Gallic War |
Translator: W. A. McDevitte
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Treveri vero atque Indutiomarus totius hiemis nullum tempus intermiserunt , quin trans Rhenum legatos mitterent , civitates sollicitarent , pecunias pollicerentur , magna parte exercitus nostri interfecta multo minorem superesse dicerent partem . Neque tamen ulli civitati Germanorum persuaderi potuit , ut Rhenum transiret , cum se bis expertos dicerent , Ariovisti bello et Tencterorum transitu : non esse amplius fortunam temptaturos . Hac spe lapsus Indutiomarus nihilo minus copias cogere , exercere , a finitimis equos parare , exules damnatosque tota Gallia magnis praemiis ad se allicere coepit . Ac tantam sibi iam his rebus in Gallia auctoritatem comparaverat ut undique ad eum legationes concurrerent , gratiam atque amicitiam publice privatimque peterent .
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But the Triviri and Indutiomarus let no part of the entire winter pass without sending embassadors across the Rhine , importuning the states, promising money, and asserting that, as a large portion of our army had been cut off, a much smaller portion remained. However, none of the German States could be induced to cross the Rhine , since "they had twice essayed it," they said, "in the war with Ariovistus and in the passage of the Tenchtheri there; that fortune was not to be tempted any more." Indutiomarus disappointed in this expectation, nevertheless began to raise troops, and discipline them, and procure horses from the neighboring people, and allure to him by great rewards the outlaws and convicts throughout Gaul. And such great influence had he already acquired for himself in Gaul by these means, that embassies were flocking to him in all directions, and seeking, publicly and privately, his favor and friendship. |
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Vbi intellexit ultro ad se veniri , altera ex parte Senones Carnutesque conscientia facinoris instigari , altera Nervios Aduatucosque bellum Romanis parare , neque sibi voluntariorum copias defore , si ex finibus suis progredi coepisset , armatum concilium indicit . Hoc more Gallorum est initium belli , quo lege communi omnes puberes armati convenire consuerunt ; qui ex eis novissimus convenit , in conspectu multitudinis omnibus cruciatibus affectus necatur . In eo concilio Cingetorigem , alterius principem factionis , generum suum , quem supra demonstravimus Caesaris secutum fidem ab eo non discessisse , hostem iudicat bonaque eius publicat . His rebus confectis , in concilio pronuntiat arcessitum se a Senonibus et Carnutibus aliisque compluribus Galliae civitatibus ; huc iturum per fines Remorum eorumque agros populaturum ac , priusquam id faciat , castra Labieni oppugnaturum . Quae fieri velit praecipit .
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When he perceived that they were coming to him voluntarily; that on the one side the Senones and the Carnutes were stimulated by their consciousness of guilt, on the other side the Nervii and the Aduatuci were preparing war against the Romans, and that forces of volunteers would not be wanting to him if he began to advance from his own territories, he proclaims an armed council (this according to the custom of the Gauls in the commencement of war) at which, by a common law, all the youth were wont to assemble in arms, whoever of them comes last is killed in the sight of the whole assembly after being racked with every torture. In that council he declares Cingetorix, the leader of the other faction, his own son-in-law (whom we have above mentioned, as having embraced the protection of Caesar, and never having deserted him) an enemy and confiscates his property. When these things were finished, he asserts in the council that he, invited by the Senones and the Carnutes, and several other states of Gaul, was about to march thither through the territories of the Remi, devastate their lands, and attack the camp of Labienus: before he does that, he informs them of what he desires to be done. |
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Labienus , cum et loci natura et manu munitissumis castris sese teneret , de suo ac legionis periculo nihil timebat ; ne quam occasionem rei bene gerendae dimitteret , cogitabat . Itaque a Cingetorige atque eius propinquis oratione Indutiomari cognita , quam in concilio habuerat , nuntios mittit ad finitimas civitates equitesque undique evocat : his certum diem conveniendi dicit . Interim prope cotidie cum omni equitatu Indutiomarus sub castris eius vagabatur , alias ut situm castrorum cognosceret , alias colloquendi aut territandi causa : equites plerumque omnes tela intra vallum coniciebant . Labienus suos intra munitionem continebat timorisque opinionem , quibuscumque poterat rebus , augebat .
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Labienus, since he was confining himself within a camp strongly fortified by the nature of the ground and by art, had no apprehensions as to his own and the legion's danger, but was devising that he might throw away no opportunity of conducting the war successfully. Accordingly, the speech of Indutiomarus, which he had delivered in the council, having been made known [to him] by Cingetorix and his allies, he sends messengers to the neighboring states and summons horse from all quarters: he appoints to them a fixed day for assembling. In the mean time, Indutiomarus, with all his cavalry, nearly every day used to parade close to his [Labienus'] camp; at one time, that he might inform himself of the situation of the camp; at another time, for the purpose of conferring with or of intimidating him. Labienus confined his men within the fortifications, and promoted the enemy's belief of his fear by whatever methods he could. |
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Cum maiore in dies contemptione Indutiomarus ad castra accederet , nocte una intromissis equitibus omnium finitimarum civitatum quos arcessendos curaverat , tanta diligentia omnes suos custodiis intra castra continuit , ut nulla ratione ea res enuntiari aut ad Treveros perferri posset . Interim ex consuetudine cotidiana Indutiomarus ad castra accedit atque ibi magnam partem diei consumit ; equites tela coniciunt et magna cum contumelia verborum nostros ad pugnam evocant . Nullo ab nostris dato responso , ubi visum est , sub vesperum dispersi ac dissipati discedunt . Subito Labienus duabus portis omnem equitatum emittit ; praecipit atque interdicit , proterritis hostibus atque in fugam coniectis ( quod fore , sicut accidit , videbat ) unum omnes peterent Indutiomarum , neu quis quem prius vulneret , quam illum interfectum viderit , quod mora reliquorum spatium nactum illum effugere nolebat ; magna proponit eis qui occiderint praemia ; summittit cohortes equitibus subsidio . Comprobat hominis consilium fortuna , et cum unum omnes peterent , in ipso fluminis vado deprehensus Indutiomarus interficitur , caputque eius refertur in castra : redeuntes equites quos possunt consectantur atque occidunt . Hac re cognita omnes Eburonum et Nerviorum quae convenerant copiae discedunt , pauloque habuit post id factum Caesar quietiorem Galliam .
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Since Indutiomarus was daily advancing up to the camp with greater defiance, all the cavalry of the neighboring states which he [ Labienus] had taken care to have sent for, having been admitted in one night, he confined all his men within the camp by guards with such great strictness, that that fact could by no means be reported or carried to the Treviri . In the mean while, Indutiomarus, according to his daily practice, advances up to the camp and spends a great part of the day there: his horse cast their weapons, and with very insulting language call out our men to battle. No reply being given by our men, the enemy, when they thought proper, depart toward evening in a disorderly and scattered manner, Labienus unexpectedly sends out all the cavalry by two gates; he gives this command and prohibition, that, when the enemy should be terrified and put to flight (which he foresaw would happen, as it did), they should all make for Indutiomarus, and no one wound any man before he should have seen him slain, because he was unwilling that he should escape, in consequence of gaining time by the delay [occasioned by the pursuit] of the rest. He offers great rewards for those who should kill him: he sends up the cohorts as a relief to the horse. The issue justifies the policy of the man, and since all aimed at one, Indutiomarus is slain, having been overtaken at the very ford of the river, and his head is carried to the camp, the horse, when returning, pursue and slay all whom they can. This affair having been known, all the forces of the Eburones and the Nervii which had assembled, depart; and for a short time after this action, Caesar was less harassed in the government of Gaul. |
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COMMENTARIUS SEXTUS Multis de causis Caesar maiorem Galliae motum exspectans per Marcum Silanum , Gaium Antistium Reginum , Titum Sextium legatos delectum habere instituit . Simul ab Gnaeo Pompeio proconsule petit , quoniam ipse ad urbem cum imperio rei publicae causa remaneret , quos ex Cisalpina Gallia consulis sacramento rogavisset , ad signa convenire et ad se proficisci iuberet , magni interesse etiam in reliquum tempus ad opinionem Galliae existimans tantas videri Italiae facultates ut , si quid esset in bello detrimenti acceptum , non modo id brevi tempore sarciri , sed etiam maioribus augeri copiis posset . Quod cum Pompeius et rei publicae et amicitiae tribuisset , celeriter confecto per suos dilectu tribus ante exactam hiemem et constitutis et adductis legionibus duplicatoque earum cohortium numero , quas cum Quinto Titurio amiserat , et celeritate et copiis docuit , quid populi Romani disciplina atque opes possent .
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Caesar, expecting for many reasons a greater commotion in Gaul, resolves to hold a levy by the means of M. Silanus C. Antistius Reginus, and T. Sextius, his lieutenants: at the same time he requested Cn. Pompey, the proconsul, that since he was remaining near the city invested with military command for the interests of the commonwealth, he would command those men whom when consul [ 55 B.C.] he had levied by the military oath in Cisalpine Gaul, to join their respective corps, and to proceed to him; thinking it of great importance, as far as regarded the opinion which the Gauls would entertain for the future, that that the resources of Italy should appear so great that if any loss should be sustained in war, not only could it be repaired in a short time, but likewise be further supplied by still larger forces. And when Pompey had granted this to the interests of the commonwealth and the claims of friendship, Caesar having quickly completed the levy by means of his lieutenants, after three regiments had been both formed and brought to him before the winter [had] expired, and the number of those cohorts which he had lost under Q. Titurius had been doubled, taught the Gauls, both by his dispatch and by his forces what the discipline and the power of the Roman people could accomplish. |
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Interfecto Indutiomaro , ut docuimus , ad eius propinquos a Treveris imperium defertur . Illi finitimos Germanos sollicitare et pecuniam polliceri non desistunt . Cum ab proximis impetrare non possent , ulteriores temptant . Inventis nonnullis civitatibus iureiurando inter se confirmant obsidibusque de pecunia cavent : Ambiorigem sibi societate et foedere adiungunt . Quibus rebus cognitis Caesar , cum undique bellum parari videret , Nervios , Aduatucos ac Menapios adiunctis Cisrhenanis omnibus Germanis esse in armis , Senones ad imperatum non venire et cum Carnutibus finitimisque civitatibus consilia communicare , a Treveris Germanos crebris legationibus sollicitari , maturius sibi de bello cogitandum putavit .
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Indutiomarus having been slain, as we have stated, the government was conferred upon his relatives by the Treviri . They cease not to importune the neighboring Germans and to promise them money: when they could not obtain [their object] from those nearest them, they try those more remote. Having found some states willing to accede to their wishes, they enter into a compact with them by a mutual oath, and give hostages as a security for the money: they attach Ambiorix to them by an alliance and confederacy. Caesar, on being informed of their acts, since he saw that war was being prepared on all sides, that the Nervii, Aduatuci, and Menapii, with the addition of all the Germans on this side of the Rhine were under arms, that the Senones did not assemble according to his command, and were concerting measures with the Carnutes and the neighboring states, that the Germans were importuned by the Treviri in frequent embassies, thought that he ought to take measures for the war earlier [than usual]. |
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Itaque nondum hieme confecta proximis quattuor coactis legionibus de improviso in fines Nerviorum contendit et , priusquam illi aut convenire aut profugere possent , magno pecoris atque hominum numero capto atque ea praeda militibus concessa vastatisque agris in deditionem venire atque obsides sibi dare coegit . Eo celeriter confecto negotio rursus in hiberna legiones reduxit . Concilio Galliae primo vere , ut instituerat , indicto , cum reliqui praeter Senones , Carnutes Treverosque venissent , initium belli ac defectionis hoc esse arbitratus , ut omnia postponere videretur , concilium Lutetiam Parisiorum transfert . Confines erant hi Senonibus civitatemque patrum memoria coniunxerant , sed ab hoc consilio afuisse existimabantur . Hac re pro suggestu pronuntiata eodem die cum legionibus in Senones proficiscitur magnisque itineribus eo pervenit .
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Accordingly, while the winter was not yet ended, having concentrated the four nearest legions, he marched unexpectedly into the territories of the Nervii, and before they could either assemble or retreat, after capturing a large number of cattle and of men, and wasting their lands and giving up that booty to the soldiers, compelled them to enter into a surrender and give him hostages. That business having been speedily executed, he again led his legions back into winter-quarters. Having proclaimed a council of Gaul in the beginning of the spring, as he had been accustomed [to do], when the deputies from the rest, except the Senones , the Carnutes, and the Treviri , had come, judging this to be the commencement of war and revolt, that he might appear to consider all things of less consequence [than that war], he transfers the council to Lutetia of the Parisii . These were adjacent to the Senones , and had united their state to them during the memory of their fathers, but were thought to have no part in the present plot. Having proclaimed this from the tribunal, he advances the same day toward the Senones with his legions, and arrives among them by long marches. |
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Cognito eius adventu Acco , qui princeps eius consili fuerat , iubet in oppida multitudinem convenire . Conantibus , priusquam id effici posset , adesse Romanos nuntiatur . Necessario sententia desistunt legatosque deprecandi causa ad Caesarem mittunt : adeunt per Aeduos , quorum antiquitus erat in fide civitas . Libenter Caesar petentibus Aeduis dat veniam excusationemque accipit , quod aestivum tempus instantis belli , non quaestionis esse arbitrabatur . Obsidibus imperatis centum hos Aeduis custodiendos tradit . Eodem Carnutes legatos obsidesque mittunt usi deprecatoribus Remis , quorum erant in clientela : eadem ferunt responsa . Peragit concilium Caesar equitesque imperat civitatibus .
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Acco, who had been the author of that enterprise, on being informed of his arrival, orders the people to assemble in the towns; to them, while attempting this, and before it could be accomplished, news is brought that the Romans are close at hand: through necessity they give over their design and send embassadors to Caesar for the purpose of imploring pardon; they make advances to him through the Aedui, whose state was from ancient times under the protection of Rome . Caesar readily grants them pardon, and receives their excuse, at the request of the Aedui, because he thought that the summer season was one for an impending war, not for an investigation. Having imposed one hundred hostages, he delivers these to the Aedui to be held in charge by them. To the same place the Carnutes send embassadors and hostages, employing as their mediators the Remi, under whose protection they were: they receive the same answers. Caesar concludes the council and imposes a levy of cavalry on the states. |
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Hac parte Galliae pacata totus et mente et animo in bellum Treverorum et Ambiorigis insistit . Cavarinum cum equitatu Senonum secum proficisci iubet , ne quis aut ex huius iracundia aut ex eo , quod meruerat , odio civitatis motus exsistat . His rebus constitutis , quod pro explorato habebat Ambiorigem proelio non esse concertaturum , reliqua eius consilia animo circumspiciebat . Erant Menapii propinqui Eburonum finibus , perpetuis paludibus silvisque muniti , qui uni ex Gallia de pace ad Caesarem legatos numquam miserant . Cum his esse hospitium Ambiorigi sciebat ; item per Treveros venisse Germanis in amicitiam cognoverat . Haec prius illi detrahenda auxilia existimabat quam ipsum bello lacesseret , ne desperata salute aut se in Menapios abderet aut cum Transrhenanis congredi cogeretur . Hoc inito consilio totius exercitus impedimenta ad Labienum in Treveros mittit duasque legiones ad eum proficisci iubet ; ipse cum legionibus expeditis quinque in Menapios proficiscitur . Illi nulla coacta manu loci praesidio freti in silvas paludesque confugiunt suaque eodem conferunt .
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This part of Gaul having been tranquilized, he applies himself entirely both in mind and soul to the war with the Treviri and Ambiorix. He orders Cavarinus to march with him with the cavalry of the Senones , lest any commotion should arise either out of his hot temper, or out of the hatred of the state which he had incurred. After arranging these things, as he considered it certain that Ambiorix would not contend in battle, he watched his other plans attentively. The Menapii bordered on the territories of the Eburones, and were protected by one continued extent of morasses and woods; and they alone out of Gaul had never sent embassadors to Caesar on the subject of peace. Caesar knew that a tie of hospitality subsisted between them and Ambiorix: he also discovered that the latter had entered into an alliance with the Germans by means of the Treviri . Ho thought that these auxiliaries ought to be detached from him before he provoked him to war; lest he, despairing of safety, should either proceed to conceal himself in the territories of the Menapii, or should be driven to coalesce with the Germans beyond the Rhine . Having entered upon this resolution, he sends the baggage of the whole army to Labienus, in the territories of the Treviri and orders two legions to proceed to him: he himself proceeds against the Menapii with five lightly-equipped legions. They, having assembled no troops, as they relied on the defense of their position, retreat into the woods and morasses, and convey thither all their property. |
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Caesar partitis copiis cum Gaio Fabio legato et Marco Crasso quaestore celeriterque effectis pontibus adit tripertito , aedificia vicosque incendit , magno pecoris atque hominum numero potitur . Quibus rebus coacti Menapii legatos ad eum pacis petendae causa mittunt . Ille obsidibus acceptis hostium se habiturum numero confirmat , si aut Ambiorigem aut eius legatos finibus suis recepissent . His confirmatis rebus Commium Atrebatem cum equitatu custodis loco in Menapiis relinquit ; ipse in Treveros proficiscitur .
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Caesar, having divided his forces with C. Fabius, his lieutenant, and M. Crassus his questor, and having hastily constructed some bridges, enters their country in three divisions, burns their houses and villages, and gets possession of a large number of cattle and men. Constrained by these circumstances the Menapii send embassadors to him for the purpose of suing for peace. He, after receiving hostages, assures them that he will consider them in the number of his enemies if they shall receive within their territories either Ambiorix or his embassadors. Having determinately settled these things, he left among the Menapii, Commius the Atrebatian, with some cavalry as a guard; he himself proceeds toward the Treviri . |
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Dum haec a Caesare geruntur , Treveri magnis coactis peditatus equitatusque copiis Labienum cum una legione , quae in eorum finibus hiemaverat , adoriri parabant . Iamque ab eo non longius bidui via aberant , cum duas venisse legiones missu Caesaris cognoscunt . Positis castris a milibus passuum XV auxilia Germanorum exspectare constituunt . Labienus hostium cognito consilio sperans temeritate eorum fore aliquam dimicandi facultatem praesidio quinque cohortium impedimentis relicto cum viginti quinque cohortibus magnoque equitatu contra hostem proficiscitur et mille passuum intermisso spatio castra communit . Erat inter Labienum atque hostem difficili transitu flumen ripisque praeruptis . Hoc neque ipse transire habebat in animo neque hostes transituros existimabat . Augebatur auxiliorum cotidie spes . Loquitur in concilio palam , quoniam Germani appropinquare dicantur , sese suas exercitusque fortunas in dubium non devocaturum et postero die prima luce castra moturum . Celeriter haec ad hostes deferuntur , ut ex magno Gallorum equitum numero nonnullos Gallicis rebus favere natura cogebat . Labienus noctu tribunis militum primisque ordinibus convocatis , quid sui sit consili proponit et , quo facilius hostibus timoris det suspicionem , maiore strepitu et tumultu , quam populi Romani fert consuetudo castra moveri iubet . His rebus fugae similem profectionem effecit . Haec quoque per exploratores ante lucem in tanta propinquitate castrorum ad hostes deferuntur .
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While these things are being performed by Caesar, the Treviri , having drawn together large forces of infantry and cavalry, were preparing to attack Labienus and the legion which was wintering in their territories, and were already not further distant from him than a journey of two days, when they learn that two legions had arrived by the order of Caesar. Having pitched their camp fifteen miles off, they resolve to await the support of the Germans. Labienus, having learned the design of the enemy, hoping that through their rashness there would be some opportunity of engaging, after leaving a guard of five cohorts for the baggage, advances against the enemy with twenty-five cohorts and a large body of cavalry, and, leaving the space of a mile between them, fortifies his camp. There was between Labienus and the enemy a river difficult to cross, and with steep banks: this neither did he himself design to cross, nor did he suppose the enemy would cross it. Their hope of auxiliaries was daily increasing. He [Labienus] openly says in a council that "since the Germans are said to be approaching, he would not bring into uncertainty his own and the army's fortunes, and the next day would move his camp at early dawn." These words are quickly carried to the enemy, since out of so large a number of cavalry composed of Gauls, nature compelled some to favor the Gallic interests. Labienus, having assembled the tribunes of the soldiers and principal centurions by night, states what his design is, and, that he may the more easily give the enemy a belief of his fears, he orders the camp to be moved with greater noise and confusion than was usual with the Roman people. By these means he makes his departure [appear] like a retreat. These things, also, since the camps were so near, are reported to the enemy by scouts before daylight. |
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Vix agmen novissimum extra munitiones processerat , cum Galli cohortati inter se , ne speratam praedam ex manibus dimitterent —longum esse perterritis Romanis Germanorum auxilium exspectare , neque suam pati dignitatem ut tantis copiis tam exiguam manum praesertim fugientem atque impeditam adoriri non audeant —flumen transire et iniquo loco committere proelium non dubitant . Quae fore suspicatus Labienus , ut omnes citra flumen eliceret , eadem usus simulatione itineris placide progrediebatur . Tum praemissis paulum impedimentis atque in tumulo quodam collocatis " Habetis , " inquit , " milites , quam petistis facultatem : hostem impedito atque iniquo loco tenetis : praestate eandem nobis ducibus virtutem , quam saepe numero imperatori praestitistis , atque illum adesse et haec coram cernere existimate . " Simul signa ad hostem converti aciemque dirigi iubet , et paucis turmis praesidio ad impedimenta dimissis reliquos equites ad latera disponit . Celeriter nostri clamore sublato pila in hostes immittunt . Illi , ubi praeter spem quos fugere credebant infestis signis ad se ire viderunt , impetum modo ferre non potuerunt ac primo concursu in fugam coniecti proximas silvas petierunt . Quos Labienus equitatu consectatus , magno numero interfecto , compluribus captis , paucis post diebus civitatem recepit . Nam Germani qui auxilio veniebant percepta Treverorum fuga sese domum receperunt . Cum his propinqui Indutiomari , qui defectionis auctores fuerant , comitati eos ex civitate excesserunt . Cingetorigi , quem ab initio permansisse in officio demonstravimus , principatus atque imperium est traditum .
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Scarcely had the rear advanced beyond the fortifications when the Gauls, encouraging one another "not to cast from their hands the anticipated booty, that it was a tedious thing, while the Romans were panic-stricken, to be waiting for the aid of the Germans, and that their dignity did not suffer them to fear to attack with such great forces so small a band, particularly when retreating and encumbered," do not hesitate to cross the river and give battle in a disadvantageous position. Labienus suspecting that these things would happen, was proceeding quietly, and using the same pretense of a march, in order that he might entice them across the river. Then, having sent forward the baggage some short distance and placed it on a certain eminence, he says, "Soldiers, you have the opportunity you have sought: you hold the enemy in an encumbered and disadvantageous position: display to us, your leaders, the same valor you have ofttimes displayed to your general: imagine that he is present and actually sees these exploits." At the same time he orders the troops to face about toward the enemy and form in line of battle, and, dispatching a few troops of cavalry as a guard for the baggage, he places the rest of the horse on the wings. Our men, raising a shout, quickly throw their javelins at the enemy. They, when, contrary to their expectation, they saw those whom they believed to be retreating, advance toward them with threatening banners, were not able to sustain even the charge, and, being put to flight at the first onslaught, sought the nearest woods; Labienus pursuing them with the cavalry, upon a large number being slain, and several taken prisoners, got possession of the state a few days after; for the Germans, who were coming to the aid of the Treviri , having been informed of their flight, retreated to their homes. The relations of Indutiomarus, who had been the promoters of the revolt, accompanying them, quitted their own state with them. The supreme power and government were delivered to Cingetorix, whom we have stated to have remained firm in his allegiance from the commencement. |
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Caesar , postquam ex Menapiis in Treveros venit , duabus de causis Rhenum transire constituit ; quarum una erat , quod auxilia contra se Treveris miserant , altera , ne ad eos Ambiorix receptum haberet . His constitutis rebus paulum supra eum locum quo ante exercitum traduxerat facere pontem instituit . Nota atque instituta ratione magno militum studio paucis diebus opus efficitur . Firmo in Treveris ad pontem praesidio relicto , ne quis ab his subito motus oreretur , reliquas copias equitatumque traducit . Vbii , qui ante obsides dederant atque in deditionem venerant , purgandi sui causa ad eum legatos mittunt , qui doceant neque auxilia ex sua civitate in Treveros missa neque ab se fidem laesam : petunt atque orant ut sibi parcat , ne communi odio Germanorum innocentes pro nocentibus poenas pendant ; si amplius obsidum vellet , dare pollicentur . Cognita Caesar causa reperit ab Suebis auxilia missa esse ; Vbiorum satisfactionem accipit , aditus viasque in Suebos perquirit .
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Caesar, after he came from the territories of the Menapii into those of the Treviri , resolved for two reasons to cross the Rhine ; one of which was, because they had sent assistance to the Treviri against him; the other, that Ambiorix might not have a retreat among them. Having determined on these matters, he began to build a bridge a little above that place where he had before conveyed over his army. The plan having been known and laid down, the work is accomplished in a few days by the great exertion of the soldiers. Having left a strong guard at the bridge on the side of the Treviri , lest any commotion should suddenly arise among them, he leads over the rest of the forces and the cavalry. The Ubii, who before had sent hostages and come to a capitulation, send embassadors to him, for the purpose of vindicating themselves, to assure him that "neither had auxiliaries been sent to the Treviri from their state, nor had they violated their allegiance;" they entreat and beseech him "to spare them, lest, in his common hatred of the Germans, the innocent should suffer the penalty of the guilty: they promise to give more hostages, if he desire them." Having investigated the case, Caesar finds that the auxiliaries had been sent by the Suevi; he accepts the apology of the Ubii, and makes the minute inquiries concerning the approaches and the routes to the territories of the Suevi. |
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Interim paucis post diebus fit ab Vbiis certior Suebos omnes in unum locum copias cogere atque eis nationibus quae sub eorum sint imperio denuntiare , ut auxilia peditatus equitatusque mittant . His cognitis rebus rem frumentariam providet , castris idoneum locum deligit ; Vbiis imperat ut pecora deducant suaque omnia ex agris in oppida conferant , sperans barbaros atque imperitos homines inopia cibariorum adductos ad iniquam pugnandi condicionem posse deduci ; mandat , ut crebros exploratores in Suebos mittant quaeque apud eos gerantur cognoscant . Illi imperata faciunt et paucis diebus intermissis referunt : Suebos omnes , posteaquam certiores nuntii de exercitu Romanorum venerint , cum omnibus suis sociorumque copiis , quas coegissent , penitus ad extremos fines se recepisse : silvam esse ibi infinita magnitudine , quae appellatur Bacenis ; hanc longe introrsus pertinere et pro nativo muro obiectam Cheruscos ab Suebis Suebosque ab Cheruscis iniuriis incursionibusque prohibere : ad eius initium silvae Suebos adventum Romanorum exspectare constituisse .
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In the mean time he is informed by the Ubii, a few days after, that the Suevi are drawing all their forces into one place, and are giving orders to those nations which are under their government to send auxiliaries of infantry and of cavalry. Having learned these things, he provides a supply of corn, selects a proper place for his camp, and commands the Ubii to drive off their cattle and carry away all their possessions from the country parts into the towns, hoping that they, being a barbarous and ignorant people, when harassed by the want of provisions, might be brought to an engagement on disadvantageous terms: he orders them to send numerous scouts among the Suevi, and learn what things are going on among them. They execute the orders, and, a few days having intervened, report that all the Suevi, after certain intelligence concerning the army of the Romans had come, retreated with all their own forces and those of their allies, which they had assembled, to the utmost extremities of their territories: that there is a wood there of very great extent, which is called Bacenis; that this stretches a great way into the interior, and, being opposed as a natural barrier, defends from injuries and incursions the Cherusci against the Suevi, and the Suevi against the Cherusci: that at the entrance of that forest the Suevi had determined to await the coming up of the Romans. |