ADVANTAGES OP THEIR GOVERNMENT. 6> 



sions into the northern part of the kingdom, seizing 

 or destroying all before them. The Romans want- 

 ing all their force at home, left Britain to itself, and 

 it is asserted by some that they never afterwards 

 returned to it, which seems however to be doubtful. 



The Britons thus having lost their protectors, and 

 deprived of their own warlike youths, were left de- 

 fenceless, as the Romans could do nothing for them 

 but give them instructions for their personal defence, 

 and assist them in rebuilding a wall of stone, as 

 they had no persons amongst themselves able to 

 conduct the work, buiJt at first by the Emperor 

 Severus across the island, which they at that time 

 could not accomplish themselves. 



Hard as it may appear to sympathizing humanity 

 for the Romans to possess the country of the ancient 

 Britons so long, it proved for the good of general 

 society ; for after they became sole masters of it, 

 they forwarded agriculture, and gave an impulse to 

 the improvements of civil life. They established 

 wholesome laws, and the face of the country and the 

 btate of society soon bore a different aspect ; on the 

 scite of forests and uncultivated land, fruitful fields 

 appeared arrayed in plenty, and furnishing supplies 

 not only for this country but also for the Roman 

 garrisons in Germany and in Gaul. This polished 

 and successful people, among whom science resided, 

 availed themselves of their knowledge in the pro- 

 tection of property, and security of the British coasts 

 by properly providing for the defence of it, and es- 

 tablishing maritime garrisons. 



commanders of the garrisons of the eastern 



