De Bello Gallico Book 5 (31–44)

[31] 

1. Consurgitur ex consilio; comprehendunt utrumque et orant, ne sua dissensione et pertinacia rem in summum periculum deducant: 

1. They rose from the council; they seized both and begged them not to bring the matter into extreme danger by their disagreement and obstinacy: 

2. 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. 

2. that the matter was easy, whether they remained or departed, if only all thought and approved of one thing; on the other hand, in disagreement, they saw no safety. The matter was prolonged by discussion until midnight. 

3. Tandem dat Cotta permotus manus: superat sententia Sabini. Pronuntiatur prima luce ituros. 

3. At last, Cotta, moved, gave way: Sabinus's opinion prevailed. It was announced that they would set out at first light. 

4. Consumitur vigiliis reliqua pars noctis, cum sua quisque miles circumspiceret, quid secum portare posset, quid ex instrumento hibernorum relinquere cogeretur. 

4. The remaining part of the night was spent in wakefulness, as each soldier looked around at what he could carry with him, and what from the winter quarter's equipment he would be forced to leave behind. 

5. Omnia excogitantur, quare nec sine periculo maneatur, et languore militum et vigiliis periculum augeatur. 

5. Everything was contrived, by which they would neither remain without danger, and the danger would be increased by the exhaustion and sleeplessness of the soldiers. 

6. Prima luce sic ex castris proficiscuntur, ut quibus esset persuasum non ab hoste, sed ab homine amicissimo Ambiorige consilium datum, longissimo agmine maximisque impedimentis. 

6. At first light they set out from the camp in such a way that, as if they had been persuaded not by an enemy but by the most friendly man Ambiorix that the counsel was given, they proceeded in a very long column and with very heavy baggage. 

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[32] 

1. 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, 

1. But the enemy, after they perceived from the nocturnal noise and watchfulness that the Romans were departing, having placed ambushes in two divisions in the woods, in a suitable and hidden place about two miles away, were awaiting the arrival of the Romans, 

2. 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. 

2. and when the greater part of the column had descended into a large valley, they suddenly showed themselves from both sides of that valley and began to press upon the rear and hinder the front from ascending, and to engage in battle in a place most disadvantageous to our men.

[33] 

1. 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. 

1. Then at last Titurius, who had foreseen nothing beforehand, began to be agitated and run around and arrange the cohorts, yet even these very actions timidly and as if everything seemed to fail him; which usually happens to those who are forced to make decisions in the midst of the affair itself. 

2. 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. 

2. But Cotta, who had considered that these things could happen on the march and for that reason had not been the advocate of departure, was not wanting in anything for the common safety, and performed the duties of a commander in calling and encouraging the soldiers, and of a soldier in battle. 

3. 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. 

3. Since, due to the length of the column, they could less easily attend to everything themselves and foresee what needed to be done in each place, they ordered a proclamation to be made, that they should abandon their baggage and stand in a circle. 

4. Quod consilium etsi in eiusmodi casu reprehendendum non est, tamen incommode accidit: 

4. Although this plan is not to be criticized in such a crisis, yet it happened disadvantageously: 

5. 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. 

5. for it both diminished the hope of our soldiers and made the enemy more eager for battle, because it seemed to have been done not without the greatest fear and desperation. Moreover, it happened, as was inevitable, that soldiers generally left their standards, and each hurried to seek and seize what he held most dear from the baggage, and everything was filled with shouting and weeping. 

 [34] 

1. 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. 

1. But counsel was not wanting to the barbarians. For their leaders ordered it to be proclaimed throughout the entire battle line that no one should depart from their position: that the booty belonged to them and that whatever the Romans had left behind was reserved for them: therefore they should consider everything to depend on victory. 

2. 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. 

2. They were equal both in courage and in eagerness to fight; our men, although deserted by their commander and by fortune, nevertheless placed all hope of safety in their valor, and whenever any cohort had charged forward, a great number of the enemy fell on that side. 

3. 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), 

3. Having noticed this, Ambiorix ordered it to be proclaimed that they should throw their spears from a distance and not approach nearer, and that in whatever direction the Romans made an attack, they should yield (that with the lightness of their arms and daily training, no harm could be done to them), 

4. rursus se ad signa recipientes insequantur. 

4. and when the Romans retreated to their standards, they should pursue them again.

[35] 

1. Quo praecepto ab eis diligentissime observato, cum quaepiam cohors ex orbe excesserat atque impetum fecerat, hostes velocissime refugiebant. 

1. This command being most diligently observed by them, whenever any cohort had advanced from the circle and made an attack, the enemy would very quickly flee back. 

2. Interim eam partem nudari necesse erat et ab latere aperto tela recipi. 

2. Meanwhile, it was necessary for that part to be exposed and to receive darts on its open flank. 

3. Rursus cum in eum locum unde erant egressi reverti coeperant, et ab eis qui cesserant et ab eis qui proximi steterant circumveniebantur; 

3. Again, when they began to return to the place from which they had advanced, they were surrounded both by those who had retreated and by those who had stood nearest; 

4. sin autem locum tenere vellent, nec virtuti locus relinquebatur, neque ab tanta multitudine coniecta tela conferti vitare poterant. 

4. but if, however, they wished to hold their position, neither was there room left for valor, nor could they, being in close formation, avoid the darts thrown by such a multitude. 

5. 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. 

5. Nevertheless, afflicted by so many disadvantages, having received many wounds, they resisted, and with a great part of the day consumed, since they fought from first light until the eighth hour, they committed nothing unworthy of themselves. 

6. Tum Tito Balventio, qui superiore anno primum pilum duxerat, viro forti et magnae auctoritatis, utrumque femur tragula traicitur; 

6. Then Titus Balventius, who in the previous year had held the rank of first centurion, a brave man of great authority, had both thighs pierced by a javelin; 

7. Quintus Lucanius, eiusdem ordinis, fortissime pugnans, dum circumvento filio subvenit, interficitur; Lucius Cotta legatus omnes cohortes ordinesque adhortans in adversum os funda vulneratur. 

7. Quintus Lucanius, of the same rank, fighting most bravely, while he was helping his surrounded son, was killed; Lucius Cotta, the legate, while encouraging all the cohorts and ranks, was wounded in the face by a sling. 

 [36] 

1. His rebus permotus Quintus Titurius, cum procul Ambiorigem suos cohortantem conspexisset, interpretem suum Gnaeum Pompeium ad eum mittit rogatum ut sibi militibusque parcat. 

1. Moved by these circumstances, Quintus Titurius, when he had seen Ambiorix at a distance encouraging his men, sent his interpreter Gnaeus Pompeius to him to ask that he spare him and his soldiers. 

2. 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, 

2. Ambiorix, being addressed, replied: if he wished to parley with him, it was allowed; he hoped that he could obtain from the multitude what pertained to the safety of the soldiers; but that no harm would be done to Titurius himself, and for this matter he pledged his word. Titurius communicated with the wounded Cotta, 

3. 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. 

3. if it seemed good, that they should withdraw from the battle and speak with Ambiorix together: he hoped that he could obtain from him safety for himself and the soldiers. Cotta refused to go to an armed enemy and persisted in that refusal.

[37] 

1. 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. 

1. Sabinus ordered the military tribunes and centurions of the first ranks whom he had around him at the moment to follow him, and when he had approached nearer to Ambiorix, being ordered to throw away his arms, he did what was commanded and ordered his men to do the same. 

2. Interim, dum de condicionibus inter se agunt longiorque consulto ab Ambiorige instituitur sermo, paulatim circumventus interficitur. 

2. Meanwhile, while they were discussing terms among themselves and a rather long conversation was intentionally initiated by Ambiorix, Sabinus was gradually surrounded and killed. 

3. Tum vero suo more victoriam conclamant atque ululatum tollunt impetuque in nostros facto ordines perturbant. 

3. Then indeed, in their custom, they shouted victory and raised a howl, and making an attack on our men, they disordered the ranks. 

4. Ibi Lucius Cotta pugnans interficitur cum maxima parte militum. Reliqui se in castra recipiunt unde erant egressi. 

4. There Lucius Cotta was killed fighting, along with the greater part of the soldiers. The rest retreated into the camp from where they had set out. 

5. 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; 

5. Of these, Lucius Petrosidius, the eagle-bearer, when he was hard pressed by a great multitude of the enemy, threw the eagle within the rampart; he himself, fighting most bravely in front of the camp, was killed. They barely sustained the assault until night; 

6. noctu ad unum omnes desperata salute se ipsi interficiunt. 

6. during the night, to a man, all of them, despairing of safety, killed themselves. 

7. Pauci ex proelio lapsi incertis itineribus per silvas ad Titum Labienum legatum in hiberna perveniunt atque eum de rebus gestis certiorem faciunt. 

7. A few, having escaped from the battle, arrived by uncertain routes through the woods at the winter quarters of Titus Labienus, the legate, and informed him of the events. 

[38] 

1. Hac victoria sublatus Ambiorix statim cum equitatu in Aduatucos, qui erant eius regno finitimi, proficiscitur; neque noctem neque diem intermittit peditatumque subsequi iubet. 

1. Elated by this victory, Ambiorix immediately set out with his cavalry to the Aduatuci, who were neighbors to his kingdom; he did not cease marching either night or day, and ordered the infantry to follow. 

2. 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: 

2. Having explained the situation and incited the Aduatuci, on the next day he arrived among the Nervii and urged them not to lose the opportunity of freeing themselves forever and avenging the Romans for the wrongs they had received: 

3. interfectos esse legatos duos magnamque partem exercitus interisse demonstrat; 

3. he explained that two legates had been killed and a large part of the army had perished; 

4. nihil esse negoti subito oppressam legionem quae cum Cicerone hiemet interfici; se ad eam rem profitetur adiutorem. Facile hac oratione Nerviis persuadet. 

4. that it was no trouble to suddenly overwhelm and kill the legion that was wintering with Cicero; he declared himself an assistant for that matter. With this speech, he easily persuaded the Nervii. 

 [39] 

1. 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. 

1. Therefore, immediately sending messengers to the Ceutrones, Grudii, Levaci, Pleumoxii, and Geidumni, all of whom are under their sway, they gathered as large forces as they could and suddenly flew to Cicero's winter quarters, the report of Titurius's death not yet having reached him. 

2. Huic quoque accidit, quod fuit necesse, ut nonnulli milites, qui lignationis munitionisque causa in silvas discessissent, repentino equitum adventu interciperentur. 

2. To him too it happened, as was inevitable, that some soldiers who had gone into the woods for the purpose of gathering wood and fortifying were intercepted by the sudden arrival of the cavalry. 

3. His circumventis magna manu Eburones, Nervii, Aduatuci atque horum omnium socii et clientes legionem oppugnare incipiunt. Nostri celeriter ad arma concurrunt, vallum conscendunt. 

3. With these men surrounded, a large force of Eburones, Nervii, Aduatuci, and all their allies and clients began to attack the legion. Our men quickly ran to arms, and ascended the rampart. 

4. Aegre is dies sustentatur, quod omnem spem hostes in celeritate ponebant atque hanc adepti victoriam in perpetuum se fore victores confidebant. 

4. That day was barely sustained, because the enemy placed all their hope in speed, and, having gained this victory, they were confident they would be victors forever.

[40] 

1. Mittuntur ad Caesarem confestim ab Cicerone litterae magnis propositis praemiis, si pertulissent: obsessis omnibus viis missi intercipiuntur. 

1. Letters were immediately sent to Caesar by Cicero with great rewards offered if they delivered them: all roads being blocked, those sent were intercepted. 

2. Noctu ex materia, quam munitionis causa comportaverant, turres admodum CXX excitantur incredibili celeritate; quae deesse operi videbantur, perficiuntur. 

2. During the night, from the timber they had brought together for fortification, as many as 120 towers were erected with incredible speed; what seemed to be lacking for the work was completed. 

3. Hostes postero die multo maioribus coactis copiis castra oppugnant, fossam complent. Eadem ratione, qua pridie, ab nostris resistitur. 

3. On the next day, the enemy, having assembled much larger forces, attacked the camp and filled the ditch. Resistance was offered by our men in the same manner as on the previous day. 

4. Hoc idem reliquis deinceps fit diebus. 

4. The same thing happened on the successive remaining days. 

5. Nulla pars nocturni temporis ad laborem intermittitur; non aegris, non vulneratis facultas quietis datur. 

5. No part of the nighttime was interrupted for labor; no opportunity for rest was given to the sick or the wounded. 

6. Quaecumque ad proximi diei oppugnationem opus sunt noctu comparantur; multae praeustae sudes, magnus muralium pilorum numerus instituitur; turres contabulantur, pinnae loricaeque ex cratibus attexuntur. 

6. Whatever was necessary for the next day's assault was prepared during the night; many stakes hardened by fire were made, a great number of wall-pikes were constructed; towers were floored, and battlements and breastworks were woven from wickerwork. 

7. Ipse Cicero, cum tenuissima valetudine esset, ne nocturnum quidem sibi tempus ad quietem relinquebat, ut ultro militum concursu ac vocibus sibi parcere cogeretur. 

7. Cicero himself, although in very poor health, did not even allow himself time for rest during the night, so that he was forced, by the spontaneous urging and shouts of the soldiers, to spare himself. 

 [41] 

1. Tunc duces principesque Nerviorum qui aliquem sermonis aditum causamque amicitiae cum Cicerone habebant colloqui sese velle dicunt. 

1. Then the leaders and chiefs of the Nervii, who had some access to conversation and a reason for friendship with Cicero, said they wished to parley. 

2. Facta potestate eadem quae Ambiorix cum Titurio egerat commemorant: omnem esse in armis Galliam; 

2. Permission being granted, they recounted the same things that Ambiorix had discussed with Titurius: that all Gaul was under arms; 

3. Germanos Rhenum transisse; Caesaris reliquorumque hiberna oppugnari. 

3. that the Germans had crossed the Rhine; and that Caesar's and the other winter quarters were being attacked. 

4. Addunt etiam de Sabini morte: Ambiorigem ostentant fidei faciendae causa. 

4. They also added details about Sabinus's death: they displayed Ambiorix to inspire confidence. 

5. 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: 

5. They said that the Romans were mistaken if they hoped for any protection from those who distrusted their own affairs; but that they themselves were of such a disposition towards Cicero and the Roman people that they refused nothing but the winter quarters and did not wish this custom to become established: 

6. licere illis incolumibus per se ex hibernis discedere et quascumque in partes velint sine metu proficisci. 

6. that they might depart safely from the winter quarters through their agency and proceed without fear in whatever direction they wished. 

7. Cicero ad haec unum modo respondit: non esse consuetudinem populi Romani accipere ab hoste armato condicionem: 

7. To these things, Cicero replied only one thing: that it was not the custom of the Roman people to accept terms from an armed enemy: 

8. si ab armis discedere velint, se adiutore utantur legatosque ad Caesarem mittant; sperare pro eius iustitia, quae petierint, impetraturos. 

8. if they wished to lay down their arms, they should use him as an intermediary and send envoys to Caesar; he hoped that, because of Caesar's justice, they would obtain what they sought. 

[42] 

1. Ab hac spe repulsi Nervii vallo pedum IX et fossa pedum XV hiberna cingunt. 

1. Repulsed from this hope, the Nervii surrounded the winter quarters with a rampart nine feet high and a ditch fifteen feet deep. 

2. Haec et superiorum annorum consuetudine ab nobis cognoverant et, quos clam de exercitu habebant captivos, ab eis docebantur; 

2. They had learned these things both from our custom in previous years and were taught by captives whom they secretly held from the army; 

3. sed nulla ferramentorum copia quae esset ad hunc usum idonea, gladiis caespites circumcidere, manibus sagulisque terram exhaurire nitebantur. 

3. but having no supply of iron tools suitable for this use, they tried to cut around sod with their swords and scoop out earth with their hands and cloaks. 

4. Qua quidem ex re hominum multitudo cognosci potuit: nam minus horis tribus milium pedum XV in circuitu munitionem perfecerunt 

4. From this circumstance indeed the multitude of men could be known: for in less than three hours they completed a fortification fifteen thousand feet in circumference, 

5. reliquisque diebus turres ad altitudinem valli, falces testudinesque, quas idem captivi docuerant, parare ac facere coeperunt. 

5. and in the remaining days they began to prepare and make towers to the height of the rampart, sickles, and movable shelters, which the same captives had taught them. 

 [43] 

1. 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. 

1. On the seventh day of the assault, a very strong wind having arisen, they began to throw glowing hot balls of softened clay with slings and heated javelins onto the huts, which were thatched with straw in the Gallic manner. 

2. Hae celeriter ignem comprehenderunt et venti magnitudine in omnem locum castrorum distulerunt. 

2. These quickly caught fire and, by the force of the wind, spread the flames to every part of the camp. 

3. Hostes maximo clamore sicuti parta iam atque explorata victoria turres testudinesque agere et scalis vallum ascendere coeperunt. 

3. The enemy, with a great shout as if victory was already gained and assured, began to move up towers and siege shelters and to ascend the rampart with ladders. 

4. 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. 

4. But such was the valor of the soldiers and such their presence of mind that, although they were scorched by flames on all sides and pressed by a very great multitude of missiles, and understood that all their baggage and all their possessions were burning, not only did no one leave the rampart for the sake of withdrawing, but almost no one even looked back, and then all fought most fiercely and bravely. 

5. 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. 

5. This day was by far the most severe for our men; but it nevertheless had this outcome, that on that day the greatest number of the enemy were wounded and killed, seeing that they had crowded themselves under the very rampart and those in the rear were not allowing the front to retreat. 

6. 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. 

6. Indeed, with the flame interrupted a little and a tower advanced at a certain point and touching the rampart, the centurions of the third cohort withdrew from the place where they stood and removed all their men, and by gestures and shouts began to invite the enemy to come in if they wished; of whom no one dared to advance. 

7. Tum ex omni parte lapidibus coniectis deturbati, turrisque succensa est. 

7. Then, pelted with stones from all sides, they were dislodged, and the tower was set on fire. 

[44]  

1. Erant in ea legione fortissimi viri, centuriones, qui primis ordinibus appropinquarent, Titus Pullo et Lucius Vorenus. 

1. There were in that legion two very brave men, centurions who were approaching the first ranks, Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus.  

2. Hi perpetuas inter se controversias habebant, quinam anteferretur, omnibusque annis de locis summis simultatibus contendebant. 

2. These two had perpetual disputes between themselves as to who should be preferred, and every year they contended about rank with the greatest rivalry. 

3. Ex his Pullo, cum acerrime ad munitiones pugnaretur, "Quid dubitas," inquit, "Vorene? aut quem locum tuae probandae virtutis exspectas? 

3. Of these, Pullo, when the fighting was most fierce at the fortifications, said, "Why do you hesitate, Vorenus? Or what opportunity do you await for proving your valor? 

4. hic dies de nostris controversiis iudicabit." Haec cum dixisset, procedit extra munitiones quaque pars hostium confertissima est visa irrumpit. 

4. This day will decide our disputes." When he had said this, he advanced outside the fortifications and rushed into whatever part of the enemy seemed most dense. 

5. Ne Vorenus quidem tum sese vallo continet, sed omnium veritus existimationem subsequitur. 

5. Not even Vorenus then kept himself within the rampart, but fearing the judgment of all, he followed. 

6. 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. 

6. Leaving a moderate space, Pullo hurled his javelin at the enemy and pierced one running forward from the crowd; when he was struck and stunned, they protected him with their shields, all together hurled their weapons at the enemy, and gave him no opportunity to retreat. 

7. Transfigitur scutum Pulloni et verutum in balteo defigitur. 

7. Pullo's shield was pierced through and a javelin was fixed in his belt. 

8. Avertit hic casus vaginam et gladium educere conanti dextram moratur manum, impeditumque hostes circumsistunt. 

8. This mishap turned aside his scabbard and delayed his right hand as he tried to draw his sword, and the enemy surrounded him, thus hindered. 

9. Succurrit inimicus illi Vorenus et laboranti subvenit. 

9. His rival Vorenus ran to his aid and helped him in his distress. 

10. Ad hunc se confestim a Pullone omnis multitudo convertit: 

10. Immediately, the entire multitude turned from Pullo to him: 

11. illum veruto arbitrantur occisum. Gladio comminus rem gerit Vorenus atque uno interfecto reliquos paulum propellit; 

11. they thought Pullo was killed by the javelin. Vorenus fought hand-to-hand with his sword, and having killed one, he drove back the rest a little; 

12. dum cupidius instat, in locum deiectus inferiorem concidit. Huic rursus circumvento fert subsidium Pullo, 

12. while he pressed on too eagerly, he fell down into a lower place. To him, again surrounded, Pullo brought aid, 

13. atque ambo incolumes compluribus interfectis summa cum laude sese intra munitiones recipiunt. 

13. and both, unharmed, having killed several, withdrew themselves within the fortifications with the highest praise. 

14. Sic fortuna in contentione et certamine utrumque versavit, ut alter alteri inimicus auxilio salutique esset, neque diiudicari posset, uter utri virtute anteferendus videretur. 

14. Thus fortune dealt with both in their rivalry and combat, so that one, though an enemy to the other, was a help and salvation, and it could not be determined which seemed preferable to the other in valor.