The stay of Fitz-Gwarine at Orkney was short, for we soon after find him driven by tempests to the coast of Barbary. In contemplation upon this dreary part of the globe, he formed a resolution of seeing Carthage, the city that produced such invincible heroes, whose courage defended that small republic for a considerable time, against the powerful arms of the Roman empire. But when he saw this once opulent and populous city crumbled nearly to dust, he felt strong emotions of pity mixed with veneration. Here! he exclaimed, was born and educated, Hanibal the greatest general in ancient history, who made the Romans tremble at their own capital! In these streets, what patriotism prevailed among all classes of people! Here commerce flourished; and great improvement was made in its concomitant navigation. Wrapt in enthusiasm, Fitz-Gwarine set sail for England, full of hearty desires that his own country might one day thrive by trade in as conspicuous a manner as Carthage had done. Upon his arrival, he had the good fortune to obtain a pardon for himself and followers, together with the restoration of Whittington castle, and all its appendages. I have mentioned that John gave this place to Wrenoc, but he held it for the service of being interpreter between the Welsh and English; and when the king gave Whittington to Fulk, Wrenoc had certain estates in the neighbourhood, given him in compensation.
The splendour Fitz-Gwarine lived in, is described by Mr. Dovaston in such a striking manner, that I cannot refrain from quoting the words he uses to such advantage.
“Other guests than yon lone bird, And other musick here was heard, In times of better days; Festive revelry went round, The board with blushing goblets crown’d, And costly carpets clad the ground, Where now yon cattle graze.
“Days were those of splendor high, Days of hospitality, When to his rich domain Welcom’d many a crested knight, Welcom’d many a lady bright, Fitz-Gwarine of Lorraine.”
The next laudable action of Fitz-Gwarine, of which we have any authentic account is, his going on an expedition into Ireland, in the service of the English king. He behaved with such intrepidity and loyalty, that after his return to England, he received the title of THE GREAT: an appellation more frequently conferred on the destroyers of the human race, than on those who contribute to the real welfare of mankind, by the discoveries in the arts and sciences. { 19}