67.
This proposal receiving general approbation, and all being forced to take the
oath, on the next day the cavalry were divided into three parts, and two of
these divisions made a demonstration on our two flanks; while one in front began
to obstruct our march. On this circumstance being announced, Caesar orders his cavalry also to form three divisions and charge
the enemy. Then the action commences simultaneously in every part: the main body
halts; the baggage is received within the ranks of the legions. If our men
seemed to be distressed, or hard pressed in any quarter, Caesar usually ordered the troops to advance, and the army to wheel
round in that quarter; which conduct retarded the enemy in the pursuit, and
encouraged our men by the hope of support. At length the Germans, on the right wing, having gained the top of the hill,
dislodge the enemy from their position and pursue them even as far as the river
at which Vercingetorix with the infantry was stationed, and slay
several of them. The rest, on observing this action, fearing lest they should be
surrounded, betake themselves to flight. A slaughter ensues in every direction,
and three of the noblest of the Aedui are taken and brought to
Caesar: Cotus, the commander of the
cavalry, who had been engaged in the contest with Convictolitanis
the last election, Cavarillus, who had held the command of the
infantry after the revolt of Litavicus, and
Eporedirix, under whose command the Aedui had engaged
in war against the Sequani, before the arrival of Caesar.
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