ilitary
prowess even to distant lands,[88] and the Roman general thought it
better policy to keep what he had than to risk its loss, and, perhaps,
obtain no compensation. Previous to Caesar's conquest of Britain, the
Irish had fitted out several expeditions for the plunder of that
country, and they do not appear to have suffered from retaliation until
the reign of Egbert. It is evident, however, that the Britons did not
consider them their worst enemies, for we find mention of several
colonies flying to the Irish shores to escape Roman tyranny, and these
colonies were hospitably received.[89] The passage in Tacitus which
refers to the proposed invasion of Ireland by the Roman forces, is too
full of interest to be omitted:--"In the fifth year of these
expeditions, Agricola, passing over in the first ship, subdued in
frequent victories nations hitherto unknown. He stationed troops along
that part of Britain which looks to Ireland, more on account of hope
than fear,[90] since Ireland, from its situation between Britain and
Spain, and opening to the Gallic Sea, might well connect the most
powerful parts of the empire with reciprocal advantage. Its extent,
compared with Britain, is narrower, but exceeds that of any islands of
our sea. The genius and habits of the people, and the soil and climate,
do not differ much from those of Britain. Its channels and ports are
better known to commerce and to merchants.[91] Agricola gave his
protection to one of its petty kings, who had been expelled by faction;
and with a show of friendship, he retained him for his own purposes. I
often heard him say, that Ireland could he conquered and taken with one
legion and a small reserve; and such a measure would have its advantages
even as regards Britain, if Roman power were extended on every side, and
liberty taken away as it were from the view of the latter island."[92]

We request special attention to the observation, that the Irish ports
were better known to commerce and merchants. Such a statement by such an
authority must go far to remove any doubt as to the accounts given on
this subject by our own annalists. The proper name of the recreant
"regulus" has not been discovered, so that his infamy is transmitted
anonymously to posterity. Sir John Davies has well observed, with regard
to the boast of subduing Ireland so easily, "that if Agricola had
attempted the conquest thereof with a far greater army, he would have
found himself deceived in