DBG Book 5, Chapters 24-48
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Subductis navibus concilioque Gallorum Samarobrivae peracto, quod eo anno frumentum in Gallia propter siccitates angustius provenerat, coactus est aliter ac superioribus annis exercitum in hibernis collocare legionesque in plures civitates distribuere; ex quibus unam in Morinos ducendam Gaio Fabio legato dedit, alteram in Nervios Quinto Ciceroni, tertiam in Esubios Lucio Roscio; quartam in Remis cum Tito Labieno in confinio Treverorum hiemare iussit. Tres in Belgis collocavit: eis Marcum Crassum quaestorem et Lucium Munatium Plancum et Gaium Trebonium legatos praefecit. Unam legionem, quam proxime trans Padum conscripserat, et cohortes V in Eburones, quorum pars maxima est inter Mosam ac Rhenum, qui sub imperio Ambiorigis et Catuvolci erant, misit. Eis militibus Quintum Titurium Sabinum et Lucium Aurunculeium Cottam legatos praeesse iussit. Ad hunc modum distributis legionibus facillime inopiae frumentariae sese mederi posse existimavit. Atque harum tamen omnium legionum hiberna praeter eam, quam Lucio Roscio im pacatissimam et quietissimam partem ducendam dederat, milibus passuum centum continebantur. Ipse interea, quoad legiones collocatas munitaque hiberna cognovisset, in Gallia morari constituit.
With the ships h/b drawn up and the council of the Gauls at Samarobriva h/b finished, because, in that year, grain in Gaul, on account of droughts, had grown more narrow, he was compelled to station the army in winter camps otherwise than in previous years, and to divide the legions into more states. From which (legions) he gave one to the legate Gaius Fabius to be led among the Morini, the second to Quintus Cicero among the Nervii, the third to Lucius Roscius among the Esubii; he ordered the fourth to pass the winter among the Remi with Titus Labienus in the neighborhood of the Treveri. He stationed three among the Bellovaci: he put in command of these the quaestor Marcus Crassus and legates Lucius Munatius Plancus and Gaius Trebonius. He sent one legion, which he had enlisted across the Padus recently, and five cohorts among the Eburones, of whom the greatest part is between the Mosa and Rhenus, who were under the rule of Ambiorix and Catuvolcus. He ordered the legates Quintus Titurius Sabinus and Lucius Aurunculeius Cotta to be in command of these soldiers. With the legions h/b distributed according to this manner, he thought that he himself is able most easily to remedy the lack of grain. And, however, the winter camps of all these legions, except that (legion), which he had given to Lucius Roscius to be led into the most peaceful and calmest part, were being held within one hundred thousands of paces [miles]. Meanwhile he himself, until he had learned that the legions have been stationed and that the winter camps have been fortified, decided to delay in Gaul.
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Erat in Carnutibus summo loco natus Tasgetius, cuius maiores in sua civitate regnum obtinuerant. Huic Caesar pro eius virtute atque in se benevolentia, quod in omnibus bellis singulari eius onera fuerat usus, maiorum locum restituerat. Tertium iam hunc annum regnantem inimici, multis palam ex civitate eius auctoribus, eum interfecerunt. Defertur ea res ad Caesarem. Ille veritus, quod ad plures pertinebat, ne civitas eorum impulsu deficeret, Lucium Plancum cum legione ex Belgio celeriter in Carnutes proficisci iubet ibique hiemare quorumque opera cognoverat Tasgetium interfectum, hos comprehensos ad se mittere. Interim ab omnibus legatis quaestoreque, quibus legiones tradiderat, certior factus est in hiberna perventum locumque hibernis esse munitum.
There was among the Carnutes Tasgetius, h/b born from the highest rank, whose ancestors had held authority in his state. To this (man) Caesar, for his merit and kindness towards himself, because in all wars he had been of use by his remarkable service, Caesar had restored the rank of (his) ancestors. (His) enemies, with many promoters openly from his state, killed him, ruling now in this third year. This event is reported to Caesar. He, having feared, because it was pertaining to many, that the state might revolt with the instigation of them, orders Lucius Plancus to go quickly with a legion from Belgium towards the Carnutes and to pass the winter there, and to send to himself these (men) h/b arrested, by whose work he had learned that Tasgetius has been killed. Meanwhile, by all legates and quaestors, to whom he had entrusted the legions, he was made surer that they have arrived into the winter camps and that the place for the winter camps has been fortified.
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Diebus circiter XV, quibus in hiberna ventum est, initium repentini tumultus ac defectionis ortum est ab Ambiorige et Catuvolco; qui, cum ad fines regni sui Sabino Cottaeque praesto fuissent frumentumque in hiberna comportavissent, Indutiomari Treveri nuntiis impulsi suos concitaverunt subitoque oppressis lignatoribus magna manu ad castra oppugnatum venerunt. Cum celeriter nostri arma cepissent vallumque adscendissent atque una ex parte Hispanis equitibus emissis equestri proelio superiores fuissent, desperata re hostes suos ab oppugnatione reduxerunt. Tum suo more conclamaverunt, uti aliqui ex nostris ad colloquium prodiret: habere sese, quae de re communi dicere vellent, quibus rebus controversias minui posse sperarent.
Within about 15 days, during which it was come into the winter camps, the beginning of sudden disorder and of revolt arose from Ambiorix and Catuvolcus; who, when, at the borders of their kingdom, they had met with Sabinus and Cotta and had brought grain into the winter camps, h/b incited by the messages of Indutiomarus, a Treveran, roused their (men) and suddenly, with the wood-foragers h/b oppressed, came with a large troop to the camps to attack. When our (men) quickly had seized arms and had climbed the wall and, with the Spanish horsemen h/b sent out from one part, they had been superior in equestrian battle, with the thing h/b despaired, the enemies drew back their (men) from the attack. Then, by their custom, they shouted out, so that some from our (men) might come forth to a conference: that they (themselves) have (things) which they were wanting to say about the common thing, by which matters they were hoping that the controversies are able to be settled.
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Mittitur ad eos colloquendi causa Gaius Arpineius, eques Romanus, familiaris Quinti Tituri, et Quintus Iunius ex Hispania quidam, qui iam ante missu Caesaris ad Ambiorigem ventitare consuerat; apud quos Ambiorix ad hunc modum locutus est: sese pro Caesaris in se beneficiis plurimum ei confiteri debere, quod eius opera stipendio liberatus esset, quod Aduatucis, finitimis suis, pendere consuesset, quodque ei et filius et fratris filius ab Caesare remissi essent, quos Aduatuci obsidum numero missos apud se in servitute et catenis tenuissent; neque id, quod fecerit de oppugnatione castrorum, aut iudicio aut voluntate sua fecisse, sed coactu civitatis, suaque esse eiusmodi imperia, ut non minus haberet iuris in se multitudo quam ipse in multitudinem. Civitati porro hanc fuisse belli causam, quod repentinae Gallorum coniurationi resistere non potuerit. Id se facile ex humilitate sua probare posse, quod non adeo sit imperitus rerum ut suis copiis populum Romanum superari posse confidat. Sed esse Galliae commune consilium: omnibus hibernis Caesaris oppugnandis hunc esse dictum diem, ne qua legio alterae legioni subsidio venire posset; non facile Gallos Gallis negare potuisse, praesertim cum de recuperanda communi libertate consilium initum videretur. Quibus quoniam pro pietate satisfecerit, habere nunc se rationem offici pro beneficiis Caesaris: monere, orare Titurium pro hospitio, ut suae ac militum saluti consulat. Magnam manum Germanorum conductam Rhenum transisse; hanc adfore biduo. Ipsorum esse consilium, velintne priusquam finitimi sentiant eductos ex hibernis milites aut ad Ciceronem aut ad Labienum deducere, quorum alter milia passuum circiter quinquaginta, alter paulo amplius ab eis absit. Illud se polliceri et iureiurando confirmare tutum iter per fines daturum; quod cum faciat, et civitati sese consulere, quod hibernis levetur, et Caesari pro eius meritis gratiam referre. Hac oratione habita discedit Ambiorix.
Gaius Arpineus, a Roman horseman, close friend of Quintus Titurius, is sent to them for the reason of speaking, and a certain Quintus Junius from Hispania, who already before, by the sending of Caesar, had become accustomed to go back and forth to Ambiorix; among whom Ambiorix spoke according to this manner: that he, for the kindnesses of Caesar to himself, confesses that he owes more to him, because, by his service, he had been released from tax, which he had been accustomed to pay to the Aduatuci, his neighbors, and because both (his) son and the son of (his) brother had been sent back to him by Caesar, whom, h/b sent with a number of hostages, the Aduatuci had held in slavery and chains among (themselves); nor that he has done that, which he had done about the storming of the camps, either by judgement or by his wish, but by compulsion of the state, and that his powers are of such (kind), that the multitude was not having less of power over himself than he himself over the multitude. Then, to the state, that the cause of war was this, because it was not able to withstand the sudden plot of the Gauls. That he is able to demonstrate this easily from his own humility, because he is not so much ignorant of things that he hopes that the Roman nation is able to be conquered by his forces. But that it is a common plan of Gaul: that this day has been appointed for attacking all winter camps of Caesar, so that not any legion might be able to come for help to another legion. That the Gauls have not been able easily to say no to Gauls, especially when a plan was seeming to have been formed for common liberty to be regained. Since now he has satisfied which [them] on behalf of piety, that he now has reckoning of duty for the kindnesses of Caesar; that he advises, that he entreats Titurius for friendship, so that he might consult for the safety of the soldiers and of himself. That a large troop of Germans, h/b hired, have crossed the Rhenus; that this will appear in a space of 2 days. That the plan is of themselves, (whether) they want, before the neighboring (peoples) might notice, to bring the soldiers, h/b led forth from the winter camps, either to Cicero or to Labienus, one of whom is distant about fifty thousands of paces [miles] from them, the other slightly farther. That he promised and established that (thing) by oath, that he will grant a safe route through the borders. Since he does this, he both considers the state, because it is relieved from the winter camps, and bears gratitude to Caesar for his merits. With this speech h/b delivered, Ambiorix leaves.
5.27
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Arpineius et Iunius, quae audierunt, ad legatos deferunt. Illi repentina re perturbati, etsi ab hoste ea dicebantur, tamen non neglegenda existimabant maximeque hac re permovebantur, quod civitatem ignobilem atque humilem Eburonum sua sponte populo Romano bellum facere ausam vix erat credendum. Itaque ad consilium rem deferunt magnaque inter eos exsistit controversia. Lucius Aurunculeius compluresque tribuni militum et primorum ordinum centuriones nihil temere agendum neque ex hibernis iniussu Caesaris discedendum existimabant: quantasvis [magnas] copias etiam Germanorum sustineri posse munitis hibernis docebant: rem esse testimonio, quod primum hostium impetum multis ultro vulneribus illatis fortissime sustinuerint: re frumentaria non premi; interea et ex proximis hibernis et a Caesare conventura subsidia: postremo quid esse levius aut turpius, quam auctore hoste de summis rebus capere consilium?
Arpineius and Junius reported to the legates (those things) which they had heard. They, h/b disturbed by the unexpected affair, although these (things) were being spoken by an enemy, nevertheless were thinking that they should not be disregarded and were being especially terrified by this thing, because it was hardly to be believed that the undistinguished and weak state of the Eburones has dared to make war on the Roman nation by their own accord. Therefore they carried the matter to a council and a great dispute ensued among them. Lucius Aurunculeius and several tribunes of the soldiers and the centurions of the first ranks were thinking that nothing should be done rashly, nor that they should depart from the winter camps without the command of Caesar: they were showing that the large forces of the Germani, however great, might yet be able to be withstood by the winter camps h/b fortified; that the thing for proof is, that they have endured most bravely the first attack of the enemies, moreover with many wounds h/b inflicted; that they are not burdened by grain supply; meanwhile that reserve forces will arrive both from the nearest winter camps and from Caesar: finally, what is more silly or more dishonorable, than to adopt about the highest matters with the enemy as authority?
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Contra ea Titurius sero facturos clamitabat, cum maiores manus hostium adiunctis Germanis convenissent, aut cum aliquid calamitatis in proximis hibernis esset acceptum. Brevem consulendi esse occasionem. Caesarem arbitrari profectum in Italiam; neque aliter Carnutes interficiendi Tasgeti consilium fuisse capturos, neque Eburones, si ille adesset, tanta contemptione nostri ad castra venturos esse. Non hostem auctorem, sed rem spectare: subesse Rhenum; magno esse Germanis dolori Ariovisti mortem et superiores nostras victorias; ardere Galliam tot contumeliis acceptis sub populi Romani imperium redactam superiore gloria rei militaris exstincta. Postremo quis hoc sibi persuaderet, sine certa re Ambiorigem ad eiusmodi consilium descendisse? Suam sententiam in utramque partem esse tutam: si nihil esset durius, nullo cum periculo ad proximam legionem perventuros; si Gallia omnis cum Germanis consentiret, unam esse in celeritate positam salutem. Cottae quidem atque eorum, qui dissentirent, consilium quem habere exitum? In quo si non praesens periculum, at certe longinqua obsidione fames esset timenda.
Against these (things) Titurius was exclaiming that they would act too late, after larger bands of enemies, with Germani h/b added, had assembled, or after something of disaster had been suffered in the nearest winter camps. That the opportunity of consulting is brief. That he believes that Caesar should go into Italy; neither otherwise that the Carnutes will adopt a plan to have been of killing Tasgetius, nor that the Eburones, if he was being near, will come to the camps with so great contempt of our (men). That he regards not the enemy as instigator, but the thing; that the Rhenus is near; that the death of Ariovistus and our former victories are for great pain to the Germani; that Gaul burns, h/b reduced, with so many injuries h/b suffered under the authority of the Roman nation, with former glory of military affair h/b destroyed. Finally, who was convincing himself by this, that Ambiorix has resorted to a plan of such kind without certain reason? That his opinion is safe for either side: if nothing was being more severe, that they will reach to the nearest legion with no danger; if all Gaul was combining with the Germani, that the one safety h/b placed is in swiftness. Indeed, that the plan of Cotta and of them, who were disagreeing, has what result? In which, if not present danger, but at least starvation by long siege was to be dreaded.
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Hac in utramque partem disputatione habita, cum a Cotta primisque ordinibus acriter resisteretur, " Vincite," inquit, " si ita vultis," Sabinus, et id clariore voce, ut magna pars militum exaudiret; "neque is sum," inquit, "qui gravissime ex vobis mortis periculo terrear: hi sapient; si gravius quid acciderit, abs te rationem reposcent, qui, si per te liceat, perendino die cum proximis hibernis coniuncti communem cum reliquis belli casum sustineant, non reiecti et relegati longe ab ceteris aut ferro aut fame intereant."
With this argument h/b held on either side, when it was being opposed fiercely by Cotta and the first ranks, Sabinus said, “Prevail, if you want thus,” and (he said) this with a louder voice, so that a large part of soldiers might hear; “nor I am he,” he said, “who, from you, is most seriously frightened by the danger of death: these will understand; if something more serious has happened, they will demand back an account from you, who, if it is permitted through you, h/b joined with the nearest winter camps on the day after tomorrow, might bear the common misfortune of war with the remaining (men), (and) not, h/b repelled and h/b removed far off from the rest, die by either sword or starvation.”
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Consurgitur ex consilio; comprehendunt utrumque et orant, ne sua dissensione et pertinacia rem in summum periculum deducant: facilem esse rem, seu maneant, seu proficiscantur, si modo unum omnes sentiant ac probent; contra in dissensione nullam se salutem perspicere. Res disputatione ad mediam noctem perducitur. Tandem dat Cotta permotus manus: superat sententia Sabini. Pronuntiatur prima luce ituros. Consumitur vigiliis reliqua pars noctis, cum sua quisque miles circumspiceret, quid secum portare posset, quid ex instrumento hibernorum relinquere cogeretur. Omnia excogitantur, quare nec sine periculo maneatur, et languore militum et vigiliis periculum augeatur. Prima luce sic ex castris proficiscuntur, ut quibus esset persuasum non ab hoste, sed ab homine amicissimo Ambiorige consilium datum, longissimo agmine maximisque impedimentis.
It is arisen together by the council; they seize each(other) and they beseech, that they might not bring the situation into the highest danger by their disagreement and obstinacy: that the matter is easy, whether they remain, or whether they proceed, if at least all (men) perceive and approve the same (thing); on the other hand, that they realize no security in dissension. The affair is prolonged by discussion until middle night. Finally Cotta, h/b moved thoroughly, gives (his) hands; the opinion of Sabinus prevails. It is announced that they will go at the first light. The remaining part of night is passed by watches, while each soldier was examining his (things), what he was able to carry with himself, what he was being compelled to leave behind from the tools of the winter camps. All (things/reasons) are being contrived, why it could not be continued with danger, and (why) danger is increased by the weakness of the soldiers and by watches. Thus, at first light, they proceed from the camps, as (those) to whom it had been persuaded not by an enemy, but that the plan had been given by the very friendly person Ambiorix, with a very long march and the greatest baggages.
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At hostes, posteaquam ex nocturno fremitu vigiliisque de profectione eorum senserunt, collocatis insidiis bipertito in silvis opportuno atque occulto loco a milibus passuum circiter duobus Romanorum adventum exspectabant, et cum se maior pars agminis in magnam convallem demisisset, ex utraque parte eius vallis subito se ostenderunt novissimosque premere et primos prohibere ascensu atque iniquissimo nostris loco proelium committere coeperunt.
But the enemies, after they noticed about the departure of them from nightly confusion and watches, with ambushes h/b placed in two ways in the forests, in a favorable and h/b hidden place, from around two thousands of paces [miles], were awaiting the arrival of the Romans, and when a larger part of the column had sent out themselves into the great defile [valley], they suddenly showed themselves from either part of that valley, and they began to press the last (men) and to prevent the first (men) from ascent and to join battle in the most disadvantageous place for our (men).
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Tum demum Titurius, qui nihil ante providisset, trepidare et concursare cohortesque disponere, haec tamen ipsa timide atque ut eum omnia deficere viderentur; quod plerumque eis accidere consuevit, qui in ipso negotio consilium capere coguntur. At Cotta, qui cogitasset haec posse in itinere accidere atque ob eam causam profectionis auctor non fuisset, nulla in re communi saluti deerat et in appellandis cohortandisque militibus imperatoris et in pugna militis officia praestabat. Cum propter longitudinem agminis minus facile omnia per se obire et, quid quoque loco faciendum esset, providere possent, iusserunt pronuntiare, ut impedimenta relinquerent atque in orbem consisterent. Quod consilium etsi in eiusmodi casu reprehendendum non est, tamen incommode accidit: nam et nostris militibus spem minuit et hostes ad pugnam alacriores effecit, quod non sine summo timore et desperatione id factum videbatur. Praeterea accidit, quod fieri necesse erat, ut vulgo milites ab signis discederent, quae quisque eorum carissima haberet, ab impedimentis petere atque arripere properaret, clamore et fletu omnia complerentur.
Then, at last, Titurius, who had foreseen nothing before, (began) to shake with fear and to run about and to distribute the cohorts, however, (he did) these (things) themselves timidly and such that all (things) were seeming to fail him; which generally was accustomed to happen to those who are compelled to adopt a plan in the business itself. But Cotta, who had reflected that these (things) are able to happen on the march and, on account of this reason, had not been instigator of the departure, was lacking in no thing [aspect] for the common welfare and was showing the duties of a general in calling and encouraging soldiers and of a soldier in battle. Since, on account of the length of the army, they were being able less easily to perform all (things) through themselves, and to provide (that) which was to be done in each place, they ordered to announce that they should abandon baggages and take a stand in a circle. Which plan, although it is not to be criticized in chance of such kind, nevertheless happened inconveniently: for both it lessened the hope of our soldiers and it made the enemies more eager for a fight, because it was seeming that it has not been done without the highest fear and despair. Furthermore, it happened, which was necessary to be done, that soldiers everywhere were leaving from the standards, and (that) which each of them was holding very dear, he was hastening to seek and to take from the baggages, and all things were being filled with noise and lamentation.
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At barbaris consilium non defuit. Nam duces eorum tota acie pronuntiare iusserunt, ne quis ab loco discederet: illorum esse praedam atque illis reservari quaecumque Romani reliquissent: proinde omnia in victoria posita existimarent. Erant et virtute et studio pugnandi pares; nostri, tametsi ab duce et a fortuna deserebantur, tamen omnem spem salutis in virtute ponebant, et quotiens quaeque cohors procurrerat, ab ea parte magnus numerus hostium cadebat. Qua re animadversa Ambiorix pronuntiari iubet, ut procul tela coniciant neu propius accedant et, quam in partem Romani impetum fecerint, cedant (levitate armorum et cotidiana exercitatione nihil eis noceri posse), rursus se ad signa recipientes insequantur.
But a plan was lacking for the barbarians. For the leaders of them ordered (them) to announce on the whole battle-line, that not anyone should leave from the place: that the booty is of them and that for them is reserved whatever the Romans had abandoned: therefore they were considering that all (things) have been placed on victory. They were equal in fighting, both by bravery and by devotion; our (men), although they were being deserted by the leader and by fortune, nevertheless were placing all hope of security in valor, and as often each cohort had charged, from that part a great number of enemies was falling. With which thing h/b noticed, Ambiorix orders (it) to be announced, that they should throw the spears at a distance and that they should not approach nearer, in which part the Romans will have made an attack, that they should go (by the lightness of arms and by daily practice, nothing is able to harm them), (and) again pursue the (Romans) retreating themselves to the standards.
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Quo praecepto ab eis diligentissime observato, cum quaepiam cohors ex orbe excesserat atque impetum fecerat, hostes velocissime refugiebant. Interim eam partem nudari necesse erat et ab latere aperto tela recipi. Rursus cum in eum locum unde erant egressi reverti coeperant, et ab eis qui cesserant et ab eis qui proximi steterant circumveniebantur; sin autem locum tenere vellent, nec virtuti locus relinquebatur, neque ab tanta multitudine coniecta tela conferti vitare poterant. Tamen tot incommodis conflictati, multis vulneribus acceptis resistebant et magna parte diei consumpta, cum a prima luce ad horam octavam pugnaretur, nihil quod ipsis esset indignum committebant. Tum Tito Balventio, qui superiore anno primum pilum duxerat, viro forti et magnae auctoritatis, utrumque femur tragula traicitur; Quintus Lucanius, eiusdem ordinis, fortissime pugnans, dum circumvento filio subvenit, interficitur; Lucius Cotta legatus omnes cohortes ordinesque adhortans in adversum os funda vulneratur.
With which command h/b obeyed very carefully by them, when any cohort had withdrawn from the circle and had made an attack, the enemies were retreating very rapidly. Meanwhile, it was necessary that that part is exposed and that weapons are recovered from the side h/b exposed. Again, when they had begun to return into that place whence they had departed, (when) they were being surrounded both by those who had retreated and by those who had stood nearest; but if, however, they were wanting to hold the place, neither the place was being abandoned for bravery, nor they, dense, had been able to avoid the weapons h/b thrown by so great a multitude. Nevertheless, h/b distressed by so many disadvantages, with many wounds h/b suffered, they were resisting and, with a large part of the day h/b passed, when it was being fought from the first light to the eighth hour, they were committing nothing which was being disgraceful to them. Then to Titus Balventius, who had led the first century in the previous year, a brave man and of great authority, each thigh is pierced by a spear; Quintus Lucanius, of the same rank, very bravely fighting, while he comes help (his) son h/b surrounded, is killed; Lucius Cotta, the legate, encouraging all cohorts and ranks, is wounded directly into the face by a slingshot.
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His rebus permotus Quintus Titurius, cum procul Ambiorigem suos cohortantem conspexisset, interpretem suum Gnaeum Pompeium ad eum mittit rogatum ut sibi militibusque parcat. Ille appellatus respondit: si velit secum colloqui, licere; sperare a multitudine impetrari posse, quod ad militum salutem pertineat; ipsi vero nihil nocitum iri, inque eam rem se suam fidem interponere. Ille cum Cotta saucio communicat, si videatur, pugna ut excedant et cum Ambiorige una colloquantur: sperare ab eo de sua ac militum salute impetrari posse. Cotta se ad armatum hostem iturum negat atque in eo perseverat.
H/b moved thoroughly by these things, Quintus Titurius, when he had perceived at a distance Ambiorix encouraging his (men), sends his interpreter Gnaeus Pompeius to him to ask that he might spare himself and (his) soldiers. He, h/b called, responds: if he wants to speak with himself, that it is permitted; that he hopes that it is able to be accomplished by the multitude, which was pertaining to the safety of the soldiers; that, however, nothing will be harmed to himself, and that he pledges his faith onto this thing. He communicates with the wounded Cotta, whether it seems (right) that they withdraw from battle and they speak together with Ambiorix: that he hopes that it is able to be obtained from him about his and the soldiers’ safety. Cotta denies that he himself will go to the enemy h/b armed, and he perseveres in this.
5.36
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Sabinus quos in praesentia tribunos militum circum se habebat et primorum ordinum centuriones se sequi iubet et, cum propius Ambiorigem accessisset, iussus arma abicere imperatum facit suisque ut idem faciant imperat. Interim, dum de condicionibus inter se agunt longiorque consulto ab Ambiorige instituitur sermo, paulatim circumventus interficitur. Tum vero suo more victoriam conclamant atque ululatum tollunt impetuque in nostros facto ordines perturbant. Ibi Lucius Cotta pugnans interficitur cum maxima parte militum. Reliqui se in castra recipiunt unde erant egressi; ex quibus Lucius Petrosidius aquilifer, cum magna multitudine hostium premeretur, aquilam intra vallum proiecit; ipse pro castris fortissime pugnans occiditur. Illi aegre ad noctem oppugnationem sustinent; noctu ad unum omnes desperata salute se ipsi interficiunt. Pauci ex proelio lapsi incertis itineribus per silvas ad Titum Labienum legatum in hiberna perveniunt atque eum de rebus gestis certiorem faciunt.
Sabinus orders tribunes of the soldiers whom, in the present moment, he was having around himself, and centuriones of the first ranks to follow himself and, when he had approached Ambiorix nearer, h/b ordered to throw away arms, he does (the thing) h/b ordered and he orders his (men) that they do the same. Meanwhile, while they discuss among themselves about the conditions and a longer conversation is prepared by Ambiorix by plan, h/b surrounded gradually, he is killed. Then, truly, by their own custom, they yell victory and raise a shriek and, with an attack h/b made onto our men, they were terrifying the ranks. There, Lucius Cotta, fighting, is killed with the largest part of the soldiers. The remaining recover themselves into the camps whence they had departed. From whom Lucius Petrosidius, the standard-bearer, when he was being surrounded by a great multitude of enemies, threw the eagle within the wall; he himself, fighting very bravely, is killed before the camps. They painfully endure the assault until night; at night, to a man, all (men) themselves, with safety h/b despaired, kill themselves. A few, having escaped from the battle, by uncertain routes through the woods, reach to Titus Labienus, a legate, in the winter camps, and they make him surer about the things h/b borne [having occurred].
5.37
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Hac victoria sublatus Ambiorix statim cum equitatu in Aduatucos, qui erant eius regno finitimi, proficiscitur; neque noctem neque diem intermittit peditatumque se subsequi iubet. Re demonstrata Aduatucisque concitatis postero die in Nervios pervenit hortaturque, ne sui in perpetuum liberandi atque ulciscendi Romanos pro eis quas acceperint iniuriis occasionem dimittant: interfectos esse legatos duos magnamque partem exercitus interisse demonstrat; nihil esse negoti subito oppressam legionem quae cum Cicerone hiemet interfici; se ad eam rem profitetur adiutorem. Facile hac oratione Nerviis persuadet.
H/b elated by this victory, Ambiorix immediately proceeds with a cavalry toward the Aduatuci, who were neighboring to the kingdom of him; he delays neither night nor day and he orders the infantry to follow closely. With the thing h/b explained and the Aduatuci h/b roused, on the next day he arrives among the Nervii and he exhorts, that they should not send away the opportunity of liberating themselves into continuity [forever] and of punishing the Romans for those injuries which they have suffered: he explains that two legates have been killed and that a large part of the army had perished; that it is nothing of difficulty that the legion, h/b oppressed suddenly, which winters with Cicero, is killed; he declares himself an abettor to this thing. By this speech he easily persuades the Nervii.
5.38
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Itaque confestim dimissis nuntiis ad Ceutrones, Grudios, Levacos, Pleumoxios, Geidumnos, qui omnes sub eorum imperio sunt, quam maximas manus possunt cogunt et de improviso ad Ciceronis hiberna advolant nondum ad eum fama de Tituri morte perlata. Huic quoque accidit, quod fuit necesse, ut nonnulli milites, qui lignationis munitionisque causa in silvas discessissent, repentino equitum adventu interciperentur. His circumventis magna manu Eburones, Nervii, Aduatuci atque horum omnium socii et clientes legionem oppugnare incipiunt. Nostri celeriter ad arma concurrunt, vallum conscendunt. Aegre is dies sustentatur, quod omnem spem hostes in celeritate ponebant atque hanc adepti victoriam in perpetuum se fore victores confidebant.
And so, with the messengers h/b sent away at once to the Ceutrones, Grudii, Levaci, Pleumoxii, Geidumni, who all are under the authority of them, they assemble bands as large as they are able and they rush unexpectedly to the winter camps of Cicero, with report about the death of Titurius not yet h/b delivered to him. To him it also happens, (that) which was necessary, that several soldiers, who, with the reason of collecting wood and of fortification, had departed into the woods, were being intercepted by the sudden approach of the horsemen. With these (men) h/b surrounded by a large band, the Eburones, Nervii, Aduatuci and the allies and dependents of all these begin to attack the legion. Our (men) quickly hurry to arms, they climb the wall. That day is hardly sustained, because the enemies were placing all hope in swiftness and they were feeling confident that, having gained this victory, they will be conquerors into continuity [forever].
5.39
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Mittuntur ad Caesarem confestim ab Cicerone litterae magnis propositis praemiis, si pertulissent: obsessis omnibus viis missi intercipiuntur. Noctu ex materia, quam munitionis causa comportaverant, turres admodum CXX excitantur incredibili celeritate; quae deesse operi videbantur, perficiuntur. Hostes postero die multo maioribus coactis copiis castra oppugnant, fossam complent. Eadem ratione, qua pridie, ab nostris resistitur: hoc idem reliquis deinceps fit diebus. Nulla pars nocturni temporis ad laborem intermittitur; non aegris, non vulneratis facultas quietis datur. Quaecumque ad proximi diei oppugnationem opus sunt noctu comparantur; multae praeustae sudes, magnus muralium pilorum numerus instituitur; turres contabulantur, pinnae loricaeque ex cratibus attexuntur. Ipse Cicero, cum tenuissima valetudine esset, ne nocturnum quidem sibi tempus ad quietem relinquebat, ut ultro militum concursu ac vocibus sibi parcere cogeretur.
Letters are sent at once to Caesar from Cicero with large rewards h/b offered, if they had delivered: with all roads h/b obstructed, (those) h/b sent are intercepted. At night, from wood, which they had collected for the reason of fortification, fully 120 towers are constructed with incredible speed; (those) which were seeming to be lacking in work, are finished. The enemies, on the next day, with many more forces h/b assembled, attack the camps, fill up the ditch. By the same plan, by which (it was resisted) on the day before, it is resisted by our (men). This same thing is done successively on the remaining days. No part of time at night is delayed for work; not to the sick, not to those h/b wounded, the opportunity of rest is given. Whatever are necessary for the attack of the next day, are prepared at night; many stakes h/b burnt at the end, a large number of mural javelins is prepared; towers are built up, battlements and parapets are woven from wickerwork. Cicero himself, although he had been of very slim health, was not even leaving behind time at night for rest to himself, so that, moreover, he was being compelled to spare himself by the onset and voices of the soldiers.
5.40
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Tunc duces principesque Nerviorum qui aliquem sermonis aditum causamque amicitiae cum Cicerone habebant colloqui sese velle dicunt. Facta potestate eadem quae Ambiorix cum Titurio egerat commemorant: omnem esse in armis Galliam; Germanos Rhenum transisse; Caesaris reliquorumque hiberna oppugnari. Addunt etiam de Sabini morte: Ambiorigem ostentant fidei faciendae causa. Errare eos dicunt, si quidquam ab his praesidi sperent, qui suis rebus diffidant; sese tamen hoc esse in Ciceronem populumque Romanum animo, ut nihil nisi hiberna recusent atque hanc inveterascere consuetudinem nolint: licere illis incolumibus per se ex hibernis discedere et quascumque in partes velint sine metu proficisci. Cicero ad haec unum modo respondit: non esse consuetudinem populi Romani accipere ab hoste armato condicionem: si ab armis discedere velint, se adiutore utantur legatosque ad Caesarem mittant; sperare pro eius iustitia, quae petierint, impetraturos.
Then the leaders and chiefs of the Nervii, who were having any approach of conversation and reason of friendship with Cicero, say that they want to have a conference. With power h/b made, they state the same (thing) which Ambiorix had discussed with Titurius: that all Gaul is in arms; that the Germani have crossed the Rhenus; that the winter camps of Caesar and of the remaining are attacked. They also add about the death of Sabinus: they exhibit Ambiorix with the reason of making faith. They say that they err, if they anticipate anything of protection from those, who distrust their affairs; that they, however, are with this mind toward Cicero and the Roman populus, that they refuse nothing except winter camps and they do not wish that this custom becomes established: that it is permitted for them, unhurt, to depart from the winter camps through themselves and to proceed without fear into whatever parts they want. Cicero replied just one (thing) to these: that it is not custom for the Roman populus to accept condition from an enemy h/b armed; if they want to retire from arms, that they should use himself as helper and they should send legates to Caesar; that he hopes, for the justice of him, that they will accomplish (those things) which they have requested.
5.41
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Ab hac spe repulsi Nervii vallo pedum IX et fossa pedum XV hiberna cingunt. Haec et superiorum annorum consuetudine ab nobis cognoverant et, quosdam de exercitu habebant captivos, ab eis docebantur; sed nulla ferramentorum copia quae esset ad hunc usum idonea, gladiis caespites circumcidere, manibus sagulisque terram exhaurire nitebantur. Qua quidem ex re hominum multitudo cognosci potuit: nam minus horis tribus milium pedum XV in circuitu munitionem perfecerunt reliquisque diebus turres ad altitudinem valli, falces testudinesque, quas idem captivi docuerant, parare ac facere coeperunt.
H/b repulsed by this hope, the Nervii surround the winter camps with a wall of 9 feet and a ditch of 15 feet. Both they had learned these (things) from our (men) by custom of previous years and they were being taught by those whom they secretly were having as prisoners from the army; but, with no supply of iron tools which was suitable for this use, they were seeming to cut off turfs with swords, to empty the land with hands and cloaks. From which situation, indeed, the multitude of men was able to be learned: for in less than three hours they finished a rampart of 15 thousands of feet in circumference, and on the remaining days they began to prepare and to make towers toward the height of the wall, hooks and tortoises, which the same captives had taught.
5.42
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Septimo oppugnationis die maximo coorto vento ferventes fusili ex argilla glandes fundis et fervefacta iacula in casas, quae more Gallico stramentis erant tectae, iacere coeperunt. Hae celeriter ignem comprehenderunt et venti magnitudine in omnem locum castrorum distulerunt. Hostes maximo clamore sicuti parta iam atque explorata victoria turres testudinesque agere et scalis vallum ascendere coeperunt. At tanta militum virtus atque ea praesentia animi fuit, ut, cum undique flamma torrerentur maximaque telorum multitudine premerentur suaque omnia impedimenta atque omnes fortunas conflagrare intellegerent, non modo demigrandi causa de vallo decederet nemo, sed paene ne respiceret quidem quisquam, ac tum omnes acerrime fortissimeque pugnarent. Hic dies nostris longe gravissimus fuit; sed tamen hunc habuit eventum, ut eo die maximus numerus hostium vulneraretur atque interficeretur, ut se sub ipso vallo constipaverant recessumque primis ultimi non dabant. Paulum quidem intermissa flamma et quodam loco turri adacta et contingente vallum tertiae cohortis centuriones ex eo, quo stabant, loco recesserunt suosque omnes removerunt, nutu vocibusque hostes, si introire vellent, vocare coeperunt; quorum progredi ausus est nemo. Tum ex omni parte lapidibus coniectis deturbati, turrisque succensa est.
On the seventh day of fighting, with a very high wind having arisen, they began to throw hot balls from molten white clay by slings, and spears h/b heated into the barracks, which by Gallic custom had been covered by thatches. These quickly catch fire and the winds, by large size, scattered [fire] into all every place of the camps. The enemies, with the greatest shout, just as if with victory h/b gained now and h/b sought out, began to advance the towers and tortoises and to climb the wall with ladders. But so great was the courage of the soldiers and presence of mind, that, when they were being scorched by fire on all sides and they were being harassed by the greatest multitude of spears, and they were understanding that all their baggages and all properties were on fire, not only no one was withdrawing from the wall with the reason of stepping away, but nearly not even anyone was looking back, and then all (men) were fighting very sharply and very bravely. This day was, (by) far, the most hard for our (men); but, however, it had this outcome, that on that day a very great number of enemies was being wounded and was being killed, while they had crowded closely themselves beneath their own wall and the farthest (men) were not giving retreat to the first (men). Indeed, with the fire h/b sent between somewhat, and with the tower h/b thrusted in a certain place and touching the wall, the centurions of the third cohort retired from that place in which they were standing, and they withdraw all their (men), by sign and voices they began to summon the enemies, if they were wanting to enter; of whom no one dared to advance. Then, from every part by stones h/b hurled, (them) h/b dislodged, and the tower was burnt.
5.43
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Erant in ea legione fortissimi viri, centuriones, qui primis ordinibus appropinquarent, Titus Pullo et Lucius Vorenus. Hi perpetuas inter se controversias habebant, quinam anteferretur, omnibusque annis de locis summis simultatibus contendebant. Ex his Pullo, cum acerrime ad munitiones pugnaretur, “Quid dubitas,” inquit, “Vorene? aut quem locum tuae probandae virtutis exspectas? Hic dies de nostris controversiis iudicabit.” Haec cum dixisset, procedit extra munitiones quaque pars hostium confertissma est visa irrumpit. Ne Vorenus quidem tum sese vallo continet, sed omnium veritus existimationem subsequitur. Mediocri spatio relicto Pullo pilum in hostes immittit atque unum ex multitudine procurrentem traicit; quo percusso et exanimato hunc scutis protegunt, in hostem tela universi coniciunt neque dant regrediendi facultatem. Transfigitur scutum Pulloni et verutum in balteo defigitur. Avertit hic casus vaginam et gladium educere conanti dextram moratur manum, impeditumque hostes circumsistunt. Succurrit inimicus illi Vorenus et laboranti subvenit. Ad hunc se confestim a Pullone omnis multitudo convertit: illum veruto arbitrantur occisum. Gladio comminus rem gerit Vorenus atque uno interfecto reliquos paulum propellit; dum cupidius instat, in locum deiectus inferiorem concidit. Huic rursus circumvento fert subsidium Pullo, atque ambo incolumes compluribus interfectis summa cum laude sese intra munitiones recipiunt. Sic fortuna in contentione et certamine utrumque versavit, ut alter alteri inimicus auxilio salutique esset, neque diiudicari posset, uter utri virtute anteferendus videretur.
There were, in that legion, very brave men, centurions, who were approaching the first ranks, Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus. These were having continuous arguments among themselves, who was being preferred, and in all years they were contending about positions with the highest rivalries. From these (men) Pullo, when it was being fought very sharply at the fortifications, says “what do you doubt, Vorenus? Or what position of demonstrating your virtue do you expect? This day will decide about our arguments.” When he had said these (things), he advances beyond the fortifications and storms (into the part), which part of enemies seemed thickest. Nor Vorenus, indeed, then keeps himself within the wall, but, having feared the judgement of all, he follows closely. With an average space h/b left behind, Pullo directs a pike toward the enemies and pierces one charging from the multitude; with whom h/b slain and h/b killed, they protect this (man) with shields, they all together throw spears into the enemy and do not give opportunity of withdrawing. The shield is transfixed for Pullo and a spear is planted into the sword belt. This accident repulses the scabbard and hinders (his) right hand for trying to draw a sword, and the enemies surround (him) h/b hindered. The unfriendly Vorenus aids and comes to help him, h/b troubled. At once the whole multitude turns itself to this (man) from Pullo; they believe that he has been killed by spear. Vorenus carries the thing with a sword in close combat and, with one [Nervian] h/b killed, somewhat drives back the remaining; while he, more eager, presses on, h/b dislodged, falls into a lower place. To him, h/b cut off, Pullo again bears help, and both, unharmed, with several h/b killed, recover themselves inside the fortifications with the highest glory. Thus fortune dealt with both in dispute and combat, (such) that one enemy was for the help and safety to the other, nor it was being able to be decided, which one was seeming to be preferred in virtue to the other.
5.44
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Quanto erat in dies gravior atque asperior oppugnatio, et maxime quod magna parte militum confecta vulneribus res ad paucitatem defensorum pervenerat, tanto crebriores litterae nuntiique ad Caesarem mittebantur; quorum pars deprehensa in conspectu nostrorum militum cum cruciatu necabatur. Erat unus intus Nervius nomine Vertico, loco natus honesto, qui a prima obsidione ad Ciceronem perfugerat suamque ei fidem praestiterat. Hic servo spe libertatis magnisque persuadet praemiis, ut litteras ad Caesarem deferat. Has ille in iaculo illigatas effert et Gallus inter Gallos sine ulla suspicione versatus ad Caesarem pervenit. Ab eo de periculis Ciceronis legionisque cognoscitur.
As much as the assault was, into days, more serious and more violent, and especially because, with a great part of the soldiers h/b exhausted by wounds, the situation had come to a small number of defenders, so much more frequent letters and reports were being sent to Caesar; of which a part, h/b captured, was being murdered with torture in the sight of our soldiers. There was, within, one Nervian with the name Verticus, having arisen from an eminent position, who, from the first siege, had deserted to Cicero and had shown his allegiance to him. This (man) persuades (his) slave by the hope of freedom and by great rewards, so that he might carry letters to Caesar. He carries out these, h/b attached on a spear, and as a Gaul, h/b dealt with among the Gauls without any suspicion, reaches to Caesar. From him, it is learned about the dangers of Cicero and the legions.
5.45
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Caesar acceptis litteris hora circiter XI diei statim nuntium in Bellovacos ad M. Crassum quaestorem mittit, cuius hiberna aberant ab eo milia passuum XXV; iubet media nocte legionem proficisci celeriterque ad se venire. Exit cum nuntio Crassus. Alterum ad Gaium Fabium legatum mittit, ut in Atrebatium fines legionem adducat, qua sibi iter faciendum sciebat. Scribit Labieno, si rei publicae commodo facere posset, cum legione ad fines Nerviorum veniat. Reliquam partem exercitus, quod paulo aberat longius, non putat exspectandam; equites circiter quadringentos ex proximis hibernis colligit.
Caesar, with letters h/b received at around the 11th hour of the day, immediately sends a messenger among the Bellovaci to quaestor Marcus Crassus, of whom winter camps were 25 thousands of paces away from him; he orders, at middle night, the legion to proceed quickly and to come to himself. Crassus leaves with a messenger. He sends the other to legate Gaius Fabius, so that he might lead the legion into the borders of the Atrebates, where he was knowing that a road will be made for himself. He writes to Labienus, if he was being able to act for the interest of the Republic, that he should come to the borders of the Nervii with a legion. He does not think the remaining part of the army, because it was away somewhat farther, should be expected; he binds together around 400 horsemen from the nearest winter camps.
5.46
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Hora circiter tertia ab antecursoribus de Crassi adventu certior factus eo die milia passuum XX procedit. Crassum Samarobrivae praeficit legionemque attribuit, quod ibi impedimenta exercitus, obsides civitatum, litteras publicas frumentumque omne quod eo tolerandae hiemis causa devexerat relinquebat. Fabius, ut imperatum erat, non ita multum moratus in itinere cum legione occurrit. Labienus interitu Sabini et caede cohortium cognita, cum omnes ad eum Treverorum copiae venissent, veritus, si ex hibernis fugae similem profectionem fecisset, ut hostium impetum sustinere posset, praesertim quos recenti victoria efferri sciret, litteras Caesari remittit, quanto cum periculo legionem ex hibernis educturus esset; rem gestam in Eburonibus perscribit; docet omnes equitatus peditatusque copias Treverorum tria milia passuum longe ab suis castris consedisse.
Around the third hour, h/b made more certain about the arrival of Crassus from the forerunners, on that day he proceeds 20 thousands of paces. He puts Crassus in command of Samarobriva and assigns the legion, because there he was leaving behind baggages of the army, hostages of the states, public letters and all grain which he had brought in that (place) for the cause of enduring winter. Fabius, as he had been ordered, thus having delayed not much, meets [Caesar] on the road with a legion. Labienus, with the death of Sabinus and the murder of the cohorts h/b learned, when all forces of the Treveri had come to him, having feared that, if he had made a departure similar to flight from the winter camps, that he might not be able to withstand an attack of the enemies, especially (since) he was knowing that they are elated by recent victory, returns letters to Caesar, with how much danger he might be about to lead out the legion from the winter cams; he reports the thing h/b borne among the Eburones; he informs that all horsemen and footsoldiers and forces of the Treveri have taken a position three thousands of paces distant from his camps.
5.47
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Caesar consilio eius probato, etsi opinione trium legionum deiectus ad duas redierat, tamen unum communis salutis auxilium in celeritate ponebat. Venit magnis itineribus in Nerviorum fines. Ibi ex captivis cognoscit, quae apud Ciceronem gerantur, quantoque in periculo res sit. Tum cuidam ex equitibus Gallis magnis praemiis persuadet uti ad Ciceronem epistolam deferat. Hanc Graecis conscriptam litteris mittit, ne intercepta epistola nostra ab hostibus consilia cognoscantur. Si adire non possit, monet ut tragulam cum epistola ad amentum deligata intra munitionem castrorum abiciat. In litteris scribit se cum legionibus profectum celeriter adfore; hortatur ut pristinam virtutem retineat. Gallus periculum veritus, ut erat praeceptum, tragulam mittit. Haec casu ad turrim adhaesit neque ab nostris biduo animadversa tertio die a quodam milite conspicitur, dempta ad Ciceronem defertur. Ille perlectam in conventu militum recitat maximaque omnes laetitia adficit. Tum fumi incendiorum procul videbantur; quae res omnem dubitationem adventus legionum expulit.
Caesar, with his plan h/b approved, although, h/b disappointed by the expectation of three legions, had return to two, nevertheless was placing the only help of common safety in speed. He comes with great marches into the borders of the Nervii. There he learns from the captives, (those things) which are borne with Cicero, in how much danger the situation is. Then he persuades a certain (man) from the Gallic horsemen with great rewards, so that he might carry a letter to Cicero. He sends this h/b written with Greek letters, so that, with the letter h/b intercepted, our plan might not be learned by the enemies. If he is not able to approach, he advises that he hurls a javelin with the letter h/b fastened to the strap within the fortification of the camps. He writes in the letters that he, having proceeded with the legions, will be near quickly; he urges so that he might preserve former valor. The Gaul, having feared danger, as he had been instructed, hurls the javelin. This, by chance, sticks to a tower, and not h/b noticed by our (men) in two days, is perceived by a certain soldier on the third day, h/b taken down, it is taken to Cicero. He reads aloud (the letter) h/b read in a meeting of soldiers and affects all with the greatest joy. Then the smokes of fires were being seen at a distance; a thing which expelled all doubt of the approach of the legions.
5.48
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