The historical Triads record that the first colonists of Britain were Cymry, who originally came from Defrobani Gwlad Yr Hav, the summer land, or Tauric Chersonesus. There they have left many traces of their name preserved by ancient authors, among which we may instance the Cimmerian Bosphorus.
Subsequent colonists arrived from the neighbouring continent at various times. The Loegrwys (Loegrians) from Gascogne; the Brython from Lydaw (Britanny), who were descendants from the original stock of the Cymry. Two descents are also mentioned in Albin, or North Britain; one called the tribe of Celyddon, the other the primitive Gwyddelians. Another descent is said to have been made in the south, in Ynys-Wyth, or the Isle of Wight, by the men of Galedin (the Belgæ), when their native country was inundated. Another colony called the Corani came from the country of the Pwyl (Poland), and settled on the sea coast, about the river Humber. A descent in Albin, or North Britain, of a colony of Gwyddelian Ficti [Irish Picts], who are described as coming from the sea of Loclyn (the Baltic); and a partial settlement of the men of Loclyn (Scandinavians), who were expelled after remaining for three generations. The arrival of the Romans and Saxons is also mentioned, as well as some partial settlements of Gwyddelians from Ireland.
[375] We discover a few cities in Gaul, bearing nearly the same appellations as those of Britain; and in both countries we find the Atrebates, the Morini, the Ædui, the Senones, the Menapii, and the Rhemi.
[376] The natives of China and Japan follow a similar custom in regard to gold and silver, which are not coined, but pass according to weight.
[377] It seems that they considered the appearance of a hare a fortunate omen; for the Roman historians observe that Boadicea, after haranguing her troops, let loose a hare which she had concealed in her garments.
[378] This species of boat is still used on the Welsh rivers, and is called a coricle in English, and cwch in Welsh. It is so light that a man may carry one on his back.
[379] Richard has mistaken the sense of Solinus, who, in describing the passage from Great Britain to Ireland, observes that from its shortness they abstained from food. "Navigantes escis abstinent, pro freti latitudine." C. 25.
[380] In all periods the Britons seem to have been divided into numerous petty communities or states, headed by chiefs, who are here dignified with the title of kings. From the jealousies and weakness attending such a state of society, the island first became a prey to the Romans, and afterwards to the Saxons; and when the Britons were confined to the mountains of Wales, the same causes hastened the annexation of their country to England.
[381] In the early ages chariots were universally used in war. In the Scriptures they are frequently mentioned as forming the principal strength of an army; and the mode of fighting in chariots among the Greeks and Trojans, according to the description of Homer, was exactly similar to that of the Britons. The steeds of his heroes were
"Practised alike to stop, to turn, to chase,
To dare the shock, or urge the rapid race."