31.
They rise from the council, detain both, and entreat, that "they do not bring the
matter into the greatest jeopardy by their dissension and obstinacy; the affair
was an easy one, if only they all thought and approved of the same thing,
whether they remain or depart; on the other hand, they saw no security in
dissension." The matter is prolonged by debate till midnight. At last Cotta, being overruled, yields his assent; the opinion of
Sabinus prevails. It is proclaimed that they will
march at day-break; the remainder of the night is spent without sleep, since
every soldier was inspecting his property, [to see] what he could carry with
him, and what, out of the appurtenances of the winter-quarters, he would be
compelled to leave; every reason is suggested to show why they could not stay
without danger, and how that danger would be increased by the fatigue of the
soldiers and their want of sleep. At break of day they quit the camp, in a very
extended line and with a very large amount of baggage, in such a manner as men
who were convinced that the advice was given by Ambiorix, not as an
enemy, but as most friendly [toward them].
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