With these hot-headed Silures it is hard enough now to keep the swords
in their sheaths."

"The kennel might fight as they chose among themselves until the best
hound won," said the Roman Governor. "At least the victor would keep
the arts and the religion which we have brought them, and Britain would
be one land. No, it is the bear from the north and the wolves from
oversea, the painted savage from beyond the walls and the Saxon pirate
from over the water, who will succeed to our rule. Where we saved, they
will slay; where we built, they will burn; where we planted, they will
ravage. But the die is cast, Crassus. You will carry out the orders."

"I will send out the messengers within an hour. This very morning there
has come news that the Barbarians are through the old gap in the wall,
and their outriders as far south as Vinovia." The Governor shrugged his
shoulders. "These things concern us no longer," said he. Then a bitter
smile broke upon his aquiline clean-shaven face. "Whom think you that I
see in audience this morning?"

"Nay, I know not."

"Caradoc and Regnus, and Celticus the Icenian, who, like so many of the
richer Britons, have been educated at Rome, and who would lay before me
their plans as to the ruling of this country."

"And what is their plan?"

"That they themselves should do it." The Roman soldier laughed.
"Well, they will have their will," said he, as he saluted and turned
upon his heel. "Farewell, your excellency. There are hard days coming