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De Bello Gallico Book 5 Clump for Translation

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De Bello Gallico

Book 5 Clump for Translation

End of Book 4:

Now that the British have tried to revolt against the Romans and their camps on the island, Caesar immediately blocked their actions by bringing in Commius Atrebas with reinforcement troops from Gaul. The enemy is unable to sustain against the new and Caesars Roman troops. The British retreat with the Romans following them as far as they can. The Romans slaughter many in the process. Having noted defeat, the British come to grovel at Caesars feet. Caesar doubled the number of hostages which he originally demanded. Caesar and his men then head back to Gaul. When they safely return, the Romans are surrounded by a local Gallic tribe, eager to steal booty from Caesar and his men. They are ordered to put down their weapons, but deny. There then occurs a 4 hour battle in which the Roman cavalry finally drives the Gauls back. He then sends his main leaders: Titurius, Cotta and Labienus to destroy their homes completely.

Book 5

5.1 In the year of Claudius and Domitius, orders his lieutenants during the winter to rebuild and reimagine their ships based upon what they have learned during their time in Britannia. This is done while Caesar manages the situations in Illyricum and Spain.

5.2 Caesar returns to Gaul to find that his winter camps and new ships are completed. He commends the soldiers on a job well done. He orders the ships to be moved closer to Britannia. He then heads to the Treviri, a Gallic Tribe, with soldiers because they have not yet obeyed Caesar and were in cahoots with the Germans.

5.3 The Treviri are strong fighters in respect to the cavalry. There Caesar finds 2 men vying for the role of leader: Indutiomarus and Cingetorix. Cingetorix pledges peace with Caesar immediately. Indutiomarus, instead began to gather soldiers, preparing for war. Some of the locals decide to support Caesar instead. Indutiomarus, fearing that everyone would leave his side, went to Caesar saying that he annexed himself from his countrymen and could not have come to him because of this reason. He said that he feared his people would revolt, unless he was in charge.

5.4 Suspicious, Caesar tells Indutiomarus to come to him with 200 hostages. Indutiomarus brings the hostages, including his son and relatives. Caesar however, decides to not unify with Indutiomarus, but to Cingetorix, because he appeared faithful to him immediately. Indutiomarus is angered.

5.5 Caesar went to Ilus where his new ships were docked. He finds 40 ships have not arrived because of a storm. 4,000 cavalry of Gaul surround his there. He assigns and leave those who were faithful to him. The rest he takes as hostages, fearing an uprising in Gaul.

5.6 Dumnorix, an Aeduan, was wanted by Caesar to be in allegiance. Dumnorix claimed to his people that Caesar has put him in control of them. His people are angered, but do not send envoys to Caesar to revolt. Dumnorix wished to not sail with Caesar, because he feared the water and because of his religious practices. Caesar denies this. He therefore begins to tamper with the chiefs of Gaul to tell them to remain on the continent, therefore terrifying them. Dumnorix them incites fear in all the Gauls, saying that Caesar will kill them all, before taking Britannia.

5.7 Caesar determines to stop Dumnorix from further harm. Delayed from sailing because of the weather, he uses this to his advantage to keep Dumnorix in his allegiance and to learn his plans. Dumnorix tries to elude Caesar when his soldiers are finally embarking to head to Britannia. Caesar orders his cavalry to persue Dumnorix and stop him. If he refuses, Caesar orders them to kill Dumnorix. Dumnorix claims that he is not under the rule of Caesar and should be let go. The soldiers then kill him per Caesars orders. His cavalry report back to Caesar.

5.8 Labienus is left to protect the harbors in Gaul. Caesar then sets out back to Britannia with 5 legions. The current takes him off course, and the men must row to shore to the area which Caesar has deemed most fitting to disembarking. He reaches shore only to find that the British, fearful of the previous years events, have hidden themselves in the forest.

5.9 Caesar begins to camp on the shore. He sets out with some soldiers to find the British. When they are encountered, they begin to fight with Caesar and the small forces he took from his camp. Caesars forces drive them out of the forest. Caesar does not order his men to follow because they do not know the land and they must set up camp.

5.10 Caesar sends out an expedition the next day to follow those who fled. Caesar is told that because of ANOTHER storm, his new ships have been destroyed or injured.

5.11 Caesar orders his soldiers to stop and come back, while he returns to the destroyed ships. He finds that only 40 have been destroyed. He chooses people to rebuild the ships. He writes to Labienus, managing the port in Gaul, to prepare to send as many ships to Britannia as possible. While rebuilding, the Gauls reappear, with Cassivellaunus chosen as their leader.

5.12 Caesar describes the inland part of Britannia to be much like Gaul : many men, many buildings, and a large number of cattle. He describes the metal and lumber used by them. Other customs he describes: unfitting to eat hare and fowl and goose, they keep pets, moderate climate

5.13 Caesar describes the geography of the island.

5.14 Caesar describes the Cantium as the most civilized of all the British, who are much like the Gauls. These men live off of milk and flesh. They wear blue clothing and have long hair and mustaches. They share wives.

5.15 Caesar describes their valiant fighting against the Romans.

5.16 Caesar again describes the difficulty that his forces have against this new and foreign foe. For these men fight scattered, not like the Roman order, and relieve each other in battle to avoid fatigue.

5.17 The British try to provoke the Romans into battle. They ambush the Romans sent to forage. The legions intimidate the enemy and they never fully engage in battle with the Romans.

5.18 Caesar finds out about the event and heads to the kingdom of Cassivellaunus, the leader of the British. He arrives to find large forces ready for battle. Their headquarters is surrounded by stakes both on land and water to prevent the Romans from attacking. The Romans find their way around it through informants and navigation. The enemy could not withstand the attack by the Romans and fled.

5.19 Cassivallaunus, although defeated, continues to harass the Romans. Caesar restricts his men to a small area.

5.20 The strongest state in Britannia, the Trinobantes, send envoys to Caesar and promise to surrender themselves to him and do his bidding. They ask to be protected from Cassivallaunus, since their first leader was killed by him. Caesar demands hostages and corn in exchange for assistance. They quickly comply.

5.21 Neighboring tribes follow the lead of the Trinobantes. He learns of the location of Cassivellaunus from them. Caesar sets out. He finds the place fully fortified by nature and labor. Caesar pushes the enemy out and takes their cattle.

5.22 Cassivellaunus orders 4 nearby tribes to send all their forces to attack Caesars naval camp. They comply, but fail. Cassivellaunus, broken and defeated, sends envoys through Commius to Caesar about surrender. Caesar demands hostages and decides on the tribute tax the British must say. He forbids Cassivellaunus to injure Caesars British allies.

5.23 When his commands are met, he leads his army back to the sea and finds his ships repaired. He takes two trips back to Gallia because he has so many hostages.

5.24 When they return, they find that there is a lack of corn this year due to the weather. Caesar then demands his soldiers to winter-quarter differently this year and distribute his legions amongst several locations. He divides his legions among Q. Cicero, C. Fabius, L. Roscius, Q. Sabinus, L. Cotta, and T. Labienus. Caesar waits to move until he is sure that all his legions are settled from the move.

[24] 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 [in pacatissimam et quietissimam ] ducendam dederat,

milibus passuum centum continebantur.

Ipse interea,

quoad legiones collocatas munitaque hiberna cognovisset,

[in Gallia] morari constituit.

5.25 In the Carnutes tribe, there is a noble man named Tasgetius, whose ancestors once were the rulers. Caesar put him back in control of his people because of his courage and good will towards Rome. Caesar enjoyed his assistance in war.In the 3rd year of his reign, his enemies kill him. Caesar is angered and sends Plancus to winter in Carnutes with his legion and to capture those responsible for Tasgetius death.

[25] 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 opera 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 legion] [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.

5.26 After 15 days, Ambiorix and Catuvolcus being a revolt against the Romans. The Romans were gathering food when they were attacked, but they immediately flew into action. Both sides demand a conference.

[26] 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.

5.27 Gaius Arpineius, a Roman knight is sent to them to hold a meeting. This man already was familiar with Ambiorix and often was sent to him frequently by Caesar. Ambiorix tells Arpineius the following: he owed Caesar because he liberated his tribe from the taxation of the Aduatuci; his son and nephew had been returned to him from captivity because of Caesar; that he didnt attack the Roman camp by his own will, but by the convulsion of his government and people. He can also easily prove this to the Romans. Also, he informs Arpineius that all of Gaul had a plan to attack all the winter-quarters of Caesar on this day so that none of the other legions could help another. The tribes had difficulty refusing this action because it meant liberty for all of Gaul. He informs Arpineius that he has told him this because of Caesars good deeds towards him. Also, that a band of Germans has gathered and that they are on their way towards Caesar. He urges Arpineius to take his legions to another camp and tells him that they will provide safe journey for the Romans through their territory as thanks for Caesars kindness.

[27] 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 [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 (haberet).

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 [ali]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.

5.28 Arpineius and Iunius report what they have heard to the lieutenants. Upset by the news, they decide to heed the advice, even though it has come from the enemy. So they bring the matter before a council, in which differing opinions occur. Some think that nothing should be done without Caesars order, because they can hold off the Germans like they have done in the past, have plenty of supplies, and reinforcements would surely come. Also, they would find it disgraceful to heed the advice of an enemy.

[28] 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 [esse] 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 (esse)

neque [ex hibernis] [iniussu Caesaris discedendum (esse)

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 (esse):

postremo quid esse levius aut turpius,

quam auctore hoste [de summis rebus] capere consilium?

5.29 Titurius however insisted that they may respond too late, when the Germans have assembled or some other travesty would occur. Therefore they had to decide soon. He thought that Caesar had set out back to Italy, so he may be unaware. They decide that Caesar missing puts them at a disadvantage. Also, the Germans are already angered at the death of Ariovistus and other former victories. He suggests that leaving to another camp would not be anything more than them unifying with another legion. He also argues that if the attack doesnt happen with this warning, then the next event will surely bring an attack.

[29] [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.

5.30 The sides continue to argue. Sabinus attacks Cotta stating that he will be to blame if something does happen and they do not leave.

[30] (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 (viri) 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."

5.31 The soldiers beg the lieutenants not to make the matter worse. They state that both are ok plans, but they need to decide on one only. In dissension, they will be destroyed. At midnight a plan is finally made and Cotta gives into Sabinus. They plan to leave at dawn. The soldiers spend the night packing and preparing for the journey. At dawn they depart as if they were persuaded by a friend, not an enemy to leave.

[31] Consurgitur [ex consilio;]

comprehendunt utrumque et orant,

ne {sua dissensione et pertinacia} rem [in summum periculum] deducat:

facilem esse rem,

seu maneant, seu proficiscantur,

si modo unum omnes sentiant ac probent;

contra [in dissension] nullam se salutem perspicere.

Res disputatione [ad mediam noctem] perducitur.

Tandem dat Cotta permotus manus:

superat sententia Sabini.

Pronuntiatur {prima luce} (esse) 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.}

5.32 When the enemy finds out about their movement, they post 2 ambushes for the Romans and awaited their approach. When they appear, the enemy reveals themselv and begin to harass the Romans and engage in battle.

[32] At hostes,

posteaquam [ex nocturne] fremitus vigiliisque [de profectione eorum] senserunt,

{collocatis insidiis} bipertito [in silvis]

[opportune 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.

5.33 Titurius becomes agitated and flustered as his tries to lead during the crisis. Cotta, having feared this event, took the role of the leader in the fight. They commanded the soldiers to drop their belongings and make a circle. This lessened the morale of the Romans and made the enemy more eager because it appeared weak.

[33] Tum demum Titurius,

qui nihil ante providisset,

trepidare et concursare cohortesque disponere,

haec tamen ipsa timide atque ut eum omnia deficere (facere) 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 desperation]

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.

5.34 The barbarians order their men to have no one depart and that the Roman booty was theirs. However, victory may have been assumed too early. The Romans fight bravely and equally matched. Even though they were abandoned by their general and lost their belongings, each fought with their hope of safety in courage. Ambigorix orders his men to throw their weapons, but also now to make an attack only when they are retreati.g

[34] 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.

5.35

[35] 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.

[36] 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.

[37] 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.

[38] Hac victoria sublatus Ambiorix statim cum equitatu in Aduatucos, qui erant eius regno finitimi, proficiscitur; neque noctem neque diem intermittit pedita tumque 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.

[39] 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.

[40] 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.

[41] 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.

[42] Ab hac spe repulsi Nervii vallo pedum IX et fossa pedum XV hiberna cingunt. Haec et superiorum annorum consuetudine ab nobis cognoverant et, quos clam 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.

[43] 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.

[44] 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 confertissima 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.

[45] 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.

[46] 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.

[47] Hora circiter tertia ab antecursoribus de Crassi adventu certior factus eo die milia passuum XX pro cedit. 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.

[48] 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.