I find it terribly difficult to go along with Demetrios's flash of understanding, nor can I accept that the rescript of Honorius was a pivotal point, rather one more event in the slide of Britannia out of Roman rule. All we know is that the rescript was an answer to a question that we do not have. We do know, however, that the enemy was the Saxons, that the Britons had already ousted Constantine III (who surrendered to Honorius in 511 and was executed) and his staff. I think it is much easier to take the rescript at its face value. The Britons really did need armed help, and there was noone else to turn to.