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

In the next month, came Kynan, Hammeraxe,
With Idhig, king of herdfolk Demetans,
Being neighbours both, to king Moelmabon's court.
Tells Caradoc, how, long-lying, in his trance,
He voice heard of some god, which him commanded,
To build up Glevum, gainst invading Romans.
Moelmabon king, in whom deep skill of arms;
Whose wise breast full of memory of old wars,
It weighed commends, as counsel of a god.
He deems, fence, some hill-head, his March, to ward.

Accorded be those Western kings, in arms,
To fare, with Maglos and king Caradoc.
The fifth night of full moon, to Severn ford,

Shall they together come, with their caterfs:
Those homeward wend then, to their Winter-hearths.
The third night; when erst seen that new-moon's horns,
Young warriors, (come ere to their lords, in arms,)
Towards Severn marched; they find there, (with caterfs,
Whom Maglos leads,) warlord Caratacus,
Already arrived. Britons then, uneath, pass,
For lifted Hafren's streams are on the land,
Full all, ice-cold, of frosty icicles.

Four kings thence march, with six times thousand spears,
Through frozen woods; so come, unwist of Romans,
To an hill-strength. There delving Briton warriors,
With travail and long pain, for iron frost;
That mount around, then, double rampire cast:
And wells, and pits, for harbour of their corn,
They dig. Men fence them hardly from the cold,
With boughs of pine; weaving thereof thick bowers;
And sitting round, at eve, great common fires.

Was tiding here brought, to king Caradoc;
Queen Embla, his spouse, him borne a daughter hath:
Blue Britons name, then, with loud joyful crying!
The Maiden's Castle, that their Winter-hold.

In Caerwent, night-time was of howling blasts,
And shrouded stars; and frost lay on the ground;
When gentle Embla heard her father's death.
She stooped, for grief; fell on her childing pangs.
She prayed to Belisama; and fervent asked
A son, like Brennus, to sustain Isle Britain.
Whispered the women-helpers of the queen;
When, of a maid-child, she delivered was,
That her petition had not heard the gods!

Caer Gloew; now Gloucester.