8.
When Caesar was convinced of the truth of this account
from the concurring testimony of several persons, and perceived that the plans
which were proposed were full of prudence, and very unlike the rash resolves of
a barbarous people, he considered it incumbent on him to use every exertion, in
order that the enemy might despise his small force and come to an action. For he
had three veteran legions of distinguished valor, the seventh, eighth and ninth.
The eleventh consisted of chosen youth of great hopes, who had served eight
campaigns, but who, compared with the others, had not yet acquired any great
reputation for experience and valor. Calling therefore a council, and laying
before it the intelligence which he had received, he encouraged his soldiers. In
order if possible to entice the enemy to an engagement by the appearance of only
three legions, he ranged his army in the following manner, that the seventh,
eighth, and ninth legions should march before all the baggage; that then the
eleventh should bring up the rear of the whole train of baggage (which however
was but small, as is usual on such expeditions), so that the enemy could not get
a sight of a greater number than they themselves were willing to encounter. By
this disposition he formed his army almost into a square, and brought them
within sight of the enemy sooner than was anticipated.
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