The Dawn in Britain :: :: University of Virginia Library

At day, sent an apparitor, the consuls,
Indict; from City of Rome, Caratacus,
Legate, son to Cunobelin, Lord of Britain;
Depart, within days three; and, without tarrying,
From Italy pass; for he hath slain a Roman!

Night fallen, went Caradoc forth, the Prince of Britain,
From Roma's Viminal gate, with lords of Verulam:
Where, as, betwixt them both, accorded was;
Him Dumnoveros meets, from other part,
With Embla and Cantion women. Nigh that place,
Is to the college of Rome's Fetial priests.
They, in hired covered carpents, thence, set forth:
So journey on together, all that night;
And see, no more, great Rome, when morrow breaks!

Henceforth, by long paved way, Flaminian,
That noble Britain-company forthride,

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In fellowship; and is daily more increased,
The lovely bond, twixt Caradoc and bright Embla.

Then gins devise, in heart, Caratacus;
Prefer the antique right of Dumnoveros,
Before Cunobelin, to the isles of Cantion.
And each part should forgive all injuries,
Forepast: so were Kent's isles, after his day,
His daughter's dower. To him, her father dear,
Those lords assenting hath, now, promised her.
And gage prince Caradoc is, for Dumnoveros;
When they shall have arrived, again, in Britain.

With good adventure, they, o'er mighty Alps,
Now passed, their journey hold forth, through Main Gaul:
Till last, they, come down to that Ictian port;
Discern, thence, long white loom of Cantion's cliffs.
And found there ship of Kent, ready to pass;
They mount her board. So, having prosperous voyage,
The same day they, to Rutupiæ, arrive;
Where a glad people welcome Caradoc.

Lat. carpentum: a covered cart; perhaps, (as crate-work cart,) of Celtic origin.

Portus Itius or Ictius.

Richborough, in Kent.