English Translation-Penguin Classics
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English Translation
(Penguin Classics) 66. During all this time the Gauls were concentrating the troops which had been operating in the country of the Averni and the cavalry levied from all over Gaul. A large number of cavalry had now been assembled; while Caesar was marching through the south-eastern part of the Lingones' territory into that of the Sequani, so as to be in a better position for reinforcing the Provincial troops, Vercingetorix established himself in three camps about ten miles from the Romans, summoned his cavalry officers to a council, and addressed them. 'The hour of victory,' he said, 'has come. The Romans are fleeing to the Province and abandoning Gaul. But although this will assure our liberty for the moment, for future peace and security we need more than that; otherwise they will return in increased force and continue the war indefinitely. So let us attack them on the march while they are encumbered with their baggage. If the whole column of infantry halts to come to the rescue, they cannot continue their march; if--which I feel sure is more likely--they abandon the baggage and try to save their own skins, they will be stripped of the supplies without which they cannot live, and will dare even to stir outside the column; you ought to know that as well as I do. To encourage your men I will draw up all my troops in front of the camps and overawe the enemy.' The cavalry men cried that they should all swear a solemn oath not to allow any man who had not ridden twice through the enemy's column to enter his home again or to see his wife, children, or parents. 67. This proposal was approved and every man was duly sworn. Next day their cavalry was divided into three sections, two of which made a demonstration on either flank of the Roman column while the third barred the way of the vanguard. Caesar also divided his cavalry into three sections and ordered them to advance against the enemy. Simultaneous engagements took place all along the column, which halted and formed a hollow square with the baggage inside. If Caesar saw the cavalry in difficulties anywhere or especially hard pressed, he moved up some of the infantry and formed line of battle, which hindered the enemy's pursuit and encouraged the cavalry by assurance of support. At length the German horse gained the top of some rising ground on
the right, dislodged some of the enemy, and chased them with heavy loss to a river where Vercingetorix's infantry was posted. At this the rest of his cavalry fled, afraid of being surrounded, and were cut down in numbers all over the field. Three Aeduans of the highest rank were brought to Caesar as prisoners: the cavalry commander Cotus, who had been Convictolitavis' rival at the recent election; Cavarillus, who after Litaviccus deserted the Roman cause had been placed in command of the Aeduan infantry; and Eporedorix, leader of the Aedui in their war with the Sequani before Caesar's arrival in Gaul [70-65 BCE].
(Penguin Classics) 66. During all this time the Gauls were concentrating the troops which had been operating in the country of the Averni and the cavalry levied from all over Gaul. A large number of cavalry had now been assembled; while Caesar was marching through the south-eastern part of the Lingones' territory into that of the Sequani, so as to be in a better position for reinforcing the Provincial troops, Vercingetorix established himself in three camps about ten miles from the Romans, summoned his cavalry officers to a council, and addressed them. 'The hour of victory,' he said, 'has come. The Romans are fleeing to the Province and abandoning Gaul. But although this will assure our liberty for the moment, for future peace and security we need more than that; otherwise they will return in increased force and continue the war indefinitely. So let us attack them on the march while they are encumbered with their baggage. If the whole column of infantry halts to come to the rescue, they cannot continue their march; if--which I feel sure is more likely--they abandon the baggage and try to save their own skins, they will be stripped of the supplies without which they cannot live, and will dare even to stir outside the column; you ought to know that as well as I do. To encourage your men I will draw up all my troops in front of the camps and overawe the enemy.' The cavalry men cried that they should all swear a solemn oath not to allow any man who had not ridden twice through the enemy's column to enter his home again or to see his wife, children, or parents. 67. This proposal was approved and every man was duly sworn. Next day their cavalry was divided into three sections, two of which made a demonstration on either flank of the Roman column while the third barred the way of the vanguard. Caesar also divided his cavalry into three sections and ordered them to advance against the enemy. Simultaneous engagements took place all along the column, which halted and formed a hollow square with the baggage inside. If Caesar saw the cavalry in difficulties anywhere or especially hard pressed, he moved up some of the infantry and formed line of battle, which hindered the enemy's pursuit and encouraged the cavalry by assurance of support. At length the German horse gained the top of some rising ground on
the right, dislodged some of the enemy, and chased them with heavy loss to a river where Vercingetorix's infantry was posted. At this the rest of his cavalry fled, afraid of being surrounded, and were cut down in numbers all over the field. Three Aeduans of the highest rank were brought to Caesar as prisoners: the cavalry commander Cotus, who had been Convictolitavis' rival at the recent election; Cavarillus, who after Litaviccus deserted the Roman cause had been placed in command of the Aeduan infantry; and Eporedorix, leader of the Aedui in their war with the Sequani before Caesar's arrival in Gaul [70-65 BCE].
