to Rome, and if I come."

And thereupon Maxen set forth towards Rome with his army, and vanquished
France and Burgundy, and every land on the way, and sat down before the
city of Rome.

A year was the emperor before the city, and he was no nearer taking it
than the first day. And after him there came the brothers of Helen
Luyddawc from the Island of Britain, and a small host with them, and
better warriors were in that small host than twice as many Romans. And
the emperor was told that a host was seen, halting close to his army and
encamping, and no man ever saw a fairer or better appointed host for its
size, nor more handsome standards.

And Helen went to see the hosts, and she knew the standards of her
brothers. Then came Kynan the son of Eudav, and Adeon the son of Eudav,
to meet the emperor. And the emperor was glad because of them, and
embraced them.

Then they looked at the Romans as they attacked the city. Said Kynan to
his brother, "We will try to attack the city more expertly than this." So
they measured by night the height of the wall, and they sent their
carpenters to the wood, and a ladder was made for every four men of their
number. Now when these were ready, every day at mid-day the emperors
went to meat, and they ceased to fight on both sides till all had
finished eating. And in the morning the men of Britain took their food,
and they drank until they were invigorated. And while the two emperors
were at meat, the Britons came to the city, {126a} and placed their
ladders against it, and forthwith they came in through the city.

The new emperor had not time to arm himself when they fell upon him, and
slew him and many others with him. And three nights and three days were
they subduing the men that were in the city and taking the castle. And
others of them kept the city, lest any of the host of Maxen should come
therein, until they had subjected all to their will.

Then spake Maxen to Helen Luyddawc, "I marvel, lady," said he, "that thy
brothers have not conquered this city for me." {126b} "Lord, emperor,"
she answered, "the wisest youths in the world are my brothers. Go thou
thither and ask the city of them, and if it be in their possession thou
shalt have it gladly." So the emperor and Helen went and demanded the
city. And they told the emperor that none had taken the city, and that
none could give it him, but the men of the Island of Britain. Then the
gates of the city of Rome were op