35.
These things were going on in all parts of the territories of the
Eburones, and the seventh day was drawing near, by which day
Caesar had purposed to return to the baggage and
the legion. Here it might be learned how much fortune achieves in war, and how
great casualties she produces. The enemy having been scattered and alarmed, as
we related above, there was no force which might produce even a slight occasion
of fear. The report extends beyond the Rhine to the Germans that the Eburones are being
pillaged, and that all were without distinction invited to the plunder. The
Sigambri, who are nearest to the Rhine , by whom,
we have mentioned above, the Tenchtheri and Usipetes
were received after their retreat, collect 2,000 horse; they cross the Rhine
in ships and barks thirty miles below that place where the bridge was
entire and the garrison left by Caesar; they arrive at
the frontiers of the Eburones, surprise many who were scattered in
flight, and get possession of a large amount of cattle, of which barbarians are
extremely covetous. Allured by booty, they advance further; neither
morass nor forest obstructs these men, born amid war and depredations; they
inquire of their prisoners in what part Caesar is; they
find that he has advanced further, and learn that all the army has removed.
Thereon one of the prisoners says, "Why do you pursue such wretched and trifling
spoil; you, to whom it is granted to become even now most richly endowed by
fortune? In three hours you can reach Aduatuca; there the Roman army has deposited all its fortunes; there is so
little of a garrison that not even the wall can be manned, nor dare any one go
beyond the fortifications." A hope having been presented them, the Germans leave in concealment the plunder they had
acquired; they themselves hasten to Aduatuca, employing as their
guide the same man by whose information they had become informed of these
things.
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