Vortiger

Vortiger, King of Britain, married Rowena the daughter of Hengist the Saxon prince, his mortal enemy; but wherefore? she had Kent for her dowry.

Anatomy of Melancholy 2007

Vortiger was treacherous, for here he betrayed his lord, and the knights held it for sooth, what the traitor said Vortiger ordered his swains to saddle his steeds, and named twelve men to lead with himself, to horse they went as if they would depart from the land.

Roman de Brut. English Layamon

Thirty hundred knights marched out of London; they rode and they ran, forth with Vortiger, until they approached where the Peohtes dwelt.

Roman de Brut. English Layamon

The Peohtes were blithe for their murder (that they had committed), and they took their good gear—-there was neither shield nor spear Vortiger weaponed all his knights forth right, and the Peohtes there came, and brought the head of the king.

Roman de Brut. English Layamon

Vortiger, who was traitor full secret, -- much he gan to weep, and sorrowfully to sigh, but it was in his head, and not in his heart.

Roman de Brut. English Layamon

The Peohtes saw that -- the drunken knights -- how Vortiger would depart, herefore they had much care, they went to counsel, they went to communing, all they lamented their life exceedingly, because Vortiger was so dear to them And thus said the Peohtes, the drunken knights:

Roman de Brut. English Layamon

Vortiger is gone, we all must depart, -- we will not for anything have a monk for king!

Roman de Brut. English Layamon

Vortiger heard that, who was traitor full secret; thus he ordered the messenger back forth-right anon, and bade them "well to keep all our worship that never one depart out of the place, but all abide me, until that I arrive, and so I will divide this land among us all."

Roman de Brut. English Layamon

And they seized the king, and smote off his head, and all his knights they slew forth-right And took a messenger, and sent toward London, that he should ride quickly after Vortiger, that he should come speedily, and take the kingdom, for that he should know through all things, slain was Constance the king.

Roman de Brut. English Layamon

Forth went the messenger, and Vortiger took anon and sent over London, and ordered them quickly and full soon, that they all should come to husting.

Roman de Brut. English Layamon