwent near
Chepstow). • ------ ~
‘YXIIII Cair collon.
‘YXV Cair londein (London).
ºxxvi. Cair guorcon.
ºxxvii. Cair lerion (Leicester).
XXVIII Cairdraithoudraiton).
\! ºxxviiII. Cai lcoin (Il-
‘XIII Cair caratauc. chester). air pensavelcoin (
'XIIII Cair ceri (Cirencester). ºxxx. Cair teim.
‘XV Cair gloui (Gloucester). ºxxxi. Cair urmahc (Wroacester).
xvi. Cair luilid (Carlisle). ºxxxii. Cair celernion.
ºxvii. Cair graut (Granchester). 'XXXIII Cairloit coit.
‘VII Cair segeint (Silchester).
‘VIII Cair guin truis.
-IX Cair merdin.
ºx. Cair peris (Porchester).
'Xi Cair lion.
.xii. Cair mencipit (Verulam).
These are the names of the ancient cities of the
island of Britain. It has also a vast many promontories,
and castles innumerable, built of brick and stone. Its
inhabitants consist of four different people; the Scots,
the Picts, the Saxons, and the ancient Britons.
$ 8. Three considerable islands belong to it; one, on the
south, opposite the Armorican shore, called (a) Wight;
another between Ireland and Britain called Eubonia, or
Man; and another directly north, beyond the Picts,
named Orkney; and hence it was anciently a prover-
NENNIUs's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs. 7
bial expression, in reference to its kings and rulers,
“He reigned over Britain and its three islands.”
§ 9. It is fertilized by several rivers, which traverse Rivers.
it in all directions, to the east and west, to the south
and north ; but there are two pre-eminently distin-
guished among the rest, the Thames and the Severn,
which formerly, like the two arms of Britain, bore the
ships employed in the conveyance of the riches acquired
by commerce. The Britons were once very populous,
and exercised extensive dominion from Sea to sea.
§ 10. Respecting the period when this island became tº
inhabited subsequently to the flood, I have seen two dis-
tinct relations. According to the annals of the Roman
history, the Britons deduce their origin both from the The whole of
Greeks and Romans. On the side of the mother, from *...**
Lavinia, the daughter of Latinus, King of Italy, and of †
the race of Silvanus, the son of Inachus, the son of Dar-lºss.
danus; who was the son of Saturn, King of the Greeks,
and who having possessed himself of a part of Asia,
built the city of Troy. Dardanus was the father of
Troius, who was the father of Priam and Anchises;
Anchises was the father of Eneas, who was the father
of Ascanius and Silvius; and this Silvius was the son of
Eneas and Lavinia, the daughter of the king of Italy.
From the sons of Eneas and Lavinia descended Romu-
lus and Remus, who were the sons of the holy Queen
Rhea, and the founders of Rome. Brutus was consul
when he conquered Spain, and reduced that country to
a Roman province. He afterwards subdued the island
of Britain, whose inhabitants were the descendants of
the Romans, from Silvius Posthumus, thus named, be-
cause born after the death of his father Eneas. His
mother, Lavinia, having concealed herself during her
pregnancy, and he having been born in a wood, was
denominated Silvius; and hence the Roman kings are
called Sylvan; but the Britons are those who sprang
from the family of Brutus. Or Bruto.
§
8 NENNIUs's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
Eneas, after the Trojan war, arrived with his son in
Italy; and having vanquished Turnus, married Lavi-
nia, the daughter of king Latinus, who was the son of
Faunus, the son of Picus, the son of Saturn. After the
death of Latinus, Eneas obtained the kingdom of the
Romans, and Lavinia brought forth a son, who was
named Silvius. Ascanius founded Alba, and afterwards
married. His wife, Lavinia, became pregnant, and
Eneas being informed of it, ordered his son to send
his magician, to examine his wife whether the child con-
ceived were male or female. The magician came and
V.R., who examined the wife and pronounced it to be a son, who
should slay
his father should become the most valiant among the Italians, and
and mother
º the most beloved of all men. In consequence of this
kind. prediction, the magician was put to death by Ascanius;
but it happened that the mother of the child dying at
his birth, he was named Brutus; and after a certain in-
y. R, whilst terval, agreeably to what the magician had foretold, he
he was play- , . tº tº *
ºiler. displayed such superiority among his play-fellows, that
he shot his they seemed to consider him as their chief. He was,
father with
#: from envy, expelled from Italy, and came to the islands
ºy accº of the Tyrrhene sea, when he was exiled on account of
the death of Turnus, slain by Eneas. He then went
among the Gauls, and built the city of the Turones,
called Turnis. At length he came to this island, named
from him Britannia, dwelt there, and filled it with his
own descendants; and it has been inhabited from that
time to the present period.
º $ 11. Eneas reigned over the Latins three years; As-
.* canius thirty-three years; after whom Silvius reigned
twelve years, and Posthumus thirty-nine years: the
latter, from whom the kings of Alba are called Silvan,
was brother to Brutus, who governed Britain at the
time Eli the high priest judged Israel, and when the
ark of the covenant was taken by a foreign people. But
Posthumus his brother reigned among the Latins.
Picts, § 12. After an interval of not less than eight hun-
NENNIUs's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs. 9
dred years, came the Picts, and occupied the Orkney
Islands, whence they laid waste many regions, and seized
those on the left-hand side of Britain, where they still
remain, keeping possession of a third part of Britain to
this day.
§ 13. Long after this, the Scots arrived in Ireland sºid.
from Spain. The first that came was Partholomus, with v. R. Par.
a thousand men and women; these increased to four"
thousand; but a mortality coming suddenly upon them,
they all perished in one week. The second was Nimech,
the son of , who, according to report, after Ablank is
here in the
having been at sea a year and a half, and having his Ms. Agº;
men, or Agu-
ships shattered, arrived at a port in Ireland, and con-º.
tinuing there several years, returned at length with his ... "
followers to Spain. After these came three sons of a
Spanish soldier with thirty ships, each of which con-
tained thirty wives; and having remained there during
the space of a year, there appeared to them, in the
middle of the sea, a tower of glass, the summit of which
seemed covered with men, to whom they often spoke,
but received no answer. At length they determined to
besiege the tower; and after a year's preparation, ad-
vanced towards it, with the whole number of their ships,
and all the women, one ship only excepted, which had
been wrecked, and in which were thirty men, and as
many women; but when all had disembarked on the
shore which surrounded the tower, the sea opened and
swallowed them up. Ireland, however, was peopled, to
the present period, from the family remaining in the
vessel which was wrecked. Afterwards, others came
from Spain, and possessed themselves of various parts of
Britain.
§ 14. Last of all came one Hoctor, who continued W.Pum-
there, and whose descendants remain there to this day. º,
Istoreth, the son of Istorinus, with his followers, held hoctor.
Dalmeta; Builc had the island Eubonia, and other V. R. Dal-
adjacent places. The sons of Liethali obtained the º Lie-
than.
1() NENNIUs’s HISTORY OF THE BRITONS.
V. R. De-
mctae.
V. R. the
Sea-coast.
country of the Dimetae, and the provinces. Guoher and
Cetgueli, which they held till they were expelled from
every part of Britain, by Cuneda and his sons.
§ 15. According to the most learned among the Scots,
if any one desires to learn what I am now going to state,
Ireland was a desert, and uninhabited, when the children
of Israel crossed the Red Sea, in which, as we read in
the Book of the Law, the Egyptians who followed them
were drowned. At that period, there lived among this
people, with a numerous family, a Scythian of noble
birth, who had been banished from his country, and did
not go to pursue the people of God. The Egyptians
who were left, seeing the destruction of the great men
of their nation, and fearing lest he should possess himself
of their territory, took counsel together, and expelled
him. Thus reduced, he wandered forty-two years in
Africa, and arrived, with his family, at the altars of the
Philistines, by the Lake of Osiers. Then passing be-
tween Rusicada and the hilly country of Syria, they tra-
velled by the river Malva through Mauritania as far as
the Pillars of Hercules; and crossing the Tyrrhene Sea,
landed in Spain, where they continued many years, hav-
ing greatly increased and multiplied. Thence, a thou-
sand and two years after the Egyptians were lost in the
Red Sea, they passed into Ireland and the district of
Dalrieta. At that period, Brutus, who first exercised
the consular office, reigned over the Romans; and the
state, which before was governed by regal power, was
afterwards ruled, during four hundred and forty-seven
years, by consuls, tribunes of the people, and dictators.
The Britons came to Britain in the third age of the
world; and in the fourth, the Scots took possession of
Ireland.
The Britons who, suspecting no hostilities, were un-
provided with the means of defence, were unanimously
and incessantly attacked, both by the Scots from the
west, and by the Picts from the north. A long interval
NENNIUS's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs. 11
after this, the Romans obtained the empire of the
world.
§ 16. From the first arrival of the Saxons into Bri-Saxons.
tain, to the fourth year of King Mermenus, are com-
puted four hundred and twenty-eight years; from the
Nativity of our Lord to the coming of St. Patrick among
the Scots, four hundred and five years; from the death
of St. Patrick to that of St. Bridget, forty years; and
from the birth of Columcille to the death of St. Bridget, ...”
four years. Some MSS.
§ 17. I have learned another account of this Brutus;*
from the ancient books of our ancestors. After the tºº."
deluge, the three sons of Noah severally occupied three $º
different parts of the earth : Shem extended his borders ;
into Asia, Hem into Africa, and Japhet into Europe. arrival of St.
g tº Patrick in
The first man that dwelt in Europe was Alanus, with Ireland, and
© tº gº º e . . they make
his three sons, Hisicion, Armenon, and Neugio (a). Hisi- iºn,
e In CI IrOIn the
cion had four sons, Francus, Romanus, Alamanus, and tºº.s.
{lt, r1CK tº O
Brutus. Armenon had five sons, Gothus, Valagothus, ;
II]
Cibidus, Burgundus, and Longobardus. Neugio had ſº,
three sons, Vandalus, Saxo, and Boganus. From Hisi- ºuch
cion arose four nations—the Franks, the Latins, the Ger- §v, R. Ne.
mans, and Britons: from Armenon, the Gothi, Vala- gue.
gothi, Cibidi, Burgundi, and Longobardi; from Neugio,
the Bogari, Vandali, Saxones, and Tarincgi. The whole
of Europe was subdivided into these tribes.
Alanus is said to have been the son of Fethuir; Fe-
thuir, the son of Ogomuin, who was the son of Thoi : V. R. Fethe-
Thoi was the son of Boibus; Boibus of Semion; Se-"
mion of Mair; Mair of Ecthactus; Ecthactus of Aur-
thack; Aurthack of Ethec; Ethec of Ooth ; Ooth of This gene.
Aber; Aber of Ra; Ra of Esraa ; Esraa of Hisrau ; *...*.
Hisrau of Bath; Bath of Jobath; Jobath of Joham; ºss."
Joham of Jafet; Jafet of Noah ; Noah of Lamech;
Lamech of Mathusalem; Mathusalem of Enoch ; Enoch
of Jared ; Jared of Malalehel ; Malalehel of Cainan ;
Cainan of Enos; Enos of Seth ; Seth of Adam ; and
I 2 NENNIUs’s HISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
Some MISS.
add, I will
now return
to the point
from which
I made this
digression.
There is
here some
corruption
or defect in
the original.
Adam was formed by the living God. We have ob-
tained this information respecting the original inhabi-
tants of Britain from ancient tradition. *
§ 18. The Britons were thus called from Brutus:
Brutus was the son of Hisicion; Hisicion was the son
of Alanus; Alanus was the son of Rhea Silvia; Rhea
Silvia was the daughter of Numa Pompilius; Numa
was the son of Ascanius; Ascanius of Eneas; Eneas
of Anchises; Anchises of Troius; Troius of Dardanus;
Dardanus of Flisa; Flisa of Juuin; Juuin of Jafeth ;
but Jafeth had seven sons; from the first, named
Gomer, descended the Galli; from the second, Magog,
the Scythi and Gothi; from the third, Madian, the Medi;
from the fourth, Juuan, the Greeks; from the fifth, Tu-
bal, arose the Hebrei, Hispani, and Itali; from the sixth,
Mosoch, sprung the Cappadoces; and from the seventh,
named Tiras, descended the Traces: these are the sons
of Jafeth, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech.
§ 19. The Romans having obtained the dominion of
the world, sent legates or deputies to the Britons to
demand of them hostages and tribute, which they re-
ceived from all other countries and islands; but they,
fierce, disdainful, and haughty, treated the legation with
contempt.
Then Julius Caesar, the first who had acquired abso-
lute power at Rome, highly incensed against the Bri-
tons, sailed with sixty vessels to the mouth of the
Thames, where they suffered shipwreck whilst he fought
at Deal (the proconsul of the British king, who was
called Belinus, and who was the son of Minocannus who
governed all the islands of the Tyrrhene Sea), and thus
Julius Caesar returned home without victory, having had
his soldiers slain, and his ships shattered.
$ 20. But after three years he again appeared with a
large army, and three hundred ships, at the mouth of
the Thames, where he renewed hostilities. In this
attempt many of his soldiers and horses were killed; for
NENNIUS's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs. 13
the same consul had placed iron pikes (a) in the shallow ...”
part of the river, and this having been effected with so tººs.
much skill and secrecy as to escape the notice of the ºft
Roman soldiers, did them considerable injury; thus ****
Caesar was once more compelled to return without
peace or victory. The Romans were, therefore, a
third time sent against the Britons; and under the
command of Julius, defeated them near a place called
Trinovantum, forty-seven years before the birth of
Christ, and five thousand, two hundred and twelve years
from the Creation. W. R. fifteen.
Julius was the first exercising supreme power over
the Romans who invaded Britain : in honour of him the
Romans decreed the fifth month to be called after his
name. He was assassinated in the Curia, in the Ides of
March, and Octavius Augustus succeeded to the empire
of the world. He was the only emperor who received
tribute from the Britons, according to the following
verse of Virgil:
“Purpurea intexti tollunt aulaea Britanni.”
§ 21. The second after him, who came into Britain,
was the Emperor Claudius, who reigned forty-seven
years after the birth of Christ. He carried with him
war and devastation; and, though not without loss of
men, he at length conquered Britain. He next sailed
to the Orkneys, which he likewise conquered, and after-
wards rendered tributary. No tribute was in his time
received from the Britons; but it was paid to British
emperors. He reigned thirteen years and eight months.
His monument is to be seen at Moguntia (among the
Lombards), where he died in his way to Rome.
§ 22. After the birth of Christ, one hundred and
sixty-seven years, King Lucius, with all the chiefs of
the British people, received baptism, in consequence
of a legation sent by the Roman Emperors and Pope
Euaristus. Or Eucha-
ristus.
14 NENNIUs's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
§ 23. Severus was the third emperor who passed the
sea to Britain, where, to protect the provinces recovered
from barbaric incursions, he ordered a wall and a ram-
part to be made between the Britons, the Scots, and
the Picts, extending across the island from sea to sea, in
length one hundred and thirty-three miles: and it is
called in the British language, Guual. Moreover, he
ordered it to be made between the Britons, and the
Picts and Scots; for the Scots from the west, and the
Picts from the north, unanimously made war against the
Britons; but were at peace among themselves. Not
long after Severus dies in Britain.
This pººge $ 24. The fourth was the emperor and tyrant, Cari-
is certainly
tº tius, who, incensed at the murder of Severus, passed
ºn into Britain, and attended by the leaders of the Roman
lation. people, severely avenged upon the chiefs and rulers of
the Britons, the cause of Severus.
§ 25. The fifth was Constantius, the son of Constan-
tine the Great. He died in Britain; his sepulchre, as it
appears by the inscription on his tomb, is still seen near
the city named Cair segeint. Upon the pavement of
the above-mentioned city he sowed three seeds of gold,
silver, and brass, that no poor person might ever be
found in it. It is also called Minmanton.
§ 26. Maximus was the sixth emperor that ruled in
Britain. It was in his time that consuls began, and that
the appellation of Caesar was discontinued: at this
period also, St. Martin became celebrated for his vir-
tues and miracles, and held a conversation with him.
§ 27. The seventh emperor was Maximianus. He
withdrew from Britain with all its military force, slew
Gratianus, the king of the Romans, and obtained the
sovereignty of all Europe. Unwilling to send back his
warlike companions to their wives, children, and posses-
sions in Britain, he conferred upon them numerous dis-
tricts from the lake on the summit of Mons Jovis, to
the city called Cant Guic, and to the western Tumulus,
NENNIUs's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs. I 5
that is, to Cruc Occident. These are the Armoric Bri-
tons, and they remain there to the present day. In
consequence of their absence, Britain being overcome by
foreign nations, the lawful heirs were cast out, till God
interposed with his assistance. We are informed by the
tradition of our ancestors that seven emperors went into
Britain, though the Romans affirm there were nine.
The eighth was another Severus, who lived occasion-
ally in Britain, and sometimes at Rome, where he died.
The ninth was Constantius, who reigned sixteen years
in Britain, and, according to report, was treacherously
murdered in the seventeenth year of his reign. W. R. and
§ 28. Thus, agreeably to the account given by the ºn Bil.
Britons, the Romans governed them four hundred and
nine years.
After this, the Britons despised the authority of the
Romans, equally refusing to pay them tribute, or to
receive their kings; nor durst the Romans any longer
attempt the government of a country, the natives of
which massacred their deputies.
§ 29. We must now return to the tyrant Maximian.
Gratian, with his brother Valentinian, reigned seven v. R. Three.'
years. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, was then eminent
for his skill in the dogmata of the Catholics. Valenti-
nianus and Theodosius reigned eight years. At that
time a synod was held at Constantinople, attended by
three hundred and fifty of the fathers, and in which all v. R. 318.
heresies were condemned. Jerom, the Presbyter of
Bethlehem, was then universally celebrated. Whilst
Gratian exercised supreme dominion over the world,
Maximus, in a sedition of the soldiers, was saluted em-
peror in Britain, and soon after crossed the sea to Gaul.
At Paris, by the treachery of Merobaudes, his master of
the horse, Gratian was defeated, and flying to Lyons, was
taken and put to death; Maximus afterwards associated
his son Victor in the government.
Martin, distinguished for his great virtues, was at this
I 6 NENNIUs's IIISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
Some MSS.
add “at the
third mile-
stone from
Aquileia.”
Omitted in
some MSS.
V. R. and
honey.
V. R. Maxi-
Int UIS,
period Bishop of Tours. After a considerable space of
time, Maximus was divested of royal power by the con-
suls Valentinianus and Theodosius, and sentenced to be
beheaded: in the same year also his son Victor was
killed in Gaul by Argobustes, five thousand six hundred
and ninety years from the creation of the world.
§ 30. Thrice were the Roman deputies put to death
by the Britons, and yet these, when harassed by the
incursions of the barbarous nations, viz. of the Scots and
Picts, earnestly solicited the aid of the Romans. To
give effect to their entreaties, ambassadors were sent,
who made their entrance with impressions of deep
sorrow, having their heads covered with dust, and
carrying rich presents, to expiate the murder of the
deputies. They were favourably received by the con-
suls, and swore submission to the Roman yoke, with
whatever severity it might be imposed.
The Romans, therefore, came with a powerful army
to the assistance of the Britons; and having appointed
over them a ruler, and settled the government, returned
to Rome: and this took place alternately during the
space of three hundred and forty-eight years. The Bri-
tons, however, from the oppression of the empire, again
massacred the Roman deputies, and again petitioned for
succour. Once more the Romans undertook the govern-
ment of the Britons, and assisted them in repelling their
neighbours; and, after having exhausted the country of
its gold, silver, brass, honey, and costly vestments, and
having besides received rich gifts, they returned in great
triumph to Rome.
§ 31. After the above-said war between the Britons
and Romans, the assassination of their rulers, and the
victory of Maximianus, who slew Gratian, and the ter-
mination of the Roman power in Britain, they were in
alarm forty years.
Vortigern then reigned in Britain. In his time, the
natives had cause of dread, not only from the inroads of
NENNIUS's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs. ſº 17
the Scots and Picts, but also from the Romans, and
their apprehensions of Ambrosius.
In the mean time, three vessels, exiled from Germany,
arrived in Britain. They were commanded by Hors
and Henegest, brothers, and sons of Guictglis. Guict-
glis was the son of Guicta; Guicta of Guechta; Guechta
of Vuoden; Vuoden of Frealof; Frealof of Fredulf; Fre-
dulf of Finn; Finn of Folegauld; Folegauld of Geta,
who, as they say, was the son of a god, not of the omni- v. R. not the
potent God and our Lord Jesus Christ (who before the flºº.
beginning of the world, was with the Father and the *..."
Holy Spirit, co-eternal and of the same substance, and ſº .
who, in compassion to human nature, disdained not to §
assume the form of a servant), but the offspring of one
of their idols, and whom, blinded by some demon, they
worshipped according to the custom of the heathen.
Vortigern received them as friends, and delivered up to
them the island which is in their language called Tanet,
and, by the Britons, Roihin. Gratianus AEquantius at v. R. some
that time reigned in Rome. The Saxons were received is.
by Vortigern, four hundred and forty-seven years after
the passion of Christ, and, “according to the tradition of The rest of
our ancestors,” from the period of their first arrival in º:
Britain, to the first year of the reign of king Edmund, the MISS,
five hundred and forty-two years; and to that in which
we now write, which is the fifth of his reign, five hun-
dred and forty-seven years.
§ 32. At that time St. Germanus, distinguished for
his numerous virtues, came to preach in Britain: by his
ministry many were saved; but many likewise died un-
converted. Of the various miracles which God enabled
him to perform, I shall here mention only a few : I shall
first advert to that concerning an iniquitous and tyran-
nical king, named Belinus. The holy man, informed of
his WCKed conduct, hastened to visit him, for the pur-
pose of remonstrating with him. When the man of
God, with his attendants, arrived at the gate of the city,

C
18 NENNIUS's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
they were respectfully received by the keeper of it, who
came out and saluted them. Him they commissioned to
communicate their intention to the king, who returned a
harsh answer, declaring, with an oath, that although
they remained there a year, they should not enter the
city. While waiting for an answer, the evening came
on, and they knew not where to go. At length, came
one of the king's servants, who bowing himself before
the man of God, announced the words of the tyrant,
inviting them, at the same time, to his own house, to
which they went, and were kindly received. It happened,
however, that he had no cattle, except one cow and a
calf, the latter of which, urged by generous hospitality
to his guests, he killed, dressed, and set before them.
But holy St. Germanus ordered his companions not to
break a bone of the calf; and, the next morning, it was
found alive uninjured, and standing by its mother.
§ 33. Early the same day, they again went to the
gate of the city, to solicit audience of the wicked king;
and, whilst engaged in fervent prayer they were waiting
for admission, a man, covered with sweat, came out, and
prostrated himself before them. Then St. Germanus,
addressing him, said, “Dost thou believe in the Holy
Trinity ?” To which the man having replied, “I do be-
lieve,” he baptized, and kissed him, saying, “Go in peace;
within this hour thou shalt die: the angels of God are
waiting for thee in the air; with them thou shalt ascend
to that God in whom thou hast believed.” He, overjoyed,
entered the city, and being met by the prefect, was seized,
bound, and conducted before the tyrant, who having
passed sentence upon him, he was immediately put to
death ; for it was a law of this wicked king, that who-
ever was not at his labour before sun-rising should be
beheaded in the citadel. In the meantime, St. Germa-
nus, with his attendants, waited the whole day before
the gate, without obtaining admission to the tyrant.
§ 34. The man above-mentioned, however, remained
NENNIUs's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs. I9
with them. “Take care,” said St. Germanus to him,
“that none of your friends remain this night within these
walls.” Upon this he hastily entered the city, brought
out his nine sons, and with them retired to the house
where he had exercised such generous hospitality. Here
St. Germanus ordered them to continue, fasting; and
when the gates were shut, “Watch,” said he, “and
whatever shall happen in the citadel, turn not thither
your eyes; but pray without ceasing, and invoke the
protection of the true God.” And, behold, early in the
night, fire fell from heaven, and burnt the city, together
with all those who were with the tyrant, so that not one
escaped; and that citadel has never been rebuilt even to
this day.
§ 35. The following day, the hospitable man who had
been converted by the preaching of St. Germanus, was
baptized, with his sons, and all the inhabitants of that
part of the country; and St. Gerplanus blessed him, say-
ing, “a king shall not be wanting of thy seed for ever.”
The name of this person is Catel Drunluc: “from hence-
forward thou shalt be a king all the days of thy life.”
Thus was fulfilled the prophecy of the Psalmist—“He
raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the
needy out of the dunghill.” And agreeably to the pre-
diction of St. Germanus, from a servant he became a
king: all his sons were kings, and from their offspring
the whole country of Powys has been governed to this
day.
§ 36. After the Saxons had continued some time in v. R. had
the island of Tanet, Vortigern promised to supply them tº
with clothing and provision, on condition they would en-"
gage to fight against the enemies of his country. But
the barbarians having greatly increased in number, the
Britons became incapable of fulfilling their engagement;
and when the Saxons, according to the promise they had
received, claimed a supply of provisions and clothing, the
Britons replied, “Your number is increased; your assist-
C 2
20 NENNIUs’s HISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
ance is now unnecessary; you may, therefore, return
home, for we can no longer support you :” and hereupon
they began to devise means of breaking the peace be-
tween them.
§ 37. But Hengist, in whom united craft and pene-
tration, perceiving he had to act with an ignorant king,
and a fluctuating people, incapable of opposing much re-
sistance, replied to Vortigern, “We are, indeed, few in
number; but, if you will give us leave, we will send to
our country for an additional number of forces, with
whom we will fight for you and your subjects.” Vorti-
gern assenting to this proposal, messengers were dis-
patched to Scythia, where selecting a number of warlike
troops, they returned with sixteen vessels, bringing with
them the beautiful daughter of Hengist. And now the
Saxon chief prepared an entertainment, to which he in-
vited the king, his officers, and Ceretic, his interpreter,
having previously enjoined his daughter to serve them
so profusely with wine and ale, that they might soon be-
come intoxicated. This plan succeeded; and Vortigern,
at the instigation of the devil, and enamoured with the
beauty of the damsel, demanded her, through the
medium of his interpreter, of the father, promising
some Miss to give for her whatever he should ask. Then Hengist,
jº” who had already consulted with the elders who at-
.." tended him of the Oghgul race, demanded for his
daughter the province, called in English, Centland, in
British, Ceint. This cession was made without the
ºgo knowledge of the regulus, who then reigned in Kent,
nus is the
... and who experienced no inconsiderable share of grief,
Original, ge-
º: from seeing his kingdom thus clandestinely, fraudulently,
fºre and imprudently resigned to foreigners. Thus the maid
was delivered up to the king, who slept with her, and
loved her exceedingly.
§ 38. Hengist, after this, said to Vortigern, “I will
be to you both a father and an adviser; despise not my
counsels, and you shall have no reason to fear being
NENNIUs’s HISTORY OF THE BRITONS. 21
conquered by any man or any nation whatever; for the
people of my country are strong, warlike, and robust: if
you approve, I will send for my son and his brother, both
valiant men, who at my invitation will fight against the
Scots, and you can give them the countries in the north,
near the wall called Guaul.” The incautious sovereign
having assented to this, Octha and Ebissa arrived with
forty ships. In these they sailed round the country of
the Picts, laid waste the Orkneys, and took possession of
many regions, even to the Pictish confines. The Mss.
sº e e jº beyond
wº the Frenesic
But Hengist continued, by degrees, sending for ships º
from his own country; so that some islands whence they “”
came were left without inhabitants; and whilst his
people were increasing in power and number, they came
to the above-named province of Kent. W. R. city.
§ 39. In the meantime, Vortigern, as if desirous of
adding to the evils he had already occasioned, married
his own daughter, by whom he had a son. When this
was made known to St. Germanus, he came, with all the
British clergy, to reprove him ; and whilst a numerous
assembly of the ecclesiastics and laity were in consulta-
tion, the weak king ordered his daughter to appear be-
fore them, and in the presence of all to present her son
to St. Germanus, and declare that he was the father of
the child. The immodest woman obeyed; and St. Ger- V.R. m.
modest” is
manus taking the child, said, “I will be a father to you, sººn
my son ; nor will I dismiss you till a razor, scissors, and v. R. unless,
comb, are given to me, and it is allowed you to give
them to your carnal father.” The child obeyed St. Ger-
manus, and going to his father, Vortigern, said to him,
“Thou art my father, shave, and cut the hair of my
head.”
The king blushed, and was silent; and, without re-
plying to the child, arose in great anger, and fled from
the presence of St. Germanus, execrated and condemned
by the whole synod.
$ 40. But soon after calling together his twelve wise
22 NENNIUS's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
W. R. you
shall find a
fortified city
in which
you may de-
fend your-
self.
Supposed to
be Snowdon.
Supposed to
be Bassalig
in Mon-
mouthshire,
men, to consult what was to be done, they said to him,
“Retire to the remote boundaries of your kingdom;
there build and fortify a city to defend yourself, for the
people you have received are treacherous; they are
seeking to subdue you by stratagem, and, even during
your life, to seize upon all the countries subject to your
power, how much more will they attempt after your
death !” The king, pleased with this advice, departed
with his wise men, and travelled through many parts of
his territories, in search of a place convenient for the
purpose of building a citadel. Having, to no purpose,
travelled far and wide, they came at length to a pro-
vince called Guenet; and having surveyed the moun-
tains of Heremus, they discovered, on the summit of one
of them, a situation adapted to the construction of a
citadel. Upon this, the wise men said to the king,
“Build here a city; for, in this place, it will ever be
secure against the barbarians.” Then the king sent for
artificers, carpenters, stone-masons, and collected all
the materials requisite to building ; but the whole of
these disappeared in one night, so that nothing remained
of what had been provided for the constructing of the
citadel. Materials were, therefore, from all parts, pro-
cured a second and third time, and again vanished as
before, leaving and rendering every effort ineffectual.
Vortigern inquired of his wise men the cause of this
opposition to his undertaking, and of so much useless
expense of labour ! They replied, “You must find a
child born without a father, put him to death, and
sprinkle with his blood the ground on which the citadel
is to be built, or you will never accomplish your
purpose.”
§ 41. In consequence of this reply, the king sent mes-
sengers throughout Britain, in search of a child born
without a father. After having inquired in all the pro-
vinces, they came to the field of Ælecti, in the district
of Glevesing, where a party of boys were playing at ball.
NENNIUs’s HISTORY OF THE BRITONs. 23
And two of them quarrelling, one said to the other,
“O boy without a father, no good will ever happen to
you.” Upon this, the messengers diligently inquired of
the mother and the other boys, whether he had had a
father? Which his mother denied, saying, “ In what
manner he was conceived I know not, for I have never
had intercourse with any man;” and then she solemnly
affirmed that he had no mortal father. The boy was,
therefore, led away, and conducted before Vortigern the
king. -
§ 42. A meeting took place the next day, for the
purpose of putting him to death. Then the boy said to
the king, “Why have your servants brought me
hither ?” “That you may be put to death,” replied the
king; “and that the ground on which my citadel is to
stand may be sprinkled with your blood, without which
I shall be unable to build it.” “Who,” said the boy,
“ instructed you to do this?” “My wise men,” an-
swered the king. “Order them hither,” returned the
boy; this being complied with, he thus questioned
them : “By what means was it revealed to you that
this citadel could not be built, unless the spot were pre-
viously sprinkled with my blood? Speak without dis-
-ouise, and declare who discovered me to you:” then
turning to the king, “I will soon,” said he, “unfold to
you every thing ; but I desire to question your wise
men, and wish them to disclose to you what is hidden
under this pavement:” they acknowledging their igno-
rance, “there is,” said he, “a pool; come and dig :”
they did so, and found the pool. “Now,” continued he,
“tell me what is in it;” but they were ashamed, and
made no reply. “I,” said the boy, “can discover it to
you: there are two vases in the pool;” they examined,
and found it so : continuing his questions, “What is in
the vases?” they were silent: “there is a tent in
them,” said the boy; “separate them, and you shall
find it so :” this being done by the king's command,
24 NENNIUS's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
W. R. One of
them.
there was found in them a folded tent. The boy, going
on with his questions, asked the wise men what was in
it? But they not knowing what to reply, “There are,”
said he, “two serpents, one white and the other red;
unfold the tent :” they obeyed, and two sleeping ser-
pents were discovered: “consider attentively,” said the
boy, “what they are doing.” The serpents began to
struggle with each other; and the white one, raising
himself up, threw down the other into the middle of the
tent, and sometimes drove him to the edge of it ; and
this was repeated thrice. At length the red one, appa-
rently the weaker of the two, recovering his strength,
expelled the white one from the tent ; and the latter
being pursued through the pool by the red one, disap-
peared. Then the boy, asking the wise men what was
signified by this wonderful omen, and they expressing
their ignorance, he said to the king, “I will now unfold
to you the meaning of this mystery. The pool is the
emblem of this world, and the tent that of your king-
dom: the two serpents are two dragons; the red ser-
pent is your dragon, but the white serpent is the dragon
of the people who occupy several provinces and districts
of Britain, even almost from sea to sea: at length,
however, our people shall rise and drive away the Saxon
race from beyond the sea, whence they originally came ;
but do you depart from this place, where you are not
permitted to erect a citadel; I, to whom fate has
allotted this mansion, shall remain here ; whilst to you
it is incumbent to seek other provinces, where you may
build a fortress.” “What is your name?” asked the
king; “I am called Ambros (in British Embresguletic),”
returned the boy; and in answer to the king's question,
“What is your origin º’ he replied, “A Roman consul
...~------ a º
was my father.”
Then the king assigned him that city, with all the
western provinces of Britain ; and departing with his
wise men to the sinistral district, he arrived in the
NENNIUs’s HISTORY OF THE BRITONs. 25
region named Gueneri, where he built a city, which,
according to his name, was called Cair Guorthegirn.
§ 43. At length Guorthemer, the son of Vortimer,
valiantly fought against Hengist, Horsa, and his people;
drove them to the isle of Tanet, and thrice enclosed
them within it, and beset them on the western side.
The Saxons now dispatched deputies to Germany to
solicit large reinforcements, and an additional number
of ships: having obtained these, they fought against the
kings and princes of Britain, and sometimes extended
their boundaries by victory, and sometimes were con-
quered and driven back.
§ 44. Four times did Guorthemer valorously en-
counter the enemy; the first has been mentioned, the
second was upon the river Derwent, the third at the
Ford, in their language called Episford, though in ours v. R. Rit
Set thirgabail, there Horsus fell, and Catigirn, the son Herbagail.
of Vortigern ; the fourth battle he fought, was near the
stone on the shore of the Gallic Sea, where the Saxons v. R. ‘the
stone of Ti-
being defeated, fled to their ships. Hºrto
After a short interval Guorthemer died; before his lºna in
decease, anxious for the future prosperity of his country, v. R. fled
he charged his friends to inter his body at the entrance”
of the Saxon port, viz, upon the rock where the Saxons
first landed ; “for though,” said he, “they may inhabit
other parts of Britain, yet if you follow my commands,
they will never remain in this island.” They impru-
dently disobeyed this last injunction, and neglected to
bury him where he had appointed.
§ 45. After this, the barbarians became firmly incor- lº
porated, and were assisted by foreign pagans; for Vor- body.
tigern was their friend, on account of the daughter of v. R. of his
wife, and no
Hengist, whom he so much loved, that no one durst Sºie
gº e e e * manfully to
fight against him—in the mean time they soothed the im- º:
tº e ge tº O ©Call Se
prudent king, and whilst practising every appearance of they had c.
© º & & tº cupied Bri-
fondness, were plotting with his enemies. And let him tºº
* wº their own va-
that reads understand, that the Saxons were victorious, § but by
oq’s per-
mission.
26 NENNIUS's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
and ruled Britain, not from their superior prowess, but
on account of the great sins of the Britons: God so
permitting it.
For what wise man will resist the wholesome counsel
Yºhe, of God? The Almighty is the King of kings, and the
Lord does as
... Lord of lords, ruling and judging every one, according
:* to his own pleasure.
After the death of Vortimer, Hengist being strength-
ened by new accessions, collected his ships, and calling
his leaders together, consulted by what stratagem they
might overcome Vortigern and his army; with insidious
intention they sent messengers to the king, with offers
of peace and perpetual friendship ; unsuspicious of
treachery, the monarch, after advising with his elders,
accepted the proposals.
ºn $46. Hengist, under pretence of ratifying the treaty,
of this sec-
... prepared an entertainment, to which he invited the
§.” king, the nobles, and military officers, in number about
three hundred; speciously concealing his wicked in-
tention, he ordered three hundred Saxons to conceal
each a knife under his feet, and to mix with the Britons;
“ and when,” said he, “they are sufficiently inebriated,
&c. cry out “Nimader sexa, then let each draw his
knife, and kill his man; but spare the king, on account
of his marriage with my daughter, for it is better that
he should be ransomed than killed.”
The king, with his company, appeared at the feast;
and mixing with the Saxons, who, whilst they spoke
peace with their tongues, cherished treachery in their
hearts, each man was placed next his enemy.
After they had eaten and drunk, and were much
intoxicated, Hengist suddenly vociferated “Nimader
sexa ſ” and instantly his adherents drew their knives,
and rushing upon the Britons, each slew him that sat
next to him, and there were slain three hundred of the
nobles of Vortigern. The king being a captive, pur-
chased his redemption, by delivering up the three pro-
NENNIUs’s HISTORY OF THE BRITONs. 27
vinces of East, South, and Middle Sex, besides other
districts at the option of his betrayers.
§ 47. St. Germanus admonished Vortigern to turn to
the true God, and abstain from all unlawful intercourse
with his daughter; but the unhappy wretch fled for re-
fuge to the province Gurthegoirnaim, so called from his
own name, where he concealed himself with his wives:
but St. Germanus followed him with all the British
clergy, and upon a rock prayed for his sins during is

forty days and forty nights.
e blessed man was unanimously chosen commander v. R. This,
against the Saxons. And then, not by the clang of ; IS
trumpets, but by praying, singing hallelujah, and by the &
cries of the army to God, the enemies were routed, and
driven even to the sea.
Again Vortigern ignominiously flew from St. Ger-
manus to the kingdom of the Dimetae, where, on the
river Tivis, he built a castle, which he named Cair
Guothergiºn. The Saint, as usual, followed him there,
and with his clergy fasted and prayed to the Lord
three days, and as many mights. On the third night, at 7s
the third hour, fire fell suddenly from heaven, and
totally burnt the castle. Vortigern, the daughter of
Hengist, his other wives, and all the inhabitants, both
men and women, miserably perished: such was the end
of this unhappy king, as we find written in the life of
St. Germanus.
§ 48. Others assure us, that being hated by all the
people of Britain, for having received the Saxons, and
being publicly charged by St. Germanus and the clergy
in the sight of God, he betook himself to flight; and
that, deserted and a wanderer, he sought a place of
refuge, till broken-hearted, he made an ignominious end.
Some accounts state, that the earth opened and
swallowed him up, on the night his castle was burnt;
as no remains were discovered the following morning,
either of him, or of those who were burnt with him.
28 NENNIUs's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
He had three sons: the eldest was Vortimer, who, as
we have seen, fought four times against the Saxons, and
v. Romitted put them to flight; the second Cathegiºn, who was slain
*** in the same battle with Horsus; the third was Pascent,
who reigned in the two provinces Buelt and Guorthe-
girnaim, after the death of his father. These were
granted him by Ambrosius, who was the great king
among the kings of Britain. The fourth was Faustus,
born of an incestuous marriage with his daughter, who
was brought up and educated by St. Germanus. He
built a large monastery on the banks of the river Renis,
called after his name, and which remains to the present
v. R. The period.
MISS. add § 49. This is the genealogy of Vortigern, which goes
* and he had
... ..., back to Fernmail, who reigned in the kingdom of Guor-
ter, who was
th º e
is.” thegirnaim, and was the son of Teudor; Teudor was the
F t .” º e
º: º, son of Pascent ; Pascent of Guoid.cant ; Guoidcant of
p. Moriud; Moriud of Eltat; Eltat of Eldoc.; Eldoc of
.* Paul; Paul of Meuprit: Meuprit of Braciat; Braciat of
Pascent; Pascent of Guorthegirn; Guorthegirn of Guor-
theneu; Guortheneu of Guitaul; Guitaul of Guitolion;
Guitolion of Gloiuda; Gloiuda of Paulmeríon, who built
Gloiuda, a great city upon the banks of the river
Severn, and in British is called Cair Gloui, in Saxon,
Gloucester. Enough has been said of Vortigern.
§ 50. St. Germanus, after his death, returned into his
own country.
*...*. At that time, the Saxons greatly increased in Britain,
wºmen,' both in strength and numbers. And Octha, after the
in other
MSS. is death of his father Hengist, came from the sinistral part
placed after
*śr of the island to the kingdom of Kent, and from him
have proceeded all the kings of that province, to the
present period.
Then it was, that the magnanimous Arthur, with all
the kings and military force of Britain, fought against
the Saxons. And though there were many more noble
than himself, yet he was twelve times chosen their com-
NENNIUs's HISTORY OF THE BRITONs. 29
mander, and was as often conqueror. The first battle
in which he was engaged, was the mouth of the river
Glein. The second, third, fourth, and fifth, were on
another river, by the Britons called Duglas, in the
region Linnuis. The sixth, on the river Lussas. The
Seventh in the wood Celidon, which the Britons call
Cacoit Celidon. The eighth was near Guinnion castle,
where Arthur bore the image of the Holy Virgin,
mother of God, upon his shoulders, and through the
power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the holy Mary,
put the Saxons to flight, and pursued them the whole
day with great slaughter. The ninth was at the city of
Leogis, which is called Cair Lion. The tenth was on
the banks of the river Trat Treuroit. The eleventh
was on the mountain Breguoin, which we call Cat Bre-
gion. The twelfth was a most severe contest, when
Arthur penetrated to the hill of Badon. In this en-
gagement, nine hundred and forty fell by his hand
alone, no one but the Lord affording him assistance.
In all these engagements the Britons were successful.
For no strength can avail against the will of the
Almighty.
The more the Saxons were vanquished, the more they
sought for new supplies of Saxons from Germany; so
that kings, commanders, and military bands were in-
vited over from almost every province. And this prac-
tice they continued till the reign of Ida, who was the
son of Eobba, he, of the Saxon race, was the first king
in Bernech, and in Cair Affrauc. * : * *- - - --
When Gratian AEquantius was consul in Rome, be-
cause then the whole world was governed by the Roman
consuls, the Saxons were received by Vortigern in the
year of our Lord four hundred and forty-seven, and to
the year in which we now write, five hundred and forty-
seven. And whosoever shall read herein may receive
instruction, the Lord Jesus Christ affording assistance,
30 NENNIUS's HISTORY OF THE BRITONS.
who, co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Ghost,
lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
In those days Saint Patrick was a captive among the
Scots. His master's name was Milchu, to whom he
was a swineherd for seven years. When he had attained
the age of seventeen, he gave him his liberty. By the
divine impulse, he applied himself to reading of the
Scriptures, and afterwards went to Rome, where, re-
plenished with the Holy Spirit, he continued a great
while, studying the sacred mysteries of those writings.
During his continuance there, Palladius, the first
bishop, was sent by Pope Celestinus to convert the
Scots. But tempests and signs from God prevented
his landing, for no one can arrive in any country, ex-
cept it be allowed from above; altering therefore his
course from Ireland, he came to Britain and died in the
land of the Picts.
§ 51. The death of Palladius being known, the Ro-
man patricians, Theodosius and Valentinianus then
reigning, Pope Celestimus sent Patrick to convert the
Scots to the faith of the Holy Trinity; Victor, the
angel of God, accompanying, admonishing, and assisting
him, and also the Bishop Germanus.
Germanus then sent the ancient Segerus with him as
a venerable and praiseworthy bishop, to King Matheus,
who lived near, and who had prescience of what was to
happen; he was consecrated bishop in the reign of that
king by the holy pontiff, assuming the name of Patrick,
having hitherto been known by that of Mauun ; Auxilius,
Iserninus, and other brothers were ordained with him to
inferior degrees.
§ 52. Having distributed benedictions, and perfected
all in the name of the Holy Trinity, he embarked on the
Sea which is between the Gauls and the Britons; and
after a quick passage arrived in Britain, where he
preached for some time. Every necessary preparation
NENNIUs's HISTORY OF THE BRITONS. 31
being made, and the angel giving him warning, he came
to the Irish Sea. And having filled the ship with
foreign gifts and spiritual treasures, by the permission
of God he arrived in Ireland, where he baptized and
preached.
§ 53. From the beginning of the world, to the fifth
year of King Logiore, when the Irish were baptized,
and faith in the unity of the individual Trinity was pub-
lished to them, are five thousand three hundred and
thirty years.
§ 54. Saint Patrick taught the gospel in foreign na-
tions for the space of forty years. Endued with apos-
tolical powers, he gave sight to the blind, cleansed the
lepers, gave hearing to the deaf, cast out devils, raised
nine from the dead, redeemed many captives of both
sexes at his own charge, and set them free in the name
of the Holy Trinity. He taught the servants of God,
and he wrote three hundred and sixty-five canonical
and other books relating to the Catholic Faith. He
founded as many churches, and consecrated the same
number of bishops, strengthening them with the Holy
Ghost. He ordained three thousand Presbyters; and
converted and baptized twelve thousand persons in the
province of Connaught. And, in one day baptized seven v. R. omit.
kings, who were the seven sons of Amolgith. He con-º."
tinued fasting forty days and nights, on the summit of the
mountain Eli, that is Cruachangeli; and preferred three
petitions to God for the Irish, that had embraced the
faith. The Scots say, the first was, that he would receive
every repenting sinner, even at the latest extremity of
life; the second, that they should never be exterminated
by barbarians; and the third, that as Ireland will be over- v. R. that
no Irishman
flowed with water, seven years before the coming of our .
on the day of
Lord to judge the quick and the dead, the crimes of the ...
because they
people might be washed away through his intercession, i.a.
stroyed seven
and their souls purified at the last day. He gave the j
in honour of
people his benediction from the upper part of the moun-sºº.
32 NENNIUs’s HISTORY OF THE BRITONs.
Here ends
Mr. Gunn’s
MS.
Added by a
transcriber.
Genealogy of
the kings of
Bernicia.
This genea-
logy is very
obscure.
tain, and going up higher, that he might pray for them,
and that if it pleased God, he might see the effects of his
labours, there appeared to him an innumerable flock of
birds of many colours, signifying the number of holy per-
sons of both sexes of the Irish nation, who should come
to him as their apostle at the day of judgment, to be pre-
sented before the tribunal of Christ. After a life spent
in the active exertion of good to mankind, St. Patrick,
in a healthy old age, passed from this world to the Lord,
and changing this life for a better, with the saints and
elect of God he rejoices for evermore.
§ 55. Saint Patrick resembled Moses in four parti-
culars. The angel spoke to him in the burning bush.
He fasted forty days and forty nights upon the moun-
tain. He attained the period of one hundred and twenty
years. No one knows his sepulchre, nor where he was
buried; sixten years he was in captivity. In his twenty-
fifth year, he was consecrated bishop by King Matheus,
and he was eighty-five years the apostle of the Irish.
It might be profitable to treat more at large of the life
of this saint, but it is now time to conclude this epitome
of his labours.
[Here endeth the life of the holy bishop, Saint
Patrick.]
(After this, the MSS. give as $56, the legend of King
Arthur, which in this edition occurs in § 50.)
§ 57. Woden begat Beldeg, who begat Beornec, who
begat Gechbrond, who begat Alnson, who begat Inguec,
who begat Ædibrith, who begat Ossa, who begat Eobba,
who begat Ida. But Ida had twelve sons, Adda, AEdl-
drie, Decdric, Edric, Deothere, Osmer, and one queen,
Bearnoch, Ealric, Ealdric, he begat AClfret: the same
is AEdlfred Flesaur. For he also had seven sons, An-
frid, Osgåald, Osbiu, Osguid, Osgudu, Oslapf, Offa.
Osguid begat Alcfrid, AEiſguin and Æchfird. Echgfrid
is he who made war against his cousin Birdei, king of
the Picts, and he fell therein with all the strength of
NENNIUs's HISTORY OF THE BRITONS. 33
his army, and the Picts with their king gained the
victory: and the Saxons never again reduced the Picts
so as to exact tribute from them. Since the time of
this war it is called Gueithlin Garan,
But Osguid had two wives, Riemmelth, the daughter
of Royth, son of Rum; and Eanfled, the daughter of
Eadguin, son of Alli.
W. R. Gueith
linii,
THE GENEALOGY OF THE KINGS OF KENT,
§ 58. Hengist begat Octha, who begat Ossa, who These title:
begat Eormoric, who begat Ealdbert, who begat Eald- ...
nal work, but
bald, who begat Ercumbert, who begat Ecgberth. §§§ r
later hand.
THE ORIGIN OF THE KINGS OF EAST-ANGLIA.
§ 59. Woden begat Casser, who begat Titinon,
who begat Trigil, who begat Rodmunt, who begat
Rippa, who begat Guillem Guecha, who was the first
king of the East Angles. Guecha begat Guffa, who
begat Tydil, who begat Eeni, who begat Edric, who
begat Aldul, who begat Elric.
THE GENEALOGY OF THE MERCIANS,
§ 60. Woden begat Guedolgeat, who begat Gueagon,
who begat Guithleg, who begat Guerdmund, who begat
Offa, who begat Ongen, who begat Eamer, who begat
Pubba. This Pubba had twelve sons, of whom two are
better known to me than the others, that is Penda and
Eua. Eadlit is the son of Pantha, Penda, son of Pubba,
Ealdbald, son of Alguing, son of Eua, son of Penda, son
of Pubba. Ecgfrid, son of Offa, son of Duminfert, son
of Eandulf, son of Ossulf, son of Eua, son of Pubba.
THE KINGS OF THE DEIR.I.
§ 61. Woden begat Beldeyg, Brond begat Siggar,
who begat Sebald, who begat Zegulf, who begat Soemil,
i)
34 NENNIUs's IIISTORY OF THIE BRITONS.
V.
R. In
Eicen. See
Be
H.
de’s Eccl.
II. 20.
who first separated Deur from Birneich (Deira from
Bernicia). Soemil begat Sguerthing, who begat Giul-
glis, who begat Usfrea, who begat Iffi, who begat Ulli,
AEdguin, Osfrid and Eadfird. There were two sons of
Edguiin, who fell with him in battle at Meicen, and the
kingdom was never renewed in his family, because not
one of his race escaped from that war; but all were
slain with him by the army of Catguollaunus, king of the
Guendota. Osguid begat Ecgfrid, the same is Ailguin,
who begat Oslach, who begat Alhun, who begat Adl-
sing, who begat Echun, who begat Oslaph. Ida begat
Eadric, who begat Ecgulf, who begat Liodguald, who
begat Æta, the same is Glimmaur, who begat Eadbyrth
and Ecgbirth, who was the first bishop of their nation.
Ida, the son of Eobba, possessed countries on the
left-hand side of Britain, i.e. of the Humbrian sea, and
reigned twelve years, and anointed Dinguayrdi Guurth-
bermeich.
§ 62. Then Dutigirn at that time fought bravely
against the nation of the Angles. At that time, Tal-
haern Cataguen was famed for poetry, and Neirin, and
Taliessin and Bluchbard, and Cian, who is called Gue-
mith Guaut, were all famous at the same time in British
poetry.
The great king, Mailcun, reigned among the Britons,
i.e. in the distriët-of-Güénedota, because his great-great-
..º-º-ºx & T -> * ~ *4.
* * ~ *-ºs-->
grandfather, Cunedag, with his twelve sons, had come
before from the left-hand part, i. e. from the country
which is called Manau Gustodin, one hundred and forty-
six years before Mailcun reigned, and expelled the
Scots with much slaughter from those countries, and
they never returned again to inhabit them.
§ 63. Adda, son of Ida, reigned eight years; /Edlric,
son of Adda, reigned four years. Deoric, son of Ida,
reigned seven years. Friodolguald reigned six years.
In whose time the kingdom of Kent, by the mission of
Gregory, received baptism. Hussa reigned seven years.
NENNIUs’s HISTORY OF THE BRITONs. 35
Against him fought four kings, Urbgen, and Riderch-
hen, and Guallanc, and Morcant. Deodric fought
bravely, together with his sons, against that Urbgen. But
at that time sometimes the enemy and sometimes our
countrymen were defeated, and he shut them up three
days and three nights in the island of Metcaud; and
whilst he was on an expedition he was murdered, at the
instance of Moreant, out of envy, because he possessed
so much superiority over all the kings in military
science. Eadfered Flesaurs reigned twelve years in
Bernicia, and twelve others in Deira, and gave to his
wife Bebbab the town of Dinguoaroy, which from her is
called Bebbanburg. ---
Eoguin, Son of Alli, reigned seventeen years, seized
on Elmet, and expelled Certic, its king. Eanfled, his
daughter, received baptism, on the twelfth day after
Pentecost, with all her followers, both men and women.
The following Easter Eadguin himself received baptism,
and twelve thousand of his subjects with him. If any
one wishes to know who baptized them, it was Rum
Map Urbgen: he was engaged forty days in baptizing
all classes of the Saxons, and by his preaching many
believed on Christ.
§ 64. Oswald, son of Eadfred, reigned nine years;
the same is Oswald Lamnguin; he slew Catgublaun,
king of Guenedot, in the battle of Catscaul, with much
loss to his own army. Osguid, son of Eadlfrid, reigned
twenty-eight years and six months. During his reign,
there was a dreadful mortality among his subjects, when
Catgualart was king among the Britons, succeeding his
father, and he himself died amongst the rest. He slew
Pantha in the field of Gai, and now took place the
slaughter of Gai Campi, and the kings of the Britons, v. R. Giti
who went out with Pantha on the expedition as far as " -
the city of Judeu, were slain. V. R. Nidou,
§ 65. Then Osguid restored all the wealth, which was
with him in the city, to Penda ; who distributed it
D 2
36 NENNIUs's IIISTORY of THE BRITONS.
among the kings of the Britons, that is, Atbret Judeu.
But Catgabail alone, king of Guenedot, rising up in the
night, escaped, together with his army, wherefore he
was called Catgabail Catguommed. Ecgfrid, son of
Osbiu, reigned nine years. In his time the holy bishop
Cuthbert died in the island of Medeaut. It was he who
made war against the Picts, and was by them slain.
Pend, son of Pybba, reigned ten years; he first sepa-
rated the kingdom of Mercia from that of the North-men,
and slew by treachery Onna, king of the East Anglians,
and St. Oswald, king of the North-men. He fought the
battle of Cochoy, in which fell Eoua, son of Pippa, his
brother, king of the Mercians, and Oswald, king of the
North-men, and he gained the victory by diabolical
agency. He was not baptized, and never believed in
God.
§ 66. From the beginning of the world to Constanti-
nus and Rufus, are found to be five thousand six hundred
and fifty-eight years.
Also from the two consuls, Rufus and Rubelius, to the
Consul Stilicho, are three hundred and seventy-three
years.
Also from Stilicho to Valentinian, son of Placida, and
the reign of Vortigern, are twenty-eight years.
And from the reign of Vortigern to the quarrel be-
tween Guitolinus and Ambrosius, are twelve years, which
is Guoloppum, that is Catguoloph. Vortigern reigned
in Britain when Theodosius and Valentinian were con-
suls, and in the fourth year of his reign the Saxons
came to Britain, in the consulship of Felix and Taurus,
in the four hundredth year from the incarnation of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
From the year in which the Saxons came into Bri-
tain, and were received by Vortigern, to the time of
Decius and Valerian, are sixty-nine years.
A P P E N D I X.
I. THE COMMEN CEMENT OF MIR. GUNN°S MS. IN THE
ORIGINAL LATIN, SHOWING ITS VARIATIONS FROM
THE COMMON READING, ANI) ALSO THE MODE OF
SPELLING, PUNCTUATION, &c.
ABADAM. usq: addiluvium: anni -fi.xLII; Adiluvio usq:
adhabraham:' anni * DCCCCXLII. Abhabraham: usq:
admoysen:' anni DC: Amoyse usque adsalomonem et pri-
mam aedificationem templi:' anni -CCCC°LXXXVIII;
A solomone usq : transmigrationem templi:' quae sub Éa.
dario rege persarum facta est anni * DXII: computan- cationem.
tur: Porro adario usq: adpredicationem domini nostri
iesu christi:' et usque ad XV° annum imperii imperato-
ris tiberii explentur anni * DXLVIII; Ita simul fiunt;
ab adam usque adpredicationem christi:' et XV° annum
imperii imperatoris tiberii W.CC.xxvIII; a passione
christi peracti sunt anni:' DCCCC°XLVI; Abincarna-
tione autem eius sunt anni DCCCC.LXXVI. et v
annus eadmundi regis anglorum: Prima igitur ætas
mundi abadam usque ad moe ; Secunda, anoe usq: adha-
braham. Tertia, ab abraham :' usque addavid ; quarta,
adavid:' usque addanihelem; Quinta ætas:' usq: adiohan-
nem baptistam. Sexta aiohmne usq: adiuditium inquo
dominus noster iesus christus veniet iudicare vivos ac
mortuos et seculum per ignem ;
Primus iulius* Secumdus claudius* Tertius Severus.
38 6Y
APPENDIX.
Quartus Carinus: Quintus Constantius* Sextus maxi-
mus ; Septimus maximianus: Octavus alius severus
aequantius. Nonus Constantius, INCIPIT ISTORIA
BRITTONUM EDITA ABANACHORETA MAR-
CO EIUSDEM GENTIS SCTO EPO- BRIT-
TANNIA INSULA ; a quodam bruto consule romano
dicta est ; haec consurgit ab africo boreali ad occiden-
tem versi: "DCCC, in longitudine milium:' Cô in lati.
tudine spatium habet: et in ea sunt XXXIII: Civi-
tates i. Cai; ebraue Ii- Cair ceint IiI. Cair gurcoe
-IfII. Cair guor thegern -v. Cair gusteint -vI. Cair
guoranegon -ViI. Cair segeint .viiI. Cair guin truis
-IX. Cair merdin x. Cair peris <xI. Cair liom xìI.
Cair mencipit :xiII. Cair earataue xiIII. Cair ceri
-xv- Cair gloui XVI. Cair luilid xVII. Cair graut
XVIII. Cair daun XVÍIII Cair britoe xx. Cair
meguaid -xxI. Cair mauiguid <XXII. Cair ligion
-xxIII. Cair guent •XXIIII. Cair collon .XXV. Cair
londein -xxVI. Cair guorcon -xxVII. Cair lerion
~XXVIII. Cair drait hou XXVIIII. Cair pensauel-
coin xxx. Cair teim xxxI. Cair urnahe xxxII.
Cair celemion * XXXIII* Cair loit, coit.
Haec sunt nomina antiquarum civitatum brittanniæ
insulæ: et innumerabilia promontoria. Cum innumera-
bilibus castellis ex latere et lapidibus fabricatis ; et in ea
habitant IIIi. gentes. Seotti. Picti. Saxones. et antiqui
brittones; Tres magnas insulas habet ; quarum una aus-
tralis vergit contra armoricas. et vocatur insula guerth.
Secunda sita est in umbilico maris inter hiberniam
et bryttaniam ; et nominatur eubonia vel manau. Tertia
est in extremo boreali limite orbis bryttaniæ ultra
pictos et vocatur orch ; Sie in proverbio dicitur antiquo
quando de judicibus et regibus sermo fit ; iudicavit bryt-
APPENIDIX. 39
tanniam:' cum tribus insulis ; Sunt in ea flumina multa:'
quae confluunt ad omnes partes eius. idest ad Orientem
et occidentem :' ad meridiem et septentrionem ; sunt
tamen duo flumina praeclariora ceteris fluminibus:'
tamensis et sabrina ; quasi duo brachia bryttanniæ:'
per quae olim rates vehebantur ad deportandas divi-
tias:' pro causa negotiationis; Bryttones autem olim
impleverunt eam :' et a mari usque ad mare judicave-
runt ; Siquis scire voluerit quo tempore post diluvium
habitata est haec insula: hoc experimentum bifarie in-
veni ; In annalibus autem romanorum scriptum est ;
De romanis vero et græcis trahunt ethimologiam :' id
est de matre Lavina filia latini regis Italiæ: et progenie
silvani filii inahi filii dardani ; Idem dardanus filius sa-
turni regis grecorum perrexit ad partem asiæ :' et ille
aedificavit urbem troie ; Dardanus pater troi:' troius
pater priami. et anchisæ :' Anchises pater eneae. Eneas
pater ascani et silvii:' silvius filius æneae et Lavinæ
filiæ regis italiæ. Et de stirpe filii eneae et Laviniæ
orti sunt Remus et romulus. duo filii reginæ sanctimo-
nialis reae :' id est iliae . scilicet remus et romus:' qui
fecerunt romam. Brutus consul fuit in roma imperii
romani quando expugnavit hispaniam . ac detraxit eam
in servitutem rome et postea tenuit bryttanniam insu-
lam:' quam habitabant bryttones romanorum filii:' olim
silvio posthumo orti ; Ideo dicitur posthumus:' quia
post mortem æneae patris eius natus est . et fuit mater
eius lavina super clandestima . quando pregnans erat ;
Ideo silvius dictus est :' quia in silva natus est ; ideo
silvatici dicti sunt romani reges:' et bryttones qui de eo
nati sunt ; sed a bruto bryttones:' et de bruti stirpe
surrexerunt ;
AEneas igitur post troianum bellum cum ascano filio
suo venit ad italiam . et superato turno Labinam filiam
latini regis italiæ in coniugium :' filii fauni:' filii pici :'
filii saturni :' et post mortem latini :' æneas regnum ob-
timuit Romanorum ; Ascanius autem albam condidit :
40 APPENIDIX.
l)eest, αcc0-
pmt, aut quid
simile.
et postea uxorem duxit: Et peperit labina aeneae
filium: nomine silvium ; Ascanius autem duxit uxorem
quae concipiens gravida facta est ; Et nuntiatum est
æneae quod nurus sua gravida erat pregnans:' et misit
ad ascanium filium suum. Ut mitteret magum suum ad
considerandum uxorem suam :' ut exploraret quid habe-
ret in utero masculum vel feminam ; Et venit magus:'
consideravit uxorem :' et dixit aseanio æneae filio quod
masculum haberet in utero mulier ; Et filius esset
omnium Hjtalorum fortissimus amabilis omnibus homi-
nibus ; Propter hanc vaticinationem occisus est magus
ab ascanio; sic evenit:' in nativitate illius mulier (vel
mater) mortua est:' et nutritus est filius. vocatumque
est nomen eius bruto (vel britto) ; Post multum vero
intervallum iuxta vaticinationem magi dum ipse luderet
cum pueris :' omnes superabat. ut omnium dominus vide-
retur, Idcirco autem invidia expulsus est ab italia, et
armilis fuit ; Et pervenit ad insulas maris terreni:' et
expulsus est inde causa occisionis turni. quem æneas
occidit ; Et pervenit usque ad gallos : et ibi condidit
civitatem torronorum :' quæ vocatur turnis ; Et postea
ad istam pervenit insulam :' quæ a nomine suo nomen
accepit. id est brittannia :' et implevit eam cum suo
genere et habitavit, in ea ; Ab illo autem tempore
habitata est bryttania usque in hodiernum diem ;
Aeneas autem regnavit tribus annis apud latinos :' as-
canius regnavit annis .xxx. Iif; Post quem silvius
regnavit ammis * XII* posthumus amnis : XXX° VIIII:
A quo albanorum reges silvii apellati sunt ; Cuius fra-
ter erat bruto ; Quando vero regnabat bruto in bryttan-
nia:' heli sacerdos iudicabat in israhel ; Et tunc archa
testamenti ab alienigenis possidebatur ; Posthumus (vel
silvius) autem frater eius :' apud latinos regnabat.
ATPPENDIX. 41
II. HANES TALIESIN, OR THE HISTORY OF TALIESIN.
THE primary domestic bard
Am I to Elphin,
And my original country
Is the region of Cherubims.
Joannes the divine
Called me Merddin,
At length every king
Will call me Taliesin.
I was full nine months
In the womb of mother Cyridwen ; Venus.
I was little Gwion heretofore,
Taliesin am I now.
I was with my Lord
In the superior state,
When Lucifer did fall
To the infernal deep.
I have borne a banner
Before Alexander:
I know the names of the stars
From the north to Auster.
I have been in the circle of Gwdion
Tetragrammaton ; The Galaxy.
I conducted Hean *
To the depth of Ebron vale,
I was in Canaan
When Absalom was slain,
I was in the Court of Don 9 ºn,
Before Gwdion was born, opoeia,
I was an attendant
42
APPENIDIX.
The Nor-
thern Crown.
Denmark.
Tower of
London.
On Eli and Enoc ;
I was on the cross-devoting sentence
Of the son of the merciful God.
I have been chief keeper
Of the work of Nimrod's tower;
I have been three revolutions
In the circle of Arianrod.
I was in the Ark
With Noah and Alpha;
I beheld the destruction
Of Sodoma and Gomorra ;
I was in Africa
Before Rome was built ;
I am come here
To the remnants of Troia.
I was with my Lord
In the manger of the she ass;
I strengthened Moses
Through the Jordan water.
I have been in the firmament
With Mary Magdalen;
I have been gifted with genius
From the Cauldron of Cyridwen.
I have been bard of the harp
To Teon of Lochlyn;
I have endured hunger
For the son of the Virgin.
I have been in White Hill
In the court of Cynvelyn,
In stocks and fetters,
For a year and a day.
I have had my abode
In the kingdom of the Trinity;
It is not known what is my body,
Whether flesh or fish.
I have been an instructor
To the whole universe;
APPENDIX. 43
I shall remain till the day of doom
On the face of the earth.
I have been in an agitated seat
Above the circle of Sidin, Perhaps Caer
g g Sidin, or the
And that continues revolving Zodiac.
Between three elements:
Is it not a wonder to the world,
That it reflects not a splendor?
[From Meyrick's History of Cardigan-
shire, p. 65. 2 vols. London, 1806.
wi LLIAM STEVENS, PRINTER, BBLL YARD, TEMPLE BAR.
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