destitute of all its original inhabitants, from the northern coast as far down as the wall which the Romans had erected for the defence of the country. And after this, the enemy attacked the wall, and loosened its joints, and with iron hooks threw down the Britons who were placed on the high ramparts of the walls to resist it, against the bulwarks. For they were without a ruler ; ignorant how to fight, and always inclined to flee. On which account, those who were able to escape from this calamity sought hiding-places in the thicknesses of the groves, in lairs and secret places of the earth. At last, when they had abandoned their cities, the miserable people were torn to pieces like lambs by wolves. Why need I dwell j on the story ? They again sent a letter filled with tearful ] lamentations to JEtius, the Roman governor and consul, which contained these words among others :— " The groans of the Britons to JStius, the consul, greeting. " The sea drives us on the barbarians, and the barbarians drive us to the sea ; and between the two, two kinds of death arise. We are either drowned or stabbed." But when the Romans had told them that they were not inclined any longer to exhaust themselves with such laborious expenses for them, the messengers departed in grief, and reported their repulse to their fellow-citizens. These are the transactions of the eighth year of the reign of the younger Theodosius. In this year the tribute of Britain ceased, which had been paid to the Roman senate ever since | the time of Julius Cassar. CH. VII.— A.D. 435 το 464. The Britons receive a king from Brittany—Attila—Vortiger*— Saint Germain—Wars between the Britons and thePicts and Scots—The Saxons are invited into Britain—Meroveus, king of the Franks—The Saxons arrive in Britain—Are defeated by Vortigem—The council of Chalcedon—For timer—Horso —Hengist—Death of Vortimer—Return of Hengist—The Saxons destroy the British Churches—Merlin. A.D. 435. Guithelin, archbishop of London, flourished, aman remarkable for his learning and virtues. He, aa soon as he was made aware of the calamitous state of Britain, and of its desertion by the Romans, being filled with pity, crossed the sea to the Lesser Britain, which had formerly been called