King Alfred of England - Makers of History by Jacob Abbott
page 7 of 163 (04%)
page 7 of 163 (04%)
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Brutus, with his fleet and his bride, betook themselves to sea, and within a short time landed on a deserted island, where they found the ruins of a city. Here there was an ancient temple of Diana, and an image of the goddess, which image was endued with the power of uttering oracular responses to those who consulted it with proper ceremonies and forms. Brutus consulted this oracle on the question in what land he should find a place of final settlement. His address to it was in ancient verse, which some chronicler has turned into English rhyme as follows: "Goddess of shades and huntress, who at will Walk'st on the rolling sphere, and through the deep, On thy _third_ reign, the earth, look now and tell What land, what seat of rest thou bidd'st me seek?" To which the oracle returned the following answer: "Far to the west, in the ocean wide, Beyond the realm of Gaul a land there lies-- Sea-girt it lies--where giants dwelt of old. Now void, it fits thy people; thither bend Thy course; there shalt thou find a lasting home." It is scarcely necessary to say that this meant Britain. Brutus, following the directions which the oracle had given him, set sail from the island, and proceeded to the westward through the Mediterranean Sea. He arrived at the Pillars of Hercules. This was the name by which the Rock of Gibraltar and the corresponding promontory on the opposite coast, across the straits, were called in those days; these cliffs |
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