1In the fifth year of campaigns, crossing over in the leading ship, he subdued peoples unknown until that time in frequent and successful battles; 1and he lined with troops that part of Britain which faces Hibernia, in hope rather than from fear, since Hibernia, lying midway between Britain and Spain and conveniently placed also for the Gallic sea, would join the strongest part of the empire together with great mutual advantages. 2Its extent, if compared with Britain, is smaller, but it surpasses the islands of our sea. 2Its soil and climate, and the character and way of life of its people, do not differ much from Britain's; 2its approaches and harbours are better known, through trade and merchants.
3Agricola had received one of the petty kings of the tribe, driven out by internal strife, and was keeping him, under the guise of friendship, against an opportunity. 3I often heard him say that Hibernia could be conquered and held with a single legion and a moderate force of auxiliaries; 3and that this would also be of advantage with regard to Britain, if Roman arms were everywhere and liberty were removed, as it were, from sight.