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CLAUDIUS, EMPEROR OF ROME. CARACTACUS, THE BRITISH KING.
The Island of Britain was invaded, as I have mentioned, by Julias Caesar; and though, from his time, the Romans fancied themselves lords of Britain, yet, as they never troubled the rude islanders, these islanders felt themselves free and independent.
In the reign of Tiberius, some Roman soldiers, being wrecked on the coast of Britain, were treated very kindly by the natives. The principal Britons occasionally visited Rome, and sometimes sent their children to be educated there ; so that the two nations lived upon very friendly terms with each other.
The worthless Caligula talked sometimes of invading the island; but, despised abroad as well as at home, his intentions were heard with contempt.
When Claudius became emperor, a Roman army invaded Britain and made some conquests ; and Claudius, coming over himself soon afterwards, received the homage of great part of the island.
The Britons had a little improved by their intercourse with the Romans ; they had begun to trade with each other, and understood something
of the art of war ; but they were still a very uncivilized race, and were divided into several small states, or principalities, each having its own chief. In time of danger, however, from foreign foes, they used sometimes to choose a general to command their united forces. Cassibelaunus, of whom you have read, was so chosen ; and now, when Claudius sent soldiers and governors to conquer and rule the natives, another Briton distinguished himself: this was Caractacus. Caractacus, king of one of the small principalities, and elected general of the British army, boldly opposed the despotism of the Roman praetors, and the inroads of the Roman soldiers. Often defeated, he yet bravely returned to the charge, and sometimes gained the advantage.
The Silures, a warlike tribe, living on the banks of the River Severn, were attacked by the conquerors; and Caractacus, their chief, saw that his army was likely to be subdued. But he did not therefore resign himself to despair, and tamely submit to the Romans. No ; he made the best possible disposition of his small forces; he flew from troop to troop, exhorting them to fight valiantly, and rescue their liberty from cruel invaders. In the sacred cause of freedom, Britons, in every period, have been found brave and enterprising. The soldiers of Caractacus replied to him by shouts of determined valor. They fought, as the
had promised, firmly and valiantly; but the superior skill of the Romans prevailed, and the Britons were defeated.
Caractacus, in hopes of saving himself for better times, and of collecting' forces asam to
assault the invaders, took refuge with Cartis- mandua, queen of the Brigantes, another of the small states; and this unworthy woman delivered him up to the Romans.
Claudius was so delighted to hear of this capture, that he gave orders for the noble prisoner to be sent to Rome.
Caractacus, surrounded by his family, was conducted into the presence of the emperor. Claudius was seated on a splendid throne, and environed by pomp and magnificence. The British king looked with a calm, undaunted eye upon the dazzling scene, and simply observed, " Strange, that a nation possessed of so much wealth and power should envy me my humble cottage ! "
It is recorded that his address to Claudius was equally wise and temperate. " Could I have submitted to power," said he, " I should have been here as a guest, and not a captive. My resistance does hut add to the splendor of your triumph. I am now at your mercy, and, if treated with lenity, my fate will be a proof of your clemency and moderation."
The language of courage, tempered by prudence, made its just impression: Claudius ordered the chains to be instantly taken off
Caractacus. and his family, and restored them all to freedom.
