Book 8 of De Bello Gallico (31–54)

[31] 

1 Gaius Fabius cum reliquo exercitu in Carnutes ceterasque proficiscitur civitates, quarum eo proelio, quod cum Dumnaco fecerat, copias esse accisas sciebat. 

1 Gaius Fabius with the rest of the army set out for the Carnutes and other states, whose forces he knew had been cut down in the battle he had fought with Dumnacus. 

2 Non enim dubitabat quin recenti calamitate summissiores essent futurae, dato vero spatio ac tempore eodem instigante Dumnaco possent concitari. 

2 For he had no doubt that they would be more submissive because of their recent disaster, but given space and time, they might be stirred up by Dumnacus himself. 

3 Qua in re summa felicitas celeritasque in recipiendis civitatibus Fabium consequitur. 

3 In this matter, the greatest success and speed in recovering states attended Fabius. 

4 Nam Carnutes, qui saepe vexati numquam pacis fecerant mentionem, datis obsidibus veniunt in deditionem, ceteraeque civitates positae in ultimis Galliae finibus Oceano coniunctae, quae Aremoricae appellantur, auctoritate adductae Carnutum adventu Fabi legionumque imperata sine mora faciunt. 

4 For the Carnutes, who had often been harassed but had never spoken of peace, came into surrender after giving hostages, and the other states situated on the farthest borders of Gaul adjoining the Ocean, which are called the Armorican states, influenced by the authority of the Carnutes and the arrival of Fabius and the legions, fulfilled the orders without delay. 

5 Dumnacus suis finibus expulsus errans latitansque solus extremas Galliae regiones petere est coactus.  

5 Dumnacus, driven from his own territory, wandering and hiding alone, was forced to flee to the remotest regions of Gaul. 

[32] 

1 At Drappes unaque Lucterius, cum legiones Caniniumque adesse cognoscerent nec se sine certa pernicie persequente exercitu putarent provinciae fines intrare posse nec iam libere vagandi latrociniorumque faciendorum facultatem haberent, in finibus consistunt Cadurcorum. 

1 But Drappes and Lucterius, when they learned that the legions and Caninius were present, and did not think they could enter the borders of the province without certain destruction with the army pursuing them, and no longer had the opportunity to wander freely and commit robberies, halted in the territory of the Cadurci. 

2 Ibi cum Lucterius apud suos cives quondam integris rebus multum potuisset, semperque auctor novorum consiliorum magnam apud barbaros auctoritatem haberet, oppidum Uxellodunum, quod in clientela fuerat eius, egregie natura loci munitum, occupat suis et Drappetis copiis oppidanosque sibi coniungit. 

2 There, since Lucterius had once been very powerful among his fellow citizens when matters were intact, and always, as a promoter of new plans, had great authority among the barbarians, he seized the town of Uxellodunum, which had been under his patronage, admirably fortified by its natural position, with his and Drappes’ forces, and united the townspeople to himself. 

 [33] 

1 Quo cum confestim Gaius Caninius venisset animadverteretque omnes oppidi partes praeruptissimis saxis esse munitas, quo defendente nullo tamen armatis ascendere esset difficile, magna autem impedimenta oppidanorum videret, quae si clandestina fuga subtrahere conarentur, effugere non modo equitatum, sed ne legiones quidem possent, tripertito cohortibus divisis trina excelsissimo loco castra fecit; 

1 When Gaius Caninius arrived there immediately and observed that all parts of the town were fortified with very steep rocks, which, even with no one defending them, would be difficult for armed men to ascend; and seeing a great amount of baggage belonging to the townspeople, which, if they tried to remove it by secret flight, they would be unable to escape not only the cavalry but not even the legions, he divided his cohorts into three parts and set up three camps in the highest positions; 

2 a quibus paulatim, quantum copiae patiebantur, vallum in oppidi circuitum ducere instituit. 

2 from which, gradually, as far as his forces allowed, he began to draw a rampart around the town. 

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[34] 

1 Quod cum animadverterent oppidani miserrimaque Alesiae memoria solliciti similem casum obsessionis vererentur, maximeque ex omnibus Lucterius, qui fortunae illius periculum fecerat, moneret frumenti rationem esse habendam, constituunt omnium consensu parte ibi relicta copiarum ipsi cum expeditis ad importandum frumentum proficisci. 

1 When the townspeople noticed this, and, troubled by the most miserable memory of Alesia, feared a similar fate of siege—and especially Lucterius, who had experienced the danger of that fortune, advised that provision for grain must be made—they decided by unanimous consent, leaving part of their forces there, to set out themselves with light-armed troops to bring in grain. 

2 Eo consilio probato proxima nocte duobus milibus armatorum relictis reliquos ex oppido Drappes et Lucterius educunt. 

2 With this plan approved, on the next night, leaving two thousand armed men, Drappes and Lucterius led the rest out of the town. 

3 Hi paucos dies morati ex finibus Cadurcorum, qui partim re frumentaria sublevare eos cupiebant, partim prohibere quo minus sumerent non poterant, magnum numerum frumenti comparant, nonnumquam autem expeditionibus nocturnis castella nostrorum adoriuntur. 

3 These, after delaying for a few days in the territory of the Cadurci—who partly wished to aid them with grain, and partly could not prevent them from taking it—procured a large quantity of grain; sometimes also they attacked our outposts with nocturnal expeditions. 

4 Quam ob causam Gaius Caninius toto oppido munitiones circumdare moratur, ne aut opus effectum tueri non possit aut plurimis in locis infirma disponat praesidia. 

4 For this reason, Gaius Caninius delayed surrounding the entire town with fortifications, lest he be unable to defend the completed work, or lest he deploy weak garrisons in too many places. 

[35] 

1 Magna copia frumenti comparata considunt Drappes et Lucterius non longius ab oppido X milibus, unde paulatim frumentum in oppidum supportarent. 

1 Having procured a large quantity of grain, Drappes and Lucterius encamped no more than ten miles from the town, from where they might gradually bring grain into the town. 

2 Ipsi inter se provincias partiuntur: Drappes castris praesidio cum parte copiarum restitit; Lucterius agmen iumentorum ad oppidum ducit. 

2 They divided the tasks among themselves: Drappes remained in the camp as a guard with part of the forces; Lucterius led the train of pack animals to the town. 

3 Dispositis ibi praesidiis hora noctis circiter decima silvestribus angustisque itineribus frumentum importare in oppidum instituit. 

3 Having stationed guards there, at about the tenth hour of the night, he began to bring grain into the town by wooded and narrow paths. 

4 Quorum strepitum vigiles castrorum cum sensissent, exploratoresque missi quae gererentur renuntiassent, Caninius celeriter cum cohortibus armatis ex proximis castellis in frumentarios sub ipsam lucem impetum fecit. 

4 When the camp guards had heard their noise, and scouts sent out had reported what was happening, Caninius quickly, with armed cohorts from the nearest forts, made an attack on the grain gatherers just before dawn. 

5 Ei repentino malo perterriti diffugiunt ad sua praesidia; quae nostri ut viderunt, acrius contra armatos incitati neminem ex eo numero vivum capi patiuntur. Profugit inde cum paucis Lucterius nec se recipit in castra. 

5 Terrified by this sudden misfortune, they fled to their own defenses; when our men saw these, spurred on more fiercely against the armed enemy, they allowed no one of that number to be taken alive. Lucterius fled from there with a few men and did not return to the camp. 

 [36] 

1 Re bene gesta Caninius ex captivis comperit partem copiarum cum Drappete esse in castris a milibus longe non amplius XII. 

1 Having successfully concluded the affair, Caninius learned from captives that a part of the forces with Drappes was in a camp no more than twelve miles away. 

2 Qua re ex compluribus cognita, cum intellegeret fugato duce altero perterritos reliquos facile opprimi posse, magnae felicitatis esse arbitrabatur neminem ex caede refugisse in castra qui de accepta calamitate nuntium Drappeti perferret. 

2 Having learned this from several sources, and understanding that, with one leader put to flight, the remaining terrified men could easily be overwhelmed, he considered it a great stroke of luck that no one had escaped from the slaughter to the camp to carry news of the received disaster to Drappes. 

3 Sed in experiendo cum periculum nullum videret, equitatum omnem Germanosque pedites, summae velocitatis homines, ad castra hostium praemittit; ipse legionem unam in trina castra distribuit, alteram secum expeditam ducit. 

3 But since he saw no danger in making the attempt, he sent ahead all the cavalry and the German infantry—men of exceptional speed—to the enemy's camp; he himself distributed one legion among the three camps and led another, unencumbered, with him. 

4 Cum propius hostes accessisset, ab exploratoribus quos praemiserat cognoscit castra eorum, ut barbarorum fere consuetudo est, relictis locis superioribus ad ripas fluminis esse demissa; at Germanos equitesque imprudentibus omnibus de improviso advolasse proeliumque commisisse. 

4 When he had approached nearer to the enemy, he learned from the scouts he had sent ahead that their camp—according to the usual practice of the barbarians—had been moved from higher ground down to the riverbanks; and that the Germans and cavalry, catching all off guard, had suddenly charged and engaged in battle. 

5 Qua re cognita legionem armatam instructamque adducit. Ita repente omnibus ex partibus signo dato loca superiora capiuntur. 

5 Having learned this, he brought up the armed and arrayed legion. Thus, suddenly, at a given signal from all sides, the higher ground was seized. 

6 Quod ubi accidit, Germani equitesque signis legionis visis vehementissime proeliantur. Confestim cohortes undique impetum faciunt omnibusque aut interfectis aut captis magna praeda potiuntur. Capitur ipse eo proelio Drappes. 

6 When this happened, the Germans and cavalry, seeing the standards of the legion, fought most fiercely. Immediately, the cohorts attacked from all sides, and with all either killed or captured, they obtained great booty. Drappes himself was captured in that battle. 

[37] 

1 Caninius felicissime re gesta sine ullo paene militis vulnere ad obsidendos oppidanos revertitur 

1 Caninius, having conducted the matter most successfully with scarcely any wound to his soldiers, returned to besiege the townspeople, 

2 externoq hoste deleto, cuius timore antea dividere praesidia et munitione oppidanos circumdare prohibitus erat, opera undique imperat administrari. Venit eodem cum suis copiis postero die Gaius Fabius partemque oppidi sumit ad obsidendum. 

2 and with the external enemy destroyed, whose fear had previously prevented him from dividing his garrisons and surrounding the townspeople with fortifications, he ordered works to be carried out on all sides. Gaius Fabius arrived there with his forces the next day and took a part of the town for besieging. 

 [38] 

1 Caesar interim M. Antonium quaestorem cum cohortibus XV in Bellovacis relinquit, ne qua rursus novorum consiliorum capiendorum Belgis facultas daretur. 

1 Meanwhile, Caesar left Marcus Antonius, the quaestor, with fifteen cohorts among the Bellovaci, lest any opportunity for adopting new plans should again be given to the Belgae. 

2 Ipse reliquas civitates adit, obsides plures imperat, timentes omnium animos consolatione sanat. 

2 He himself visited the remaining states, demanded more hostages, and soothed the fears of all with consolation. 

3 Cum in Carnutes venisset, quorum in civitate superiore commentario Caesar exposuit initium belli esse ortum, quod praecipue eos propter conscientiam facti timere animadvertebat, quo celerius civitatem timore liberaret, principem sceleris illius et concitatorem belli, Gutruatum, ad supplicium depoposcit. 

3 When he had come to the Carnutes, in whose state Caesar had explained in the previous commentary that the origin of the war had arisen—because he especially noticed that they feared on account of their consciousness of the deed—in order that he might more quickly free the state from fear, he demanded Gutruatus, the chief of that crime and instigator of the war, for punishment. 

4 Qui etsi ne civibus quidem suis se committebat, tamen celeriter omnium cura quaesitus in castra perducitur. 

4 Although he did not even trust himself to his own citizens, he was nevertheless quickly sought out by everyone's diligence and brought into the camp. 

5 Cogitur in eius supplicium Caesar contra suam naturam concursu maximo militum, qui ei omnia pericula et detrimenta belli accepta referebant, adeo ut verberibus exanimatum corpus securi feriretur. 

5 Caesar was compelled to his execution against his own nature by a very great concourse of soldiers, who recounted to him all the dangers and losses they had sustained in the war, to such an extent that his body, having been killed by scourging, was struck with an axe. 

 [39] 

1 Ibi crebris litteris Canini fit certior quae de Drappete et Lucterio gesta essent, quoque in consilio permanerent oppidani. 

1 There, he was informed by frequent letters from Caninius what had been done concerning Drappes and Lucterius, and what plan the townspeople were persisting in. 

2 Quorum etsi paucitatem contemnebat, tamen pertinaciam magna poena esse adficiendam iudicabat, ne universa Gallia non sibi vires defuisse ad resistendum Romanis, sed constantiam putaret, neve hoc exemplo ceterae civitates locorum opportunitate fretae se vindicarent in libertatem, 

2 Although he despised their small number, he nevertheless judged that their obstinacy ought to be punished severely, lest all Gaul should think that it lacked not strength to resist the Romans, but constancy, and lest by this example other states, relying on the advantageousness of their positions, should assert their freedom, 

3 cum omnibus Gallis notum esse sciret reliquam esse unam aestatem suae provinciae, quam si sustinere potuissent, nullum ultra periculum vererentur. 

3 since he knew it was known to all the Gauls that only one summer of his command remained, which, if they could endure, they would fear no further danger. 

4 Itaque Q. Calenum legatum cum legionibus reliquit qui iustis itineribus subsequeretur; ipse cum omni equitatu quam potest celerrime ad Caninium contendit. 

4 Therefore, he left Quintus Calenus as legate with the legions to follow by regular marches; he himself, with all his cavalry, hastened to Caninius as quickly as possible. 

[40] 

1 Cum contra exspectationem omnium Caesar Uxellodunum venisset oppidumque operibus clausum animadverteret neque ab oppugnatione recedi videret ulla condicione posse, magna autem copia frumenti abundare oppidanos ex perfugis cognosset, aqua prohibere hostem temptare coepit. 

1 When Caesar, contrary to everyone's expectation, had arrived at Uxellodunum and observed that the town was enclosed by siege works, and saw that it could not be abandoned by any condition of attack, and also learned from deserters that the townspeople were abundantly supplied with grain, he began to attempt to cut off the enemy's water supply. 

2 Flumen infimam vallem dividebat, quae totum paene montem cingebat, in quo positum erat praeruptum undique oppidum Uxellodunum. 

2 A river divided the lowest valley, which almost entirely surrounded the mountain on which the town of Uxellodunum, steep on all sides, was situated. 

3 Hoc avertere loci natura prohibebat: in infimis enim sic radicibus montis ferebatur, ut nullam in partem depressis fossis derivari posset. 

3 The nature of the place prevented diverting this river: for it flowed at such low roots of the mountain that it could not be diverted in any direction by excavated ditches. 

4 Erat autem oppidanis difficilis et praeruptus eo descensus, ut prohibentibus nostris sine vulneribus ac periculo vitae neque adire flumen neque arduo se recipere possent ascensu. 

4 Moreover, the descent to it was difficult and steep for the townspeople, so that, with our men preventing them, they could neither approach the river nor retreat by the arduous ascent without wounds and danger to their lives. 

5 Qua difficultate eorum cognita Caesar sagittariis funditoribusque dispositis, tormentis etiam quibusdam locis contra facillimos descensus collocatis aqua fluminis prohibebat oppidanos. 

5 Having learned of this difficulty, Caesar, by stationing archers and slingers, and also placing certain siege engines in some places opposite the easiest descents, prevented the townspeople from accessing the river water. 

 [41] 

1 Quorum omnis postea multitudo aquatorum unum in locum conveniebat sub ipsius oppidi murum, ubi magnus fons aquae prorumpebat ab ea parte, quae fere pedum CCC intervallo fluminis circuitu vacabat. 

1 Afterward, the entire multitude of water-carriers gathered at one spot beneath the very wall of the town, where a large spring of water burst forth on that side which was almost three hundred feet distant from the river's course. 

2 Hoc fonte prohiberi posse oppidanos cum optarent reliqui, Caesar unus videret, e regione eius vineas agere adversus montem et aggerem instruere coepit magno cum labore et continua dimicatione. 

2 While the rest wished that the townspeople could be cut off from this spring, Caesar alone saw that it was possible, and so he began to drive covered approaches (vineae) directly opposite it, up the mountain, and to construct an embankment with great effort and continuous fighting. 

3 Oppidani enim loco superiore decurrunt et eminus sine periculo proeliantur multosque pertinaciter succedentes vulnerant; non deterrentur tamen milites nostri vineas proferre et labore atque operibus locorum vincere difficultates. 

3 For the townspeople ran down from higher ground and fought from a distance without danger, wounding many who stubbornly advanced; yet our soldiers were not deterred from extending the vineae and overcoming the difficulties of the terrain with labor and siege works. 

4 Eodem tempore cuniculos tectos ab vineis agunt ad caput fontis; quod genus operis sine ullo periculo, sine suspicione hostium facere licebat. 

4 At the same time, they dug covered tunnels from the vineae to the source of the spring; this kind of work could be done without any danger or suspicion from the enemy. 

5 Exstruitur agger in altitudinem pedum sexaginta, collocatur in eo turris decem tabulatorum, non quidem quae moenibus aequaret (id enim nullis operibus effici poterat), sed quae superare fontis fastigium posset. 

5 An embankment sixty feet high was constructed, and on it a tower of ten stories was placed, not indeed one that would equal the town walls (for that could not be achieved by any works), but one that could surmount the level of the spring. 

6 Ex ea cum tela tormentis iacerentur ad fontis aditum, nec sine periculo possent aquari oppidani, non tantum pecora atque iumenta, sed etiam magna hostium multitudo siti consumabatur. 

6 From this tower, when missiles were thrown by engines toward the approach to the spring, and the townspeople could not get water without danger, not only their cattle and pack animals but also a large number of the enemy were consumed by thirst. 

[42] 

1 Quo malo perterriti oppidani cupas sebo, pice, scandulis complent; eas ardentes in opera provolvunt eodemque tempore acerrime proeliantur, ut ab incendio restinguendo dimicationis periculo deterreant Romanos. 

1 Terrified by this misfortune, the townspeople filled barrels with tallow, pitch, and shingles; these, ablaze, they rolled down onto the works, and at the same time they fought most fiercely, so as to deter the Romans from extinguishing the fire by the danger of combat. 

2 Magna repente in ipsis operibus flamma exstitit. Quaecumque enim per locum praecipitem missa erant, ea vineis et aggere suppressa comprehendebant id ipsum quod morabatur. 

2 Suddenly a great flame broke out in the works themselves. For whatever had been sent down the steep slope, being caught by the vineae and the embankment, ignited the very obstacle that was holding them back. 

3 Milites contra nostri, quamquam periculoso genere proeli locoque iniquo premebantur, tamen omnia fortissimo sustinebant animo. 

3 Our soldiers, on the other hand, although they were hard-pressed by a dangerous kind of fighting and an unfavorable position, nevertheless endured everything with the utmost courage. 

4 Res enim gerebatur et excelso loco et in conspectu exercitus nostri, magnusque utrimque clamor oriebatur. Ita quam quisque poterat maxime insignis, quo notior testatiorque virtus esset eius, telis hostium flammaeque se offerebat. 

4 For the action was taking place both from a high position and in sight of our army, and a great shout arose from both sides. Thus, each man, as conspicuously as he could, offered himself to the enemy's missiles and to the flames, so that his valor might be more widely known and attested. 

 [43] 

1 Caesar cum complures suos vulnerari videret, ex omnibus oppidi partibus cohortes montem ascendere et simulatione moenium occupandorum clamorem undique iubet tollere. 

1 When Caesar saw several of his men being wounded, he ordered cohorts from all parts of the town to ascend the mountain and, under the pretense of capturing the walls, to raise a shout everywhere. 

2 Quo facto perterriti oppidani, cum quid ageretur in locis reliquis essent suspensi, revocant ab impugnandis operibus armatos murisque disponunt. 

2 At this, the terrified townspeople, being uncertain what was happening in the other parts of the area, recalled their armed men from attacking the siege works and arrayed them on the walls. 

3 Ita nostri fine proeli facto celeriter opera flamma comprehensa partim restinguunt, partim interscindunt. 

3 Thus, our men, with the fighting ended, quickly partly extinguished the works that had caught fire, and partly cut them through. 

4 Cum pertinaciter resisterent oppidani, magna etiam parte amissa siti suorum in sententia permanerent, ad postremum cuniculis venae fontis intercisae sunt atque aversae. 

4 Although the townspeople resisted stubbornly, and even after losing a large part of their men to thirst, remained steadfast in their resolve, finally the veins of the spring were cut off and diverted by tunnels. 

5 Quo facto repente perennis exaruit fons tantamque attulit oppidanis salutis desperationem, ut id non hominum consilio, sed deorum voluntate factum putarent. Itaque se necessitate coacti tradiderunt. 

5 When this happened, the perennial spring suddenly dried up and brought such despair of safety to the townspeople that they thought it was done not by human design but by the will of the gods. Therefore, compelled by necessity, they surrendered. 

[44] 

1 Caesar, cum suam lenitatem cognitam omnibus sciret neque vereretur ne quid crudelitate naturae videretur asperius fecisse, neque exitum consiliorum suorum animadverteret, si tali ratione diversis in locis plures consilia inissent, exemplo supplici deterrendos reliquos existimavit. 

1 Caesar, knowing his clemency was known to all, and not fearing that he might seem to have acted too harshly by cruelty of nature, and not perceiving an end to his plans if many should form designs in various places in such a manner, decided that the rest should be deterred by an example of punishment. 

2 Itaque omnibus qui arma tulerant manus praecidit vitamque concessit, quo testatior esset poena improborum. 

2 Therefore, he cut off the hands of all who had borne arms and granted them their lives, so that the punishment of the wicked might be the more manifest. 

3 Drappes, quem captum esse a Caninio docui, sive indignitate et dolore vinculorum sive timore gravioris supplici paucis diebus cibo se abstinuit atque ita interiit. 

3 Drappes, whom I mentioned had been captured by Caninius, either from the indignity and pain of his chains or from fear of a more severe punishment, abstained from food for a few days and thus died. 

4 Eodem tempore Lucterius, quem profugisse ex proelio scripsi, cum in potestatem venisset Epasnacti Arverni 

4 At the same time, Lucterius, whom I wrote had fled from the battle, when he came into the power of Epasnactus the Arvernian 

5 (crebro enim mutandis locis multorum fidei se committebat, quod nusquam diutius sine periculo commoraturus videbatur, cum sibi conscius esset, quam inimicum deberet Caesarem habere), 

5 (for by frequently changing places, he entrusted himself to the good faith of many, because he seemed unlikely to remain anywhere long without danger, being conscious of how hostile Caesar ought to be towards him), 

6 hunc Epasnactus Arvernus, amicissimus populi Romani, sine dubitatione ulla vinctum ad Caesarem deduxit. 

6 this Epasnactus the Arvernian, a very good friend of the Roman people, without any hesitation brought him bound to Caesar. 

[45] 

1 Labienus interim in Treveris equestre proelium facit secundum compluribusque Treveris interfectis et Germanis, qui nullis adversus Romanos auxilia denegabant, principes eorum vivos redigit in suam potestatem 

1 Meanwhile, Labienus fought a successful cavalry battle in the territory of the Treveri, and having killed several Treveri and Germans, who never denied aid against the Romans, he brought their chiefs alive into his power, 

2 atque in his Surum Aeduum, qui et virtutis et generis summam nobilitatem habebat solusque ex Aeduis ad id tempus permanserat in armis. 

2 and among these, Surus the Aeduan, who possessed the highest nobility both in valor and lineage, and was the only one of the Aedui who had remained in arms up to that time. 

[46] 

1 Ea re cognita Caesar, cum in omnibus partibus Galliae bene res geri videret iudicaretque superioribus aestivis Galliam devictam subactamque esse, Aquitaniam numquam adisset, per Publium Crassum quadam ex parte devicisset, cum duabus legionibus in eam partem Galliae est profectus, ut ibi extremum tempus consumeret aestivorum. 

1 Having learned of this, Caesar, seeing that affairs were being managed well in all parts of Gaul and judging that Gaul had been conquered and subdued in previous summers, and though he had never visited Aquitaine himself, Publius Crassus had conquered a part of it, he set out with two legions into that part of Gaul, so that he might spend the last part of the summer campaign there. 

2 Quam rem sicuti cetera celeriter feliciterque confecit. Namque omnes Aquitaniae civitates legatos ad Caesarem miserunt obsidesque ei dederunt. 

2 This task, like the others, he accomplished quickly and successfully. For all the states of Aquitaine sent envoys to Caesar and gave him hostages. 

3 Quibus rebus gestis ipse equitum praesidio Narbonem profecto est, exercitum per legatos in hiberna deduxit: 

3 With these matters accomplished, he himself set out for Narbo with a cavalry escort, and led the army into winter quarters through his legates: 

4 quattuor legiones in Belgio collocavit cum M. Antonio et C. Trebonio et P. Vatinio legatis, duas legiones in Aeduos deduxit, quorum in omni Gallia summam esse auctoritatem sciebat, duas in Turonis ad fines Carnutum posuit, quae omnem illam regionem coniunctam Oceano continerent, duas reliquas in Lemovicum finibus non longe ab Arvernis, ne qua pars Galliae vacua ab exercitu esset. 

4 He stationed four legions in Belgium with Marcus Antonius, Gaius Trebonius, and Publius Vatinius as legates; he led two legions into the territory of the Aedui, whose authority throughout Gaul he knew to be supreme; he placed two in the territory of the Turones near the borders of the Carnutes, which were to hold all that region bordering the Ocean; and the remaining two in the territory of the Lemovices, not far from the Arverni, so that no part of Gaul might be without an army. 

5 Paucos dies ipse in provincia moratus, cum celeriter omnes conventus percucurrisset, publicas controversias cognosset, 

5 Having remained a few days himself in the province, after he had quickly visited all the assizes and investigated public disputes, 

6 bene meritis praemia tribuisset (cognoscendi enim maximam facultatem habebat, quali quisque fuisset animo in totius Galliae defectione, quam sustinuerat fidelitate atque auxiliis provinciae illius), his confectis rebus ad legiones in Belgium se recipit hibernatque Nemetocennae. 

6 and had bestowed rewards on those who had deserved well (for he had the greatest facility for knowing what was the disposition of each person during the revolt of all Gaul, which he had endured with the loyalty and aid of that province), with these matters concluded, he returned to the legions in Belgium and wintered at Nemetocenna. 

 [47] 

1 Ibi cognoscit Commium Atrebatem proelio cum equitatu suo contendisse. 

1 There he learned that Commius the Atrebatian had fought a battle with his cavalry. 

2 Nam cum Antonius in hiberna venisset, civitasque Atrebatum in officio esset, Commius, qui post illam vulnerationem, quam supra commemoravi, semper ad omnes motus paratus suis civibus esse consuesset, ne consilia belli quaerentibus auctor armorum duxque deesset, 

2 For when Antonius had come into winter quarters, and the state of the Atrebates was remaining loyal, Commius—who after that wounding, which I mentioned above, had always been accustomed to being ready for all uprisings for his citizens, so that an instigator of arms and a leader should not be lacking to those seeking war— 

3 parente Romanis civitate cum suis equitibus latrociniis se suosque alebat infestisque itineribus commeatus complures, qui comportabantur in hiberna Romanorum, intercipiebat. 

3 while the state obeyed the Romans, sustained himself and his men by plundering with his cavalry, and by harassing routes, intercepted several convoys that were being brought into the Romans' winter quarters. 

[48] 

1 Erat attributus Antonio praefectus equitum C. Volusenus Quadratus qui cum eo hibernaret. Hunc Antonius ad persequendum equitatum hostium mittit. 

1 Gaius Volusenus Quadratus, a prefect of cavalry, had been assigned to Antonius and was wintering with him. Antonius sent him to pursue the enemy cavalry. 

2 Volusenus ad eam virtutem, quae singularis erat in eo, magnum odium Commi adiungebat, quo libentius id faceret quod imperabatur. Itaque dispositis insidiis saepius equites eius adgressus secunda proelia faciebat. 

2 Volusenus added to that virtue, which was remarkable in him, a great hatred for Commius, so that he might more willingly carry out what was ordered. Therefore, having set ambushes, he frequently attacked Commius’s cavalry and fought successful battles. 

3 Novissime, cum vehementius contenderetur, ac Volusenus ipsius intercipiendi Commi cupiditate pertinacius eum cum paucis insecutus esset, ille autem fuga vehementi Volusenum produxisset longius, inimicus homini suorum invocat fidem atque auxilium, ne sua vulnera per fidem imposita paterentur impunita, conversoque equo se a ceteris incautius permittit in praefectum. 

3 Finally, when the fight became more intense, and Volusenus, out of eagerness to capture Commius himself, had pursued him more persistently with a few men, and Commius, by his swift flight, had led Volusenus further out, he—an enemy to the man—called upon the loyalty and aid of his followers, that the wounds treacherously inflicted on him might not go unpunished, and turning his horse, more boldly than the others, hurled himself against the prefect. 

4 Faciunt hoc idem omnes eius equites paucosque nostros convertunt atque insequuntur. 

4 All his cavalry did the same, turned back a few of our men, and pursued them. 

5 Commius incensum calcaribus equum coniungit equo Quadrati lanceaque infesta magnis viribus medium femur traicit Voluseni. 

5 Commius, spurring on his enraged horse, drew it alongside the horse of Quadratus and, with his lance aimed to strike, pierced Volusenus in the middle of the thigh with great force. 

6 Praefecto vulnerato non dubitant nostri resistere et conversis equis hostem pellere. 

6 With the prefect wounded, our men did not hesitate to stand their ground and, turning their horses, drove back the enemy. 

7 Quod ubi accidit, complures hostium magno nostrorum impetu perculsi vulnerantur ac partim in fuga proteruntur, partim intercipiuntur; quod ubi malum dux equi velocitate evitavit, ac si proelio secundo graviter ab eo vulneratus praefectus, ut vitae periculum aditurus videretur, refertur in castra. 

7 When this happened, several of the enemy, struck by the powerful charge of our men, were wounded, some were trampled in flight, others intercepted; the leader escaped the misfortune by the speed of his horse, and the prefect, seriously wounded by him in what had been a successful engagement, was carried back to camp, so severely that he seemed likely to face death. 

8 Commius autem sive expiato suo dolore sive magna parte amissa suorum legatos ad Antonium mittit seque et ibi futurum, ubi praescripserit, et ea facturum, quae imperarit, obsidibus firmat; 

8 Commius, whether because his anger had been appeased or because he had lost a large part of his followers, sent envoys to Antonius and pledged with hostages that he would both be where Antonius prescribed and do what he commanded. 

9 Unum illud orat, ut timori suo concedatur, ne in conspectum veniat cuiusquam Romani. Cuius postulationem Antonius cum iudicaret ab iusto nasci timore, veniam petenti dedit, obsides accepit. 

9 He begged only one thing: that allowance be made for his fear, so that he might not come into the sight of any Roman. Antonius, judging that this request arose from a just fear, granted him pardon and accepted the hostages. 

10 Scio Caesarem singulorum annorum singulos commentarios confecisse; quod ego non existimavi mihi esse faciendum, propterea quod insequens annus, L. Paulo C. Marcello consulibus, nullas habet magnopere Galliae res gestas. 

10 I know that Caesar wrote a separate commentary for each year; but I did not think that I ought to do the same, because the following year, when Lucius Paulus and Gaius Marcellus were consuls, contains no significant events in Gaul. 

11 Ne quis tamen ignoraret, quibus in locis Caesar exercitusque eo tempore fuissent, pauca esse scribenda coniungendaque huic commentario statui. 

11 Nevertheless, so that no one might be ignorant of the locations in which Caesar and his army had been at that time, I decided to write a few things and append them to this commentary. 

[49] 

1 Caesar in Belgio cum hiemaret, unum illud propositum habebat, continere in amicitia civitates, nulli spem aut causam dare armorum. 

1 When Caesar was wintering in Belgium, he had one goal: to keep the states in friendship and give no one hope or cause for arms. 

2 Nihil enim minus volebat quam sub decessu suo necessitatem sibi aliquam imponi belli gerendi, ne, cum exercitum deducturus esset, bellum aliquod relinqueretur quod omnis Gallia libenter sine praesenti periculo susciperet. 

2 For he desired nothing less than that any necessity for waging war should be imposed on him just before his departure, lest, when he was about to withdraw the army, some war should be left which all Gaul would willingly undertake without present danger. 

3 Itaque honorifice civitates appellando, principes maximis praemiis adficiendo, nulla onera iniungendo defessam tot adversis proeliis Galliam condicione parendi meliore facile in pace continuit. 

3 Therefore, by addressing the states honorably, bestowing the greatest rewards on their chiefs, and imposing no burdens, he easily kept Gaul—exhausted by so many adverse battles—in peace under more favorable terms of obedience. 

 [50] 

1 Ipse hibernis peractis contra consuetudinem in Italiam quam maximis itineribus est profectus, ut municipia et colonias appellaret, quibus M. Antoni quaestoris sui commendaverat sacerdoti petitionem. 

1 Having completed winter quarters, he himself set out for Italy by the fastest possible marches—contrary to his usual practice—in order to visit the municipalities and colonies to which he had recommended the candidacy for priesthood of his quaestor, Marcus Antonius. 

2 Contendebat enim gratia cum libenter pro homine sibi coniunctissimo, quem paulo ante praemiserat ad petitionem, tum acriter contra factionem et potentiam paucorum, qui M. Antoni repulsa Caesaris decedentis gratiam convellere cupiebant. 

2 For he was striving with his influence, both willingly on behalf of a man most intimately connected with him—whom he had recently sent ahead for the candidacy—and fiercely against the faction and power of a few, who desired to undermine the influence of Caesar as he departed by the rejection of Marcus Antonius. 

3 Hunc etsi augurem prius factum quam Italiam attingeret in itinere audierat, tamen non minus iustam sibi causam municipia et colonias adeundi existimavit, ut eis gratias ageret, quod frequentiam atque officium suum Antonio praestitissent, 

3 Although he had heard while on the journey that Antonius had been made augur before he reached Italy, nevertheless he considered it no less a just reason for visiting the municipalities and colonies, to thank them for the turnout and support they had shown Antonius, 

4 simulque se et honorem suum sequentis anni commendaret, propterea quod insolenter adversarii sui gloriarentur L. Lentulum et C. Marcellum consules creatos qui omnem honorem et dignitatem Caesaris spoliarent, ereptum Ser. Galbae consulatum, cum is multo plus gratia suffragiisque valuisset, quod sibi coniunctus et familiaritate et consuetudine legationis esset. 

4 and at the same time to recommend himself and his honor for the following year, because his adversaries were insolently boasting that Lucius Lentulus and Gaius Marcellus had been elected consuls to strip Caesar of all honor and dignity, and that the consulship had been snatched from Servius Galba—although he had much greater influence and votes—because he was connected to Caesar both by intimacy and by the companionship of service. 

 [51] 

1 Exceptus est Caesaris adventus ab omnibus municipiis et coloniis incredibili honore atque amore. 

1 Caesar’s arrival was received by all the municipalities and colonies with incredible honor and affection. 

2 Tum primum enim veniebat ab illo universae Galliae bello. Nihil relinquebatur quod ad ornatum portarum, itinerum, locorum omnium qua Caesar iturus erat excogitari poterat. 

2 For it was the first time he was coming from that war of all Gaul. Nothing was left undone that could be devised for the adornment of gates, roads, and all the places through which Caesar was to pass. 

3 Cum liberis omnis multitudo obviam procedebat, hostiae omnibus locis immolabantur, tricliniis stratis fora templaque occupabantur, ut vel exspectatissimi triumphi laetitia praecipi posset. Tanta erat magnificentia apud opulentiores, cupiditas apud humiliores. 

3 The whole population came forth with their children to meet him, sacrifices were offered in all places, forums and temples were occupied with banqueting couches spread out, so that the joy of even the most eagerly anticipated triumph might seem to be anticipated. So great was the magnificence among the wealthier, the enthusiasm among the humbler.

[52] 

1 Cum omnes regiones Galliae togatae Caesar percucurrisset, summa celeritate ad exercitum Nemetocennam rediit legionibusque ex omnibus hibernis ad fines Treverorum evocatis eo profectus est ibique exercitum lustravit. 

1 When Caesar had traversed all the regions of Togata Gallia, he returned with the utmost speed to the army at Nemetocenna, and having summoned the legions from all the winter quarters to the borders of the Treveri, he set out there and reviewed the army. 

2 T. Labienum Galliae togatae praefecit, quo maiore commendatione conciliaretur ad consulatus petitionem. Ipse tantum itinerum faciebat, quantum satis esse ad mutationem locorum propter salubritatem existimabat. 

2 He placed Titus Labienus in command of Togata Gallia, in order that he might gain greater recommendation for his candidacy for the consulship. He himself made only as many marches as he considered sufficient for a change of location for health reasons. 

3 Ibi quamquam crebro audiebat Labienum ab inimicis suis sollicitari certiorque fiebat id agi paucorum consiliis, ut interposita senatus auctoritate aliqua parte exercitus spoliaretur, tamen neque de Labieno credidit quicquam neque contra senatus auctoritatem ut aliquid faceret potuit adduci. Iudicabat enim liberis sententiis patrum conscriptorum causam suam facile obtineri. 

3 There, although he frequently heard that Labienus was being incited by his enemies and was informed that a few were acting with the plan of using the Senate’s authority to strip him of part of his army, still he believed nothing concerning Labienus and could not be persuaded to act against the Senate’s authority. For he judged that his cause could easily prevail through the free votes of the senators. 

4 Nam C. Curio, tribunus plebis, cum Caesaris causam dignitatemque defendendam suscepisset, saepe erat senatui pollicitus, si quem timor armorum Caesaris laederet, et quoniam Pompei dominatio atque arma non minimum terrorem foro inferrent, discederet uterque ab armis exercitusque dimitteret: fore eo facto liberam et sui iuris civitatem. 

4 For Gaius Curio, tribune of the plebs, having undertaken the defense of Caesar’s cause and dignity, had often promised the Senate that if anyone was harmed by fear of Caesar’s arms, and since Pompey’s dominance and arms brought no small terror to the forum, both would withdraw from arms and dismiss their armies: by this act the state would be free and independent. 

5 Neque hoc tantum pollicitus est, sed etiam per se discessionem facere coepit; quod ne fieret consules amicique Pompei iusserunt atque ita rem morando discusserunt. 

5 Nor did he merely make this promise, but even began to call for a vote on his own authority; to prevent this, the consuls and Pompey’s allies forbade it and thus broke up the matter by delaying.

 [53] 

1 Magnum hoc testimonium senatus erat universi conveniensque superiori facto. Nam Marcellus proximo anno, cum impugnaret Caesaris dignitatem, contra legem Pompei et Crassi rettulerat ante tempus ad senatum de Caesaris provinciis, sententiisque dictis discessionem faciente Marcello, qui sibi omnem dignitatem ex Caesaris invidia quaerebat, senatus frequens in alia omnia transiit. 

1 This was a great testimony of the whole Senate and consistent with its previous action. For Marcellus, in the previous year, when attacking Caesar’s dignity, had brought before the Senate the matter of Caesar’s provinces before the proper time, contrary to the law of Pompey and Crassus, and after speeches had been given and Marcellus, who sought all his dignity from Caesar’s unpopularity, called for a division, the full Senate passed to other business. 

2 Quibus non frangebantur animi inimicorum Caesaris, sed admonebantur quo maiores pararent necessitates, quibus cogi posset senatus id probare, quod ipsi constituissent. 

2 By these actions the spirits of Caesar’s enemies were not broken, but rather they were warned to prepare greater emergencies by which the Senate might be compelled to approve what they themselves had already decided.

[54] 

1 Fit deinde senatus consultum, ut ad bellum Parthicum legio una a Cn. Pompeio, altera a C. Caesare mitteretur; neque obscure duae legiones uni detrahuntur. 

1 Then a decree of the Senate was passed that one legion should be sent by Gnaeus Pompey and another by Gaius Caesar for the Parthian War; and it was not unclear that both legions were being taken from one man. 

2 Nam Cn. Pompeius legionem primam, quam ad Caesarem miserat, confectam ex delectu provinciae Caesaris, eam tamquam ex suo numero dedit. 

2 For Pompey gave the first legion, which he had sent to Caesar and which had been raised from a levy in Caesar’s province, as if it were his own. 

3 Caesar tamen, cum de voluntate minime dubium esset adversariorum suorum, Pompeio legionem remisit et suo nomine quintam decimam, quam in Gallia citeriore habuerat, ex senatus consulto iubet tradi. In eius locum tertiam decimam legionem in Italiam mittit quae praesidia tueretur, ex quibus praesidiis quinta decima deducebatur. 

3 Caesar, however, since there was no doubt about the intentions of his adversaries, returned the legion to Pompey and ordered, in his own name and by senatorial decree, that the fifteenth legion, which he had in Cisalpine Gaul, be handed over. In its place, he sent the thirteenth legion into Italy to guard the garrisons from which the fifteenth was being withdrawn. 

4 Ipse exercitui distribuit hiberna: C. Trebonium cum legionibus quattuor in Belgio collocat, C. Fabium cum totidem in Aeduos deducit. 

4 He himself distributed winter quarters to the army: he stationed Gaius Trebonius with four legions in Belgium and led Gaius Fabius with as many into the territory of the Aedui. 

5 Sic enim existimabat tutissimam fore Galliam, si Belgae, quorum maxima virtus, Aedui, quorum auctoritas summa esset, exercitibus continerentur. Ipse in Italiam profectus est. 

5 For he thought that Gaul would be safest if the Belgae, whose valor was greatest, and the Aedui, whose authority was highest, were restrained by armies. He himself set out for Italy.

 [55] 

1 Quo cum venisset, cognoscit per C. Marcellum consulem legiones duas ab se missas, quae ex senatus consulto deberent ad Parthicum bellum duci, Cn. Pompeio traditas atque in Italia retentas esse. 

1 When he had come there, he learned from the consul Gaius Marcellus that two legions sent by him, which, in accordance with the Senate’s decree, ought to have been led to the Parthian war, had been handed over to Gnaeus Pompey and kept in Italy. 

2 Hoc facto, quamquam nulli erat dubium quidnam contra Caesarem pararetur, tamen Caesar omnia patienda esse statuit, quoad sibi spes aliqua relinqueretur iure potius disceptandi quam belligerandi. 

2 Although, after this had been done, no one doubted what was being prepared against Caesar, nevertheless he resolved that everything must be endured, so long as any hope remained to him of settling the matter by legal means rather than by war. 

3 Contendit per litteras ab senatu, ut etiam Pompeius se imperio abdicaret, seque idem facturum promisit; sin minus, se neque sibi neque patriae defuturum. 

3 He urged, by letters to the Senate, that Pompey too should resign his command, and promised that he would do the same; but if not, he declared that he would fail neither himself nor his country.