There is never harm in a Pict if you but take the trouble to find out what he wants . Their real grievance against us came from our burning their heather . The whole garrison of the Wall moved out twice a year , and solemnly burned the heather for ten miles North . Rutilianus , our General , called it clearing the country . The Picts , of course , scampered away , and all we did was to destroy their bee-bloom in the summer , and ruin their sheep-food in the spring . ' `` True , quite true , '' said Allo . `` How can we make our holy heather-wine , if you burn our bee-pasture ? '' ` We talked long , Maximus asking keen questions that showed he knew much and had thought more about the Picts . He said presently to me : `` If I gave you the old Province of Valentia to govern , could you keep the Picts contented till I won Gaul ? Stand away , so that you do not see Allo 's face ; and speak your own thoughts . '' ' `` No , '' I said . `` You can not remake that Province . The Picts have been free too long . '' ' `` Leave them their village councils , and let them furnish their own soldiers , '' he said . `` You , I am sure , would hold the reins very lightly . '' `` Even then , no , '' I said . `` At least not now . They have been too oppressed by us to trust anything with a Roman name for years and years . '' ' I heard old Allo behind me mutter : `` Good child ! '' ' `` Then what do you recommend , '' said Maximus , `` to keep the North quiet till I win Gaul ? '' '
`` Leave the XXXXX alone , '' I said .
Gaul General Maximus Pict Picts Rutilianus bee-bloom bee-pasture burn sheep-food