The Scots have not harassed us in the south much, being too far distant, and those that wander hither come for pay, taking service as guards.

They are, indeed, the finest of men, and the hardiest to battle with.

I had forgotten to mention that it is possible the Irish might have pushed back the Welsh, had not the kingdom of York suddenly reviving, by means which shall be related, valiantly thrust out its masters, and fell upon their rear.
But still these nations are always upon the verge and margin of our world, and wait but an opportunity to rush in upon it.

Our countrymen groan under their yoke, and I say again that infamy should be the portion of those rulers among us who have filled their fortified places with mercenaries derived from such sources.
The land, too, is weak, because of the multitude of bondsmen.

In the provinces and kingdoms round about the Lake there is hardly a town where the slaves do not outnumber the free as ten to one.