50 



where the imperial resources might be best employed, and by whose 

 possession the chains not only of Britain, but likewise of Spain and 

 Gaul might be most effectually riveted ; if in the hope of realizing a 

 wily speculation of its conquest, that very Agricola should be disco- 

 vered, with an assumed friendliness which might suit a modern 

 statesman, but was alike injurious to his own honour and that of 

 Rome, welcoming to his camp one of the petty princes of that coun- 

 try, whom domestic seditions had expatriated ; insinuating himself 

 into the confidence of this Themistocles of the West, questioning him 

 as to the resources of the envied island ; learning that its coasts and 

 harbours were the resort of merchants, yet assured by his informant, 

 with a cunning suited to his purpose, and which possibly might have 

 been warranted by a similar state of faction and disunion to that 

 which crowned Strongbow's incursion with success, that Ireland could 

 be conquered with a single legion; if in addition to all this, the narra- 

 tive of Tacitus (his own son-in-law) should betray the fears of that 

 great commander, lest the liberty, which was then enjoyed in Ireland 

 as it were in the very view of Britain, might prejudice the Roman 

 tyranny in England, and lastly, if acted on by these apprehensions 

 though unwilling to confess them, Agricola should studiously fortify 

 with peculiar strength, and garrison with his best forces, that part of 

 Britain which looked to Ireland. If all this could be found in 

 Tacitus, would it not speak volumes for the importance then attached 

 to the latter country ? Would it not give strong assurance, that the 

 Roman had already experienced some of its martial enmity to con- 

 vince his credulity, and stimulate his revenge ? Yet this — even all 

 this, is delivered from the pen of Tacitus. 



"In the fifth year of these expeditions, Agricola, passing over in 

 the first ship, subdued in frequent victories nations hitherto unknown; 

 and he stationed troops along that part of Britain which looks to 



