28.
This battle being ended, and the nation and name of the Nervii being
almost reduced to annihilation, their old men, whom together with the boys and
women we have stated to have been collected together in the fenny places and
marshes, on this battle having been reported to them, since they were convinced
that nothing was an obstacle to the conquerors, and nothing safe to the
conquered, sent embassadors to Caesar by the consent of
all who remained, and surrendered themselves to him; and in recounting the
calamity of their state, said that their senators were reduced from 600 to
three; that from 60,000 men they [were reduced] to scarcely 500 who could bear
arms; whom Caesar, that he might appear to use
compassion toward the wretched and the suppliant, most carefully spared; and
ordered them to enjoy their own territories and towns, and commanded their
neighbors that they should restrain themselves and their dependents from
offering injury or outrage [to them].
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