The commentaries of C. Julius Cæsar of his warres in Gallia, and the civil warres betwixt him and Pompey / translated into English with many excellent and judicious observations thereupon ; as also The art of our modern training, or, Tactick practise, by Clement Edmonds Esquire, ... ; where unto is adjoyned the eighth commentary of the warres in Gallia, with some short observations upon it ; together with the life of Cæsar, and an account of his medalls ; revised, corrected, and enlarged.

THE EIGHTH COMMENTARY OF THE VVARRES IN GALLIA, Written by AULUS HIRTIUS. (Book 8)

CHAP. I.

The Galles raise new troubles in divers places. Caesar scattereth and wasteth the Bituriges, and after that the Carnutes.

AFter that all Gallia was subdued, forasmuch as Caesar had rested no part of the former Summer from warre, he was desirous to refiesh his Souldiers after so great pains ta∣ken, the rest of the winter season; when news was brought him that many States at the self∣same time, did lay their heads together again about warre, and make conspiracies. Whereof there was reported a very likely cause; in that it was known to all the Galles, that there could not any power so great be assembled into one place, as should be able to withstand the Ro∣mans: neither if many States at once made war in divers places at one instant, could the army of the people of Rome have sufficient, either of aid, or of time, or of men of warre to pursue all at once: and there ought not any State to re∣fuse the lot of their misfortune, if by the respite thereof, the rest might set themselves at li∣berty.

The which opinion to the intent it should not settle in the minds of the Galles, Caesar leaving M. Antonius the Quaestor with charge of his winter garrisons, went with a strong com∣pany of horsemen the last day of December from Bibracte to his twelfth Legion, which he had placed not farre from the borders of the Hedui, in the countrey of the Bituriges, and ta∣keth thereunto the eleventh Legion which was next unto it. Leaving two Cohorts to defend his stuff and carriages, he led the rest of his ar∣my into the most plentifull fields of the Bituri∣ges: the which being a large countrey and full of towns, could not be kept in aw with the gar∣risoning of one Legion amongst them, but that they prepared for warre and made con∣spiracies.

By the sudden coming of Caesar, it came to passe (which must needs happen to such as are unprovided and scattered abroad) that such as were tilling the ground without fear, were sur∣prised in the fields by our horsemen, before they could get them into the Towns. For at that time, the common token of invasion which is wont to be perceived by burning of houses, was by Caesar's commandment forborn, lest they should either want forrage and corn if they were minded to make any further rode into the coun∣trey, or else, that their enemies for fear of the fires, should convey themselves out of the way.

After that many thousands of men had been taken, the Bituriges being sore afraid, such of them as could escape out of the Romans hands at their first coming, upon confidence either of the old acquaintance and familiarity that had been privately between them, by reason of re∣sorting as guests one to another, or of their mu∣tuall agreement and partaking in the same devi∣ces, fled into the next cities: but all was in vain. For Caesar by great journeys came so sudden∣ly upon all places, that he gave not any city lea∣sure, to think of the safeguard of other folks ra∣ther then of themselves. Through the which speed, he both kept his friends faithfull unto him, and put the wavering sort in such fear, that he compelled them to be glad to receive peace.

The matter standing in this case, when the Bituriges saw that through Caesar's gentlenesse there was yet a way for them to return into his favour again, and that the next States had deli∣vered him hostages, and were thereupon recei∣ved to mercy, without further punishment: they themselves did in like wise. Caesar, because his men had patiently endured so great travell in the

winter dayes, through most cumbersome wayes, in intolerable cold weather, and continued most resolutely in the same to the uttermost, promi∣sed to give to his souldiers two hundred sesterces apiece, and to the Captains 2000 apiece, in the name of a prey: & so sending his Legions again into their wintering places, he himself returned to Bibracte the fourtieth day after his setting forth. There as he was ministring of Justice, the Bituriges sent messengers unto him, desiring help against the Carnutes, whom they com∣plained to make warre upon them.

Upon the receit of this news, when he had not lain in garrison past eighteen dayes, he draweth the fourteenth and sixteenth Legions out of garrison from the river Arar, where he had placed them for the speedy purveiance of corn and victuall, as was shewed you in the last book: and with those two Legions went to pro∣secute the Carnutes.

When our enemies heard of the coming of our army, the Carnutes moved with the calami∣ty of others, left their towns and villages that they dwelt in, which they had made upon the sudden with little cottages for necessities sake to keep off the winter; (for since they were con∣quered of late, they had lo•••• many of their wal∣led towns:) and fled scattering abroad. Caesar, forasmuch as he would not put his souldiers to the abiding of the unseasonable sharp storms which chiefly at that time fell, encamped himself within Genabum, a town of the Carnutes, and housed his souldiers partly in the buildings of the Galles, and partly in such buildings as being unfinished they thatched in haste with the straw that was brought in to cover their tents and cabines. Neverthelesse he sendeth abroad his horsemen and auxiliary footmen into all parts whither he heard his enemies resorted: and that was not in vain; for commonly our men re∣turned ever with a great booty.

The Carnutes being put to it with the hard∣nesse of the winter, and the terrour of the danger, being driven out of house and home, and not daring to stay any where any long time, the woods being not able to defend them from the bitternesse of the storms, were scattered abroad, and with the losse of a great part of them, disper∣sed into the next cities.

CHAP. II.

The Bellovaci and other States under the leading of Corbeus and Comius invade the Suessiones: Caesar marcheth against them.

CAesar at that hard time of the year, thinking it enough to disperse the powers that were assembling, to the intent no beginning of warre might spring up, and weighing how much it concerned him, to prevent any open warre from breaking out the beginning of the next summer; he placed G. Trebonius in garri∣son at Genabum with those two Legions that he had there about him: and forasmuch as he was by often messages certified from the men of Rhemes, that the Bellovaci (who excelled all Galles and the Belgae also in military fame) and the States adjoyning unto them, under the con∣duct of Corbeus of Beanvoys and Comius of Arras, levied men of warre, and assembled them into one place, to the intent with their whole power to invade the borders of the Sues∣siones, which were appertaining to the men of Rhemes; thinking it stood not only upon his honour, but also tended to his own security for the future, to save his allies, which had deserved well of the Commonweal, from displeasure and damage, he called the eleventh legion again out of garrison. Moreover he wrote to C. Fa∣bius to bring the two legions that he had, into the confines of the Suessiones; and sent for one of those two legions that were with T. Labi∣enus. So according as his garrisons lay for the purpose, and as the slate of the warre required, to his own continuall trouble, he put sometimes one of his legions and sometimes another, to march from their quarters.

With this power that he had assembled he went against the Bellovaci: and encamping himself in their countrey, sent abroad his horse∣men into all quarters to glean up some of them, by whose means he might learn what his enemies purposed to do. His horsemen doing their du∣ty, brought word how few were found in the houses, and those not such as had stayed behind to till the ground, (for they were purposely re∣moved out of all places) but such as had been sent back again to spie. Of whom Caesar en∣quiring in what place the forces of the Bellova∣ci were, and what was their intent; found that all the Bellovaci were gathered together into one place: and that the Ambiani, Aulerci, Caletes, Velocasses, and Attrebates had chosen a very high ground to encamp in, enclosed with a troublesome marish, and had conveyed all their stuff into woods that were farther off: Of the which warre there were many Noblemen that were ringleaders, but the multitude obeyed Corbeus chiefly, because they understood that he hated most the name of the people of Rome: And that Comius of Arras was a few dayes before gone to fetch aid of the Germans, who were their next neighbours, and swarmed in multitude of people. He learned moreover at their hands, that the Bellovaci by the consent of all the Noblemen, at the earnest instance of the Commons, were determined, if Caesar came (as it was said he would) but with three legi∣ons, to offer him battell, lest afterward to more

disadvantage and hinderance they should be compelled to encounter with his whole host: And if he brought a greater power with him, then to keep themselves still in the same ground that they had chosen, and by ambushes to keep the Romans from forrage (which by reason of the time of the year was scarce, and also lay scattering) and from corn, and other victuals and things necessary for their army.

The which things when Caesar understood by the concurring report of many, considering how still of wisdome this project was, and how farre from the rashnesse that the barbarous peo∣ple are wont to use, he determined to make the best advantage of all things, to the intent his enemies disdaining his small company, should make the more haste to come into the field. For he had three old practised legions, the seventh, eighth, and ninth, of singular valour and prow∣esse; and the eleventh, which was of chosen young men of great hope and towardnesse, which having at that time received eight yeares wages, was notwithstanding look'd upon as not comparable to the other three either for standing, or for valour and courage.

Wherefore summoning an assembly, and there declaring all things that had been reported unto him, he confirmed the hearts of the common souldiers, if peradventure with the number of three legions he might draw out his enemies to fight with him in the field. He set his battel in this order: the seventh, eighth, and ninth legi∣ons went before the carriages, and the eleventh closed in the rere thereof; the which notwith∣standing was but small, as it is wont to be in such expeditions: and this he did, lest the ene∣mies should find a greater number then they ex∣pected. By this means, in a square battel al∣most, he brought his host in sight of his enemies sooner then they looked for him.

When the Galles beheld these legions, so sud∣denly set in order, marching toward them apace, as it had been in a pitched field (whereas it was reported to Caesar that they intended to car∣ry on their businesse with confident boldnesse,) whether it were for the perill of the encounter, or the suddennesse of our coming, or that they look∣ed to see what we intended to do, they set them∣selves in order of battel before their camp, and would not descend from the higher ground. Albeit that Caesar was desirous to have fought with them, yet wondering at the great number of his enemies, he pitched his camp directly o∣ver against theirs, on the other side of a valley, which was more in deepnesse downward, then in widenesse any way at the bottom. This camp he commanded to be fortified with a ram∣pier of twelve foot, and an open gallery to be builded upon it according to the measure of the same height, and a double ditch to be made of fifteen foot apiece, with sides plumme down, and many turrets to be reared of three stories high, and to be joyned together with draw-Bridges to let down at pleasure, the fronts where∣of were fenced with grates of wicker; to the intent the enemy might be repulsed with double rows of defendants: of which the one from the Bridges, the more out of danger they were by reason of the height, so much the boldlier and the farther off might they send their darts; the other the nearer they were placed to their enemy upon the Rampier, so much the better should they be covered from the artillery that might fall down upon them: and over the gates he made high towers. This kind of fortification was to two good purposes: for by the greatnesse of his works and his pretence of fear, he hoped to put the barbarous Galles into a great confidence; and whensoever he should have occasion to send out farre for forrage or victuals, he saw that the camp might be defended with a small power, the strength of the fortifications was so great. In the mean while, parties on both sides would se∣verall times go out and skirmish in the marish that was between our two camps: the which of∣tentimes either the Galles and Germans that were of our host would passe, and eagerly pur∣sue their enemies; or else in like manner our enemies passing over it, did send our men far∣ther off.

It happened in our daily forraging (as there was no other shift, forasmuch as we were fain to fetch forrage at houses that stood scattering farre a sunder) that our forrages being dissevered in disadvantageous places, were entrapped. The which thing as it was some losse to us of our beasts of carriage, and slaves, so it heightened the foolish courages of the barbarous Galles: and that so much the more, because Comius of Arras (who we said before was gone to fetch aid of the Germans) was returned with some horse; of whom although there was not above the number of five hundred, yet the Galles were puffed up at the coming of the Germans.

CHAP. III.

Caesar strengthens himself with more forces. The men of Rhemes worsted by the Enemy, and they again by the Germans on Caesar's party.

WHen Caesar perceived how his ene∣mies kept themselves many dayes to∣gether within their camp, which was fortified both with a marish and also with advantage of the ground, and that he could neither assault them without manifest perill, nor inclose the place where they were with any fortifications, with∣out a greater army; he directed his letters to Tre∣bonius,

that he should with all haste possible send for the thirteenth legion which wintered amongst the Bituriges, under T. Sextius the Legate, and so with three legions make long marches to come to him. In the mean season he sent out by turns the horsemen of Rhemes and of the Lingones and other States, of whom he had called forth a great number, to safe-con∣duct the forragers, and to withstand the sud∣dain assaults of the enemy.

This being done day by day, and our men ta∣king now lesse heed, because it was an ordinary matter with them, (which thing for the most part cometh to passe by daily custome) the Bellova∣ci with a band of chosen footmen, knowing the places where our horsemen daily kept their standings, laid ambushes in woody places: and the next day they sent thither their horsemen, first to draw cut our men into the danger of their ambushments, and then to assail them as they were enclosed. The lot of this ill luck lighted upon the men of Rhemes, whose turn it was to perform the duty that day. For they, when they had espied the horsemen of their enemies upon the suddain, despising them because they werelesse in number, followed them over-gree∣dily, and were enclosed by the footmen. Where∣by being disordered, they retired more hastily then horsemen are accustomed to do in battell, with the losse of Vertisco the Prince of their State, and Captain of their horsemen. Who being scarce able to sit upon a horse by reason of his age, would notwithstanding (according to the custome of the Galles) neither seek to dis∣burden himself of the Captainship by excuse of his age, nor suffer the encounter to be fought without him. With this lucky battell, wherein they slew the Prince and Captain of the men of Rhemes, the courages of our enemies were heightened and raised: and our men were taught by their own harm, to search the places better where they should keep their standings, and to follow their enemy more advisedly when he fled. In the mean while ceased not the daily skirmishes in the sight of both our Camps, which were made at the foords and passages of the marish.

In this kind of exercise, whenas the Germans (whom Caesar had for the same purpose fetcht over the Rhene, that they should fight intermin∣gled with his horsemen in the battel,) had all boldly passed the marish, and slaying a few that made resistance, followed eagerly upon the rest of the multitude; not only they that were over∣thrown at hand or wounded aloof, but also they that were wont to succour afarre off, were so stricken with fear, that they ran away shame∣fully; and never left flying from higher ground to higher, which they oftentimes lost, before they either recovered into their Camp, or (as some did for very shame) fled farther off. With whose danger the rest of the host was so trou∣bled, that it can scarcely be judged, whether good successe (were it never so small) would make them more arrogant, or a misfortune (were it never so mean) would make them more cowed and fearfull.

CHAP. IIII.

The Galles discamp, and are pursued by Caesar. The routing of part of them, and the death of Corbeus.

AFter they had linked many dayes in the same Camp, when the Captains of the Bellovaci understood that C. Trebonius, one of Caesar's Le∣gates, was at hand with mo Legi∣ons, fearing the like siege as was at Alexia, they sent away in the night all such as by reason of yeares or otherwise wanted strength, and all such as wanted armour among them, and with them they sent away also their carriages. While they were setting forth this troubled and confu∣sed company, (for the Galles even when they go lightest, are wont to have a great multitude of Carts following them) day-light came upon them; and therefore they set their men in battel∣array in their camp, lest the Romans should pursue, before the company of their carria∣ges could get any thing forward. But Caesar thought it not good to assail them that were rea∣dy to defend themselves, having so high a hill to climb up unto them; and yet he thought to come so near them with his host, as that they might not depart out of the place where they were without danger, our men being hard at hand ready to fall upon them. Therefore whereas he perceived that the troublesome ma∣rish parted Camp from Camp, (the difficult pas∣sage whereof might hinder the speedy pursuit of our enemies) and that the same ridge of the hill which went from the farther side of the marish almost to the camp of the enemies, was parted from their said camp with a small valley: he made bridges over the marish, and passing over his army, got quickly into the plain of the said ridge, the which on two sides was fortified with a steep descent. There embattelling his men, he came to the farthest end of the ridge: and or∣dered his battels in such a place, from whence with an engine artillery might be shot amongst the thickest of the enemies.

The Galles trusting to the advantage of the place, when they would neither have refused the encounter, if perchance the Romans should have adventured up the hill against them, nor yet durst by little and little diminish their battel by severing themselves, lest when they had been out of array, they might hap to have been set up∣on,

kept themselves in order of battel. Whose wilfulnesse Caesar perceiving, kept twenty Co∣horts in a readinesse, and pitching his tents in the same place, commanded his camp should be fortified. As soon as the works were finished, he set his Legions in array before the Rampier, and appointed the horsemen to their standings with their horses ready bridled.

When the Bellovaci saw the Romans in a readinesse to pursue them, and that themselves could not without perill either lodge that night, or continue any longer in the same place where they were, they devised this shift to recover them∣selves. In the place where they were set toge∣ther, (for it is declared in Caesar's former Com∣mentaries, how the Galles are wont to sit down in the battel) they received from hand to hand one of another bundles of straw and fagots, whereof there was great store in their camp, and cast it all on a heap before their battell, and in the later end of the day, at a watch-word that was given, they set it on fire all at one instant: by means whereof the continuall flame sudden∣ly took away the sight of all their army from the Romans: and therewithall the savage Galles fled away as fast as their legs could bear them.

Albeit that Caesar could not perceive the de∣parting of his enemies, by reason of the flame that was betwixt them; yet notwithstanding, forasmuch as he suspected it to be a deceit practi∣sed by them, that they might the safelier fly away; he marched his footmen forward, and sent his ••orsemen to pursue them. Howbeit for fear of treachery in the businesse, least perhaps his ene∣mies should abide still in the same place, and on∣ly draw us forth into a ground of disadvantage, he went the slower pace. His horsemen fearing to venture into the smoke and thick flame (and if any were so resolute as to enter it, they could scarce see the fore-parts of their own horses) lest they should be intrapped, gave the Bellovaci free liberty to recover themselves whither they would. Thus our enemies by their flight, which was mixt with fear and subtilty, escaping without any losse, went but ten miles off, and encamped themselves in a very advantageous ground. From whence by laying ambushes both of horse and foot in divers places, they did the Romans great displeasure as they went a for∣raging.

After this had happened many and sundry times, Caesar learned of a captive, that Corbeus, Captain of the Bellovaci, had chosen out of his whole host, six thousand of the valiantest foot∣men, and a thousand horsemen, which he had laid in ambush in the same place whether (for the plenty of provision and corn that was there) he judged the Romans would send to for∣rage.

This being known, Caesar bringeth forth more legions then usuall, and sendeth his horse∣men before as he was wont to do, to safe-con∣duct his forragers. Among them he mingleth for their assistance many light-armed footmen, and himself with his legions followeth as near as possibly he might. The enemies that were laid in ambush, having chosen a field for their pur∣pose, not above a mile over every way, environ∣ed round about, either with cumbersome woods, or else a very deep river, beset it with their am∣bushment, as it had been with a toil.

Our men, forasmuch as they were privy to the design of their enemies beforehand, being ready both with heart and hand to fight, seeing their legions followed hard after them, would refuse no encounters but went rank by rank down in∣to the said place. At whose coming, Corbeus thinking an occasion of doing some good to be fallen into his hands, first discovereth himself with a small number, and giveth charge upon the next troups. Our men stoutly withstand the brunt, & flock not many into one place at once; which in skirmishes of horse is wont commonly to happen through fear, and their clustering to∣gether turneth to their own losse. They being thus engaged in small parties, and having a care still that their fellows should not be circumvent∣ed, the rest brake out of the woods while Cor∣beus was fighting. Then was the encounter hot and doubtfull. After it had continued indif∣ferent a good space, by little and little came their footmen in array out of the woods, which com∣pelled our horsemen to give back. But they were quickly relieved again by the light-armed footmen, which as was said were sent before our legions, who being intermixed among the horse∣men fought stoutly.

The encounter continued a good while doubt∣full. But as the course of warre requires, they that had withstood the first brunt of them that lay in ambush for them, had thus much the ad∣vantage, that they received not unawares any foil at their hands. In the mean while our legi∣ons drew nearer, and divers messengers brought word both to our men and to our enemies at one and the same time, that the Generall was at hand with his army in battel array. Which thing being known, our horsemen trusting to the help of the Cohorts, lay about them very eagerly, lest if they should have delayed the matter, they might have given the footmen part of the honour of the victory. Upon this our enemies hearts began to fail; and they sought to fly by severall wayes: but all was in vain. For by the disad∣vantage of the same places in which they would have inclosed the Romans, were they themselves taken tardy and could not get out. Notwith∣standing, being vanquished and altogether out of heart, when they had lost the greatest part of

their company, like men amazed they betook themselves to ••light; and some made toward the woods, others toward the river, where be∣ing overtaken by our men that followed eagerly after them, they were all slain. In the mean time Corbeus, whose heart could by no misfortune be daunted or overcome, never departed out of the battel, nor made toward the woods, neither could by the entreaty of our men be perswaded ••o yield himself: but fighting most valiantly, and hurting many of our men, he so farre exaspera∣ted the victours, that they could not forbear to throw their darts at him, and dispatch him.

CHAP. V.

The remainder of the Galles submit themselves to Caesar. Comius in danger to be slain by treachery.

THe matter being brought to this passe, Caesar pursuing his newly-got victory, forasmuch as he thought that his enemies being dis∣couraged with so great a misfor∣tune, would immediately upon the news there∣of, forsake the place where they were encamped, which was said to be not above eight miles from the place where the slaughter was made; al∣though he saw it would be some trouble to him to passe the river, yet passed he his army, and marched toward them. But the Bellovaci and the other States, upon the return of a few of their men, and those wounded, out of the chase, which had escaped the mischance by means of the woods, understanding by them their own great misfortune and misery by the death of Cor∣beus, the losse of their horsemen, and the ••laugh∣ter of their stoutest footmen, and mistrusting that the Romans would out of hand come upon them; immediately called an assembly by the sound of a trumpet, and cried all with one voice, to send ambassadours and hostages to Caesar.

When Comius of Arras perceived that this motion would be entertained, he fled to those Germans of whom he had borrowed assistance to the warre. The rest sent ambassadours pre∣sently unto Caesar, desiring him to content him∣self with that punishment of his enemies, which if he might have laid upon them without battel in their chief prosperity, they were well assured that of his clemency and courtesy he would not have done it. The Bellovaci said that their pow∣er was weakened by the losse of their horsemen, many thousands of their choicest footmen were cut off, scarce any escaping to bring tidings of the slaughter: yet notwithstanding their great misfortune, they had by that battel received this happinesse, that Corbeus, the authour of the warre and raiser of the multitud••, was slain. For as long as he was alive, the Senate could never bear so great sway in the city, as the rude and unskilfull commonalty.

As the ambassadours were speaking these things, Caesar put them in mind, that about the same time the last year, the Bellovaci and other States of Gallia raised warre, and that they above all others stood most stiffly in their opinion, and would not be reduced to obedience by the sub∣mission of the rest. He told them, he knew and understood it was an easie matter to lay the fault of their offence upon him that was dead. But he was sure that there was no man of so great power, that against the noblemens wills, the Se∣nate resisting him, and all good men withstand∣ing him, could with a weak handfull of the commonalty, raise a warre, and go through with it. Neverthelesse he was satisfied with the punishment which they had brought upon them∣selves.

The night following, the ambassadours re∣turned this answer to those that sent them, and forthwith they gave hostages. Then also the ambassadours of other States, which waited to see what successe the Bellovaci would have, came to Caesar, giving hostages, and performing his commands; only Comius stood off, who durst▪ not for fear trust his life into any mans hands. For the year before Titus Lab••enus perceiving how while Caesar was ministring justice in the hither Gallia, Comius stirred up the States and made confederacies against Caesar, thought he might without being accounted a faith••breaker, revenge his treacherous carriage. And thereup∣on, because be thought he would not at his sending for come into the camp, lest he should by such a message make him more cautious, he sent C. Volusenus Quadratus to murther him, under pretence of communing with him: and for the performance of the matter, he sent with him certain selected Centurions for the purpose. When they came to conference, and that Volusenus (as it was agreed upon) had caught Comius by the right hand, one of the Centurions, as if he had been moved at the strangenesse of the matter, gave Comius a shrewd blow on the head with his sword; how∣beit he could not dispatch him, because his friends stept in and saved him. By and by was draw∣ing of swords on both sides, and yet none of both parties were minded to fight, but to fly a∣way: our men, because they believed that Comius had had his deaths wound; the Galles, because perceiving the treachery, they feared there had been more behind then they saw. Upon which businesse it is reported, that Comius vowed he would never come in the fight of any Ro∣man.

CHAP. VI.

Caesar disposeth his forces into severall parts of Gallia, and himself wasteth the countrey of Am∣biorix.

WHen Caesar had subdued the Nations that were most warlike, perceiving there was now no City that prepared warre, to stand against him, but that many to eschew the present yoke of the Roman Empire, left their towns and fled out of the fields, he determined to send his army abroad into divers quarters. M. A••tonius the Quaestor with the eleventh le∣gion he took to himself. C. Fabius the Legate with twenty five cohorts he sendeth into the far∣thest part of all Gallia, because he heard say that certain States were there in arms, and that he thought C. Caninius Reb••lus the Legate had not a sufficient strength of those two legions that were with him already. T. Labienus he called unto him from the place where he was: and the twelfth legion which wintered under him, he sent into Gallia Togatu, to defend the towns that the Romans had there peopled with their own Citizens, lest any such harm should happen to them by invasion of the barbarous people, as had happened the summer before to the Tergestini, who were surprised and spoiled of their goods by their suddain in∣vasions.

He himself set forward to waste and spoil the borders of Ambi••rix; who flying before him for fear from place to place, when he saw there was no hope to get him into his hands, he thought it was most for his honour, so to de∣spoil his countrey of people, buildings and cattel, that his countreymen might so hate him (if for∣tune reserved any countreymen for him) that for the calamities he had brought upon his countrey, he might never have accesse thither again.

After he had sent abroad his host into all parts of Ambior••x his countrey, and wasted all places with slaughter, bu••ning and rapi••e; ha∣ving slain and taken prisoners a great number of men, he sent Labienus with two legions a∣mong the Tr••viri: whose countrey, by reason of the nearnesse thereof unto Germany▪ being daily inured to the warres, is not much unlike to the Germans in rudenesse and savagenesse of life; neither did they obey the command∣ments of Caesar at any time longer then we had an army in their countrey to compell them.

CHAP. VII.

A new wa•• raised in the territories of the Pictones. C. Fabius putteth to flight the forces of Dumnacus: subdueth the Carnutes and Are••orici.

IN the mean season C. Caninius the Legate, understanding by the mes∣sengers and letters of Duracius, (who had continued alwayes firm to the friendship of the people of Rome,) that a great number of enemies were as∣sembled in the borders of the Pictones; foras∣much as a part of that City had renounced their obedience, went to the town of Lemovicum. When he came near the town, and understood by his prisoners, ••ow that Dumnacus Captain of the Andes; with many thousands of men had enclosed Duracius▪ and that Lemovicum was besieged; he durst not with his weak legions ad∣venture upon his enemies, but pitched his Camp in an advantageous ground. Dumnacus hearing of the approach of Caninius, turned all his power against the Roman legions, determi∣ning to set upon them in their Camp. After he had spent many dayes in the assault, and had lost many of his men, and yet could not break down any part of their fortifications, he returned a∣gain to besiege Le••ovicum.

At the same time, C. Fabius receiveth many Cities by composition, and assureth them with hostages; and is advertised by Caninius letters, of those things that were done among the Pi∣ctones. Upon the knowledge whereof, he setteth forth to rescue Duracius.

But Dumnacus understanding of Fabius co∣ming▪ forasmuch as he thought he should hazard the losing all▪ if at once he should be compelled both to abide the Romans his enemies without, and also to have an eye to and stand in fear of the town▪ retired suddenly with all his forces from the place, and could not think himself to be sufficiently in safety, before he had passed his army over the river Loire, which by reason of the greatnesse thereof, was to be passed by a bridge, and not otherwise.

Although Fabius was not yet come within fight of his enemies, not had joyned with Cani∣nius, yet forasmuch as he was throughly infor∣med by such as knew the coast of the countrey, he suspected that his enemies would take that way which they did. Therefore he marcheth with his army to the said bridge where his ene∣mies had passed, and commanded his horsemen to go no farther before the footmen, then that they might upon occasion re••i••e into the same Camp without tiring their horses. Our horse, a•• was commanded them, overtook the host of

Dumnacus and set upon them; and assaulting them flying and amazed, as they marched with their luggage at their backs, slew a great number and took a great prey: and so with good successe retired into their camp.

The night following Fabius sent his horse∣men before, so provided, that they might en∣counter the enemy, and stay all the whole army untill he should overtake them. Q. Atius Va∣rus the commander of the horse, a man of sin∣lar courage and wisdome, having encouraged his men and overtaken the body of his enemies, disposed certain of his troups in places conve∣nient, and with the rest of his horsemen gave charge upon his enemies. The cavalry of the enemy fought so much the more boldly, because their foot were ready to assist them, who being mingled through the whole army, as often as occasion was, did succour them against our men. The encounter was very sharp. For our men despising them whom they had vanquished the day before, and remembring that the legions followed at their heels, ashamed to give ground, and desirous to get the day before their coming, fought very valiantly against the footmen. On the other side, our enemies believing that no greater forces of ours were behind, according as they had seen the day before, thought a fair opportunity offered them to destroy our caval∣ry utterly.

When they had fought a good while very ea∣gerly, Dumnacus made a battel to relieve his Cavalry, when occasion should be. But on the suddain our enemies espied our legions coming up close together: at the sight of whom their horse were stricken into such a fear, and the foot so amazed, that breaking through their carria∣ges, with great clamour and confusion they be∣took themselves every where to flight. Then our Cavalry, who a little before had their hands full, being heartened with joy of the victory, raised a great shout on all sides, and casting themselves amongst them as they fled, made slaughter of them as farre as their horses breaths would serve to pursue them, and their arms were able to strike them. Insomuch that having slain above twelve thousand men, armed, and such as for fear had cast away their arms, they took all their carriages, none escaping.

Out of the which chase forasmuch as it was certainly known, that Drapes the Senon was escaped (who when Gallia first began to rebel, gathering to him men of desperate fortunes out of all places, setting bondmen at liberty, enter∣taining outlawes of all countries, and receiving high-way thieves, had cut off the carriages and victuals of the Romans) was going toward the Province with five thousand men at the most, which he had rallied after the chase; and that Luterius of Cahors joyned himself with him, who in the former Commentary is said to have attempted an invasion of the Province at the first insurrection of Gallia; Caninius the Le∣gate with two legions pursued after them, lest some great dishonour might be received by those loose fellows terrifying and harrasing the Province.

C. Fabius with the rest of the army went a∣gainst the Carnutes and the other States, whose power he knew to be crushed in the battel that was fought against Dumnacus. For he doubted not, but he should find them more tra∣ctable to deal with, by reason of the late over∣throw: whereas if he should give them time of respite, by the instigation of the said Dumnacus, they might be raised again. Fabius with mar∣vellous good luck and speed brought those States to submission. For the Carnutes, who had been oftentimes before ill-handled by us, yet would never listen to peace, now gave hostages, and came into subjection. And the rest of the States situate in the farthest parts of Gallia, bordering upon the sea, which are called Ar∣moricae, following the example of the Carnu∣tes, at the coming of Fabius with his legions a∣mongst them, performed his commandments without delay.

Dumnacus thus driven out of his own coun∣trey, wandring and lurking in corners alone, was compelled to betake himself to the uttermost countreys of all Gallia.

CHAP. VIII.

Drapes and Luterius seize upon Vxellodunum. Ca∣ninius pursueth them, overthroweth their forces, taketh Drapes prisoner, and with Fabius besiegeth Ʋxello∣dunum.

BUt Drapes and Luterius, when they understood that Caninius ap∣proached with his army, perceiving they could not without manifest pe∣rill enter the bounds of the Pro∣vince, considering how the army pursued them, nor yet range abroad on thieving at their plea∣sure, stayed together in the countrey of the Ca∣durci. There Luterius (who in times past while he was in prosperity, was able to sway greatly with his countreymen, and had gotten great estimation among the rude people, as one that was ever a beginner of new designes) took with his own and Drapes his forces, a town cal∣led Uxellodunum, which had been formerly in his tuition, a place excellently well fortified by the naturall situation thereof, and caused the townsmen to joyn with him.

To this town Caninius forthwith came; and perceiving that all parts of the same were forti∣fied

with craggy cliffes, insomuch that though no man were there to defend it, yet were it a ha••d matter for men in their armour to get up; knowing also that the moveables of the towns∣men were great, which if they should go a∣bout to carry privily away, they could not escape either our horsemen or footmen: he divided his Cohorts into three parts, and made three Camps upon a very high ground; from which by de∣grees, as his army was able, he determined to draw a Rampier and trench round about the town.

The townsmen perceiving that, and remem∣bring the miserable condition of Alexia, feared the like siege. Luterius especially, who had ta∣sted the smart of that misfortune, advised them to lay for corn beforehand: whereupon they determined by generall consent, that leaving a part of the army for the defence of the town, Luterius and Drapes with the best-provided, should go forth to fetch in corn. This coun∣sell being approved of, the next night Drapes and Luterius, leaving two thousand armed men behind them, drew the rest out of the town. After a few dayes being abroad, they brought in a great quantity of grain out of the countrey of the Cadurci, who partly were willing to help them therewith, and partly durst not withstand their taking it, as not being able to make their part good against them. Oftentimes also they would fly out in the night, and assault the ca∣stles of our camp. Upon which consideration C. Caninius stayed the making of fortifications round about the town, lest he should not be able to defend the circumvallation when it was fi∣nished, or else should be forced to set but weak watches in so many places at once.

When they had gotten together a great quan∣tity of grain, Drapes and Luterius took up their standings not above ten miles from the town, the better at times to convey it in; and they parted the charge between them. Drapes tarried behind with part of the army to keep the Camp: Luterius drave the beasts with their carriages toward the town: and setting guards there for his defence, about ten of the clock in the night purposed by narrow wayes through the woods, to convey the corn into the town. The watchmen of our Camp hearing the noise of their feet, and the scouts which were sent out re∣porting what was a doing, Caninius caused his Cohorts to arm themselves quickly, and about break of day made attempt out of the next ca∣stles upon the forragers. Who being frighted with the suddennesse of the mischief, fled to their guards. Which as soon as our men perceived▪ they flew more fiercely upon them, and suffered none to be taken alive. Luterius fled from thence with a few, but returned not to his Camp.

After this good successe, Caninius under∣stood by his prisoners, that part of the army was behind in the Camp with Drapes, not above twelve miles off. Which when he had learned by many to be truth, believing that one of the Generals already put to flight, the remnant of the army being terrified, might easily be over∣thrown; he thought it a great piece of happi∣nesse, that none escaped from the slaughter into the Camp, to carry tidings of the mishap to Drapes. And forasmuch as he saw there was no danger in putting the matter to triall, he sent all his horsemen and the German footmen, swift and nimble fellows, before, to the Camp of his enemies. One of his legions he left in his Camp, and the other eased of all carriages, he took with him.

When he came near his enemies, his scouts that he had sent before, brought word that (as the cu∣stome of the barbarous nations commonly is) they had abandoned the higher ground, & encamped themselves by the River side; & that our horse and the Germans had flown upon them suddenly ere they were aware, and charged them. Upon the receit of this news, he hasted forward with his legion well armed and well appointed: and so the sign being given suddenly on all sides, the higher places were taken by our men. At the doing whereof, the Germans and our Cavalry seeing the Ensigns of our Legion, fought very stoutly: and by and by all our Cohorts charged upon them round; so that in the conclusion, they were all either slain, or prisoners, and a great booty taken. Drapes himself was also taken in the same conflict.

Caninius having done his work successfully▪ without almost any hurt at all to his souldiers▪ returned to besiege the town: and having now destroyed his enemy without, for fear of whom he could not before divide his garrisons, nor en∣viron the town with fortifications; he comman∣deth the works to be carried on round about the town. The next day came thither C. Fabius with his forces, and took another part of the town to besiege.

CHAP. IX.

Caesar having punished Guturvatus for the revolt of the Carnutes, joyneth with Caninius and Fabius before Ʋxellodunum. Upon his depriving them of water the town yieldeth. Caesar cutteth off their right hands.

IN the mean time, Caesar left M. An∣tonius the Quaestor with fifteen Cohorts among the Bellovaci, to prevent any new confederacies a∣mong them for the future: and he himself visited the other States, charging them

with mo hostages, and with comfortable words raising the fearfull hearts of them all.

When he came amongst the Carnutes, in whose countrey (as Caesar hath declared in his former Commentary) the warre first of all began, inasmuch as he perceived them to be chief∣ly afraid, as being conscious to themselves of their fault, to the intent he might the more speedily deliver the rest of the State from fear, he de∣manded Guturvatus, the ring-leader of that mischief, and raiser of the rebellion, to be deli∣vered unto him to be punished: who albeit he trusted not himself with his own countrey∣men, yet all men made so diligent search for him, that he was soon found out and brought to the Camp. Caesar, contrary to his own nature, was compelled to punish him whether he would or no, by the importunity of his souldiers, who imputed all the dangers and losses that they had sustained by this warre, unto Guturvatus: in∣somuch that his body after it was in a manner whipped to death, was beheaded.

While Caesar ••arried here, he was advertised by severall letters from Caninius, what was done to Drapes and Luterius, and how the townsmen persevered in their resolution: the small number of whom although he despised, yet he deemed their wilfulnesse worthy of severe punishment; lest they might give occasion to all Gallia, to think that they wanted not strength, but constancy and resolution to with∣stand the Romans; or le•••• by their example, o∣ther cities of Gallia trusting to the advantage and strength of places, should attempt to reco∣ver their liberty: especially seeing he was sure that all the Galles knew his commission lasted but one summer longer, which if they could hold out, they should need to fear no danger after. And therefore leaving Q. Calenus the Legate behind with two legions to follow leasurely af∣ter him by easy marches, he himself with all his Cavalry made haste to Caninius.

When Caesar, contrary to all mens expecta∣tion, was come to Uxellodunum, and saw the town environed with fortifications, perceiving that it was not for him to break up his siege on any condition, and learning moreover by run∣awayes that the town had great abundance of victuals: he assaied to cut of the water from his enemies.

There was a river that ran through the bottom of the valley, which environed well-near all the hill whereon the town stood, from whence the descent was rough and steep on all sides. The nature of the place would not suffer this stream to be turned any other way. For it ran in such sort at the very foot of the hill, that there could be no ditch cut low enough to drain it. The townsmen had hard and very steep coming down to it, insomuch that if our men withstood them, they could not without wounds or danger of their lives, either come down to the river, or get up the steep hill again. Which distresse of theirs Caesar well knowing, placed archers and slingers, and other artillery also, against such places where the easiest coming down was, to keep the townsmen from the water of the river: who afterward came for water all to one place. For under the very walles of the town there gushed out a great spring of water, on that side where there was a space almost of three hundred foot not encompassed with the river.

Now whilst all the rest wished, and only Cae∣sar perceived, that this spring might be taken from the town, though not, without great da∣mage; he began to raise Vines directly against it toward the hill, and to make mounts, with great labour and continuall fighting. For the towns∣men came running down from the higher ground, and fought with our men at a distance without danger, wounding many of them that pressed up too forwardly. Notwithstanding our men were nothing deterred from bringing forward their Vines, endeavouring to overcome the crabbednesse of the place, with their labour and works. At the same time they drew privy mines to the head of the spring, which kind of work they might do without any danger or mistrust of their enemies. A mount was cast up six foot high, and thereupon was raised a tower of ten stories; not such a one as might equall the height of the walles, (for that was not possible to be done any way) but such a one as might exceed the top of the spring. From which conveying darts with engines to the brim of the spring, so that the townsmen could not fetch water without danger, not only all sorts of cattel, but also a great number of men died for thirst.

The townsmen greatly astonished hereat, fil∣led barrels with grease, pitch, and shingles, and setting them on fire rolled them down upon our works, and at the same time also fought very desperately, with the perill of fighting to keep the Romans from quenching the fire. Suddenly there was a great flame in our works. For whatsoever was thrown down from that steep place, the same staying against the Vines and rampier, took hold upon the things that stayed them. On the other side, our Souldiers, albeit they were hindred both with the dangerousnesse of the encounter, and with the disadvantage of the place, yet they bare out all things with a stout courage. For the thing was done both in an eminent place, and also in the sight of our army: and a great cry was raised on both sides. So that every man as farre as he could, especially the most daring, (to the intent his valour might the better be known and testified) ventured him∣self upon the fire, & the weapons of his enemies.

Caesar when he saw many of his men wound∣ed, commanded his Cohorts to climbe up the hill on all sides of the town, and to raise a shout as if they purposed to scale the walles. Where∣with the townsmen being frighted, forasmuch as they knew not what was doing in other pla∣ces, called back their men from assaulting our works, and placed them upon the walls. So our men having respite from fighting, did quick∣ly either quench the works that were on fire, or else cut them off from the rest.

The townsmen stubbornly standing out, though they had lost a great part of their men by thirst, and continuing still unanimously re∣solved, at length the veins of the spring were cut off within the ground by mines, and turned another way: by means whereof the fountain of running water was presently dried up. Which so daunted the hearts of the defendants, who believed it could not be done by the wit of man, but came to passe by the will of the gods; that when they saw there was no other remedy, they yielded themselves.

Caesar being assured that his clemency was sufficiently known to all people, and therefore he needed not to fear that it would be imputed to the cruelty of his nature, if he dealt something harshly with them; and besides that, consider∣ing with himself, that it might well be thought he little regarded the good successe of his coun∣sells and undertakings, if by suffering such things unpunished, others should be encouraged to re∣bell in divers places: he thought it requisite to hold the rest in aw by the punishment of these. And therefore he cut off the hands of as many of them as were able to bear arms, and let them live still, that the punishment of such wicked men might be more manifest to the world.

CHAP. X.

Drapes dieth, Luterius brought to Caesar. Labienus good successe against the Treviri. Caesar after his expedition into Aquitania, putteth his army into winter-quarters.

DRapes, whom I declared to have been taken by Caninius, whether it were for vexation and grief that he was in bands, or for fear of more heavy punishment, fasted a few dayes from meat, and so starved.

At the same time Luterius, that escaped by flight from the battel (as I shewed before) fell into the hands of Epasnactus the Arvernian. For in often shifting from place to place, he was fain to venture himself upon the courtesy and civility of many, because he thought he could ne∣ver continue any long time in one place without danger, his heart misgiving him how much he had deserved to have Caesar his enemy. Epasnactus the Arvernian being a faithfull friend to the people of Rome, as soon as he had gotten him into his hands, brought him without further de∣lay bound unto Caesar.

In the mean time Labienus warreth prospe∣rously against the Treviri: and having slain many both of the Treviri and also of the Ger∣mans, who were ready to assist any man against the Romans, got the chief of them alive into his hands; among whom was Surus the Heduan, a man of great valour and noble birth, who a∣lone of the Heduans had unto that day conti∣nued in arms against the people of Rome.

Caesar knowing thereof, and forasmuch as he saw his affairs went well forward in all parts of Gallia, weighing with himself how all Celti∣ca and Belgica were the former Summers con∣quered and subdued, and that he had never all this while visited Aquitania, only he had made a kind of entrance into it by certain victories got∣ten by P. Crassus: he marched thither with two legions, with intent to bestow the later part of the summer there. Which thing (as he had done all others before) he dispatched quickly and luckily. For all the States of Aquitania sent ambassadours unto him, and gave him hostages.

After the accomplishment of these things, he went to Narbone with his guard of horsemen, and sent his foot into their wintering-places by his Legates. Four legions he placed in Belgium under M. Antonius, C. Trebonius, P. Vati∣nius, and Q. Tullius, Legates. Two he quar∣tered amongst the Heduans, whom he knew to be of greatest authority in all Gallia. Two more he placed amongst the Treviri, in the borders of the Carnutes, to be a stay to all the countrey that lay upon the sea-coast. The other two he placed in the borders of the Lemovici, not farre from the Arverni: that so there might not be any part of Gallia without an army.

After he had tarried a few dayes in the Pro∣vince, and there speedily taken cognizance of all their courts, sitting upon publick controver∣sies, and rewarded such as had deserved well, (for he had a great desire to understand how e∣very man had carried himself towards the com∣monweal during the generall rebellion of all Gallia, which he had born out through the faith∣fulnesse & assistance of the said Province) as soon as he had dispatched these things, he returned to his legions into Belgium, and wintered at Neme∣tocenna.

CHAP. XI.

Comius of Arras overthrown in a battel of hrose by C. Volusenus, submitteth to M. Antonius, and recei∣veth pardon.

WHile he was there, he understood that Comius of Arras had encountred with his Cavalry. For Antonius being come into his winter-quar∣ters, and the city of Arras con∣continuing

firmly loyall, Comius, who after his wound that we spake of before, was wont still to be ready at hand to his countreymen at every stirre, to the intent that if they would begin any new rising, they should not want a head and a captain for the war; as long as the city conti∣nued obedient to the Romans, he with his horse∣men maintained himself and his followers by thieving, for laying the wayes, he cut off many convoyes that were going with provision to the Roman garrisons. C. Volusenus Quadratus, the generall of the horse, was appointed to win∣ter in the same place with Antonius: him did Antonius send to pursue the horse of his enemies. Volusenus, beside the singular valour that was in him, did also bear a great hatred toward Co∣mius, and for that cause was the more willing to execute the thing that was commanded him. Wherefore placing divers ambushes, he often∣times set upon Comius horsemen, and put them to the worse.

At last, when the contention grew more ve∣hement, and that Volusenus, desirous to cut off Comius himself, followed him somewhat more eagerly with a small party, and Comius on the other side fled the faster away, thereby to draw him farther from his company; at length espying his advantage, Comius suddenly cried out to all his men, that as they were true unto him they should stand to him, and not suffer the wound that was given him basely under colour of friend∣ship, to be unrevenged: and therewithall turn∣ing his horse, he runneth from the rest of his company upon Volusenus. All his horse fol∣lowed, and because there were but a few of our men, they made them retreat, and pursued them. Comius putting spurres to his horse, encountred the horse of Quadratus, & with his spear thrust Volusenus by great violence through the thigh.

When our horse saw that their Captain was wounded, they bestirred themselves, and turning again upon the enemy, put them back. Many of the enemies by the violent charge of our men were beaten off and wounded: of whom some were overthrown in the chase, and some were taken prisoners. As Comius escaped any farther mishap by the swiftnesse of his horse: so our Ge∣nerall being by him in this battel sore wound∣ed, was carried into the Camp in such a case, that it was not likely he should have lived. And Comius, whether it were that he thought himself sufficiently revenged, or because he had lost a great part of his men, sent messengers to Anto∣nius, giving hostages, and assuring him that he would continue where it should please him to appoint, and do whatsoever he should command him. Only one request he made, wherein he be∣sought him to bear with his fearfulnesse, that he might not be forced to come in the sight of any Roman. Which request Antonius judging to proceed out of a reall fear, and not without good cause, he pardoned him according to his desire, and received his hostages.

CHAP. XII.

While Caesar is busie in quieting and ordering ••hings in Gallia, and visiting some municipall towns in Italy, his enemies conspire against him at Rome.

DUring the time that Caesar wintered ••in Belgium, his chief purpose was, to keep the States in amity, and to take away all hope and occasion of warre: for he intended nothing lesse, then the carriage of his businesse so, as he should be constrained to have warre at the time of his departure: lest when he should with∣draw his army, he should leave any troubles be∣hind, which all Gallia could willingly engage in, so that it might be without present danger. And therefore by entreating the cities honou∣rably, by rewarding the noblemen highly, by burdening the countrey with no new impositi∣ons, he easily kept all Gallia, which now was tired out with so many unfortunate battels, in quiet and obedience.

Winter being over, Caesar, contrary to his cu∣stome, hasteth into Italy with as much expediti∣on as might be, to treat with the municipall towns and colonies, and to commend unto them the suit of his Quaestor M. Antonius for the Priesthood. For he made all the friends for him he could, both because the same Antonius was his very dear friend, whom he had sent before to sue for that promotion, as also to oppose the fa∣ctions and unreasonable proceedings of a few men, who by putting Antonius beside his pur∣pose, sought to disparage Caesar now going out of his command.

Albeit he had tidings by the way before he came near Italy, that Antony was made Augur, yet he thought he had as good reason as before, to visit the municipall towns and colonies, both to give them thanks for appearing in the busi∣nesse, and for their civility shewed in the behalf of Antony; as also to commend unto them his own case, touching the honour which he purpo∣sed to sue for the next year: and that the rather, because his adversaries proudly made their brag, that L. Lentulus and C. Marcellus were crea∣ted Consuls, to deprive Caesar of all honour and authority; and that the Consulship was wrested from Sergius Galba, though he had more voi∣ces on his side, because he was a familiar friend of Caesars, and had been engaged unto him as his Legate.

Caesar at his coming among the municipall towns, was entertained with extraordinary affe∣ction and respect: that being his first coming from the warres in Gallia. Nothing was omit∣ted

that could be devised for the decking and a∣dorning of their gates, wayes, and places where Caesar should passe. All the people came forth with their children to meet him by the way; sa∣crifices were every where offered; the temples and market-places were hanged with clothes of tapestrie: so that a man would have thought by the expressions of joy, there had been some great triumph expected and provided for. So great cost∣linesse was among the richer sort, and such hear∣ty expression among the meaner sort.

When Caesar had lightly passed through all the countreys of Gallia Togata, he returned with all speed to his army at Nemetocenna, and cal∣ling all his legions out of their winter-quarters into the countrey of the Treviri, he went thi∣ther, and there mustered them. T. Labienus he made governour of Gallia Togata, thereby to get himself the more favour and furtherance in his suit for the Consulship. He himself removed from one place to another, according as he found it necessary for health. And albeit he heard oftentimes that Labienus was solicited strongly by his enemies, and was also advertised how it was carried on by a small faction at Rome, to take away part of his army from him by a decree of the Senate: yet notwithstanding he neither gave credit to any thing that was reported of Labienus, nor would be drawn to do any thing contrary to the authority of the Senate. For he believed that if the Senatours might give their voices freely, he should easily obtain his pur∣pose.

For C. Curio Tribune of the people, who had taken upon him the defence of Caesar's cause and dignity, had oftentimes propounded to the Senate, that if the fear of Caesar's army preju∣diced any man, and seeing that the authority and power of Pompey did not a little keep the Courts in aw; that both of them might lay down their arms and dismisse their armies: and so should the City be at liberty to use her own right as she pleased. This he not only propounded, but began to divide the Senat about it: which the Consuls and the friends of Pompey commanded should not be done: and so ruling the matter as they listed, they departed. This was a great te∣stimony of the whole Senate, and agreeable to their former act.

For Marcellus the year before, opposing Cae∣sar's dignity, contrary to the law of Pompey and Crassus, and having put up a bill to the Senate for the discharge of Caesar before the time of his commission was expired; when they had gi∣ven their voices, Marcellus, who sought all his honour by working spight against Caesar, departed aside, and the Senate fell all of them quite upon other matters.

This did not at all daunt the spirits of Cae∣sar's enemies, but rather stirred them up to strengthen their party, and thereby to compell the Senate to approve of that which they had determined. Hereupon a decree was made, that Cneius Pompeius should send one legion, and Caesar another, to the warre against the Par∣thians. But it was easily discerned that both these legions were taken from Caesar. For the first legion, which Cneius Pompeius had sent unto Caesar levied in the Province, he gave un∣to Caesar as one of his own number. Neverthe∣lesse, albeit that no man need doubt but that Cae∣sar was spoiled at the pleasure of his enemies, yet he sent Pompey his legion again: and of his own forces, he ordered the fifteenth legion which he had in the hither Gallia, to be delivered to him according to the decree of the Senate. In the room whereof he sent the thirteenth legion into Italy, to ly in garrison in the same place from whence the fifteenth was drawn.

Then he distributed his army into winter-quarters. C. Trebonius with four legions he placed in Belgium: C. Fabius with as many amongst the Hedui. For this he thought would be the best way to keep Gallia in most safety and quiet, if the Belgae, who were the most va∣lourous, and the Hedui, who were of most au∣thority, had forces quartered among them to keep them in obedience. This done, he took his journey into Italy.

When he came thither, he understood that the two legions which he had dismissed, which by the decree of the Senate should have been em∣ployed in the Parthian warre, were by C. Mar∣cellus the Consul delivered to Pompey, and kept still in Italy. Although by this dealing it was evident to all the world, what was intended a∣gainst Caesar, yet Caesar determined to take all things patiently, as long as he had any hope left to decide the controversy rather by the law then by the sword.