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

These things in Rome: but, in far Island Britain,
Unwist, to the proprætor, Aulus Plautius,
Is, whether yet live king Caratacus.
His Belges' spies affirm, 'scaped the war-king:
Other opinion hold, fell Britons' king,
In battle. Some mean, the king hurt to death,
Perished, mongst Camulus' burning citizens.

Being Aulus left, to end the war, in Britain;
He, marched from Camulodunum, gathers tribute.
And, in the way; (where Cadern, magistrate,

Of late deceased; whose valorous son, Marunus,
Sore wounded, hardly saved was to far Ouse;)
Submitted, to him, merchant Troynovant.
Aulus sends Flavius, then, to Cogidubnos;
Confirm the Belges; and all towns receive,
Which yield them, giving corn and hostages.
Being come down, by swift marches, to Longport;
Warlike Vespasian, by night-time, embarked
His legion, passed that sea-sound to isle Vectis;
Which full, he hears, of the war's fugitives.

And though, in Britain, verging be the year;
Now entering, in the Scorpion, the late sun;
Yet Flavius, in brief space, that isle subdued:
So turns, with infinite captives, to mainland.

Then led, by guides, through wilds of Durotriges;
He assailed, out of the field, as they arrived,
From march; and took the town, fair Moridunion;
Whose king was fallen, mongst his proud warriors,
(Young valorous Golam,) under Camulus' walls.