29.
Caesar, after he discovered through the
Ubian scouts that the Suevi had retired into their
woods, apprehending a scarcity of corn, because, as we have observed above, all
the Germans pay very little attention to agriculture,
resolved not to proceed any further; but, that he might not altogether relieve
the barbarians from the fear of his return, and that he might delay their
succors, having led back his army, he breaks down, to the length of 200 feet,
the further end of the bridge, which joined the banks of the Ubii,
and at the extremity of the bridge raises towers of four stories, and stations a
guard of twelve cohorts for the purpose of defending the bridge, and strengthens
the place with considerable fortifications. Over that fort and guard he
appointed C. Volcatius Tullus, a young man; he himself,
when the corn began to ripen, having set forth for the war with
Ambiorix (through the forest Arduenna, which is
the largest of all Gaul, and reaches from the banks
of the Rhine and the frontiers of
the Treviri to those of the Nervii, and extends over more
than 500 miles), he sends forward L. Minucius Basilus
with all the cavalry, to try if he might gain any advantage by rapid marches and
the advantage of time, he warns him to forbid fires being made in the camp, lest
any indication of his approach be given at a distance: he tells him that he will
follow immediately.
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