and Pergamus, who in their time grew to be of great power in
those places and countries, and their ofspring likewise: whereby Brutus
or Brytus wanted no friendship. For euen at his first comming thither,
diuers of the Troians that remained in seruitude, being desirous of
libertie, by flocks resorted vnto him. And amongst other, Assaracus was
one, whom Brute intertained, receiuing at his hands the possession of
sundrie forts and places of defense, before that the king of those
parties could haue vnderstanding or knowledge of any such thing. Herewith
also such as were readie to make the aduenture with him, repaired to him
on ech side, wherevpon he first placed garisons in those townes which
had bene thus deliuered vnto him, and afterwards with Assaracus and the
residue of the multitude he withdrew into the mountains neere adioining.
And thus being made strong with such assistance, by consultation had with
them that were of most authoritie about him, wrote vnto the king of that
countrie called Pandrasus, in forme as followeth.

_A letter of Brute to Pandrasus, as I find it set downe in Galfride
Monumetensis._

"Brute leader of the remnant of the Troian people, to Pandrasus king of
the Greekes, sendeth greeting. Bicause it hath beene thought a thing
vnworthie, that the people descended of the noble linage of Dardanus
should be otherwise dealt with than the honour of their nobilitie dooth
require: they haue withdrawne themselues within the close couert of the
woods. For they haue chosen rather (after the maner of wild beasts) to
liue on flesh and herbs in libertie, than furnished with all the riches
in the world to continue vnder the yoke of seruile thraldome. But if this
their dooing offend thy mightie highnesse, they are not to be blamed, but
rather in this behalfe to be pardoned, sith euerie captiue prisoner
is desirous to be restored vnto his former estate and dignitie. You
therefore pitieng their case, vouchsafe to grant them their abridged
libertie, and suffer them to remaine in quiet within these woods which
they haue got into their possession: if not so, yet giue them licence to
depart forth of this countrie into some other parts."

The sight of these letters, and request in them conteined, made Pandrasus
at the first somewhat amazed, howbeit deliberating further of the matter,
and considering their small number, he made no great account of them, but
[Sidenote: Pandrasus prepareth an armie to supress the Troian ofs