Even if by some miracle of the Gods Theodosius down South sent and saved the Wall , we could not expect more than the death Maximus died . '' ' `` It concerns us to defend the Wall , no matter what Emperor dies , or makes die , '' I said . ' `` That is worthy of your brother the philosopher , '' said Pertinax . `` Myself I am without hope , so I do not say solemn and stupid things ! Rouse the Wall ! '' ` We armed the Wall from end to end ; we told the officers that there was a rumour of Maximus 's death which might bring down the Winged Hats , but we were sure , even if it were true , that Theodosius , for the sake of Britain , would send us help . Therefore , we must stand fast . ... My friends , it is above all things strange to see how men bear ill news ! Often the strongest till then become the weakest , while the weakest , as it were , reach up and steal strength from the Gods . So it was with us . Yet my Pertinax by his jests and his courtesy and his labours had put heart and training into our poor numbers during the past years -- more than I should have thought possible . Even our Libyan Cohort -- the Third -- stood up in their padded cuirasses and did not whimper . ` In three days came seven chiefs and elders of the Winged Hats . Among them was that tall young man , Amal , whom I had met on the beach , and he smiled when he saw my necklace . We made them welcome , for they were ambassadors . We showed them Allo , alive but bound . They thought we had killed him , and I saw it would not have vexed them if we had . Allo saw it too , and it vexed him . Then in our quarters at Hunno we came to Council . ` They said that Rome was falling , and that we must join them .
They offered me all South XXXXX to govern after they had taken a tribute out of it . '
Amal Britain Emperor Hats Hunno Maximus South Theodosius Third jests