Constantius the prefect took up his residence
for a while within King Coel's city, and at last returned to his
command in Gaul and Spain, well pleased with the spirit of the
little maiden whom, so he claimed, he still held in his power as
the prisoner of Rome.
Constantius the prefect came again to Britain, and with a greater
following, fully ten years after King Coel's revolt, for now,
again, rebellion was afoot in the island province.
Carausius the admiral, biding his time, sought at last to carry
out his scheme of sole supremacy. Sailing with his entire
war-fleet to Britain, he won the legions to his side, proclaimed
himself Emperor of Britain, and defied the power of Rome.
So daring and successful was his move that Rome for a time was
powerless. Carausius was recognized as "associate" emperor by
Rome, until such time as she should be ready to punish his
rebellion, and for seven years he reigned as emperor of Britain.
But ere this came to pass, Helena the princess had gone over to
Gaul, and had become the wife of Constantius the prefect,--"Since
only thus," said he, "may I keep in safe custody this prisoner of
Rome.
Pages:
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60