It is to be observed, moreover, that though we have taken No. 7 as our text,
we have not servilely confined ourself to it, but that wherever any of the
other versions have been considered preferable, we have unhesitatingly
adopted them. The different meanings, however, are generally inserted in the
notes.



INTRODUCTION



The country situate between the Humber and the Clyde in North Britain was,
for the most part, originally occupied by the Cymry, who here, as well as in
the west, displayed no mean valour in opposition to the Roman arms. The
latter certainly prevailed; nevertheless it is to be noticed that they did
not finally destroy, nor indeed to any material extent alter the national
features of Prydyn. This is evident from the manner in which the conquerors
thought fit to incorporate into their own geographical vocabulary many of the
local names, which they found already in use; and above all from the purely
ancestral character which the native chieftains exhibited on emerging from
the Roman ruins in the fifth century. Indeed to permit the defeated princes,
under certain restrictions, to enjoy their former rights and jurisdictions,
was perfectly in accordance with the usual policy of the Romans, as we may
learn from the testimony of Tacitus, who remarks, in reference to the British
king Cogidunus, that they granted to him certain states according to ancient
custom, and the reason assigned is that they might have even kings as
instruments of slavery. {1a} The homage of the subjugated provinces seems to
have consisted principally in the payment of a tribute of money, and the
furnishing of soldiers for foreign service.