13.  However, this war broke out afresh under the government of Osto’rius, who succeeded Plau’tius.  The Britons, either despising him for want of experience, or hoping to gain advantages over a person newly come to command, rose up in arms, and disclaimed the Roman power. 14.  The Ice’ni, who inhabited Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge, and Huntingdonshire; the Can’gi, in Wiltshire and Somersetshire; and the Brigan’tes, in Yorkshire, &c. made a powerful resistance, though they were at length overcome; but the Silu’res, or inhabitants of South Wales, under their king Carac’tacus, were the most formidable opponents the Roman generals had ever yet encountered. 15.  This brave barbarian not only made a gallant defence, but often claimed a doubtful victory.  He, with great conduct, removed the seat of war into the most inaccessible parts of the country, and for nine years kept the Romans in continued alarm.

16.  Upon the approach of Osto’rius, however, Carac’tacus, finding himself obliged to come to a decisive engagement, addressed his countrymen with calm resolution, telling them that this battle would either establish their liberty, or confirm their servitude; that they ought to remember the bravery of their ancestors, by whose valour they were delivered from taxes and tribute; and that this was the time to show themselves equal to their progenitors. 17.  But nothing that undisciplined valour could perform availed against the conduct of the Roman legions.  After an obstinate fight, the Britons were entirely routed:  the wife and daughter of Carac’tacus were taken prisoners; and he himself, seeking refuge from Cartisman’dua, queen of the Brigan’tes, was treacherously delivered up to the conquerors. 18.  When he was brought to Rome, nothing could exceed the curiosity of the people to behold a man who had, for so many years, braved the power of the empire.  Carac’tacus testified no marks of base dejection.  When he was led through the streets, and observed the splendor of every object around him—­“Alas!” cried he, “how is it possible that people possessed of such magnificence at home, could think of envying Carac’tacus a humble cottage in Britain!” 19.  When he was brought before the emperor, while the other prisoners sued for pity with the most abject lamentations, Carac’tacus stood before the tribunal with an intrepid air, and though he was willing to accept of pardon, was not mean enough to sue for it.  “If,” said he, “I had yielded immediately, and without opposing you, neither would my fortune have been remarkable, nor your glory memorable; you could not have been victorious, and I had been forgotten.  If now, therefore, you spare my life, I shall continue a perpetual example of your clemency.”  Clau’dius generously pardoned him, and Osto’rius was decreed a triumph.