But this splendid fabric of Roman power signally failed to win the
support of the majority of the Britons. Civilization, like truth,
cannot be forced on minds unwilling or unable to receive it. Least of
all can it be forced by the sword's point and the taskmaster's lash.
In order to render his victories on the Continent (S17) secure, Caesar
butchered thousands of prisoners of war, or cut off the right hands of
the entire population of large settlements to prevent them from rising
in revolt.
The policy pursued in Britain, though very different, was equally
heartless and equally fatal. There were rulers who endeavored to act
justly, but such cases were rare. One of the leaders of the North
Britons said, "The Romans give the lying name of Empire to robbery and
slaughter; they make a desert and call it peace."