CHAP. XVIII.
The Nervii propound the same things to Cicero which Ambiorix had done to Sabinus; but are re∣ject
THen the Princes and chief Com∣manders of the Nervii,* 1.1 which had any entrance of speech and cause of acquaintance with Cicero, sig∣nified their desire to speak with him. Which being granted, they propounded the same things which Ambiorix had used to deceive Sabinus; all Gallia were in Arms; the Germans were come over the Rhene; Caesar and the rest were besieged in their wintering-camps; Sabinus and his men were cut in pieces; and for the more credit to it they shew him Ambiorix. They said, they were much decei∣ved if they expected any help from those who were at present scarce able to help themselves. Notwithstanding they carried this mind to Cicero and the people of Rome, that they refu∣sed nothing but their wintering among them, which they would not suffer to be made a com∣mon practise. They might depart in safety whither they would, without disturbance or fear of danger. Cicero onely made this answer; That it was not the custome of the people of Rome to take any article or condition from an armed Enemy; but if they would lay their Arms aside, let them use his furtherance in the matter, and send some to negotiate it with Caesar: there was great hope, in regard of his justice and equity, that they should not return unsatisfied.
OBSERVATION.
THe first attempt which Ambiorix made upon the Camp of Sab••nus and Cotta was but short; but here, what with the pride of the former victory, and the great multitude of the assailants, they continued it longer, in hope to carry it by assault. For the first assault of a place, especially when it cometh by way of surprise, is of greater hope to the assailant, and of greater dan∣ger to the defendant, then such as afterward are made in the sequele of the war: for after the first brunt the heat of the enemy is much abated, as well through the nature of a hot desire, which