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

Being nigh the time, when should, in Britain, Aulus
Lay down his charge; the legate cast, how best
He might leave peaceable, this warlike Province;
And have, in Rome, therefore, a thank of Cæsar.
To which end now, twixt Avon and the Ouse,
He fortify will all river-passages.

He sends one Sylvius, captain of fleet-soldiers,
From Camulodunum, through Icenic marches,
To build strongholds; and chiefly a great square burgh,
Measured of lime and stone, like legions' castra,
In field; wherein, fast by the flood of Yare,
Might garrison lodge, gainst inroads from the North,
Of Britons yet untamed; and delve beneath,
(Station for longships, gainst the Saxon pirates,)
An hythe; and fence with banks and battled towers.

But when is Sylvius, thither, now arrived;
He, to those servile tasks, conscribes free Britons!
Men namely Iceni, which of Bericos' part;

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Had promised only, to yield Cæsar tribute,
Not vanquished were. Perceive those then; would Romans
Lay a perpetual yoke of servitude,
Under that name of lordship, on their march.

Now called Burgh Castle.