The _corona muralis_ was a crown of gold, bearing some resemblance to an ancient wall with turrets, given to him who first scaled the walls of a city in an assault. The _corona castrensis_ sive _vallaris_ was a crown given to the soldier who first mounted a rampart, or invaded the enemy’s camp. The _corona obsidionalis_ (Livy) was a crown composed of the grass which grew in a besieged place, and presented to the general who raised a siege. This was deemed one of the highest military honours. Thomasius says that it was likewise given “to a captain that razed a fort.” The _corona triumphalis_, originally of laurel and in after ages of gold, was worn by those generals who had received the honour of a triumph. On its being sent to the general, it insured him the triumph on his return, and he immediately obtained the title _imperator_, which he retained till his triumphal entry. The _corona ovalis_ sive _myrtea_ (Aulus Gellius) was given to a general for a victory without slaughter of men. The _corona civica_, the highest of all these rewards, was composed of oaken boughs, and given to him who had saved the life of a Roman citizen. VI. “Not Spain, not Spain doth tamely bear the yoke.” Levanta, España! tu famosa diestra Desde el Frances Pirene al Moro Atlante, Y al ronco son de trompas belicosas, Haz embuelta en durisimo diamante De tus valientes hijos feroz muestra, Debaxo de tus señas vitoriosas. Luis de Gongora. XI. “Sagunthus and Numance and Bilbil here.” The cities of Saguntum and Numantia have been heretofore specified. Bilbilis is the modern Bilbao, capital of the province of Biscay. For a sketch of the ancient heroism of Cantabria, corresponding with the modern Vascongadas or Basque Provinces, see the Introduction. For an account of the exploits of Viriatus and Sertorius see Livy and Ferguson’s _Roman Republic_. “Now when babes untimely perish Like old Basques strew pure white roses.” This ancient custom has been made by Wordsworth the subject of two sonnets, in the second of which occur the following fine lines:-- A garland fashioned of the pure white rose Becomes not one whose father is a slave! XVIII. “A troop from fair Guernica marched ere night.” Tambem movem da guerra as negras furias A gente Biscainha, que carece De polidas razoens, e que as injurias Muito mal dos estranhos compadece. A terra de Guipuscoa, e das Asturias, &c. Camóens, _Lus._ iv. 11. XXIV. “Sent our bold columns rapid to the fight. Morton with joy, and Nial with delight The summons heard.” Ἐν γὰρ χερσὶ τέλος πολέμου, ἐπέων δ’ ἐνὶ βουλῇ· Τῷ, οὔτι χρὴ μῦθον ὀφέλλειν, ἀλλὰ μάχεσθαι. Hom. _Il._ xvi. 630.