71 



attendance, but, business concluded, he laid aside his gravity, his 

 airs of state, and severity of exaction. Nor at any time did his 

 affability interfere with his authority, nor his austerity repel 

 affection. After three years he was recalled, and the rumour was 

 circulated that, as consul, Britain would be given to him as a 

 province, a position for which his great and varied talents emi- 

 nently fitted him. Nor was the rumour an idle one. Agricola 

 was appointed to the military command in Britain, A.D. 78 ; great 

 expectations being entertained of his success in this capacity. 

 How he fulfilled these expectations is a matter of history. In 

 short, he had many very able predecessors, but the lustre of his 

 name outshines them all. 



Landing at midsummer of the year 78, he found everything 

 unfitted for a renewal of hostilities. The troops had given them- 

 selves up to a careless repose, an opportunity thus offering itself 

 to the Ordovices, of which they were not slow to avail themselves, 

 cutting off an entire battalion of cavalry just before the arrival of 

 Agricola. The officers naturally expected that Agricola's first 

 measure would be the strengthening of the various posts prepara- 

 tory to retiring into winter quarters. But Agricola well knew the 

 value of decision in this crisis, and that any want of it might be 

 dangerous in the face of a triumphant and expectant enemy. 

 Making a hasty but thorough preparation, he marched against the 

 Ordovices who lived in North Wales. They evidently were not 

 prepared for such a vigorous policy, as they refused to meet him in 

 the plain. 



His was no timid caution, so with every confidence in his men, 

 he followed the enemy into their native fastnesses, exterminating 

 almost the whole tribe. 



Following up his success, he quickly reduced the Isle of Mona 

 (Anglesea), and, on the solicitation of the inhabitants, gave them 

 peace. Then he gave his army rest for the winter — a time he 

 himself occupied in making preparations for the next summer's 

 campaign. 



Having been taught by experience that he could gain but little 

 advantage if oppression followed his victories, and knowing 



