But whether for this respect, or for that it pleased the almightie
God so to dispose the minds of men at that present, not onlie the
Britains, but in manner all other nations were contented to be
obedient to the Romane empire. That this was true in the Britains,
[Sidenote: _Strab. Geog._]
it is euident enough by Strabos words, which are in effect as
followeth. "At this present (saith he) certeine princes of Britaine,
procuring by ambassadors and dutifull demeanors the amitie of the
emperour Augustus, haue offered in the capitoll vnto the gods
presents or gifts, and haue ordeined the whole Ile in a manner to be
appertinent, proper, and familiar to the Romans. They are burdened
with sore customs which they paie for wares, either to be sent foorth
into Gallia, or brought from thence, which are commonlie yuorie
vessels, sheeres, ouches, or earerings, and other conceits made of
amber & glasses, and such like manner of merchandize: so that now
there is no need of anie armie or garrison of men of warre to keepe
the Ile, for there needeth not past one legion of footmen, or some
wing of horssemen, to gather vp and receiue the tribute: for the
charges are rated according to the quantitie of the tributes: for
otherwise it should be needfull to abate the customs, if the tributes
were also raised: and if anie violence should be vsed, it were
dangerous least they might be prouoked to rebellion.
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