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

Come bereaved women, mothers of slain men,
And wailful widows to Caratacus;
Which heard, should a great weeping there be made,
Of every kindred, for their fallen ones.
The first day, for slain warlord Togodumnos,
With chants of bards; the second for Bodvocos;
The third for who most, mongst South tribes, of name.
The fourth day, to the commons, should be given;
In many a field, they sleep! Caratacus,
Should poll his long gold locks. In such discourse,
Come mingled throngs, in many upland paths:
Nor yet, with voices shrill, they raise lament.

Captains and kings, the while, in council, sit.
Some read, Before the marching Romans, best
Were burn and waste. Some mean, Main power of Britons,

Should join, with Claudius, battle at Kent's coast.
Manannan gives good counsel, Send, in ships,
A power to strive, beyond the seas, with Romans,
In their own Province. Should not Gauls revolt,
And Romans be constrained withdraw their legions?
Duneda and Moelmabon praise this read,
As wisdom from the gods. In glittering harness,
Leapt bear-strong, on his feet, and elk-swift Thorolf.
Lifting to skies, that antique brand of Brennus;
Gods of our sires! he cries, and heroes' spirits!
To Summer-lands, lead on, before our armies:
So shall we Italy burn again and Rome!