Which had seuen hundred yeares this scepter borne,
With high renowme, and great felicitie;[786]
The noble braunch from th’antique stocke was torne
Through discord, and the royall throne forlorne:
Thenceforth this Realme was into factions rent,
Whilest each of Brutus boasted to be borne,
That in the end was left no moniment
Of Brutus, nor of Britons glory auncient.
Then vp arose a man of matchlesse might, xxxvii
And wondrous wit to menage high affaires,