CHAP. IX.
The proceedings of Crassus in Aquitanie.
AT the same instant of time it happen∣ed also,* 1.1 that Pub. Crassus coming into Aquitania (which both in re∣gard of the large extension of the Countrey, as also for the multitude of the inha∣bitants, was named the third part of Gallia) and considering that he was to make warre in those parts where L. Valerius Praeconius the Legate was slain, and the Army overthrown, and where Lucius Manlius was fain to fly, with the losse of his carriages; he thought that his affaires required no mean diligence: and there∣fore having made provision of Corn, and muster∣ed many Auxiliary forces, and* 1.2 sent for many valiant and prudent men by name from Tolouse, Carcasone, and Narbone, cities bordering upon the province, he carried his Army into the con∣fines of the Sontiates. Which was no sooner known, but they levied great forces both of horse and foot, and with their horse, in which their principall strength consisted, charged upon the Romans in their march: which being easily re∣pelled, as ours followed the retreat, suddenly the infantry of the Galles shewed it self in a Val∣ley as it lay in ambush. These setting upon the Romans renewed the battel, and there the fight continued hot a long time. The Sontiates being animated with the former victories, saw all the hope of Aquitanie rely upon their vertue; and the Romans on the other side desired to shew what they were able to do of themselves, with∣out their grand Captain, and under the conduct of a young souldier. At length the enemy over∣waged with prowesse, and wearied with wounds, betook themselves to flight; of whom the Ro∣mans slew a great number, and then marched directly to the town of the Sontiates, and laid siege unto it: the siege grew hot, the Romans approaching the walles with vines, turrets, and mounts. The townsmen defended themselves sometimes by sallying out, sometimes by under∣mining the mounts and fortifications, wherein the Aquitani are very skilfull. But when they perceived the industry of the Romans to exceed all that they were able to do, they intreated Crassus to accept their rendry. Which being granted, and all the Army intending the deli∣very of their Armes, Adcantuanus their chief Magistrate fled out in the mean time at ano∣ther port of the City, with six hundred devoted companions, whom they called Soldurii; whose manner is to enjoy all good things in common with those whom they have chosen for their friends; and if any misfortune befall them, ei∣ther to dy with them, or presently kill them∣selves: neither was it ever known in the memo∣ry of man, that any of them refused to dy when his friend was slain. But as they attempted to escape, the souldiers that kept that part of the fortification, as they signified his evasion by a clamour and shout, the rest betook themselves to Armes, and so after a sharp conflict repelled him again into the town; where he desired to be taken in the number of the submissive mul∣titude; which was granted. Crassus, having taken hostages of them, went into the confines of the Vocates and Tarusates.
THE FIRST OBSERVATION.
THese skilfull and experienced men which Crassus sent for out of all the Cities in A∣quitani••,* 1.3 were those whom the Romans called E∣vocati, such as were free from warfare, and ex∣empted by their laws from giving their names in musters, either by reason of their yeares, or the magistracy which they had born, or for some o∣ther causes which gave them that priviledge: and in that regard were sent for by Letters, intreat∣ing their assistance in the carriage of that war,