Shortlie after that Vortigerne was restored to the rule of the [Sidenote:  Matth.  West. saith 4000.  He might easilie returne, for except I be deceiued he was neuer driuen out after he had once set foot within this Ile.] kingdom, Hengist aduertised therof returned into the land with a mightie armie of Saxons, whereof Vortigerne being admonished, assembled his Britains, and with all speed made towards him.  When Hengist had knowledge of the huge host of the Britains that was comming against him, he required to come to a communication with Vortigerne, which request was granted, so that it was concluded, that on Maie day a certeine number of Britains, and as manie of the Saxons should meet togither vpon the plaine of Salisburie.  Hengist hauing deuised a new kind of treason, when the day of their appointed meeting was come, caused euerie one of his allowed number secretlie to put into his hose a long knife (where it was ordeined that no man should bring anie weapon with him at all) and that at the verie instant when [Sidenote:  Nempt your sexes, what if it were messes.] this watchword should be vttered by him, “Nempt your sexes,” then should euerie of them plucke out his knife, and slea the Britaine that chanced to be next to him, except the same should be Vortigerne, whom he willed to be apprehended, but not slaine.

At the day assigned, the king with his appointed number or traine of the Britains, mistrusting nothing lesse than anie such maner of vnfaithfull dealing, came vnto the place in order before prescribed, without armor or weapon, where he found Hengist readie with his Saxons, the which receiued the king with amiable countenance and in most louing sort:  but after they were a little entred into communication, Hengist meaning to accomplish his deuised purpose, gaue the watchword, immediatlie wherevpon the Saxons drew out their kniues, [Sidenote:  There died of the nobles of Britaine 460 as Gal. saith.] and suddenlie fell on the Britains, and slue them as sheepe being fallen within the danger of woolues.  For the Britains had no weapons to defend themselues, except anie of them by his strength and manhood got the knife of his enimie.

[Sidenote:  Ran.  Cestren. Fabian.] Amongst other of the Britains, there was one Edol earle of Glocester, or (as other say) Chester, which got a stake out of an hedge, or else where, and with the same so defended himselfe and laid about him, that he slue 17 of the Saxons, and escaped to the towne of [Sidenote:  Gal. saith 70, Matth.  West. Ran.  Cestren.] Ambrie, now called Salisburie, and so saued his owne life.  Vortiger was taken and kept as prisoner by Hengist, till he was constreined to deliuer vnto Hengist three prouinces or countries of this realme, that is to say, Kent & Essex, or as some write, that part where the south Saxons after did inhabit, as Sussex and other:  the third was the countrie where the Estangles planted themselues, which was in Norfolke and Suffolke.  Then Hengist being in possession of those three prouinces, suffered Vortigerne to depart, & to be at his libertie.