Nevertheless there being others besides the first suppos'd Author , men not unread , nor unlerned in Antiquitie , who admitt that for approved story , which the former explode for fiction , and seeing that oft-times relations heertofore accounted fabulous have bin after found to contain in them many footsteps , and reliques of somthing true , as what we read in Poets of the Flood , and Giants little beleev'd , till undoubted witnesses taught us , that all was not fain'd ; I have therfore determin'd to bestow the telling over ev'n of these reputed Tales ; be it for nothing else but in favour of our English Poets , and Rhetoricians , who by thir Art will know , how to use them judiciously .

I might also produce example , as Diodorus among the Greeks , Livie and others of the Latines , Polydore and Virunnius accounted among our own Writers . But I intend not with controversies and quotations to delay or interrupt the smooth course of History ; much less to argue and debate long who were the first Inhabitants , with what probabilities , what authorities each opinion hath bin upheld , but shall endevor that which hitherto hath bin needed most , with plain , and lightsom brevity , to relate well and orderly things worth the nothing , so as may best instruct and benefit them that read . Which , imploring divine assistance , that it may redound to his glory , and the good of the British Nation , I now begin .

That the whole Earth was inhabited before the Flood , and to the utmost point of habitable ground , from those effectual words of God in the Creation , may be more then conjectur'd . Hence that this Iland also had her dwellers , her affairs , and perhaps her stories , eev'n in that old World those many hunderd years , with much reason we may inferr . After the Flood , and the dispersing of Nations , as they journey'd leasurely from the East , Gomer the eldest Son of Japhet , and his off-spring , as by Authorities , Arguments , and Affinitie of divers names is generally beleev'd , were the first that peopl'd all these West and Northren Climes . But they of our own Writers , who thought they had don nothing , unless with all circumstance they tell us when , and who first set foot upon this Iland , presume to name out of fabulous and counterfet Authors a certain Samothes or Dis , a fowrth or sixt Son of Japhet , whom they make about 200 years after the Flood , to have planted with Colonies ; first the Continent of Celtica , or Gaule , and next this Iland ; Thence to have nam'd it Samothea , to have reign'd heer , and after him lineally fowr Kings , Magus , Saron , Druis , and Bardus . But the forg'd Berosus , whom only they have to cite , no where mentions that either hee , or any of those whom they bring , did ever pass into Britain , or send thir people hither . So that this out-landish figment may easily excuse our not allowing it the room heer so much as of a British Fable .

That which follows , perhaps as wide from truth , though seeming less impertinent , is , that these Samotheans under the Reign of Bardus were subdu'd by Albion a Giant , Son of Neptune : who call'd the Iland after his own name , and rul'd it 44 years . Till at length passing over into Gaul , in aid of his Brother Lestrygon , against whom Hercules was hasting out of Spain into Italy , he was there slain in fight , and Bergion also his Brother .

Sure anough we are , that Britan hath bin anciently term'd Albion , both by the Greeks and Romans . And Mela the Geographer makes mention of a stonie shoar in Languedoc , where by report such a Battel was fought . The rest , as his giving name to the I le , or ever landing heer , depends altogether upon late surmises . But too absurd , and too unconscionably gross is that fond invention that wafted hither the fifty daughters of a strange Dioclesian King of Syria ; brought in doubtles by som illiterat pretender to somthing mistak'n in the Common Poetical Story of Danaus King of Argos , while his vanity , not pleas'd with the obscure beginning which truest Antiquity affords the Nation , labour'd to contrive us a Pedigree , as he thought , more noble . These Daughters by appointment of Danaus on the mariage-night having murder'd all thir Husbands , except Linceus , whom his Wives loialty sav'd , were by him at the suit of his Wife thir Sister , not put to death , but turn'd out to Sea in a Ship unmann'd ; of which whole Sex they had incurr'd the hate : and as the Tale goes , were driv'n on this Iland . Where the Inhabitants , none but Devils , as som write , or as others , a lawless crew left heer by Albion without Head or Governour , both entertain'd them , and had issue by them a second breed of Giants , who tyranniz'd the Ile , till Brutus came .

The Eldest of these Dames in thir Legend they call Albina ; and from thence , for which cause the whole scene was fram'd , will have the name Albion deriv'd . Incredible it may seem so sluggish a conceit should prove so ancient , as to be authoriz'd by the Elder Ninnius , reputed to have liv'd above a thousand years agoe . This I find not in him ; but that Histion Holinshed . sprung of Japhet , had four Sons ; Francus , Romanus , Alemannus , and Britto , of whom the Britans ; as true , I beleeve , as that those other Nations whose names are resembl'd , came of the other three ; if these Dreams give not just occasion to call in doubt the Book it self , which bears that title .

Hitherto the things themselves have giv'n us a warrantable dispatch to run them soon over . But now of Brutus and his Line , with the whole Progeny of Kings , to the entrance of Julius Caesar , we cannot so easily be discharg'd ; Descents of Ancestry , long continu'd , laws and exploits not plainly seeming to be borrow'd , or devis'd , which on the common beleif have wrought no small impression : defended by many , deny'd utterly by few . For what though Brutus , and the whole Trojan pretence were yeelded up , seeing they who first devis'd to bring us from som noble Ancestor were content at first with Brutus the Consul ; till better invention , although not willing to forgoe the name , taught them to remove it higher into a more fabulous Age , by the same remove lighting on the Trojan Tales in affectation to make the Britan of one Original with the Roman , pitch'd there , yet those old and inborn names of successive Kings , never any to have bin real persons , or don in thir lives at least som part of what so long hath bin remember'd , cannot be thought without too strict an incredulity .

For these , and those causes above mention'd , that which hath receav'd approbation from so many , I have chos'n not to omitt . Certain or uncertain , be that upon the credit of those whom I must follow ; so far as keeps alooff from impossible and absurd , attested by ancient Writers from Books more ancient I refuse not , as the due and proper subject of Story . The principal Author is well know'n to be Geoffrey of Monmouth ; what he was , and whence his authority , who in his age or before him have deliver'd the same matter , and such like general discourses , will better stand in a Treatise by themselvs . All of them agree Henry of Hunting don . Matthew of Westminster . in this , that Brutus was the Son of Silvius ; he of Ascanius ; whose Father was Aeneas a Trojan Prince , who at the burning of that City , with his Son Ascanius , and a collected number that escap'd , after long wandring on the Sea , arriv'd in Italy . Where at length by the assistance of Latinus King of Latium , who had giv'n him his Daughter Lavinia , he obtain'd to succeed in that Kingdom , and left it to Ascanius , whose Son Silvius ( though Roman Histories deny Silvius to be Son of Ascanius ) had maried secretly a Neece of Lavinia .

She being with Child , the matter became known to Ascanius . Who commanding his Magicians to enquire by Art , what sex the Maid had conceiv'd , had answer , that it was one who should be the death of both his Parents ; and banish'd for the fact , should after all in a farr Country attain to highest honour . The prediction fail'd not , for intravel the Mother di'd . And Brutus ( the Child was so call'd ) at fifteen years of Age , attending his Father to the Chace , with an arrow unfortunately kill'd him .

Banish'd therefore by his kindred he retires into Greece . Where meeting with the race of Helenus King Priams Son , held there in servile condition by Pandrasus then King , with them he abides . For Pirrhus in revenge of his Father slain at Troy had brought thither with him Helenus , and many others into servitude . There Brutus among his own stock so thrives in vertue and in Arms , as renders him belov'd to Kings , and great Captains above all the Youth of that Land . Wherby the Trojans not only beginn to hope , but secretly to move him , that he would lead them the way to liberty . They allege their numbers , and the promis'd help of Assaracus a Noble Greekish Youth , by the Mothers side a Trojan ; whom for that cause his Brother went about to dispossess of certain Castles bequeath'd him by his Father . Brutus considering both the Forces offer'd him , and the strength of those Holds , not unwillingly consents .

First therfore having fortifi'd those Castles , he with Assaracus and the whole multitude betake them to the Woods and Hills ; as the safest place from whence to expostulate ; and in the name of all sends to Pandrasus this Message ; That the Trojans holding it unworthy thir Ancestors to serv in a Foren Kingdom , had retreated to the Woods ; choosing rather a Savage life then a slavish ; If that displeas'd him , that then with his leave they might depart to some other soil .

As this may pass with good allowance , that the Trojans might be many in these parts , for Helenus was by Pirrhus made King of the Chaouians , and the Sons of Pirrhus by Andromache Hectors Wise could not but be powerful through all Epirus , so much the more it may be doubted , how these Trojans could be thus in bondage , where they had Freinds and Country-men so Potent . But to examin these things with diligence , were but to confute the Fables of Britan with the Fables of Greece or Italy ; for of this Age , what we have to say , as well concerning most other Countries , as this Iland , is equally under Question . Bee 't how it will , Pandrasus not expecting so bold a message from the Sons of Captives , gathers an Army . And marching toward the Woods , Brutus who had notice of his approach nigh to a Town call'd Sparatinum , ( I know not what Towne , but certaine of no Greek name ) over night planting himself there with good part of his men , suddenly sets upon him , and with slaughter of the Greeks pursues him to the passage of a River , which mine Author names Akalon , meaning perhaps Achelous , or Acheron : where at the Ford he overlaies them afresh . This victory obtain'd , and a sufficient strength left in Sparatinum , Brutus with Antigonus , the Kings Brother and his Freind Anacletus , whom he had tak'n in the fight , returns to the residue of his freinds in the thick Woods . While Pandrasus with all speed recollecting , beseiges the Town . Brutus to releive his men beseig'd , who earnestly call'd him , distrusting the sufficiency of his force , bethinks himself of this Policy . Calls to him Anacletus , and threatning instant death else , both to him and his freind Antigonus , enjoyns him , that he should goe at the second howr of night to the Greekish Leagre , and tell the Guards he had brought Antigonus by stealth out of Prison to a certain woody Vale ; unable through the waight of his Fetters to move furder : entreating them to come speedily and fetch him in . Anacletus to save both himself and his freind Antigonus , swears this ; and at fit howr setts on alone toward the Camp : is mett , examin'd , and at last unquestionably known . To whom , great profession of fidelity first made , he frames his Tale , as had bin taught him : and they now fully assur'd , with a credulous rashness leaving thir Stations , far'd accordingly by the ambush that there awaited them . Forthwith Brutus dividing his men into three parts , leads on in silence to the Camp ; commanding first each part at a several place to enter , and forbear Execution , till he with his Squadron posses'd of the Kings Tent , gave Signal to them by Trumpet . The sound whereof no sooner heard , but huge havock begins upon the sleeping , and unguarded Enemy ; whom the beseiged also now sallying forth , on the other side assaile . Brutus the while had special care to seise and secure the Kings Person ; whose life still within his Custody , he knew was the surest pledge to obtain what he should demand . Day appearing , he enters the Town , there distributes the Kings Treasury , and leaving the place better fortify'd , returns with the King his Prisner to the Woods . Strait the ancient and grave men he summons to Counsell , what they should now demand of the King .

After long debate Mempricius , one of the gravest , utterly dissuading them from thought of longer stay in Greece , unlesse they meant to be deluded with a suttle peace , and the awaited revenge of those whose freinds they had slain , advises them to demand first the Kings Eldest Daughter Innogen in mariage to thir Leader Brutus , with a rich dowry , next shipping , mony , and fitt provision for them all to depart the Land .

This resolution pleasing best , the King now brought in , and plac'd in a high Seat , is breifly told , that on these conditions granted , he might be free , not granted , he must prepare to die .

Prest with fear of death the King readily yeelds : especially to bestow his Daughter on whom he confess'd so Noble and so Valiant : offers them also the third part of his Kingdom , if they like to stay ; if not , to be thir Hostage himself , till he had made good his word .

The Mariage therfore solemniz'd , and shipping from all parts got together , the Trojans in a Fleet , no less writt'n then three hunderd fowr and twenty Sail , betake them to the wide Sea ; where with a prosperous course two daies and a night bring them on a certain Iland long before dispeopl'd and left wast by Sea-Roavers ; the name wherof was then Leogecia , now unknow'n . They who were sent out to discover , came at length to a ruin'd City ; where was a Temple and Image of Diana that gave Oracles : but not meeting first or last save wild Beasts , they return with this notice to thir Ships : Wishing thir General would enquire of that Oracle what voiage to pursue .

Consultation had , Brutus taking with him Geriou his Diviner , and twely of the ancientest , with wonted Ceremonies before the inward shrine of the Goddess , in Verse , as it seems the manner was , utters his request , Diva potens nemorum , &c.

To whom sleeping before the Altar , Diana in a Vision that night thus answer'd , Brute sub occasum Solis , &c.

These Verses Originally Greek , were put in Latin , saith Virunnius , by Gildas a British Poet , and him to have liv'd under Claudius . Which granted true , adds much to the Antiquitie of this Fable ; and indeed the Latin Verses are much better , then for the Age of Geoffrey ap - Arthur , unless perhaps Joseph of Exeter , the only smooth Poet of those times , befreinded him ; in this Diana overshot her Oracle thus ending , Ipsis totiusterrae subditus orbis erit , That to the race of Brute Kings of this Iland , the whole Earth shall be subject .

But Brutus guided now , as he thought , by divine conduct , speeds him towards the West ; and after som encounters on the Afric side , arrives at a place on the Tyrrhen Sea ; where he happ'ns to find the Race of those Trojans who with Antenor came into Italy ; and Corineus a man much fam'd , was thir Cheif : though by surer Authors it be reported , that those Trojans with Antenor , were seated on the other side of Italie , on the Adriatic , not the Tyrrhen shoar . But these joyning Company , and past the Herculean Pillars , at the mouth of Ligeris in Aquitania cast Anchor , Where after som discovery made of the place , Corineus Hunting nigh the shoar with his Men , is by Messengers of the King Goffarius Pictus mett , and question'd about his Errand there . Who not answering to thir mind , Imbertus , one of them , le ts fly an Arrow at Corineus , which he avoiding , slaies him : and the Pictavian himself heerupon levying his whole Force , is over-thrown by Brutus , and Corineus ; who with the Battell Ax which he was wont to manage against the Tyrrhen Giants is said to have done marvells . But Goffarius having draw'n to his aid the whole Country of Gaul , at that time govern'd by twelv Kings , puts his Fortune to a second Trial , Wherin the Trojans over-born by multitude , are driv'n back , and beseigd in thir own Camp , which by good foresight was strongly situate . Whence Brutus unexpectedly issuing out , and Corineus in the mean while , whose device it was , assaulting them behind from a Wood , where he had convayd his men the night before : The Trojans are again Victors , but with the loss of Turon a Valiant Nefew of Brutus ; whose Ashes left in that place , gave name to the City of Tours , built there by the Trojans . Brutus finding now his powers much lessn'd , and this yet not the place foretold him , leavs Aquitain , and with an easie course , arriving at Totness in Dev'nshire , quickly perceivs heer to be the promis'd end of his labours .

The Iland not yet Britain but Albion , was in a manner desert and inhospitable ; kept only by a remnant of Giants ; whose excessive Force and Tyranie had consum'd the rest . Them Brutus destroies , and to his people divides the Land , which with som reference to his own name he thenceforth calls Britain . To Corineus , Cornwal , as now we call it , fell by Lot ; the rather by him lik't , for that the hugest Giants , in Rocks and Caves were said to lurk still there ; which kind of Monsters to deal with was his old exercise .

And heer , with leave be-spok'n to recite a grand Fable , though dignify'd by our best Poets ; while Brutus on a certain Festival day solemnly kept on that shoar , where he first landed , was with the people in great jollity and mirth , a crew of these Savages breaking in upon them , began on the suddain another sort of Game then at such a meeting was expected . But at length by many hands overcome , Goëmagog the hugest , in higth twelv Cubits , is reserv'd alive ; that with him Corineus , who desir'd nothing more , might try his strength ; Whom in a Wrestle the Giant catching aloft , with a terrible hugg broke three of his Ribs : nevertheless Corineus enrag'd , heaving him up by main force , and on his Shoulders bearing him to the next high Rock , threw him headlong all shatter'd into the Sea , and left his name on the Cliff , call'd ever since Langoëmagog , which is to say , the Giants leap .

After this , Brutus in a chosen place builds Troia nova , chang'd in time to Trinovantum , now London : and began to enact Laws ; Heli beeing then high Preist in Judaea : and having govern'd the whole Ile 24 Years , dy'd , and was buried in his new Troy . His three Sons Locrine , Albanact , and Camber divide the Land by consent . Locrine had the middle part Loëgria ; Camber possess'd Cambria or Wales ; Albanact Albania , now Scotland . But he in the end by Humber King of the Hunns , who with a Fleet invaded that Land , was slain in fight , and his people driv'n back into Loëgria . Locrine and his Brother goe out against Humber ; who now marching onward , was by them defeated , and in a River drown'd , which to this day retains his name . Among the spoils of his Camp and Navy , were found certain young Maids , and Estrildis , above the rest , passing fair ; the Daughter of a King in Germany ; from whence Humber , as he went wasting the Sea-Coast , had led her Captive : whom Locrine , though before contracted to the Daughter of Corineus , resolvs to marry . But beeing forc'd and threatn'd by Corineus , whose Autority , and power he fear'd , Guendolen the Daughter he yeelds to marry , but in secret loves the other : and oft-times retiring as to som privat Sacrifice , through Vaults and passages made under ground ; and seven years thus enjoying her , had by her a Daughter equally fair , whose name was Sabra . But when once his fear was off by the Death of Corineus , not content with secret enjoyment , divorcing Guendolen , he makes Estrildis now his Queen . Guendolen all in rage departs into Cornwall ; where Madan , the Son she had by Locrine , was hitherto brought up by Corineus his Grandfather . And gathering an Army of her Fathers Friends and Subjects , gives Battail to her Husband by the River Sture ; wherein Locrine shot with an Arrow ends his life . But not so ends the fury of Guendolen ; for Estrildis and her Daughter Sabra , she throws into a River : and to leave a Monument of revenge , proclaims , that the stream be thenceforth call'd after the Damsels name ; which by length of time is chang'd now to Sabrina , or Severn .

Fifteen Years she governs in behalf of her Son ; then resigning to him at Age , retires to her Fathers Dominion . This saith my Author , was in the daies of Samuel . Madan hath the praise to have well and peacefully rul'd the space of 40 years ; leaving behind him two Sons , Memprioius , and Malim . Mempricius had first to doe with the ambition of his Brother , aspiring to share with him in the Kingdom ; whom therfore at a meeting to compose matters , with a treachery which his cause needed not , he slew .

Nor was he better in the sole possession , wherof so ill he could endure a Partner , killing his Nobles , and those especially next to succeed him ; till lastly giv'n over to unnaturall lust , in the twentith of his Reigne , hunting in a Forest , he was devowr'd by Wolves .

His Son Ebranc a man of mighty strength and stature , Reign'd 40 Years . He first after Brutus wasted Gaul ; and returning rich and prosperous , builded Caerebranc , now York ; in Albania Alclud , Mount Agned , or the Castle of Maydens , now Edinburgh . He had 20 Sons and 30 Daughters by 20 Wives . His Daughters he sent to Silvius Alba into Italy , who bestow'd them on his Peers of the Trojan Line . His Sons under the leading of Assaracus thir Brother , won them Lands and Signories in Germany ; thence call'd , from these Brethren Germania : a derivation too hastily suppos'd , perhaps before the word Germannus or the Latin Tongue was in use . Som who have describ'd Henault , as Jacobus Bergomas , and Lessabeus , are cited to affirm that Ebrane 〈◊〉 his Warre there , was by Brunchildis Lord of Henault put to the worse .

Brutus therfore surnamed Greenshield succeeding , to repair his Fathers losses , as the sam , Lessabeus reports , fought a second Battail in Henault with Brunchild at the mouth of Scaldis , and Encamp'd on the River Hania . Of which our Spencer also thus Sings .

But Henault , and Brunchild , and Greenesheild , seeme newer names then for a Story pretended thus Antient.

Him succeeded Leil , a maintainer of Peace and Equity ; but slackn'd in his latter end , whence arose som civil discord . He built in the North Cairleil ; and in the daies of Solomon .

Rudhuddibras , or Hudibras appeasing the commotions which his Father could not , fownded Caerkeynt or Canturbury , Caerguent , or Winchester , and Mount Paladur , now Septonia or Shaftsbury : but this by others is contradicted .

Bladud his Son built Caerbadus or Bathe , and those medcinable Waters he dedicated to Minerva , in whose Temple there he kept fire continually burning . He was a man of great invention , and taught Necromancie : till having made him Wings to fly , he fell down upon the Temple of Apollo in Trinovant , and so dy'd after twenty years Reigne .

Hitherto from Father to Son the direct Line hath run on : but Leir who next Reign'd , had only three Daughters , and no Male Issue : govern'd laudably , and built Caer-Leir , now Leicestre , on the Bank of Sora. But at last , failing through Age , he determines to bestow his Daughters , and so among them to divide his Kingdom . Yet first to try which of them lov'd him best ( a Trial that might have made him , had he known as wisely how to try , as he seem'd to know how much the trying behoov'd him ) he resolves a simple resolution , to ask them solemly in order ; and which of them should profess largest , her to beleev . Gonorill th' Eldest apprehending too well her Fathers weakness , makes answer invoking Heav'n , That she lov'd him above her Soul . Therfore , quoth the old man overjoy'd , since thou so honourst my declin'd Age , to thee and the Husband whom thou shalt choose , I give the third part of my Realm . So fair a speeding for a few words soon utter'd , was to Regan the second , ample instruction what to say . She on the same demand spares no protesting , and the Gods must witness , that otherwise to express her thoughts she knew not , but that she lov'd him above all Creatures ; and so receavs an equal reward with her Sister . But Cordelia the youngest , though hitherto best belov'd , and now before her Eyes the rich and present hire of a little easie soothing , the danger also , and the loss likely to betide plain dealing , yet moves not from the solid purpose of a sincere and vertuous answer . Father , saith she , my love towards you , is as my duty bids ; what should a Father seek , what can a Child promise more ? they who pretend beyond this , flatter . When the old man , sorry to hear this , and wishing her to recall those words , persisted asking , with a loiall sadness at her Fathers infirmity , but somthing on the sudden , harsh , and glancing rather at her Sisters , then speaking her own mind , Two waies only , saith she , I have to answer what you require mee ; the former , Your command is , I should recant ; accept then this other which is lest mee ; look how much you have , so much is your value , and so much I love you . Then hear thou , quoth Leir now all in passion , what thy ingratitude hath gain'd thee ; because thou hast not reverenc'd thy aged Father equall to thy Sisters , part in my Kingdom , or what else is mine reck'n to have none . And without delay gives in mariage his other Daughters , Gonorill to Maglaunus Duke of Albania , Regan to Henninus Duke of Cornwall ; with them in present half his Kingdom ; the rest to follow at his Death . In the mean while Fame was not sparing to divulge the wisdom , and other Graces of Cordeilla , insomuch that Aganippus a great King in Gaul ( however he came by his Greek name ) seeks her to Wife , and nothing alter'd at the loss of her Dowry , receavs her gladly in such manner as she was sent him . After this King Leir , more and more drooping with Years , became an easy prey to his Daughters and thir Husbands ; who now by dayly encroachment had feis'd the whole Kingdom into thir hands : and the old King is put to sojorn with his Eldest Daughter , attended only by threescore Knights . But they in a short while grudg'd at , as too numerous and disorderly for continuall Guests , are reduc'd to thirty . Not brooking that affront , the old King betakes him to his second Daughter : but there also discord soon arising between the Servants of differing Masters in one Family , five only are suffer'd to attend him . Then back again he returns to the other ; hoping that she his Eldest could not but have more pity on his Gray Hairs : but she now refuses to admitt him , unless he be content with one only of his followers . At last the remembrance of his youngest Cordeilla comes to his thoughts ; and now acknowledging how true her words had bin , though with little hope from whom he had so injur'd , be it but to pay her the last recompence she can have from him , his confession of her wise forewarning , that so perhaps his misery , the prooff and experiment of her Wisdom , might somthing soft'n her , he takes his Journey into France . Now might be seen a difference between the silent , or down-right spok'n affection of som Children to thir Parents , and the talkative obsequiousness of others ; while the hope of Inheritance over-acts them , and on the Tongues end enlarges thir duty . Cordeilla out of meer love , without the suspicion of expected reward , at the message only of her Father in distress , powrs forth true filial tears . And not enduring either that her own , or any other Eye should see him in such forlorn condition as his Messenger declar'd , discreetly appoints one of her trusted Servants , first to convay him privately toward som good Sea Town , there to array him , bathe him , cherish him , furnish him with such Attendance and State , as beseemd his Dignity . That then , as from his first Landing , he might send word of his Arrival to her Husband Aganippus . Which don with all mature , and requisite contrivance , Cordelia with the King her Husband , and all the Barony of his Realm , who then first had news of his passing the Sea , goe out to meet him ; and after all honourable and joyfull entertainment , Aganippus , as to his Wives Father , and his Royall Guest , surrenders him , during his abode there , the power , and disposal of his whole Dominion : permitting his Wife Cordeilla to go with an Army , and set her Father upon his Throne . Wherin her piety so prosper'd , as that she vanquish'd her impious Sisters with those Dukes , and Leir again , as saith the story , three years obtain'd the Crown . To whom dying , Cordeilla with all regal Solemnities gave Burial in the Town of Leicestre . And then as right Heir succeeding , and her Husband dead , rul'd the Land five years in Peace . Untill Marganus and Cunedagius her two Sisters Sons , not bearing that a Kingdom should be govern'd by a Woman , in the unseasonablest time to raise that quarrel against a Woman so worthy , make War against her , depose her , and imprison her ; of which impatient , and now long unexercis'd to suffer , she there , as is related , killd her self . The Victors between them part the Land : but Marganus the Eldest Sisters Son , who held by agreement from the North-side of Humber to Cathness , incited by those about him , to invade all as his own right , warres on Cunedagius ; who soon met him , overcame , and overtook him in a Town of Wales , where he left his life , and ever since his name to the place .

Cuncdagius was now sole King , and govern'd with much praise many years ; about the time when Rome was built .

Him succeeded Rivallo his Son , wise also and fortunat ; save what they tell us of three daies raining blood , and swarmes of stinging Flies , whereof men dy'd . In order then Gurgustius , Jago or Lago , his Nefew ; Sisillius , Kinmarcus . Then Gorbogudo , whom others name Gorbodego , and Gorbodion , who had two Sons , Ferrex , and Porrex . They in the old Age of thir Father falling to contend who should succeed , Porrex attempting by treachery his Brothers life , drives him into France ; and in his return though aided with the force of that Country , defeats and slaies him . But by his Mother Videna who less lov'd him , is himself , with the assistance of her Women , soon after slain in his Bed : With whom ended , as is thought , the Line of Brutus . Whereupon , the whole Land with civil broils was rent into five Kingdoms , long time waging Warr each on other ; and som say 50 Years . At length Dunwallo Molmutius the Son of Cloten King of Cornwall , one of the foresaid five , excelling in valour , and goodliness of person , after his Fathers decease found means to reduce again the whole Iland into a Monarchy : subduing the rest at opportunities . First Ymner King of Loegria whom he slew ; then Rudaucus of Cambria , Staterius of Albania , confederat together . In which fight Dunwallo is reported , while the Victory hung doubtfull , to have us'd this Art . He takes with him 600 Stout men , bids them put on the Armour of thir slain Enemies ; and so unexpectedly approaching the Squadron , where those two Kings had plac'd themselvs in fight , from that part which they thought securest , assaults , and dispatches them . Then displaying his own Ensignes which before he had conceal'd , and sending notice to the other part of his Army what was don , adds to them new courage , and gains a final Victory . This Dunwallo was the first in Britain that wore a Crown of Gold ; and therfore by som reputed the first King . He established the Molmutine Laws , famous among the English to this day ; writt'n long after in Latine by Gildas , and in Saxon by King Alfred : so saith Geofrey , but Gildas denies to have known aught of the Britans before Caesar ; much less knew Alfred . These Laws , whoever made them , bestow'd on Temples the privilege of Sanctuary ; to Cities also , and the waies thether leading , yea to Plows granted a kind of like refuge : and made such riddance of Theeves and Robbers , that all passages were safe . Forty Years he Govern'd alone , and was buried nigh to the Temple of Concord ; which he , to the memory of peace restor'd , had built in Trinovant .

His two Sons Belinus and Brennus contending about the Crown , by decision of Freinds came at length to an accord ; Brennus to have the North of Humber , Belinus the Sovrantie of all . But the younger not long so contented , that he , as they whisper'd to him , whose valour had so oft repell'd the invasions of Ceulphus the Morine Duke , should now be subject to his Brother , upon new Designe fails into Norway ; enters League and Affinitie with Elsing that King ; which Belinus perceaving , in his absence disposseses him of all the North. Brennus with a Fleet of Norwegians makes toward Britain ; but encounter'd by Guithlac the Danish King , who laying claim to his Bride , pursu'd him on the Sea , his hast was retarded , and he berest of his Spouse : who from the fight by a sudden Tempest , was by the Danish King driv'n on Northumberland , and brought to Belinus . Brennus nevertheless recollecting his Navy , lands in Albania , and gives Battell to his Brother in the Wood Calaterium ; but loosing the day , escapes with one single Ship into Gaul . Mean while the Dane upon his own offer to become tributary , sent home with his new prise , Belinus returns his thoughts to the administring of Justice , and the perfeting of his Fathers Laws ; and to explain what High-waies might enjoy the foresaid privileges , he caus'd to be drawn out and pav'd fowr main Roades to the utmost length and bredth of the Iland ; and two others athwart ; which are since attributed to the Romans . Bren-Brennus on the other side solliciting to his aid the Kings of Gaul , happ'ns at last on Seginus Duke of the Allobreges ; where his worth , and comliness of person wan him the Dukes Daughter and Heir . In whose right he shortly succeeding , and by obtain'd leave passing with a great Host through the length of Gaul , gets footing once again in Britain . Nor was Belinus unprepar'd , and now the Battell ready to joyn , Conuvenna the Mother of them both all in a fright , throws her self between ; and calling earnestly to Brennus her Son , whose absence had so long depriv'd her of his sight , after imbracements and teares , assails him with such a motherly power , and the mention of things so dear and reverend , as irresistibly wrung from him all his enmity against Belinus .

Then are hands joyn'd , reconciliation made firm , and Counsel held to turn thir united preparations on Foren parts . Thence that by these two all Gallia was overrun , the story tells ; and what they did in Italy , and at Rome , if these be they , and not Gauls , who took that City , the Roman Authors can best relate . So far from home I undertake not for the Monmouth Chronicle ; which heer against the stream of History carries up and down these Brethren , now into Germany , then again to Rome , pursuing Gabius and Porsena , two unheard of Consuls . Thus much is more generally beleev'd , that both this Brennus , and another famous Captain , Britomarus , whom the Epitomist Florus and others mention , were not Gauls but Britans ; the name of the first in that Tongue signifying a King , and of the other a Great Britan. However Belinus after a while returning home , the rest of his daies rul'd in Peace , Wealth , and Honour above all his Predecessors ; building som Cities , of which one was Caerose upon Osca , since Caerlegion ; beautifying others , as Trinovant with a Gate , a Hav'n , and a Towr , on the Thames , retaining yet his name ; on the top wherof his Ashes are said to have bin laid up in a Golden Urne .