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The Dawn in Britain

by Charles M. Doughty

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61

Rain on Corinium burned, incessantly
In the next days, the lowering island skies.
Aulus reads forth, in comments of the war,
Which Julius waged, (ere ninety years,) in Britain.
Then, called, to him, his guides requires the legate;
Where is that Verulam, The-heart-of-Britain,
Dune, eretime, of a king named Cassiobellan?
They answer; Towards sunrising, from this town,
Six marches. But, and taken were Verulamion,
Should fall the more tribes, from Cunobelin's son;
And all this warfare, shortly, then, were ended.
Much marvels Aulus, where blue Britons' army,
Became, in the last days! He, to Calleva,
Deems good return; and thence withdraw his cohorts,

62

He left for garrison; and with speed, passed Thames,
March to assail that royal Verulamion,
Whose king rules, o'er South tribes, of all blue Britons.
Wait but the clarion's sound, ready to march,
That levied have their tents, the joyful legions:
Which heard, with all their carriage, they pass forth;
And with rude songs of soldiers, cheer their path.
They journeying, all day, see no Briton chariots;
That for refreshing of their teams, were driven,
To valley of sweet pasture, in the rain.