8.
Scarcely had the rear advanced beyond the fortifications when the Gauls, encouraging one another "not to cast from their
hands the anticipated booty, that it was a tedious thing, while the Romans were panic-stricken, to be waiting for the aid
of the Germans, and that their dignity did not suffer
them to fear to attack with such great forces so small a band, particularly when
retreating and encumbered," do not hesitate to cross the river and give battle
in a disadvantageous position. Labienus suspecting that
these things would happen, was proceeding quietly, and using the same pretense
of a march, in order that he might entice them across the river. Then, having
sent forward the baggage some short distance and placed it on a certain
eminence, he says, "Soldiers, you have the opportunity you have sought: you hold
the enemy in an encumbered and disadvantageous position: display to us, your
leaders, the same valor you have ofttimes displayed to your general: imagine
that he is present and actually sees these exploits." At the same time he orders
the troops to face about toward the enemy and form in line of battle, and,
dispatching a few troops of cavalry as a guard for the baggage, he places the
rest of the horse on the wings. Our men, raising a shout, quickly throw their
javelins at the enemy. They, when, contrary to their expectation, they saw those
whom they believed to be retreating, advance toward them with threatening
banners, were not able to sustain even the charge, and, being put to flight at
the first onslaught, sought the nearest woods; Labienus
pursuing them with the cavalry, upon a large number being slain, and several
taken prisoners, got possession of the state a few days after; for the Germans, who were coming to the aid of the Treviri , having been informed of their flight, retreated to their
homes. The relations of Indutiomarus, who had been the promoters of
the revolt, accompanying them, quitted their own state with them. The supreme
power and government were delivered to Cingetorix, whom we have
stated to have remained firm in his allegiance from the commencement.
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