A.D.584—596.] ARRIVAL OF AUGUSTINE. Comail, Condidan, and Farinmeail, at a place called Deorhamme [Derham?]; and they took three of their most distinguished cities, Gloucester, Cirencester, and Bath. A. 584. After seven years, Ceawlin and Cutha fought against the Britons, at a place called Fethanleage [Frethern?] : there Cutha fell ; but Ceawlin reduced a multitude of cities, and took immense spoils. A. 592. In the eighth year there was a great slaughter on both sides, at a place called Wodnesbyrg [Wemborow?], so that Ceawlin was put to flight, and died at the end of one more year. A. 593. After him, Cwichelm, Crida, and Ethelfrid, succeeded to the kingdom. HEBE ENDS BOOK THE FIRST. HERE BEGINS THE PROLOGUE TO BOOK THE SECOND. I N the beginning of this book it will not be necessary to make a long preface, my dearest sister ; for I have guided my pen down through many perplexed subjects from the highest point, and, omitting those things extracted from sacred and profane.history, on which most persons have fixed their attention, have left higher matters to the skilful reader. And now I must turn my pen to the description of those things which properly concern our ancestors ; and though a pupil is not properly called a member, yet it yields no little service to the other members. We therefore entreat in God's name that our words may not be despised by the malevolent, but rather that they may give abundant thanks to the King of heaven, if they seem to speak things of high import. HERE ENDS THE PROLOGUE ; AND THE SECOND BOOK BEGINS. CHAP. I.—Of the coming of Augustine, who was sent by the blessed Pope Gregory. [A.D. 596.J As Divine Providence, mercifully looking down upon all things from all eternity, is accustomed to rule them, not by necessity, but by its powerful superintendence, and remain