^4^ THE MANNERS AND CUSTOMS 



of their predecefTors for many generations. — Their 

 pafiions were violent, and their refentments keen. 

 They were vindictive and bloody in their anger ; 

 and when occafion ferved, would fometimes revenge 

 themfelves for injuries committed at very remote 

 periods. 



They were a nation of foldiers, every man being 

 obliged to bear arms in times of diflrefs. The ar- 

 mour was light, confilUng only of a fmall target to 

 defend the bread ; and their weapon v/as a javelin. 

 Thus furniihsd, they profecuted a war rather by 

 incurlions, and forced marches, and conquered their 

 enemies rather by furprize, than by real ftrength or 

 courage. In a pitched battle, they were no way 

 equal to the Englifn foldiers, who were clad in heavy 

 armour, and were further defended by large helmets. 

 Their principal manoeuvre v.^as to draw their enemies 

 to engagement near the edge of fome extenfive mo- 

 rafs, over which their lightnefs and agihty would 

 a^low them, in cafe of danger, to retreat in fafety. 

 They fought on foot, and made one furious onfet ; 

 if this was refifled, they were immediately thrown 

 into confufion, and could not be rallied till they ar- 

 rived in fecurity amongfl the mountains or moraifes, 

 where they were confident their heavily armed foes 

 would not dare to purfue diem. Here they waited 

 in fecurity till another opportunity occurred of falling 

 upon their enemies. 



The greatefl number of the ancient Welfli led 

 foiitary lives in the forefls, on the borders of which 



they 



