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CHAP. XVII.
Cicero defendeth his Camp from the surprise of the Nervii, and prepareth himself against a Siege.
IT happened to Cicero also (as it could not otherwise chuse) that many of the souldiers that were gone into the woods for timber and munition,* 1.1 were cut off by the sud∣den approach of the Enemies horsemen. These be••ng c••rcumvented, the Eburones, Nervii, and Aduatici, with all their confederates and cli∣e••••s began to assault the Camp. The Romans betook them speedily to their weapons, and got upon the ramp••er. With much adoe they held out that day: for the Galles trusted much up∣on celerity; hoping if they sped well in that action, to be victors ever after.
Cicero dispatched letters with all speed to Caesar, promising great rewards to him that ••••ould carry them: but all the wayes were so fore-laied that the Messengers were taken. In one night there was built in t••e camp one hun∣dred and twenty towers, of such timber as was brought in for fortification; and whatsoever wanted of the rest of the work was perfected.
The enemy the next day with a far greater power assaulted the Camp, and filled up the d••tch. ••he Romans made the like defence as they had done the day before; the like was con∣tinued divers dayes after. The Romans made no intermission of their work at any part of the night, nor gave any rest either to the sick or the wound••d. Whatsoever was needfull for the next dayes assault, was provided in readiness the night before: a great number of stakes hardened in the fire were prepared, and many murall piles were made; the towers were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in their stories; Pinacles and Para∣p••ts ••ere set up of hurdles; and Cicero himself being sickly and of a weak constitution, took not so much leasure as to rest himself in the night time: so that the souldiers of their own accord compelled him by intreaty to spare him∣s••••f.
OBSERVATION.
THis Q. Cicero is said to be the brother of Marcus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the famous Oratour, and to him were the letters sent which are found in his ••pistles directed Quinto fratri. In this action 〈◊〉〈◊〉 carriage deserved as great reputation in the true censure of honour, as ever his brother did for his el••quence pro Rostris. And if it had been the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fortune to h••ve performed the like ser∣vice. 〈…〉〈…〉 ••ave made it the greatest exploit that ever•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had atchieved by arms. Where∣in partic••••••••ly may be commended the diligence and industry which was used, in raising so many 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in so small a time; for providing the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before such things as were necessary for the next dayes defence; for making so many stakes h••rdened in the end with fire for the de∣fence of the rampier; and for the store of these murall p••les, which resembled the form of the or∣dinary pile, but were far greater and weightier, in regard they were to be cast from the rampier; which gave them such advantage by reason of the height, that being cast by a strong and well practised arm, they were very effectuall and of great terrour.