45.
In proportion as the attack became daily more formidable and violent, and
particularly, because, as a great number of the soldiers were exhausted with
wounds, the matter had come to a small number of defenders, more frequent
letters and messages were sent to Caesar; a part of
which messengers were taken and tortured to death in the sight of our soldiers.
There was within our camp a certain Nervian, by name
Vertico, born in a distinguished position, who in the beginning
of the blockade had deserted to Cicero, and had
exhibited his fidelity to him. He persuades his slave, by the hope of freedom,
and by great rewards, to convey a letter to Caesar.
This he carries out bound about his javelin; and mixing among the Gauls without any suspicion by being a Gaul, he reaches Caesar. From him they
received information of the imminent danger of Cicero
and the legion.
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