De Bello Gallico Book 8 (1–30)

1 Coactus assiduis tuis vocibus, Balbe, cum cotidiana mea recusatio non difficultatis excusationem, sed inertiae videretur deprecationem habere, rem difficillimam suscepi. 

1 Compelled by your persistent urgings, Balbus, since my daily refusal seemed to contain not an excuse of difficulty but a plea of laziness, I undertook a most difficult task. 

2 Caesaris nostri commentarios rerum gestarum Galliae, non comparantibus superioribus atque insequentibus eius scriptis, contexui novissimumque imperfectum ab rebus gestis Alexandriae confeci usque ad exitum non quidem civilis dissensionis, cuius finem nullum videmus, sed vitae Caesaris. 

2 I connected the commentaries of our Caesar on the deeds done in Gaul, which did not align with his earlier and later writings, and I completed the final and unfinished one from the deeds at Alexandria down to the end—not of the civil discord, whose conclusion we do not see—but of Caesar's life. 

3 Quos utinam qui legent scire possint quam invitus susceperim scribendos, qua facilius caream stultitiae atque arrogantiae crimine, qui me mediis interposuerim Caesaris scriptis. 

3 Would that those who read them might know how unwillingly I undertook to write them, so that I might more easily avoid the charge of foolishness and arrogance for having inserted myself into the middle of Caesar’s writings. 

4 Constat enim inter omnes nihil tam operose ab aliis esse perfectum, quod non horum elegantia commentariorum superetur: 

4 For it is agreed by all that nothing so painstakingly finished by others is not surpassed by the elegance of these commentaries: 

5 qui sunt editi, ne scientia tantarum rerum scriptoribus deesset, adeoque probantur omnium iudicio ut praerepta, non praebita, facultas scriptoribus videatur. 

5 which were published lest writers lack knowledge of such great affairs, and are so approved by everyone’s judgment that the opportunity for writers seems to have been snatched away, not offered. 

6 Cuius tamen rei maior nostra quam reliquorum est admiratio: ceteri enim, quam bene atque emendate, nos etiam, quam facile atque celeriter eos perfecerit scimus. 

6 Yet our admiration for this is greater than that of others: for others know how well and faultlessly he completed them, but we also know how easily and swiftly he did so. 

7 Erat autem in Caesare cum facultas atque elegantia summa scribendi, tum verissima scientia suorum consiliorum explicandorum. 

7 For in Caesar there was not only the highest capacity and elegance in writing, but also the truest knowledge for explaining his own plans. 

8 Mihi ne illud quidem accidit, ut Alexandrino atque Africano bello interessem; quae bella quamquam ex parte nobis Caesaris sermone sunt nota, tamen aliter audimus ea, quae rerum novitate aut admiratione nos capiunt, aliter, quae pro testimonio sumus dicturi. 

8 I did not even have the fortune to be present at the Alexandrian and African wars; though these wars are in part known to us from Caesar’s account, we hear differently those things that captivate us by their novelty or wonder, and differently those we are to recount as testimony. 

9 Sed ego nimirum, dum omnes excusationis causas colligo ne cum Caesare conferar, hoc ipsum crimen arrogantiae subeo, quod me iudicio cuiusquam existimem posse cum Caesare comparari. Vale. 

9 But I, no doubt, while collecting every excuse so as not to be compared with Caesar, fall into this very charge of arrogance—that I think myself, by anyone’s judgment, capable of being compared with Caesar. Farewell. 

[1] 

1 Omni Gallia devicta Caesar cum a superiore aestate nullum bellandi tempus intermisisset militesque hibernorum quiete reficere a tantis laboribus vellet, complures eodem tempore civitates renovare belli consilia nuntiabantur coniurationesque facere. 

1 With all Gaul conquered, and Caesar having allowed no pause for warfare since the previous summer, and wishing to refresh the soldiers from such great labors with the rest of winter quarters, it was reported that several states at the same time were renewing plans for war and forming conspiracies. 

2 Cuius rei verisimilis causa adferebatur, quod Gallis omnibus cognitum esset neque ulla multitudine in unum locum coacta resisti posse Romanis, nec, si diversa bella complures eodem tempore intulissent civitates, satis auxili aut spati aut copiarum habiturum exercitum populi Romani ad omnia persequenda; non esse autem alicui civitati sortem incommodi recusandam, si tali mora reliquae possent se vindicare in libertatem. 

2 A plausible reason for this was given: that it was known to all the Gauls that no assembled multitude could resist the Romans, nor, if several states at the same time waged separate wars, would the army of the Roman people have sufficient reinforcements, time, or resources to pursue all of them; and that no single state ought to refuse its share of hardship, if by such a delay the others might be able to recover their freedom. 

 [2] 

1 Quae ne opinio Gallorum confirmaretur, Caesar Marcum Antonium quaestorem suis praefecit hibernis; ipse equitum praesidio pridie Kal. Ianuarias ab oppido Bibracte proficiscitur ad legionem XIII, quam non longe a finibus Aeduorum collocaverat in finibus Biturigum, eique adiungit legionem XI, quae proxima fuerat. 

1 To prevent this opinion of the Gauls from being confirmed, Caesar placed Marcus Antonius, the quaestor, in charge of his winter quarters; he himself, with a guard of cavalry, set out on the day before the Kalends of January from the town of Bibracte to the Thirteenth Legion, which he had stationed not far from the borders of the Aedui in the territory of the Bituriges, and he joined to it the Eleventh Legion, which had been nearest. 

2 Binis cohortibus ad impedimenta tuenda relictis reliquum exercitum in copiosissimos agros Biturigum inducit, qui, cum latos fines et complura oppida haberent, unius legionis hibernis non potuerint contineri quin bellum pararent coniurationesque facerent. 

2 Leaving two cohorts to guard the baggage, he led the rest of the army into the very fertile lands of the Bituriges, who, since they had wide territories and many towns, could not be restrained by the winter quarters of a single legion from preparing war and forming conspiracies. 

 [3] 

1 Repentino adventu Caesaris accidit, quod imparatis disiectisque accidere fuit necesse, ut sine timore ullo rura colentes prius ab equitatu opprimerentur quam confugere in oppida possent. 

1 By Caesar’s sudden arrival, it happened—as was inevitable for men unprepared and scattered—that those cultivating the fields without any fear were overwhelmed by the cavalry before they could flee to their towns. 

2 Namque etiam illud vulgare incursionis hostium signum, quod incendiis aedificiorum intellegi consuevit, Caesaris erat interdicto sublatum, ne aut copia pabuli frumentique, si longius progredi vellet, deficeretur, aut hostes incendiis terrerentur. 

2 For even that common sign of an enemy incursion, which is usually recognized by the burning of buildings, had been suppressed by Caesar’s order, lest a supply of fodder and grain fail if he wished to advance further, or lest the enemy be alarmed by the fires. 

3 Multis hominum milibus captis perterriti Bituriges; qui primum adventum potuerant effugere Romanorum, in finitimas civitates aut privatis hospitiis confisi aut societate consiliorum confugerant. 

3 With many thousands of people captured, the Bituriges were terrified; those who had been able to escape the Romans’ first arrival had fled into neighboring states, relying either on private hospitality or on shared plans. 

4 Frustra: nam Caesar magnis itineribus omnibus locis occurrit nec dat ulli civitati spatium de aliena potius quam de domestica salute cogitandi; qua celeritate et fideles amicos retinebat et dubitantes terrore ad condiciones pacis adducebat. 

4 In vain: for Caesar, by forced marches, appeared everywhere and gave no state time to think of the safety of others rather than its own; by such speed, he both retained faithful allies and brought the wavering by fear to accept terms of peace. 

5 Tali condicione proposita Bituriges, cum sibi viderent clementia Caesaris reditum patere in eius amicitiam finitimasque civitates sine ulla poena dedisse obsides atque in fidem receptas esse, idem fecerunt. 

5 On such conditions being proposed, the Bituriges, seeing that through Caesar’s clemency a return to his friendship was open to them, and that neighboring states had given hostages without punishment and had been received under his protection, did the same. 

[4] 

1 Caesar militibus pro tanto labore ac patientia, qui brumalibus diebus itineribus difficillimis, frigoribus intolerandis studiosissime permanserant in labore, ducenos sestertios, centurionibus tot milia nummum praedae nomine condonanda pollicetur legionibusque in hiberna remissis ipse se recipit die XXXX Bibracte. 

1 Caesar promised to grant to the soldiers, in return for such great toil and endurance—who had most zealously persevered in labor during winter days, through the harshest marches and intolerable cold—two hundred sesterces each, and to the centurions several thousands of sesterces in the name of plunder; and having dismissed the legions to winter quarters, he himself returned to Bibracte on the fortieth day. 

2 Ibi cum ius diceret, Bituriges ad eum legatos mittunt auxilium petitum contra Carnutes, quos intulisse bellum sibi querebantur. 

2 While he was administering justice there, the Bituriges sent envoys to him seeking aid against the Carnutes, whom they complained had made war upon them. 

3 Qua re cognita, cum dies non amplius decem et octo in hibernis esset moratus, legiones XIIII et VI ex hibernis ab Arare educit, quas ibi collocatas explicandae rei frumentariae causa superiore commentario demonstratum est: ita cum duabus legionibus ad persequendos Carnutes proficiscitur. 

3 On learning this, since he had delayed no more than eighteen days in winter quarters, he led out the Fourteenth and Sixth Legions from their quarters by the Arar, which, as was shown in the previous commentary, had been stationed there to secure the grain supply: thus he set out with two legions to pursue the Carnutes. 

 [5] 

1 Cum fama exercitus ad hostes esset perlata, calamitate ceterorum ducti Carnutes desertis vicis oppidisque, quae tolerandae hiemis causa constitutis repente exiguis ad necessitatem aedificiis incolebant (nuper enim devicti complura oppida dimiserant), dispersi profugiunt. 

1 When news of the army reached the enemy, the Carnutes, driven by the disaster of the others, abandoned their villages and towns, which they had suddenly inhabited in small buildings hastily constructed for the purpose of enduring winter (for, recently defeated, they had given up several towns), and fled in scattered groups. 

2 Caesar erumpentes eo maxime tempore acerrimas tempestates cum subire milites nollet, in oppido Carnutum Cenabo castra ponit atque in tecta partim Gallorum, partim quae coniectis celeriter stramentis tentoriorum integendorum gratia erant inaedificata, milites compegit. 

2 Caesar, unwilling that the soldiers should face the most severe storms breaking out at that very time, pitched camp in the Carnute town of Cenabum, and quartered the soldiers partly in Gallic houses, and partly in structures quickly built by throwing together straw to cover the tents. 

3 Equites tamen et auxiliarios pedites in omnes partes mittit quascumque petisse dicebantur hostes; nec frustra: 

3 However, he sent cavalry and auxiliary infantry in all directions where the enemy were said to have gone; nor was it in vain: 

4 nam plerumque magna praeda potiti nostri revertuntur. Oppressi Carnutes hiemis difficultate, terrore periculi, cum tectis expulsi nullo loco diutius consistere auderent nec silvarum praesidio tempestatibus durissimis tegi possent, dispersi magna parte amissa suorum dissipantur in finitimas civitates. 

4 for for the most part our men returned after securing great plunder. The Carnutes, overwhelmed by the severity of winter and the fear of danger, having been driven from their homes and daring to remain nowhere for long, and unable to be protected by the shelter of the woods against the harshest storms, were scattered, having lost a great part of their people, and dispersed into neighboring states. 

[6] 

1 Caesar tempore anni difficillimo, cum satis haberet convenientes manus dissipare, ne quod initium belli nasceretur, quantumque in ratione esset, exploratum haberet sub tempus aestivorum nullum summum bellum posse conflari, Gaium Trebonium cum duabus legionibus, quas secum habebat, in hibernis Cenabi collocavit; 

1 Caesar, at a most difficult time of year, when he judged it sufficient to disperse assembling bands so that no new war might arise, and had ascertained, so far as was reasonable, that no major war could be kindled before the summer season, stationed Gaius Trebonius with two legions, which he had with him, in winter quarters at Cenabum; 

2 ipse, cum crebris legationibus Remorum certior fieret Bellovacos, qui belli gloria Gallos omnes Belgasque praestabant, finitimasque his civitates duce Correo Bellovaco et Commio Atrebate exercitus comparare atque in unum locum cogere, ut omni multitudine in fines Suessionum, qui Remis erant attributi, facerent impressionem, pertinere autem non tantum ad dignitatem sed etiam ad salutem suam iudicaret nullam calamitatem socios optime de re publica meritos accipere, 

2 he himself, being informed by frequent embassies from the Remi that the Bellovaci—who surpassed all the Gauls and Belgae in martial renown—and the states neighboring them were assembling armies under the leadership of Correus the Bellovacian and Commius the Atrebatian and concentrating them in one place, in order to make an incursion with their entire force into the territory of the Suessiones, who had been assigned to the Remi, judged that it concerned not only his dignity but also his safety that no calamity should befall allies who had deserved so well of the Roman state; 

3 legionem ex hibernis evocat rursus undecimam; litteras autem ad Gaium Fabium mittit, ut in fines Suessionum legiones duas quas habebat adduceret, alteramque ex duabus ab Labieno arcessit. Ita, quantum hibernorum opportunitas bellique ratio postulabat, perpetuo suo labore in vicem legionibus expeditionum onus iniungebat. 

3 he summoned the Eleventh Legion again from winter quarters; he also sent letters to Gaius Fabius to lead into the territory of the Suessiones the two legions he had with him, and he summoned one of the two from Labienus. Thus, to the extent that the positioning of winter quarters and the demands of the campaign allowed, he unceasingly shared the burden of operations among the legions by his own continual exertion. 

 [7] 

1 His copiis coactis ad Bellovacos proficiscitur castrisque in eorum finibus positis equitum turmas dimittit in omnes partes ad aliquos excipiendos ex quibus hostium consilia cognosceret. 

1 With these forces assembled, he set out against the Bellovaci, and after establishing camp in their territory, he sent squadrons of cavalry in all directions to capture persons from whom he might learn the enemy’s plans. 

2 Equites officio functi renuntiant paucos in aedificiis esse inventos, atque hos, non qui agrorum colendorum causa remansissent (namque esse undique diligenter demigratum), sed qui speculandi causa essent remissi. 

2 The cavalry, having fulfilled their duty, reported that only a few persons had been found in the buildings, and that these had not remained to cultivate the fields (for people had carefully evacuated from all areas), but had been sent back for purposes of reconnaissance. 

3 A quibus cum quaereret Caesar quo loco multitudo esset Bellovacorum quodve esset consilium eorum, inveniebat Bellovacos omnes qui arma ferre possent in unum locum convenisse, 

3 When Caesar asked them where the main force of the Bellovaci was and what their intention was, he discovered that all the Bellovaci who could bear arms had assembled in one place, 

4 itemque Ambianos, Aulercos, Caletos, Veliocasses, Atrebates; locum castris excelsum in silva circumdata palude delegisse, impedimenta omnia in ulteriores silvas contulisse. 

4 and likewise the Ambiani, Aulerci, Caleti, Veliocasses, and Atrebates; that they had chosen an elevated position for their camp within a wood surrounded by a marsh, and had moved all their baggage into more remote woods. 

5 Complures esse principes belli auctores, sed multitudinem maxime Correo obtemperare, quod ei summo esse odio nomen populi Romani intellexissent. 

5 That there were many leaders who had instigated the war, but that the mass especially obeyed Correus, because they had perceived that he harbored the utmost hatred for the name of the Roman people. 

6 Paucis ante diebus ex his castris Atrebatem Commium discessisse ad auxilia Germanorum adducenda; quorum et vicinitas propinqua et multitudo esset infinita. 

6 That a few days earlier, Commius the Atrebatian had left this camp to bring up German auxiliaries, whose proximity was near and whose numbers were countless. 

7 Constituisse autem Bellovacos omnium principum consensu, summa plebis cupiditate, si, ut diceretur, Caesar cum tribus legionibus veniret, offerre se ad dimicandum, ne miseriore ac duriore postea condicione cum toto exercitu decertare cogerentur; 

7 Moreover, that the Bellovaci, by unanimous agreement of their chiefs and with the greatest eagerness of the common people, had resolved that, if—as was reported—Caesar should come with three legions, they would offer battle, so that they might not later be compelled to fight under more wretched and harsher conditions against his full army; 

8 si maiores copias adduceret, in eo loco permanere quem delegissent, pabulatione autem, quae propter anni tempus cum exigua tum disiecta esset, et frumentatione et reliquo commeatu ex insidiis prohibere Romanos. 

8 but if he brought larger forces, they would remain in the position they had chosen, and would, by ambushes, prevent the Romans from securing fodder—which, due to the time of year, was both scarce and scattered—and also from obtaining grain and other supplies. 

[8] 

1 Quae Caesar consentientibus pluribus cum cognosset atque ea quae proponerentur consilia plena prudentiae longeque a temeritate barbarorum remota esse iudicaret, omnibus rebus inserviendum statuit, quo celerius hostis contempta sua paucitate prodiret in aciem. 

1 When Caesar learned these things from several agreeing sources, and judged that the plans proposed were full of foresight and far removed from the rashness of barbarians, he decided that everything should be done to bring the enemy, by despising his small numbers, more quickly into battle. 

2 Singularis enim virtutis veterrimas legiones VII, VIII, VIIII habebat, summae spei delectaeque iuventutis XI, quae octavo iam stipendio tamen in collatione reliquarum nondum eandem vetustatis ac virtutis ceperat opinionem. 

2 For he had the oldest legions, the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth, of exceptional valor, and the Eleventh, composed of carefully chosen youth of the highest promise, which, though now in its eighth year of service, had not yet attained the same reputation for age and valor in comparison with the others. 

3 Itaque consilio advocato, rebus eis quae ad se essent delatae omnibus expositis animos multitudinis confirmat. 

3 Therefore, having called a council, and having explained all the matters that had been reported to him, he strengthened the spirits of the troops. 

4 Si forte hostes trium legionum numero posset elicere ad dimicandum, agminis ordinem ita constituit, ut legio septima, octava, nona ante omnia irent impedimenta, deinde omnium impedimentorum agmen, quod tamen erat mediocre, ut in expeditionibus esse consuevit, cogeret undecima, ne maioris multitudinis species accidere hostibus posset quam ipsi depoposcissent. 

4 If by chance he could draw out the enemy to fight at the sight of only three legions, he arranged the order of march so that the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Legions would go before all the baggage; then the Eleventh Legion would follow and gather the whole baggage train—which was nevertheless modest, as is usual on expeditions—so that no appearance of a greater force than what the enemy had wished for might occur to them. 

5 Hac ratione paene quadrato agmine instructo in conspectum hostium celerius opinione eorum exercitum adducit. 

5 By this method, with his army drawn up in almost square formation, he brought his troops into view of the enemy sooner than they had expected. 

 [9] 

1 Cum repente instructas velut in acie certo gradu legiones accedere Galli viderent, quorum erant ad Caesarem plena fiduciae consilia perlata, sive certaminis periculo sive subito adventu sive exspectatione nostri consili copias instruunt pro castris nec loco superiore decedunt. 

1 When the Gauls suddenly saw the legions, drawn up as in battle, advancing with steady step—whose plans full of confidence had been reported to Caesar—whether from fear of the encounter, or of the sudden arrival, or in anticipation of our strategy, they drew up their forces in front of their camp and did not move down from their higher ground. 

2 Caesar, etsi dimicare optaverat, tamen admiratus tantam multitudinem hostium valle intermissa magis in altitudinem depressa quam late patente castra castris hostium confert. 

2 Caesar, although he had desired to engage in battle, still, astonished at the great multitude of the enemy, established his camp opposite theirs, with a valley in between, which was more deep than wide. 

3 Haec imperat vallo pedum XII muniri, loriculam pro ratione eius altitudinis inaedificari; fossam duplicem pedum denum quinum lateribus deprimi directis; turres excitari crebras in altitudinem trium tabulatorum, pontibus traiectis constratisque coniungi, quorum frontes viminea loricula munirentur; ut ab hostibus duplici fossa, duplici propugnatorum ordine defenderentur, 

3 He ordered the camp to be fortified with a rampart twelve feet high, a breastwork to be constructed in proportion to that height; a double ditch, fifteen feet wide, to be dug with perpendicular sides; towers to be raised frequently to the height of three stories, and connected by bridges laid across and covered, the fronts of which were to be protected by a wicker breastwork; so that the men might be defended from the enemy by a double ditch and a double rank of defenders, 

4 quorum alter ex pontibus, quo tutior altitudine esset, hoc audacius longiusque permitteret tela, alter, qui propior hostem in ipso vallo collocatus esset, ponte ab incidentibus telis tegeretur. Portis fores altioresque turres imposuit. 

4 one of which, from the bridges, being safer because of its height, might cast missiles more boldly and farther; the other, stationed nearer the enemy on the rampart itself, would be protected from falling missiles by the bridge. He placed gates and higher towers at the entrances. 

[10] 

1 Huius munitionis duplex erat consilium. Namque et operum magnitudinem et timorem suum sperabat fiduciam barbaris allaturum, et cum pabulatum frumentatumque longius esset proficiscendum, parvis copiis castra munitione ipsa videbat posse defendi. 

1 There was a twofold purpose to this fortification. For he hoped that both the size of the works and his own apparent fear would inspire confidence in the barbarians, and he saw that, when it was necessary to go farther for fodder and grain, the camp could be defended by the fortification itself with a small force. 

2 Interim crebro paucis utrimque procurrentibus inter bina castra palude interiecta contendebatur; quam tamen paludem nonnumquam aut nostra auxilia Gallorum Germanorumque transibant acriusque hostes insequebantur, aut vicissim hostes eadem transgressi nostros longius summovebant. 

2 Meanwhile, frequent skirmishes occurred as small groups from either side rushed forward between the two camps, with a marsh lying in between; this marsh was sometimes crossed by our auxiliaries of Gauls and Germans, who pursued the enemy more vigorously, or in turn by the enemy, who, having crossed the same, drove our men back farther. 

3 Accidebat autem cotidianis pabulationibus (id quod accidere erat necesse, cum raris disiectisque ex aedificiis pabulum conquireretur), ut impeditis locis dispersi pabulatores circumvenirentur; 

3 It happened also during the daily foraging expeditions (which was inevitable, since fodder was being gathered from scattered and isolated buildings), that the foragers, dispersed in difficult terrain, were surrounded; 

4 quae res, etsi mediocre detrimentum iumentorum ac servorum nostris adferebat, tamen stultas cogitationes incitabat barbarorum, atque eo magis, quod Commius, quem profectum ad auxilia Germanorum arcessenda docui, cum equitibus venerat; qui, tametsi numero non amplius erant quingenti, tamen Germanorum adventu barbari nitebantur. 

4 this, although it brought only moderate loss of pack animals and slaves to our forces, nevertheless aroused foolish ideas among the barbarians—and all the more so because Commius, whom I said had gone to summon German auxiliaries, had returned with cavalry; who, although they were not more than five hundred in number, still gave the barbarians hope through the arrival of the Germans. 

 [11] 

1 Caesar, cum animadverteret hostem complures dies castris palude et loci natura munitis se tenere neque oppugnari castra eorum sine dimicatione perniciosa nec locum munitionibus claudi nisi a maiore exercitu posse, litteras ad Trebonium mittit, ut quam celerrime posset legionem XIII, quae cum T. Sextio legato in Biturigibus hiemabat, arcesseret atque ita cum tribus legionibus magnis itineribus ad se veniret; 

1 Caesar, observing that the enemy for several days kept to a camp fortified by a marsh and the nature of the ground, and that their camp could not be attacked without a ruinous engagement, nor could the place be enclosed with fortifications except by a larger army, sent letters to Trebonius, instructing him to summon the Thirteenth Legion, which was wintering with the legate Titus Sextius among the Bituriges, as quickly as possible, and so come to him with three legions by forced marches; 

2 ipse equites in vicem Remorum ac Lingonum reliquarumque civitatum, quorum magnum numerum evocaverat, praesidio pabulationibus mittit, qui subitas hostium incursiones sustinerent. 

2 he himself, by turns, sent cavalry from the Remi, Lingones, and other states—of whom he had summoned a large number—as protection for the foraging parties, to withstand sudden attacks from the enemy. 

[12] 

1 Quod cum cotidie fieret ac iam consuetudine diligentia minueretur, quod plerumque accidit diuturnitate, Bellovaci delecta manu peditum cognitis stationibus cotidianis equitum nostrorum 

1 When this occurred daily and vigilance was already diminishing through habit, as generally happens with long duration, the Bellovaci, with a chosen band of infantry, having learned the daily stations of our cavalry, 

2 silvestribus locis insidias disponunt eodemque equites postero die mittunt, qui primum elicerent nostros, deinde circumventos aggrederentur. 

2 laid ambushes in wooded areas, and sent cavalry the next day to the same place, who would first lure our men out, then attack them once surrounded. 

3 Cuius mali sors incidit Remis, quibus ille dies fungendi muneris obvenerat. Namque hi, cum repente hostium equites animadvertissent ac numero superiores paucitatem contempsissent, cupidius insecuti peditibus undique sunt circumdati. 

3 The misfortune fell to the Remi, whose turn it was that day to perform the duty. For they, having suddenly noticed the enemy cavalry and, being superior in number, having scorned their small force, pursued too eagerly and were surrounded on all sides by infantry. 

4 Quo facto perturbati celerius quam consuetudo fert equestris proeli se receperunt amisso Vertisco, principe civitatis, praefecto equitum; 

4 This having happened, they retreated more quickly than is usual in a cavalry fight, having lost Vertiscus, chief of the state and commander of the cavalry; 

5 qui cum vix equo propter aetatem posset uti, tamen consuetudine Gallorum neque aetatis excusatione in suscipienda praefectura usus erat neque dimicari sine se voluerat. 

5 who, though he could scarcely make use of a horse due to his age, yet by Gallic custom had neither used his age as an excuse for declining the command, nor had he wished the battle to be fought without him. 

6 Inflantur atque incitantur hostium animi secundo proelio, principe et praefecto Remorum interfecto, 

6 The spirits of the enemy were inflated and stirred by this successful battle, with the chief and commander of the Remi slain, 

7 nostrique detrimento admonentur diligentius exploratis locis stationes disponere ac moderatius cedentem insequi hostem. 

7 and our men were reminded by the loss to station their outposts more carefully after reconnoitering the ground, and to pursue a retreating enemy more moderately. 

 [13] 

1 Non intermittunt interim cotidiana proelia in conspectu utrorumque castrorum, quae ad vada transitusque fiebant paludis. 

1 Meanwhile, daily skirmishes continued without interruption in sight of both camps, occurring at the fords and crossings of the marsh. 

2 Qua contentione Germani, quos propterea Caesar traduxerat Rhenum ut equitibus interpositi proeliarentur, cum constantius universi paludem transissent paucisque resistentibus interfectis pertinacius reliquam multitudinem essent insecuti, perterriti non solum ei qui aut comminus opprimebantur aut eminus vulnerabantur, sed etiam qui longius subsidiari consuerant, turpiter refugerunt, 

2 In this contest, the Germans—whom Caesar had brought across the Rhine for the purpose of fighting intermingled with the cavalry—when they crossed the marsh more steadily as a group and, having killed a few who resisted, pursued the rest of the multitude more stubbornly, struck terror not only into those who were being overwhelmed in close combat or wounded from afar, but also into those who had usually come up as support from a distance, and they fled disgracefully, 

3 nec prius finem fugae fecerunt saepe amissis superioribus locis quam se aut in castra suorum reciperent, aut nonnulli pudore coacti longius profugerent. 

3 nor did they end their flight—often after losing higher ground—until they either retreated into their own camp, or some, driven by shame, fled even farther. 

4 Quorum periculo sic omnes copiae sunt perturbatae ut vix iudicari posset, utrum secundis minimisque rebus insolentiores an adverso mediocri casu timidiores essent. 

4 By the danger of these men, the entire force was so disturbed that it was scarcely possible to determine whether they were more insolent in the least successes, or more fearful in moderate adversity. 

[14] 

1 Compluribus diebus isdem in castris consumptis, cum propius accessisse legiones et Gaium Trebonium legatum cognossent, duces Bellovacorum veriti similem obsessionem Alesiae noctu dimittunt eos quos aut aetate aut viribus inferiores aut inermes habebant, unaque reliqua impedimenta. 

1 After several days had been spent in the same camp, when they learned that the legions and Gaius Trebonius the legate had come closer, the leaders of the Bellovaci, fearing a siege like that at Alesia, by night sent away those whom they deemed inferior in age or strength or unarmed, along with their remaining baggage. 

2 Quorum perturbatum et confusum dum explicant agmen (magna enim multitudo carrorum etiam expeditos sequi Gallos consuevit), oppressi luce copias armatorum pro suis instruunt castris, ne prius Romani persequi se inciperent quam longius agmen impedimentorum suorum processisset. 

2 While they were deploying their disordered and confused column (for a great multitude of wagons usually followed even unencumbered Gauls), and were overtaken by daylight, they drew up their armed forces in front of their camp, so that the Romans might not begin pursuit before their baggage train had gone farther ahead. 

3 At Caesar neque resistentes adgrediendos tanto collis ascensu iudicabat, neque non usque eo legiones admovendas ut discedere ex eo loco sine periculo barbari militibus instantibus non possent. 

3 But Caesar judged that those resisting should not be attacked on so steep an ascent of the hill, yet that the legions must be brought up close enough so that the barbarians could not depart from that place without danger from the pressing soldiers. 

4 Ita, cum palude impedita a castris castra dividi videret, quae transeundi difficultas celeritatem insequendi tardare posset, atque id iugum quod trans paludem paene ad hostium castra pertineret mediocri valle a castris eorum intercisum animum adverteret, pontibus palude constrata legiones traducit celeriterque in summam planitiem iugi pervenit, quae declivi fastigio duobus ab lateribus muniebatur. 

4 Therefore, seeing that the camps were separated by a marsh difficult to cross, which might delay the speed of pursuit, and noticing that a ridge which extended almost to the enemy camp across the marsh was cut off from it by a moderate valley, he laid bridges across the marsh, led the legions over, and quickly reached the highest plain of the ridge, which was protected on both flanks by sloping ground. 

5 Ibi legionibus instructis ad ultimum iugum pervenit aciemque eo loco constituit unde tormento missa tela in hostium cuneos conici possent. 

5 There, having drawn up the legions, he reached the farthest ridge and positioned his battle line in such a place that missiles discharged from artillery could be hurled into the enemy’s ranks. 

 [15] 

1 Barbari confisi loci natura, cum dimicare non recusarent, si forte Romani subire collem conarentur, paulatim copias distributas dimittere non possent, ne dispersi perturbarentur, in acie permanserunt. 

1 The barbarians, trusting in the nature of the ground, although not refusing to fight if the Romans should attempt to climb the hill, could not gradually dismiss their distributed forces, lest they become disordered if scattered, and so they remained in battle formation. 

2 Quorum pertinacia cognita Caesar XX cohortibus instructis castrisque eo loco mutatis muniri iubet castra. 

2 Learning of their obstinacy, Caesar, with twenty cohorts drawn up and the camp relocated to that spot, ordered fortification of the new camp. 

3 Absolutis operibus pro vallo legiones instructas collocat, equites frenatis equis in statione disponit. 

3 With the works completed, he stationed the legions in formation before the rampart, and posted the cavalry with bridled horses on guard. 

4 Bellovaci, cum Romanos ad insequendum paratos viderent neque pernoctare aut diutius permanere sine periculo eodem loco possent, tale consilium sui recipiendi ceperunt. 

4 The Bellovaci, seeing the Romans prepared to pursue, and that they could neither stay overnight nor remain longer in that place without danger, devised the following plan for their withdrawal. 

5 Fasces, ut consueverant (namque in acie sedere Gallos consuesse superioribus commentariis Caesaris declaratum est), per manus stramentorum ac virgultorum, quorum summa erat in castris copia, inter se traditos ante aciem collocarunt extremoque tempore diei signo pronuntiato uno tempore incenderunt. 

5 They arranged, as was their custom (for Caesar had stated in previous commentaries that the Gauls were accustomed to sit in battle formation), bundles of straw and brushwood, of which there was a great quantity in the camp, passed from hand to hand and placed in front of their line; and at the end of the day, with a signal given, they set them alight all at once. 

6 Ita continens flamma copias omnes repente a conspectu texit Romanorum. Quod ubi accidit, barbari vehementissimo cursu refugerunt. 

6 Thus, a continuous flame suddenly concealed all their troops from the sight of the Romans. When this occurred, the barbarians fled at full speed. 

[16] 

1 Caesar, etsi discessum hostium animadvertere non poterat incendiis oppositis, tamen id consilium cum fugae causa initum suspicaretur, legiones promovet, turmas mittit ad insequendum; ipse veritus insidias, ne forte in eodem loco subsistere hostis atque elicere nostros in locum conaretur iniquum, tardius procedit. 

1 Caesar, although he could not perceive the enemy’s departure because of the fires placed in the way, nevertheless, suspecting that this plan had been adopted for the purpose of flight, advanced the legions and sent out cavalry squadrons to pursue; he himself, fearing ambushes—lest the enemy perhaps remain in the same place and try to lure our men into unfavorable ground—advanced more slowly. 

2 Equites cum intrare fumum et flammam densissimam timerent ac, si qui cupidius intraverant, vix suorum ipsi priores partes animadverterent equorum, insidias veriti liberam facultatem sui recipiendi Bellovacis dederunt. 

2 The cavalry, since they feared to enter the thickest smoke and fire, and, if any had gone in too eagerly, could scarcely see even the front parts of their own horses, feared ambushes and gave the Bellovaci free opportunity to retreat. 

4 Ita fuga timoris simul calliditatisque plena sine ullo detrimento milia non amplius decem progressi hostes loco munitissimo castra posuerunt. 

4 Thus, in a flight full of both fear and cunning, without any loss, the enemy, having advanced not more than ten miles, pitched camp in a very strongly fortified location. 

5 Inde cum saepe in insidiis equites peditesque disponerent, magna detrimenta Romanis in pabulationibus inferebant. 

5 From there, by frequently placing cavalry and infantry in ambush, they inflicted great losses on the Romans during foraging operations. 

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[17] 

1 Quod cum crebrius accideret, ex captivo quodam comperit Caesar Correum, Bellovacorum ducem, fortissimorum milia sex peditum delegisse equitesque ex omni numero mille, quos in insidiis eo loco collocaret, quem in locum propter copiam frumenti ac pabuli Romanos missuros suspicaretur. 

1 When this happened more frequently, Caesar learned from a certain captive that Correus, the leader of the Bellovaci, had selected six thousand of their bravest infantry and one thousand cavalry from the whole force, to station in ambush at a location where he suspected the Romans would send troops because of the abundance of grain and fodder. 

2 Quo cognito consilio legiones plures quam solebat educit equitatumque, qua consuetudine pabulatoribus mittere praesidio consuerat, praemittit: huic interponit auxilia levis armaturae; ipse cum legionibus quam potest maxime appropinquat. 

2 Having learned of this plan, he led out more legions than usual and sent ahead the cavalry, which he was accustomed to send as a guard for the foragers; to this he added auxiliaries of light-armed troops; he himself approached as close as he could with the legions. 

[18] 

1 Hostes in insidiis dispositi, cum sibi delegissent campum ad rem gerendam non amplius patentem in omnes partes passibus mille, silvis undique aut impeditissimo flumine munitum, velut indagine hunc insidiis circumdederunt. 

1 The enemy, having been stationed in ambush, had chosen for their operation a plain not more than a thousand paces wide in every direction, fortified on all sides by woods or a most difficult river, and they surrounded it with ambushes as if with a hunting net. 

2 Explorato hostium consilio nostri ad proeliandum animo atque armis parati, cum subsequentibus legionibus nullam dimicationem recusarent, turmatim in eum locum devenerunt.  

2 Our men, having discovered the enemy’s plan, ready in spirit and arms for battle and refusing no engagement, with the legions following, arrived at that place in squadrons. 

3 Quorum adventu cum sibi Correus oblatam occasionem rei gerendae existimaret, primum cum paucis se ostendit atque in proximas turmas impetum fecit. 

3 At their arrival, when Correus thought an opportunity for action had presented itself, he first showed himself with a few men and made an attack on the nearest squadrons. 

4 Nostri constanter incursum sustinent insidiatorum neque plures in unum locum conveniunt; quod plerumque equestribus proeliis cum propter aliquem timorem accidit, tum multitudine ipsorum detrimentum accipitur. 

4 Our men steadily withstood the attack of the ambushers and did not gather in one place; which usually occurs in cavalry battles either from some fear, and then loss is incurred by the crowding of their own numbers. 

 [19] 

1 Cum dispositis turmis in vicem rari proeliarentur neque ab lateribus circumveniri suos paterentur, erumpunt ceteri Correo proeliante ex silvis. 

1 While the squadrons, arranged in turns, fought in scattered order and did not allow their men to be surrounded on the flanks, the rest burst forth from the woods while Correus was fighting. 

2 Fit magna contentione diversum proelium. Quod cum diutius pari Marte iniretur, paulatim ex silvis instructa multitudo procedit peditum, quae nostros coegit cedere equites. Quibus celeriter subveniunt levis armaturae pedites, quos ante legiones missos docui, turmisque nostrorum interpositi constanter proeliantur. 

2 A varied battle with great effort arose. And when it was carried on for some time with equal fortune, a drawn-up force of infantry gradually advanced from the woods, which forced our cavalry to retreat. To them quickly came support in the form of the light-armed infantry, whom I previously noted had been sent ahead of the legions, and, interspersed among our squadrons, they fought steadily. 

3 Pugnatur aliquamdiu pari contentione; deinde, ut ratio postulabat proeli, qui sustinuerant primos impetus insidiarum hoc ipso fiunt superiores, quod nullum ab insidiantibus imprudentes acceperant detrimentum. 

3 The battle was fought for some time with equal vigor; then, as the logic of the fight demanded, those who had withstood the first attacks of the ambushers became superior by that very fact, because they had suffered no loss from the ambushers due to carelessness. 

4 Accedunt propius interim legiones, crebrique eodem tempore et nostris et hostibus nuntii adferuntur, imperatorem instructis copiis adesse. 

4 Meanwhile, the legions drew nearer, and at the same time frequent messengers brought word to both our men and the enemy that the commander was present with his forces drawn up. 

5 Qua re cognita praesidio cohortium confisi nostri acerrime proeliantur, ne, si tardius rem gessissent, victoriae gloriam communicasse cum legionibus viderentur; 

5 On learning this, our men, trusting in the support of the cohorts, fought most fiercely, lest, if they had handled the matter more slowly, they should appear to have shared the glory of the victory with the legions; 

6 hostes concidunt animis atque itineribus diversis fugam quaerunt. Nequiquam: nam quibus difficultatibus locorum Romanos claudere voluerant, eis ipsi tenebantur. 

6 The enemy lost heart and sought flight by different routes. In vain: for they themselves were trapped by the very difficulties of the terrain by which they had intended to enclose the Romans. 

7 Victi tamen perculsique maiore parte amissa consternati profugiunt partim silvis petitis, partim flumine (qui tamen in fuga a nostris acriter insequentibus conficiuntur), 

7 Yet, defeated and routed, with the greater part of their force lost, they fled in confusion, some seeking the woods, others the river (but these were cut down in their flight by our men pursuing them fiercely), 

8 cum interim nulla calamitate victus Correus excedere proelio silvasque petere aut invitantibus nostris ad deditionem potuit adduci, quin fortissime proeliando compluresque vulnerando cogeret elatos iracundia victores in se tela conicere. 

8 while Correus, conquered by no disaster, could not be induced either to leave the battle and seek the woods or to surrender when invited by our men, but by fighting most bravely and wounding several, he forced the victors—enraged—to hurl their weapons at him. 

[20] 

1 Tali modo re gesta recentibus proeli vestigiis ingressus Caesar, cum victos tanta calamitate existimaret hostes nuntio accepto locum castrorum relicturos, quae non longius ab ea caede abesse plus minus octo milibus dicebantur, tametsi flumine impeditum transitum videbat, tamen exercitu traducto progreditur. 

1 In this manner, with the affair accomplished and Caesar advancing on the fresh traces of the battle, since he supposed that the enemy, defeated by such a calamity, would abandon their camp upon hearing the news—which was said to be no more than about eight miles from the slaughter—although he saw that the passage was obstructed by a river, yet he proceeded after leading his army across. 

2 At Bellovaci reliquaeque civitates repente ex fuga paucis atque his vulneratis receptis, qui silvarum beneficio casum evitaverant, omnibus adversis, cognita calamitate, interfecto Correo, amisso equitatu et fortissimis peditibus, cum adventare Romanos existimarent, concilio repente cantu tubarum convocato conclamant, legati obsidesque ad Caesarem mittantur. 

2 But the Bellovaci and the other states, having suddenly rallied a few—and these wounded—from their flight, who had escaped disaster by the aid of the woods, with all things turned against them, once they had learned of the calamity, with Correus slain, and their cavalry and bravest infantry lost, and believing the Romans to be approaching, suddenly convened a council by trumpet signal and cried out that envoys and hostages should be sent to Caesar. 

 [21] 

1 Hoc omnibus probato consilio Commius Atrebas ad eos confugit Germanos, a quibus ad id bellum auxilia mutuatus erat. 

1 With this plan approved by all, Commius the Atrebatian fled to the Germans, from whom he had borrowed auxiliaries for that war. 

2 Ceteri e vestigio mittunt ad Caesarem legatos petuntque, ut ea poena sit contentus hostium, quam si sine dimicatione inferre integris posset, pro sua clementia atque humanitate numquam profecto esset illaturus. 

2 The rest immediately sent envoys to Caesar and begged that he be content with the punishment the enemy had already suffered—punishment which, if he could have inflicted it upon them intact without a battle, he certainly would never have done so, given his clemency and humanity. 

3 Adflictas opes equestri proelio Bellovacorum esse; delectorum peditum multa milia interisse, vix refugisse nuntios caedis. 

3 They stated that the resources of the Bellovaci had been shattered in the cavalry engagement; that many thousands of selected infantry had perished, and scarcely any messengers of the slaughter had survived. 

4 Tamen magnum ut in tanta calamitate Bellovacos eo proelio commodum esse consecutos, quod Correus, auctor belli, concitator multitudinis, esset interfectus. Numquam enim senatum tantum in civitate illo vivo quantum imperitam plebem potuisse. 

4 Nevertheless, the Bellovaci had gained one great advantage in that battle, despite such disaster: Correus, the author of the war and agitator of the mob, had been slain. For never, while he was alive, had the senate had as much influence in the state as the ignorant populace.

 [22] 

1 Haec orantibus legatis commemorat Caesar: Eodem tempore superiore anno Bellovacos ceterasque Galliae civitates suscepisse bellum: pertinacissime hos ex omnibus in sententia permansisse neque ad sanitatem reliquorum deditione esse perductos. 

1 To the envoys making these entreaties, Caesar recalled the following: that at the same time the previous year, the Bellovaci and the other Gallic states had undertaken war; that of all they had been the most obstinate in their resolution, and had not been brought to reason by the surrender of the others. 

2 Scire atque intellegere se causam peccati facillime mortuis delegari. Neminem vero tantum pollere, ut invitis principibus, resistente senatu, omnibus bonis repugnantibus infirma manu plebis bellum concitare et gerere posset. Sed tamen se contentum fore ea poena quam sibi ipsi contraxissent. 

2 He knew and understood that the blame for wrongdoing was most easily laid on the dead. But no one was so powerful that, with the leaders unwilling, the senate resisting, and all good men opposing, he could, with the weak hand of the common people, incite and wage war. Still, he said he would be content with the punishment which they had brought upon themselves. 

[23] 

1 Nocte insequenti legati responsa ad suos referunt, obsides conficiunt. Concurrunt reliquarum civitatium legati, quae Bellovacorum speculabantur eventum; 

1 On the following night, the envoys reported Caesar’s reply to their people and prepared the hostages. The envoys of the remaining states, which had been watching the outcome of the Bellovaci, came in haste; 

2 obsides dant, imperata faciunt excepto Commio, quem timor prohibebat cuiusquam fidei suam committere salutem. 

2 they gave hostages and carried out the orders—except Commius, whom fear prevented from entrusting his safety to the good faith of anyone. 

3 Nam superiore anno Titus Labienus, Caesare in Gallia citeriore ius dicente, cum Commium comperisset sollicitare civitates et coniurationem contra Caesarem facere, infidelitatem eius sine ulla perfidia iudicavit comprimi posse. 

3 For the previous year, when Caesar was administering justice in Cisalpine Gaul, Titus Labienus, having discovered that Commius was stirring up the states and forming a conspiracy against Caesar, judged that his treachery could be suppressed without any act of treachery. 

4 Quem quia non arbitrabatur vocatum in castra venturum, ne temptando cautiorem faceret, Gaium Volusenum Quadratum misit, qui eum per simulationem colloqui curaret interficiendum. Ad eam rem delectos idoneos ei tradit centuriones. 

4 And since he did not believe Commius would come when summoned to the camp, lest by trying he make him more wary, he sent Gaius Volusenus Quadratus, to arrange his assassination under pretense of a conference. For that task, he gave him certain chosen and suitable centurions. 

5 Cum in colloquium ventum esset, et, ut convenerat, manum Commi Volusenus arripuisset, centurio vel insueta re permotus vel celeriter a familiaribus prohibitus Commi conficere hominem non potuit; graviter tamen primo ictu gladio caput percussit. 

5 When the meeting took place, and, as agreed, Volusenus had seized Commius’s hand, the centurion, either disturbed by the unusual situation or quickly hindered by Commius’s companions, was unable to kill him; nevertheless, he struck his head heavily with his sword on the first blow. 

6 Cum utrimque gladii destricti essent, non tam pugnandi quam diffugiendi fuit utrorumque consilium: nostrorum, quod mortifero vulnere Commium credebant adfectum; Gallorum, quod insidiis cognitis plura quam videbant extimescebant. Quo facto statuisse Commius dicebatur numquam in conspectum cuiusquam Romani venire. 

6 When swords were drawn on both sides, both parties aimed more at flight than fighting: our men, because they believed Commius had been struck with a mortal wound; the Gauls, because, having realized the ambush, they feared more than they actually saw. As a result of this, Commius was said to have resolved never again to come into the sight of any Roman.

[24] 

1 Bellicosissimis gentibus devictis Caesar, cum videret nullam iam esse civitatem quae bellum pararet quo sibi resisteret, sed nonnullos ex oppidis demigrare, ex agris diffugere ad praesens imperium evitandum, plures in partes exercitum dimittere constituit. 

1 With the most warlike nations subdued, Caesar, seeing that there was no longer any state preparing for war to resist him, but that some were moving out of their towns and fleeing from the countryside to avoid present subjugation, decided to divide his army into several parts. 

2 M. Antonium quaestorem cum legione duodecima sibi coniungit. C. Fabium legatum cum cohortibus XXV mittit in diversissimam partem Galliae, quod ibi quasdam civitates in armis esse audiebat neque C. Caninium Rebilum legatum, qui in illis regionibus erat, satis firmas duas legiones habere existimabat. 

2 He joined Marcus Antonius the quaestor with the twelfth legion to himself. He sent Gaius Fabius the legate with twenty-five cohorts into a very remote part of Gaul, because he heard that certain states there were in arms and judged that Gaius Caninius Rebilus, the legate in those regions, did not have two legions strong enough. 

3 Titum Labienum ad se evocat; legionem autem XV, quae cum eo fuerat in hibernis, in togatam Galliam mittit ad colonias civium Romanorum tuendas, ne quod simile incommodum accideret decursione barbarorum ac superiore aestate Tergestinis acciderat, qui repentino latrocinio atque impetu illorum erant oppressi. 

3 He summoned Titus Labienus to himself; and he sent the fifteenth legion, which had been with him in winter quarters, into Togata Gallia to protect the colonies of Roman citizens, so that no similar misfortune might occur from a barbarian raid as had happened to the Tergestines the previous summer, who had been overwhelmed by a sudden attack and incursion. 

4 Ipse ad vastandos depopulandosque fines Ambiorigis proficiscitur; quem perterritum ac fugientem cum redigi posse in suam potestatem desperasset, proximum suae dignitatis esse ducebat, adeo fines eius vastare civibus, aedificiis, pecore, ut odio suorum Ambiorix, si quos fortuna reliquos fecisset, nullum reditum propter tantas calamitates haberet in civitatem. 

4 He himself set out to devastate and plunder the territories of Ambiorix; and when he had despaired of being able to bring the terrified and fleeing man under his power, he judged it most in keeping with his own dignity to lay waste his lands so thoroughly—of citizens, buildings, and livestock—that Ambiorix, hated by his own people, if fortune had left any survivors, would have no possible return to his state on account of such great calamities. 

[25] 

1 Cum in omnes partes finium Ambiorigis aut legiones aut auxilia dimisisset atque omnia caedibus, incendiis, rapinis vastasset, magno numero hominum interfecto aut capto Labienum cum duabus legionibus in Treveros mittit, 

1 After he had sent either legions or auxiliaries into all parts of Ambiorix’s territories and had laid waste everything with slaughter, fires, and plunder, and a great number of men had been killed or captured, he sent Labienus with two legions into the territory of the Treveri, 

2 quorum civitas propter Germaniae vicinitatem cotidianis exercitata bellis cultu et feritate non multum a Germanis differebat neque imperata umquam nisi exercitu coacta faciebat. 

2 whose state, because of its proximity to Germany, was hardened by daily wars and differed little from the Germans in way of life and savagery, and never carried out commands unless forced by an army. 

[26] 

1 Interim Gaius Caninius legatus, cum magnam multitudinem convenisse hostium in fines Pictonum litteris nuntiisque Durati cognosceret, qui perpetuo in amicitia manserat Romanorum, cum pars quaedam civitatis eius defecisset, ad oppidum Lemonum contendit. 

1 Meanwhile, Gaius Caninius, the legate, when he learned from the letters and messages of Duratius—who had continually remained in friendship with the Romans—that a great multitude of the enemy had assembled in the territory of the Pictones, and since a part of Duratius’s state had revolted, he marched toward the town of Lemonum. 

2 Quo cum adventaret atque ex captivis certius cognosceret multis hominum milibus a Dumnaco, duce Andium, Duratium clausum Lemoni oppugnari neque infirmas legiones hostibus committere auderet, castra posuit loco munito. 

2 When he was approaching and had learned more certainly from captives that Duratius, shut up in Lemonum, was being besieged by many thousands of men under Dumnacus, leader of the Andes, and that he did not dare to commit his weakened legions to the enemy, he pitched camp in a fortified position. 

3 Dumnacus, cum appropinquare Caninium cognosset, copiis omnibus ad legiones conversis castra Romanorum oppugnare instituit. 

3 Dumnacus, having learned that Caninius was approaching, turned all his forces against the legions and began to attack the Roman camp. 

4 Cum complures dies in oppugnatione consumpsisset et magno suorum detrimento nullam partem munitionum convellere potuisset, rursus ad obsidendum Lemonum redit. 

4 After spending several days in the attack and being unable to dismantle any part of the fortifications, with great loss to his men, he returned again to the siege of Lemonum. 

[27] 

1 Eodem tempore C. Fabius legatus complures civitates in fidem recipit, obsidibus firmat litterisque Gai Canini Rebili fit certior quae in Pictonibus gerantur. 

1 At the same time, Gaius Fabius, the legate, received several states into allegiance, secured them with hostages, and was informed by letters from Gaius Caninius Rebilus of what was occurring among the Pictones. 

2 Quibus rebus cognitis proficiscitur ad auxilium Duratio ferendum. At Dumnacus adventu Fabi cognito desperata salute, si tempore eodem coactus esset et Romanum externum sustinere hostem et respicere ac timere oppidanos, repente ex eo loco cum copiis recedit nec se satis tutum fore arbitratur, nisi flumine Ligeri, quod erat ponte propter magnitudinem transeundum, copias traduxisset. 

2 Having learned these matters, he set out to bring aid to Duratius. But Dumnacus, upon hearing of Fabius's arrival, despaired of his safety—if at the same time he were compelled both to withstand an external Roman enemy and to look back and fear the townspeople—he suddenly withdrew from that place with his forces and did not consider himself to be safe unless he had led his troops across the river Liger, which had to be crossed by a bridge because of its size. 

3 Fabius, etsi nondum in conspectum venerat hostibus neque se Caninio coniunxerat, tamen doctus ab eis qui locorum noverant naturam potissimum credidit hostes perterritos eum locum, quem petebant, petituros. 

3 Fabius, although he had not yet come into view of the enemy nor joined Caninius, yet, informed by those who knew the nature of the terrain, believed especially that the terrified enemy would seek the very place they were heading for. 

4 Itaque cum copiis ad eundem pontem contendit equitatumque tantum procedere ante agmen legionum, quantum cum processisset, sine defatigatione equorum in eadem se reciperet castra. 

4 Therefore, he marched with his forces to the same bridge and ordered the cavalry to advance only as far ahead of the legionary column as they could return to the same camp without exhausting the horses. 

5 Consecuntur equites nostri, ut erat praeceptum, invaduntque Dumnaci agmen et fugientes perterritosque sub sarcinis in itinere adgressi magna praeda multis interfectis potiuntur. Ita re bene gesta se recipiunt in castra. 

5 Our cavalry, as instructed, pursued and attacked Dumnacus's column and, engaging the fleeing and terrified men burdened with their packs on the march, obtained great plunder and killed many. Thus, having carried out the action successfully, they returned to camp. 

[28] 

1 Insequenti nocte Fabius equites praemittit sic paratos ut confligerent atque omne agmen morarentur, dum consequeretur ipse. 

1 On the following night, Fabius sent cavalry ahead, prepared to engage and delay the entire column until he himself could catch up. 

2 Cuius praeceptis ut res gereretur, Quintus Atius Varus, praefectus equitum, singularis et animi et prudentiae vir, suos hortatur agmenque hostium consecutus turmas partim idoneis locis disponit, parte equitum proelium committit. 

2 To carry out his orders, Quintus Atius Varus, prefect of cavalry—a man of remarkable courage and prudence—encouraged his men, and having overtaken the enemy column, deployed some squadrons in suitable places and engaged in battle with part of the cavalry. 

3 Confligit audacius equitatus hostium succedentibus sibi peditibus, qui toto agmine subsistentes equitibus suis contra nostros ferunt auxilium. Fit proelium acri certamine. 

3 The enemy cavalry fought more boldly, with their infantry advancing to support them, halting with the whole column and aiding their cavalry against ours. A battle was fought with fierce struggle. 

4 Namque nostri contemptis pridie superatis hostibus, cum subsequi legiones meminissent, et pudore cedendi et cupiditate per se conficiendi proeli fortissime contra pedites proeliantur, 

4 For our men, despising the enemy whom they had defeated the day before, and mindful that the legions were following, fought most bravely against the infantry, out of both shame at yielding and a desire to finish the battle on their own, 

5 hostesque nihil amplius copiarum accessurum credentes, ut pridie cognoverant, delendi equitatus nostri nacti occasionem videbantur. 

5 and the enemy, believing that no more forces would arrive—as they had learned the day before—seemed to have found the opportunity to destroy our cavalry. 

[29] 

1 Cum aliquamdiu summa contentione dimicaretur, Dumnacus instruit aciem quae suis esset equitibus in vicem praesidio, cum repente confertae legiones in conspectum hostium veniunt. 

1 When the fight had lasted for some time with the utmost vigor, Dumnacus drew up a battle line to serve as mutual support for his cavalry, when suddenly the legions in close formation came into view of the enemy. 

2 Quibus visis perculsae barbarorum turmae ac perterritae acies hostium, perturbato impedimentorum agmine, magno clamore discursuque passim fugae se mandant. 

2 At the sight of them, the barbarian squadrons were struck with panic, and the enemy battle line was terrified; their baggage column thrown into confusion, they fled in all directions with loud shouting and disorderly retreat. 

3 At nostri equites, qui paulo ante cum resistentibus fortissime conflixerant, laetitia victoriae elati magno undique clamore sublato cedentibus circumfusi, quantum equorum vires ad persequendum dextraeque ad caedendum valent, tantum eo proelio interficiunt. 

3 But our cavalry, who a little earlier had fought most bravely against the resisting enemy, elated with the joy of victory, raised a great shout on all sides and, surrounding the retreating enemy, slew as many as the strength of their horses to pursue and their hands to strike allowed in that battle. 

4 Itaque amplius milibus XII aut armatorum aut eorum qui eo timore arma proiecerant interfectis omnis multitudo capitur impedimentorum. 

4 Thus, with more than twelve thousand killed—either armed men or those who had thrown down their weapons out of fear—the whole multitude of baggage was captured. 

[30] 

1 Qua ex fuga cum constaret Drappetem Senonem, qui, ut primum defecerat Gallia, collectis undique perditis hominibus, servis ad libertatem vocatis, exulibus omnium civitatum adscitis, receptis latronibus impedimenta et commeatus Romanorum interceperat, non amplius hominum duobus milibus ex fuga collectis provinciam petere unaque consilium cum eo Lucterium Cadurcum cepisse, quem superiore commentario prima defectione Galliae facere in provinciam voluisse impetum cognitum est, 

1 From this flight, it was clear that Drappes the Senonian—who, as soon as Gaul had revolted, had gathered desperate men from everywhere, called slaves to liberty, enrolled exiles from all states, taken in brigands, and intercepted the baggage and supplies of the Romans—had collected no more than two thousand men from the flight and was heading for the province, and that Lucterius the Cadurcan had joined him in this plan, of whom it was known in the previous commentary that he had wished to make an attack on the province at the first defection of Gaul. 

2 Caninius legatus cum legionibus duabus ad eos persequendos contendit, ne detrimento aut timore provinciae magna infamia perditorum hominum latrociniis caperetur. 

2 Caninius the legate hastened with two legions to pursue them, lest the province be overtaken by great disgrace through the depredations of desperate men, to its detriment or alarm.