9. Valerianus Aurelianus began the ninth in the year 272. And
10. Dioclesian
[sic
]
and Maximianus carried on the tenth with the utmost severity.
After the Romans, however, had been in the possession of Britain for near 500 years, they left it to its ancient inhabitants again, who being at that time sunk into the lowest state of degeneracy, were soon after invaded by the Scots and the Picts; and trembling at the approaching storm, they were prevailed on by Vortigern, their chief monarch, about the year 447, to send a deputation to the Saxons, who were the only persons (as he insinuated) capable of giving them that aid and assistance which the unhappy situation of their affairs immediately required. This plausible pretence of that Prince succeeded, and one and all concurred in his opinion; and by the resolution which they then took thereupon, they brought on the total destruction of their country.
Ambassadors from the Britons were accordingly sent to Witigisel
, the then Saxon general, who immediately summoned an assembly to hear what the Britons had to propose. The latter (like men in absolute despair) offered to submit to any terms that their said assembly should think proper, provided they did but protect and stand by them so far in their pressing necessities, as to enable them to drive their enemies out of their country. The proposal was approved of, and the negociation
[sic]
accordingly concluded.