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

North Britons, whom, (since fallen Velaunos,) leads
The king Venutios, marching, now fifth sun,
(War-wasted remnant of ere-thick caterfs,)
There pass; and lodge, few days, to heal their wounds.
Last cometh queen Embla, from Caer Camulodunum!
She, that still silent weeps, upstays, in cart,
King Caradoc: and cast dówn be all men's looks.
So drooping seems, so nigh the sire to death.

To Embla, druid leech of dead Velaunos,
Gives bitter herb, and certain infused root:

Whereof, when Caradoc drinks; behold new warmth,
To him returns. The king sate up, and shines
A lively hew, in all his god-like looks!

But, sith blue Britons might no more, this year,
Renew the war; and all their dukes have wounds:
Kings, (council held,) confirm were borne the sire,
For his more surety, now to Deheubarth.

Passed forth Venutios, and those Northern powers,
New dread in Embla's breast, falls, of Gauls' horse;
Which, the slow journeying of sick Caradoc,
Might lightly o'ertake: and she much Bericos fears!

Known unto few, unfar, in a wide heath,
From hence, is, in some covert hollow place,
Mouth of deep winding and great cragged pit;
Under this mould, whereon we mortals tread.
To that hid earth, now Embla turns aside;
Whereof, by messengers, come from Antethrigus,
She knowledge hath. With victuals' store and brands,
And archers' guard; (those forest-wights which ward
Caratacus;) she goes dówn, in that deep place.

And, dwelling there, few days, both sense and breath,
Be come again, and favour of his face!
The queen then swift-foot runners sends, to Maglos;
Who, towards West March, his stern Silures leads;
Aye looking back, like boar that wounded is.

Him, in that midst, they found, where Cherwell's stream,
To Thames, runs down. And, heard their words, returns
The prince, with thousand hasting spears, to Ouse.
Come the sixth eve, king Caradoc and the queen,
(Whom there they find,) those bring forth. And their face
Now turned towards Hafren, warding the king round;
They journey, softly, without any tarrying.