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

The second day; was noised, in Belin's plain,
Deceased, in his home journey, king Cunobelin.
Died weary, in hís long wayfare, the hoar sire,
(To whom not given was, of his island-gods,
To lead blue Britons, in their Roman war!)
And lapped in hairy hide, of a black steer.

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(They sacrificed unto gods of underworld,)
His faithful servants now, to Verulam, bear;
With loud and long lament, the royal corse.
Return the royal sons, on fleetest steeds,
Caradoc and, king now, warlord Togodumnos.

But when that funeral pomp, to Verulam gates,
Arrives; forbid, were burned the warlord dead,
His people's druids: lest mount the sire's great spirit,
From earth, unmindful of invading legions!
They bury will Cunobelin, with his spear;
Seated on royal throne, in vaulted walls;
His swift team, by him, and a royal chariot.
Nor made should funeral games be, for Cunobelin,
Time of the Roman war: which ended, bards
With loud lays, should contend, to praise the sire.