OBSERVATIONS.
THe greatest difficulty that ever Caesar found in the course of these warres,* 1.1 was at this instant upon the revolt of the Hedui. For whereas that State after Caesars coming into Gallia, was ever reputed the favourite of the Roman Empire, having received such speciall priviledges and prerogatives above the rest, as might tie them with an inviolable bond of amity to the people of Rome: it was not to be expected that they should forsake so great a stay, or favour any thing that might tend to the weak∣ning of that authority, which preferred them in dignity before all other States of that Continent: and was as a Remora to divers other Nations of Gallia, from shewing that defection by plain and open revolt, which they had so long before conceived in their minds.
But when it appeared (notwithstanding any precedent benefit, or the merit of imperiall fa∣vours) that the Hedui did affect the common cause of their Countries liberty, and were con∣tent to ingage themselves therein, as far as their lives or fortunes could any way be valued: it was not to be doubted, but that such other Common∣weals, as before that time had remained neutrall, and had less cause then the Hedui to keep back their hands from a work of that piety, would ap∣prehend the matter as a business importing the safety of their Countrey, whereunto Caesar and the Legions were common enemies. The consi∣deration whereof made Caesar to think of re∣turning back into the Province, had not the dishonour of such a retreat, and the desire he had to joyn with Labienus, hindred that purpose.