of
Vortigern, in a synod held at Guartherniaun, after the
wicked king, on account of the incest committed with his
daughter, fled from the face of Germanus and the British
clergy, would not consent to his father's wickedness; but
returning to St. Germanus, and falling down at his feet, he
sued for pardon; and in atonement for the calumny brought
upon Germanus by his father and sister, gave him the land,
in which the forementioned bishop had endured such abuse, to
be his for ever. Whence, in memory of St. Germanus, it
received the name Guarenniaun (Guartherniaun, Gurthrenion,
Gwarth Ennian) which signifies, a calumny justly retorted,
since, when he thought to reproach the bishop, he covered
himself with reproach."

(2) According to Langhorne, Epsford was afterwards called,
in the British tongue, Saessenaeg habail, or 'the slaughter
of the Saxons.'

(3) V.R. "The Stone of Titulus", thought to be Stone in Kent,
or Larger-stone in Suffolk.

After a short interval Vortimer died; before his decease, anxious for
the future prosperity of his country, he charged his friends to inter
his body at the entrance of the Saxon port, viz. upon the rock where
the Saxons first landed; "for though," said he, "they may inhabit other
parts of Britain, yet if you follow my commands, they will never remain
in this island." They imprudently disobeyed this last injunction, and
neglected to bury him where he had appointed.*

* Rapin says he was buried at Lincoln; Geoffrey, at London.

45. After this the barbarians became firmly incorporated, and were
assisted by foreign pagans; for Vortigern was their friend, on account
of the daughter* of Hengist, whom he so much loved, that no one durst
fight against him-in the meantime they soothed the imprudent king, and
whilst practising every appearance of fondness, were plotting with
his enemies. And let him that reads understand, that the Saxons were
victorious, and ruled Britain, not from their superior prowess, but on
account of the great sins of the Britons: God so permitting it.

For what wise man will resist the wholesome counsel of God? The Almighty
is the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, ruling and judging every
one, according to his own pleasure.

After the death of Vortimer, Hengist being strengthened by new
accessions, collected his ships, and calling his leaders together,
consulted by w