matter of congratulation to the cultivator, that its existence spared him the necessity of leaving the plough and harrow to resist sudden incursions, or enforce measures of internal police; or that the strong castle with its band of ever-watchful defenders, existed as a garrison near the disputable boundary of the Mark. ----- Footnote 293: “Erat autem rex Oswini et aspectu venustus, et statura sublimis, et affatu iucundus, et moribus civilis, et manu omnibus, id est nobilibus simul atque ignobilibus, largus: unde contigit ut ob regiam eius et animi, et vultus, et meritorum dignitatem, ab omnibus diligeretur, et undique ad eius ministerium de cunctis prope provinciis viri etiam nobilissimi concurrerent.'” Bed. H. E. iii. 14. ----- The Germania of Tacitus supplies us with a detailed account of the institution of the Comitatus, which receives strong confirmation on every point from what we gather from other authentic sources. In his own words:— “Illustrious birth or the great services of their fathers give the rank of princes even to young men: they are associated with the rest who have already made proof of their greater powers. Nor is there any shame in appearing among the comites[294]. Moreover, the Comitatus itself has its grades, according to the judgment of him they follow; and great is the emulation among the comites, as to who shall hold the highest place in the estimation of the prince, and among the princes, as to who shall have the most numerous and the bravest comites. This is dignity, this is power, to be ever surrounded with a troop of chosen youths, a glory in time of peace, and a support in war. Nor is it only in their own tribe, but in the neighbouring states as well, a name and glory, to be distinguished for the number and valour of the comitatus; for they are courted with embassies, and adorned with presents, and keep off wars by their very reputation. When it comes to fighting, it is dishonourable for the prince to be excelled in valour, for the comitatus not to equal the valour of the prince; but infamous, and a reproach throughout life, to return from battle the survivor of the prince. To defend and protect him, to reckon to his glory even one’s own brave deeds, this is the first and holiest duty. The princes fight for victory, the comites for the prince. If the state in which they spring is torpid with long peace and ease, the most of these young nobles voluntarily seek such nations as may be engaged in war, partly because inaction does not please this race, partly because distinction is more easy of attainment under difficulties. Nor can you keep together a great comitatus, save by violence and war: since it is from the liberality of the prince that they exact that war-horse, that bloody and victorious lance. For feasts and meals, ample though rude, take the place of pay. Wars and plunder supply the means of munificence; nor will you so readily persuade them