====== The Civil Wars By Julius Caesar 1 ======
C. IULI CAESARIS DE BELLO CIVILS COMMENTARIUS
{{ 41556781.vatican02_filtered.jpg?400|Julius Caesar Of The Romans}}
Translated by W. A. McDevitte and W. S. Bohn
Book I Part I of II In Audio
Book I Part II of II In Audio
alt version not a transcription and starts at Chapter 1, second part of audio starts from Chapter 37
(50 B.C.)
===== Chapter 0 =====
//Vossius's supplement to the first book:// I will now say nothing concerning
the absurd opinion of those who assert that the following Commentaries
on the Civil War were not written by Caesar himself. Even without
the authority of Suetonius, the diction itself would be sufficient
to convince the most skeptical that Caesar and no other was the author.
I am of the opinion of those who think that the beginning of these
Commentaries is lost. For I can not be convinced that Caesar commenced
so abruptly; and History itself gives sufficient evidence that many
circumstances require to be previously stated. For which reason we
thought that it would be well worth our attention to compile from
Plutarch, Appian, and Dion, a narrative of such facts as seemed necessary
to fill up the chasm; these facts are as follows: "When Caesar, after
reducing all Transalpine Gaul, had passed into Cisalpine Gaul, he
determined for many reasons to send embassadors to Rome to request
for him the consulate, and a prolongation of the command of his province.
Pompey, who was estranged from Caesar, although he was not as yet
at open enmity with him, determined neither to aid him by his influence
nor openly oppose him on this occasion. But the consuls Lentulus and
Marcellus, who had previously been on unfriendly terms with Caesar,
resolved to use all means in their power to prevent him from gaining
his object. Marcellus in particular did not hesitate to offer Caesar
other insults. Caesar had lately planned the colony of Novumcomum
in Gaul: Marcellus, not content with taking from it the right of citizenship,
ordered the principal man of the colony to be arrested and scourged
at Rome, and sent him to make his complaints to Caesar: an insult
of this description had never before been offered to a Roman citizen.
While these transactions are taking place, Caius Curio, tribune of
the commons, comes to Caesar in his province. Curio had made many
and energetic struggles, in behalf of the republic and Caesar's cause:
at length when he perceived that all his efforts were vain, he fled
through fear of his adversaries, and informed Caesar of all the transactions
that had taken place, and of the efforts made by his enemies to crush
him. Caesar received Curio with great kindness, as he was a man of
the highest rank, and had great claims on himself and the republic,
and thanked him warmly for his numerous personal favors. But Curio,
as war was being openly prepared against Caesar, advised him to concentrate
his troops, and rescue the republic now oppressed by a few daring
men. Caesar, although he was not ignorant of the real state of affairs,
was however of opinion that particular regard should be paid to the
tranquillity of the republic, lest any one should suppose that he
was the originator of the war. Therefore, through his friends, he
made this one request, that two legions, and the province of Cisalpine
Gaul, and Illyricum, should be left him. All these acts were performed
by Caesar, with the hope that his enemies might be induced by the
justice of his demands, to preserve the peace of the republic. Even
Pompey himself did not dare to oppose them. But when Caesar could
not obtain his request from the consuls, he wrote to the senate a
letter, in which he briefly stated his exploits and public services,
and entreated that he should not be deprived of the favor of the people,
who had ordered, that he, although absent, should be considered a
candidate at the next elections; and he stated also that he would
disband his army, if the senate and people of Rome would pass a resolution
to that effect, provided that Pompey would do the same. That, as long
as the latter should retain the command of his army, no just reason
could exist that he [Caesar] should disband his troops and expose
himself to the insults of his enemies. He intrusts this letter to
Curio to bear to its destination; the latter traveled one hundred
and sixty miles with incredible dispatch, and reached the city in
three days' time, before the beginning of January, and before the
consuls could pass any decree concerning Caesar's command. Curio,
after accomplishing his journey, kept the letter, and did not give
it up, until there was a crowded meeting of the senate, and the tribunes
of the commons were present; for he was afraid, lest, if he gave it
up previously, the consuls should suppress it.
===== Chapter 1 =====
When Caesar's letter was delivered to the consuls, they were with
great difficulty, and a hard struggle of the tribunes, prevailed on
to suffer it to be read in the senate; but the tribunes could not
prevail, that any question should be put to the senate on the subject
of the letter. The consuls put the question on the regulation of the
state. Lucius Lentulus the consul promises that he will not fail the
senate and republic, "if they declared their sentiments boldly and
resolutely, but if they turned their regard to Caesar, and courted
his favor, as they did on former occasions, he would adopt a plan
for himself, and not submit to the authority of the senate: that he
too had a means of regaining Caesar's favor and friendship." Scipio
spoke to the same purport, "that it was Pompey's intention not to
abandon the republic, if the senate would support him; but if they
should hesitate and act without energy, they would in vain implore
his aid, if they should require it hereafter."
===== Chapter 2 =====
This speech of Scipio's, as the senate was convened in the city, and
Pompey was near at hand, seemed to have fallen from the lips of Pompey
himself. Some delivered their sentiments with more moderation, as
Marcellus first, who in the beginning of his speech, said, "that the
question ought not to be put to the senate on this matter, till levies
were made throughout all Italy, and armies raised under whose protection
the senate might freely and safely pass such resolutions as they thought
proper;" as Marcus Calidius afterward, who was of opinion, "that Pompey
should set out for his province, that there might be no cause for
arms; that Caesar was naturally apprehensive as two legions were forced
from him, that Pompey was retaining those troops, and keeping them
near the city to do him injury:" as Marcus Rufus, who followed Calidius
almost word for word. They were all harshly rebuked by Lentulus, who
peremptorily refused to propose Calidius's motion. Marcellus, overawed
by his reproofs, retracted his opinion. Thus most of the senate, intimidated
by the expressions of the consul, by the fears of a present army,
and the threats of Pompey's friends, unwillingly and reluctantly adopted
Scipio's opinion, that Caesar should disband his army by a certain
day, and should he not do so, he should he considered as acting against
the state. Marcus Antonius, and Quintus Cassius, tribunes of the people,
interposed. The question was immediately put on their interposition.
Violent opinions were expressed; whoever spoke with the greatest acrimony
and cruelty was most highly commended by Caesar's enemies.
===== Chapter 3 =====
The senate having broken up in the evening, all who belonged to that
order were summoned by Pompey. He applauded the forward, and secured
their votes for the next day; the more moderate he reproved and excited
against Caesar. Many veterans, from all parts, who had served in Pompey's
armies, were invited to his standard by the hopes of rewards and promotions.
Several officers belonging to the two legions, which had been delivered
up by Caesar, were sent for. The city and the comitium were crowded
with tribunes, centurions, and veterans. All the consul's friends,
all Pompey's connections, all those who bore any ancient enmity to
Caesar, were forced into the senate house. By their concourse and
declarations the timid were awed, the irresolute confirmed, and the
greater part deprived of the power of speaking their sentiments with
freedom. Lucius Piso, the censor, offered to go to Caesar: as did
likewise Lucius Roscius, the praetor, to inform him of these affairs,
and require only six days' time to finish the business. Opinions were
expressed by some to the effect that commissioners should be sent
to Caesar to acquaint him with the senate's pleasure.
===== Chapter 4 =====
All these proposals were rejected, and opposition made to them all,
in the speeches of the consul, Scipio, and Cato. An old grudge against
Caesar and chagrin at a defeat actuated Cato. Lentulus was wrought
upon by the magnitude of his debts, and the hopes of having the government
of an army and provinces, and by the presents which he expected from
such princes as should receive the title of friends of the Roman people,
and boasted among his friends, that he would be a second Sylla, to
whom the supreme authority should return. Similar hopes of a province
and armies, which he expected to share with Pompey on account of his
connection with him, urged on Scipio; and moreover [he was influenced
by] the fear of being called to trial, and the adulation and an ostentatious
display of himself and his friends in power, who at that time had
great influence in the republic, and courts of judicature. Pompey
himself, incited by Caesar's enemies, because he was unwilling that
any person should bear an equal degree of dignity, had wholly alienated
himself from Caesar's friendship, and procured a reconciliation with
their common enemies; the greatest part of whom he had himself brought
upon Caesar during his affinity with him. At the same time, chagrined
at the disgrace which he had incurred by converting the two legions
from their expedition through Asia and Syria, to [augment] his own
power and authority, he was anxious to bring matters to a war.
===== Chapter 5 =====
For these reasons every thing was done in a hasty and disorderly manner,
and neither was time given to Caesar's relations to inform him [of
the state of affairs] nor liberty to the tribunes of the people to
deprecate their own danger, nor even to retain the last privilege,
which Sylla had left them, the interposing their authority; but on
the seventh day they were obliged to think of their own safety, which
the most turbulent tribunes of the people were not accustomed to attend
to, nor to fear being called to an account for their actions, till
the eighth month. Recourse is had to that extreme and final decree
of the senate (which was never resorted to even by daring proposers
except when the city was in danger of being set on fire, or when the
public safety was despaired of). "That the consuls, praetors, tribunes
of the people, and proconsuls in the city, should take care that the
state received no injury." These decrees are dated the eighth day
before the ides of January; therefore, in the first five days, on
which the senate could meet, from the day on which Lentulus entered
into his consulate, the two days of election excepted, the severest
and most virulent decrees were passed against Caesar's government,
and against those most illustrious characters, the tribunes of the
people. The latter immediately made their escape from the city, and
withdrew to Caesar, who was then at Ravenna, awaiting an answer to
his moderate demands; [to see] if matters could be brought to a peaceful
termination by any equitable act on the part of his enemies.
===== Chapter 6 =====
During the succeeding days the senate is convened outside the city.
Pompey repeated the same things which he had declared through Scipio.
He applauded the courage and firmness of the senate, acquainted them
with his force, and told them that he had ten legions ready; that
he was moreover informed and assured that Caesar's soldiers were disaffected,
and that he could not persuade them to defend or even follow him.
Motions were made in the senate concerning other matters; that levies
should be made through all Italy; that Faustus Sylla should be sent
as propraetor into Mauritania; that money should be granted to Pompey
from the public treasury. It was also put to the vote that king Juba
should be [honored with the title of] friend and ally. But Marcellus
said that he would not allow this motion for the present. Philip,
one of the tribunes, stopped [the appointment of] Sylla; the resolutions
respecting the other matters passed. The provinces, two of which were
consular, the remainder praetorian, were decreed to private persons;
Scipio got Syria, Lucius Domitius Gaul: Philip and Marcellus were
omitted, from a private motive, and their lots were not even admitted.
To the other provinces praetors were sent, nor was time granted as
in former years, to refer to the people on their appointment, nor
to make them take the usual oath, and march out of the city in a public
manner, robed in the military habit, after offering their vows: a
circumstance which had never before happened. Both the consuls leave
the city, and private men had lictors in the city and capital, contrary
to all precedents of former times. Levies were made throughout Italy,
arms demanded, and money exacted from the municipal towns, and violently
taken from the temples. All distinctions between things human and
divine, are confounded.
===== Chapter 7 =====
These things being made known to Caesar, he harangued his soldiers;
he reminded them "of the wrongs done to him at all times by his enemies,
and complained that Pompey had been alienated from him and led astray
by them through envy and a malicious opposition to his glory, though
he had always favored and promoted Pompey's honor and dignity. He
complained that an innovation had been introduced into the republic,
that the intercession of the tribunes, which had been restored a few
years before by Sylla, was branded as a crime, and suppressed by force
of arms; that Sylla, who had stripped the tribunes of every other
power, had, nevertheless, left the privilege of intercession unrestrained;
that Pompey, who pretended to restore what they had lost, had taken
away the privileges which they formerly had; that whenever the senate
decreed, 'that the magistrates should take care that the republic
sustained no injury' (by which words and decree the Roman people were
obliged to repair to arms), it was only when pernicious laws were
proposed; when the tribunes attempted violent measures; when the people
seceded, and possessed themselves of the temples and eminences of
the city; (and these instances of former times, he showed them were
expiated by the fate of Saturninus and the Gracchi): that nothing
of this kind was attempted now, nor even thought of: that no law was
promulgated, no intrigue with the people going forward, no secession
made; he exhorted them to defend from the malice of his enemies the
reputation and honor of that general under whose command they had
for nine years most successfully supported the state; fought many
successful battles, and subdued all Gaul and Germany." The soldiers
of the thirteenth legion, which was present (for in the beginning
of the disturbances he had called it out, his other legions not having
yet arrived), all cry out that they are ready to defend their general,
and the tribunes of the commons, from all injuries.
===== Chapter 8 =====
Having made himself acquainted with the disposition of his soldiers,
Caesar set off with that legion to Ariminum, and there met the tribunes,
who had fled to him for protection; he called his other legions from
winter quarters; and ordered them to follow him. Thither came Lucius
Caesar, a young man, whose father was a lieutenant-general under Caesar.
He, after concluding the rest of his speech, and stating for what
purpose he had come, told Caesar that he had commands of a private
nature for him from Pompey; that Pompey wished to clear himself to
Caesar, lest he should impute those actions which he did for the republic,
to a design of affronting him; that he had ever preferred the interest
of the state to his own private connections; that Caesar, too, for
his own honor, ought to sacrifice his desires and resentment to the
public good, and not vent his anger so violently against his enemies,
lest in his hopes of injuring them, he should injure the republic.
He spoke a few words to the same purport from himself, in addition
to Pompey's apology. Roscius, the praetor, conferred with Caesar almost
in the same words, and on the same subject, and declared that Pompey
had empowered him to do so.
===== Chapter 9 =====
Though these things seemed to have no tendency toward redressing his
injuries, yet having got proper persons by whom he could communicate
his wishes to Pompey; he required of them both, that, as they had
conveyed Pompey's demands to him, they should not refuse to convey
his demands to Pompey; if by so little trouble they could terminate
a great dispute, and liberate all Italy from her fears. "That the
honor of the republic had ever been his first object, and dearer to
him than life; that he was chagrined, that the favor of the Roman
people was wrested from him by the injurious reports of his enemies;
that he was deprived of a half-year's command, and dragged back to
the city, though the people had ordered that regard should be paid
to his suit for the consulate at the next election, though he was
not present; that, however, he had patiently submitted to this loss
of honor, for the sake of the republic; that when he wrote letters
to the senate, requiring that all persons should resign the command
of their armies, he did not obtain even that request; that levies
were made throughout Italy; that the two legions which had been taken
from him, under the pretense of the Parthian war, were kept at home,
and that the state was in arms. To what did all these things tend,
unless to his ruin? But, nevertheless, he was ready to condescend
to any terms, and to endure every thing for the sake of the republic.
Let Pompey go to his own province; let them both disband their armies;
let all persons in Italy lay down their arms; let all fears be removed
from the city; let free elections, and the whole republic be resigned
to the direction of the senate and Roman people. That these things
might be the more easily performed, and conditions secured and confirmed
by oath, either let Pompey come to Caesar, or allow Caesar to go to
him; it might be that all their disputes would be settled by an interview."
===== Chapter 10 =====
Roscius and Lucius Caesar, having received this message, went to Capua,
where they met the consuls and Pompey, and declared to them Caesar's
terms. Having deliberated on the matter, they replied, and sent written
proposals to him by the same persons, the purport of which was, that
Caesar should return into Gaul, leave Ariminum, and disband his army:
if he complied with this, that Pompey would go to Spain. In the mean
time, until security was given that Caesar would perform his promises,
that the consuls and Pompey would not give over their levies.
===== Chapter 11 =====
It was not an equitable proposal, to require that Caesar should quit
Ariminum and return to his province; but that he [Pompey] should himself
retain his province and the legions that belonged to another, and
desire that Caesar's army should be disbanded, while he himself was
making new levies: and that he should merely promise to go to his
province, without naming the day on which he would set out; so that
if he should not set out till after Caesar's consulate expired, yet
he would not appear bound by any religious scruples about asserting
a falsehood. But his not granting time for a conference, nor promising
to set out to meet him, made the expectation of peace appear very
hopeless. Caesar, therefore, sent Marcus Antonius, with five cohorts
from Ariminum to Arretium; he himself staid at Ariminum with two legions,
with the intention of raising levies there. He secured Pisaurus, Fanum,
and Ancona, with a cohort each.
===== Chapter 12 =====
In the mean time, being informed that Thermus the praetor was in possession
of Iguvium, with five cohorts, and was fortifying the town, but that
the affections of all the inhabitants were very well inclined toward
himself, he detached Curio with three cohorts, which he had at Ariminum
and Pisaurus. Upon notice of his approach, Thermus, distrusting the
affections of the townsmen, drew his cohorts out of it and made his
escape; his soldiers deserted him on the road, and returned home.
Curio recovered Iguvium, with the cheerful concurrence of all the
inhabitants. Caesar, having received an account of this, and relying
on the affections of the municipal towns, drafted all the cohorts
of the thirteenth legion from the garrison, and set out for Auximum,
a town into which Attius had brought his cohorts, and of which he
had taken possession, and from which he had sent senators round about
the country of Picenum, to raise new levies.
===== Chapter 13 =====
Upon news of Caesar's approach, the senate of Auximum went in a body
to Attius Varus; and told him that it was not a subject for them to
determine upon: yet neither they, nor the rest of the freemen would
suffer Caius Caesar, a general, who had merited so well of the republic,
after performing such great achievements, to be excluded from their
town and walls; wherefore he ought to pay some regard to the opinion
of posterity, and his own danger. Alarmed at this declaration, Attius
Varus drew out of the town the garrison which he had introduced, and
fled. A fear of Caesar's front rank having pursued him, obliged him
to halt, and when the battle began, Varus is deserted by his troops:
some of them disperse to their homes, the rest come over to Caesar;
and along with them, Lucius Pupius, the chief centurion, is taken
prisoner and brought to Caesar. He had held the same rank before in
Cneius Pompey's army. But Caesar applauded the soldiers of Attius,
set Pupius at liberty, returned thanks to the people of Auximum, and
promised to be grateful for their conduct.
===== Chapter 14 =====
Intelligence of this being brought to Rome, so great a panic spread
on a sudden that when Lentulus, the consul, came to open the treasury,
to deliver money to Pompey by the senate's decree, immediately on
opening the hallowed door he fled from the city. For it was falsely
rumored that Caesar was approaching, and that his cavalry were already
at the gates. Marcellus, his colleague, followed him, and so did most
of the magistrates. Cneius Pompey had left the city the day before,
and was on his march to those legions which he had received from Caesar,
and had disposed in winter quarters in Apulia. The levies were stopped
within the city. No place on this side of Capua was thought secure.
At Capua they first began to take courage and to rally, and determined
to raise levies in the colonies, which had been sent thither by the
Julian law: and Lentulus brought into the public market place the
gladiators which Caesar maintained there for the entertainment of
the people, and confirmed them in their liberty, and gave them horses
and ordered them to attend him; but afterward, being warned by his
friends that this action was censured by the judgment of all, he distributed
them among the slaves of the district of Campania, to keep guard there.
===== Chapter 15 =====
Caesar, having moved forward from Auximum, traversed the whole country
of Picenum. All the governors in these countries most cheerfully received
him, and aided his army with every necessary. Embassadors came to
him even from Cingulum, a town which Labienus had laid out and built
at his own expense, and offered most earnestly to comply with his
orders. He demanded soldiers: they sent them. In the mean time, the
twelfth legion came to join Caesar; with these two he marched to Asculum,
the chief town of Picenum. Lentulus Spinther occupied that town with
ten cohorts; but, on being informed of Caesar's approach, he fled
from the town, and, in attempting to bring off his cohorts with him,
was deserted by a great part of his men. Being left on the road with
a small number, he fell in with Vibullius Rufus, who was sent by Pompey
into Picenum to confirm the people [in their allegiance]. Vibullius,
being informed by him of the transactions in Picenum, takes his soldiers
from him and dismisses him. He collects, likewise, from the neighboring
countries, as many cohorts as he can from Pompey's new levies. Among
them he meets with Ulcilles Hirrus fleeing from Camerinum, with six
cohorts, which he had in the garrison there; by a junction with which
he made up thirteen cohorts. With them he marched by hasty journeys
to Corfinium, to Domitius Aenobarbus, and informed him that Caesar
was advancing with two legions. Domitius had collected about twenty
cohorts from Alba, and the Marsians, Pelignians, and neighboring states.
===== Chapter 16 =====
Caesar, having recovered Asculum and driven out Lentulus, ordered
the soldiers that had deserted from him to be sought out and a muster
to be made; and, having delayed for one day there to provide corn,
he marched to Corfinium. On his approach, five cohorts, sent by Domitius
from the town, were breaking down a bridge which was over the river,
at three miles' distance from it. An engagement taking place there
with Caesar's advanced-guard, Domitius's men were quickly beaten off
from the bridge and retreated precipitately into the town. Caesar,
having marched his legions over, halted before the town and encamped
close by the walls.
===== Chapter 17 =====
Domitius, upon observing this, sent messengers well acquainted with
the country, encouraged by a promise of being amply rewarded, with
dispatches to Pompey to Apulia, to beg and entreat him to come to
his assistance. That Caesar could be easily inclosed by the two armies,
through the narrowness of the country, and prevented from obtaining
supplies: unless he did so, that he and upward of thirty cohorts,
and a great number of senators and Roman knights, would be in extreme
danger. In the mean time he encouraged his troops, disposed engines
on the walls, and assigned to each man a particular part of the city
to defend. In a speech to the soldiers he promised them lands out
of his own estate; to every private soldier four acres, and a corresponding
share to the centurions and veterans.
===== Chapter 18 =====
In the mean time, word was brought to Caesar that the people of Sulmo,
a town about seven miles distant from Corfinium, were ready to obey
his orders, but were prevented by Quintus Lucretius, a senator, and
Attius, a Pelignian, who were in possession of the town with a garrison
of seven cohorts. He sent Marcus Antonius thither, with five cohorts
of the eighth legion. The inhabitants, as soon as they saw our standards,
threw open their gates, and all the people, both citizens and soldiers,
went out to meet and welcome Antonius. Lucretius and Attius leaped
off the walls. Attius, being brought before Antonius, begged that
he might be sent to Caesar. Antonius returned the same day on which
he had set out with the cohorts and Attius. Caesar added these cohorts
to his own army, and sent Attius away in safety. The three first days
Caesar employed in fortifying his camp with strong works, in bringing
in corn from the neighboring free towns, and waiting for the rest
of his forces. Within the three days the eighth legion came to him,
and twenty-two cohorts of the new levies in Gaul, and about three
hundred horse from the king of Noricum. On their arrival he made a
second camp on another part of the town, and gave the command of it
to Curio. He determined to surround the town with a rampart and turrets
during the remainder of the time. Nearly at the time when the greatest
part of the work was completed, all the messengers sent to Pompey
returned.
===== Chapter 19 =====
Having read Pompey's letter, Domitius, concealing the truth, gave
out in council that Pompey would speedily come to their assistance;
and encouraged them not to despond, but to provide every thing necessary
for the defense of the town. He held private conferences with a few
of his most intimate friends, and determined on the design of fleeing.
As Domitius's countenance did not agree with his words, and he did
every thing with more confusion and fear than he had shown on the
preceding days, and as he had several private meetings with his friends,
contrary to his usual practice, in order to take their advice, and
as he avoided all public councils and assemblies of the people, the
truth could be no longer hid nor dissembled; for Pompey had written
back in answer, "That he would not put matters to the last hazard;
that Domitius had retreated into the town of Corfinium without either
his advice or consent. Therefore, if any opportunity should offer,
he [Domitius] should come to him with the whole force." But the blockade
and works round the town prevented his escape.
===== Chapter 20 =====
Domitius's design being noised abroad, the soldiers in Corfinium early
in the evening began to mutiny, and held a conference with each other
by their tribunes and centurions, and the most respectable among themselves:
"that they were besieged by Caesar; that his works and fortifications
were almost finished; that their general, Domitius, on whose hopes
and expectations they had confided, had thrown them off, and was meditating
his own escape; that they ought to provide for their own safety."
At first the Marsians differed in opinion, and possessed themselves
of that part of the town which they thought the strongest. And so
violent a dispute arose between them, that they attempted to fight
and decide it by arms. However, in a little time, by messengers sent
from one side to the other, they were informed of Domitius's meditated
flight, of which they were previously ignorant. Therefore they all
with one consent brought Domitius into public view, gathered round
him, and guarded him; and sent deputies out of their number to Caesar,
to say that they were ready to throw open their gates, to do whatever
he should order, and deliver up Domitius alive into his hands."
===== Chapter 21 =====
Upon intelligence of these matters, though Caesar thought it of great
consequence to become master of the town as soon as possible, and
to transfer the cohorts to his own camp, lest any change should be
wrought on their inclinations by bribes, encouragement, or ficticious
messages, because in war great events are often brought about by trifling
circumstances; yet, dreading lest the town should be plundered by
the soldiers entering into it, and taking advantage of the darkness
of the night, he commended the persons who came to him, and sent them
back to the town, and ordered the gates and walls to be secured. He
disposed his soldiers on the works which he had begun, not at certain
intervals, as was his practice before, but in one continued range
of sentinels and stations, so that they touched each other, and formed
a circle round the whole fortification; he ordered the tribunes and
general officers to ride round; and exhorted them not only to be on
their guard against sallies from the town, but also to watch that
no single person should get out privately. Nor was any man so negligent
or drowsy as to sleep that night. To so great height was their expectation
raised, that they were carried away, heart and soul, each to different
objects, what would become of the Corfinians, what of Domitius, what
of Lentulus, what of the rest; what event would be the consequence
of another.
===== Chapter 22 =====
About the fourth watch, Lentulus Spinther said to our sentinels and
guards from the walls, that he desired to have an interview with Caesar,
if permission were given him. Having obtained it, he was escorted
out of town; nor did the soldiers of Domitius leave him till they
brought him into Caesar's presence. He pleaded with Caesar for his
life, and entreated him to spare him, and reminded him of their former
friendship; and acknowledged that Caesar's favors to him were very
great; in that through his interest he had been admitted into the
college of priests; in that after his praetorship he had been appointed
to the government of Spain; in that he had been assisted by him in
his suit for the consulate. Caesar interrupted him in his speech,
and told him, "that he had not left his province to do mischief [to
any man], but to protect himself from the injuries of his enemies;
to restore to their dignity the tribunes of the people who had been
driven out of the city on his account, and to assert his own liberty,
and that of the Roman people, who were oppressed by a few factious
men. Encouraged by this address, Lentulus begged leave to return to
the town, that the security which he had obtained for himself might
be an encouragement to the rest to hope for theirs; saying that some
were so terrified that they were induced to make desperate attempts
on their own lives. Leave being granted him, he departed.
===== Chapter 23 =====
When day appeared, Caesar ordered all the senators and their children,
the tribunes of the soldiers, and the Roman knights to be brought
before him. Among the persons of senatorial rank were Lucius Domitius,
Publius Lentulus Spinther, Lucius Vibullius Rufus, Sextus Quintilius
Varus, the quaestor, and Lucius Rubrius, besides the son of Domitius,
and several other young men, and a great number of Roman knights and
burgesses, whom Domitius had summoned from the municipal towns. When
they were brought before him he protected them from the insolence
and taunts of the soldiers; told them in few words that they had not
made him a grateful return, on their part, for his very extraordinary
kindness to them, and dismissed them all in safety. Sixty sestertia,
which Domitius had brought with him and lodged in the public treasury,
being brought to Caesar by the magistrates of Corfinium, he gave them
back to Domitius, that he might not appear more moderate with respect
to the life of men than in money matters, though he knew that it was
public money, and had been given by Pompey to pay his army. He ordered
Domitius's soldiers to take the oath to himself, and that day decamped
and performed the regular march. He staid only seven days before Corfinium,
and marched into Apulia through the country of the Marrucinians, Frentanian's
and Larinates.
===== Chapter 24 =====
Pompey, being informed of what had passed at Corfinium, marches from
Luceria to Canusium, and thence to Brundusium. He orders all the forces
raised every where by the new levies to repair to him. He gives arms
to the slaves that attended the flocks, and appoints horses for them.
Of these he made up about three hundred horse. Lucius, the praetor,
fled from Alba, with six cohorts: Rutilus, Lupus, the praetor, from
Tarracina, with three. These having descried Caesar's cavalry at a
distance, which were commanded by Bivius Curius, and having deserted
the praetor, carried their colors to Curius and went over to him.
In like manner, during the rest of his march, several cohorts fell
in with the main body of Caesar's army, others with his horse. Cneius
Magius, from Cremona, engineer-general to Pompey, was taken prisoner
on the road and brought to Caesar, but sent back by him to Pompey
with this message: "As hitherto he had not been allowed an interview,
and was now on his march to him at Brundusium, that it deeply concerned
the commonwealth and general safety that he should have an interview
with Pompey; and that the same advantage could not be gained at a
great distance when the proposals were conveyed to them by others,
as if terms were argued by them both in person."
===== Chapter 25 =====
Having delivered this message he marched to Brundusium with six legions,
four of them veterans: the rest those which he had raised in the late
levy and completed on his march, for he had sent all Domitius's cohorts
immediately from Corfinium to Sicily. He discovered that the consuls
were gone to Dyrrachium with a considerable part of the army, and
that Pompey remained at Brundusium with twenty cohorts; but could
not find out, for a certainty, whether Pompey staid behind to keep
possession of Brundusium, that he might the more easily command the
whole Adriatic sea, with the extremities of Italy and the coast of
Greece, and be able to conduct the war on either side of it, or whether
he remained there for want of shipping; and, being afraid that Pompey
would come to the conclusion that he ought not to relinquish Italy,
he determined to deprive him of the means of communication afforded
by the harbor of Brundusium. The plan of his work was as follows:
Where the mouth of the port was narrowest he threw up a mole of earth
on either side, because in these places the sea was shallow. Having
gone out so far that the mole could not be continued in the deep water,
he fixed double floats, thirty feet on either side, before the mole.
These he fastened with four anchors at the four corners, that they
might not be carried away by the waves. Having completed and secured
them, he then joined to them other floats of equal size. These he
covered over with earth and mold, that he might not be prevented from
access to them to defend them, and in the front and on both sides
he protected them with a parapet of wicker work; and on every fourth
one raised a turret, two stories high, to secure them the better from
being attacked by the shipping and set on fire.
===== Chapter 26 =====
To counteract this, Pompey fitted out large merchant ships, which
he found in the harbor of Brundusium: on them he erected turrets three
stories high, and, having furnished them with several engines and
all sorts of weapons, drove them among Caesar's works, to break through
the floats and interrupt the works; thus there happened skirmishes
every day at a distance with slings, arrows, and other weapons. Caesar
conducted matters as if he thought that the hopes of peace were not
yet to be given up. And though he was very much surprised that Magius,
whom he had sent to Pompey with a message, was not sent back to him;
and though his attempting a reconciliation often retarded the vigorous
prosecution of his plans, yet he thought that he ought by all means
to persevere in the same line of conduct. He therefore sent Caninius
Rebilus to have an interview with Scribonius Libo, his intimate friend
and relation. He charges him to exhort Libo to effect a peace, but,
above all things, requires that he should be admitted to an interview
with Pompey. He declared that he had great hopes, if that were allowed
him, that the consequence would be that both parties would lay down
their arms on equal terms; that a great share of the glory and reputation
of that event would redound to Libo, if, through his advice and agency,
hostilities should be ended. Libo, having parted from the conference
with Caninius, went to Pompey, and, shortly after, returns with answer
that, as the consuls were absent, no treaty of composition could be
engaged in without them. Caesar therefore thought it time at length
to give over the attempt which he had often made in vain, and act
with energy in the war.
===== Chapter 27 =====
When Caesar's works were nearly half finished, and after nine days
were spent in them, the ships which had conveyed the first division
of the army to Dyrrachium being sent back by the consuls, returned
to Brundusium. Pompey, either frightened at Caesar's works or determined
from the beginning to quit Italy, began to prepare for his departure
on the arrival of the ships; and the more effectually to retard Caesar's
attack, lest his soldiers should force their way into the town at
the moment of his departure, he stopped up the gates, built walls
across the streets and avenues, sunk trenches across the ways, and
in them fixed palisadoes and sharp stakes, which he made level with
the ground by means of hurdles and clay. But he barricaded with large
beams fastened in the ground and sharpened at the ends two passages
and roads without the walls, which led to the port. After making these
arrangements, he ordered his soldiers to go on board without noise,
and disposed here and there, on the wall and turrets, some light-armed
veterans, archers and slingers. These he designed to call off by a
certain signal, when all the soldiers were embarked, and left row-galleys
for them in a secure place.
===== Chapter 28 =====
The people of Brundusium, irritated by the insolence of Pompey's soldiers,
and the insults received from Pompey himself, were in favor of Caesar's
party. Therefore, as soon as they were aware of Pompey's departure,
while his men were running up and down, and busied about their voyage,
they made signs from the tops of the houses: Caesar, being apprised
of the design by them, ordered scaling-ladders to be got ready, and
his men to take arms, that he might not lose any opportunity of coming
to an action. Pompey weighed anchor at nightfall. The soldiers who
had been posted on the wall to guard it, were called off by the signal
which had been agreed on, and knowing the roads, ran down to the ships.
Caesar's soldiers fixed their ladders and scaled the walls: but being
cautioned by the people to beware of the hidden stakes and covered
trenches, they halted, and being conducted by the inhabitants by a
long circuit, they reached the port, and captured with their long
boats and small craft two of Pompey's ships, full of soldiers, which
had struck against Caesar's moles.
===== Chapter 29 =====
Though Caesar highly approved of collecting a fleet, and crossing
the sea, and pursuing Pompey before he could strengthen himself with
his transmarine auxiliaries, with the hope of bringing the war to
a conclusion, yet he dreaded the delay and length of time necessary
to effect it: because Pompey, by collecting all his ships, had deprived
him of the means of pursuing him at present. The only resource left
to Caesar, was to wait for a fleet from the distant regions of Gaul,
Picenum, and the straits of Gibraltar. But this, on account of the
season of the year, appeared tedious and troublesome. He was unwilling
that, in the mean time, the veteran army, and the two Spains, one
of which was bound to Pompey by the strongest obligations, should
be confirmed in his interest; that auxiliaries and cavalry should
be provided, and Gaul and Italy reduced in his absence.
===== Chapter 30 =====
Therefore, for the present he relinquished all intention of pursuing
Pompey, and resolved to march to Spain, and commanded the magistrates
of the free towns to procure him ships, and to have them convoyed
to Brundusium. He detached Valerius, his lieutenant, with one legion
to Sardinia; Curio, the propraetor, to Sicily with three legions;
and ordered him, when he had recovered Sicily, to immediately transport
his army to Africa. Marcus Cotta was at this time governor of Sardinia:
Marcus Cato, of Sicily: and Tubero, by the lots, should have had the
government of Africa. The Caralitani, as soon as they heard that Valerius
was sent against them, even before he left Italy, of their own accord
drove Cotta out of the town; who, terrified because he understood
that the whole province was combined [against him], fled from Sardinia
to Africa. Cato was in Sicily, repairing the old ships of war, and
demanding new ones from the states, and these things he performed
with great zeal. He was raising levies of Roman citizens, among the
Lucani and Brutii, by his lieutenants, and exacting a certain quota
of horse and foot from the states of Sicily. When these things were
nearly completed, being informed of Curio's approach, he made a complaint
that he was abandoned and betrayed by Pompey, who had undertaken an
unnecessary war, without making any preparation, and when questioned
by him and other members in the senate, had assured them that every
thing was ready and provided for the war. After having made these
complaints in a public assembly, he fled from his province.
===== Chapter 31 =====
Valerius found Sardinia, and Curio, Sicily, deserted by their governors
when they arrived there with their armies. When Tubero arrived in
Africa, he found Attius Varus in the government of the province, who,
having lost his cohorts, as already related, at Auximum, had straightway
fled to Africa, and finding it without a governor, had seized it of
his own accord, and making levies, had raised two legions. From his
acquaintance with the people and country, and his knowledge of that
province, he found the means of effecting this; because a few years
before, at the expiration of his praetorship, he had obtained that
province. He, when Tubero came to Utica with his fleet, prevented
his entering the port or town, and did not suffer his son, though
laboring under sickness, to set foot on shore; but obliged him to
weigh anchor and quit the place.
===== Chapter 32 =====
When these affairs were dispatched, Caesar, that there might be an
intermission from labor for the rest of the season, drew off his soldiers
to the nearest municipal towns, and set off in person for Rome. Having
assembled the senate, he reminded them of the injustice of his enemies;
and told them, "That he aimed at no extraordinary honor, but had waited
for the time appointed by law, for standing candidate for the consulate,
being contented with what was allowed to every citizen. That a bill
had been carried by the ten tribunes of the people (notwithstanding
the resistance of his enemies, and a very violent opposition from
Cato, who in his usual manner, consumed the day by a tedious harangue)
that he should be allowed to stand candidate, though absent, even
in the consulship of Pompey; and if the latter disapproved of the
bill, why did he allow it to pass? if he approved of it, why should
he debar him [Caesar] from the people's favor? He made mention of
his own patience, in that he had freely proposed that all armies should
be disbanded, by which he himself would suffer the loss both of dignity
and honor. He urged the virulence of his enemies, who refused to comply
with what they required from others, and had rather that all things
should be thrown into confusion, than that they should lose their
power and their armies. He expatiated on their injustice, in taking
away his legions: their cruelty and insolence in abridging the privileges
of the tribunes; the proposals he had made, and his entreaties of
an interview which had been refused him. For which reasons, he begged
and desired that they would undertake the management of the republic,
and unite with him in the administration of it. But if through fear
they declined it, he would not be a burden to them, but take the management
of it on himself. That deputies ought to be sent to Pompey, to propose
a reconciliation; as he did not regard what Pompey had lately asserted
in the senate, that authority was acknowledged to be vested in those
persons to whom embassadors were sent, and fear implied in those that
sent them. That these were the sentiments of low, weak minds: that
for his part, as he had made it his study to surpass others in glory,
so he was desirous of excelling them in justice and equity."
===== Chapter 33 =====
The senate approved of sending deputies, but none could be found fit
to execute the commission: for every person, from his own private
fears, declined the office. For Pompey, on leaving the city, had declared
in the open senate, that he would hold in the same degree of estimation,
those who staid in Rome and those in Caesar's camp. Thus three days
were wasted in disputes and excuses. Besides, Lucius Metellus, one
of the tribunes, was suborned by Caesar's enemies, to prevent this,
and to embarrass every thing else which Caesar should propose. Caesar
having discovered his intention, after spending several days to no
purpose, left the city, in order that he might not lose any more time,
and went to Transalpine Gaul, without effecting what he had intended.
===== Chapter 34 =====
On his arrival there, he was informed that Vibullius Rufus, whom he
had taken a few days before at Corfinium, and set at liberty, was
sent by Pompey into Spain; and that Domitius also was gone to seize
Massilia with seven row-galleys, which were fitted up by some private
persons at Igilium and Cosa, and which he had manned with his own
slaves, freedmen, and colonists: and that some young noble men of
Massilia had been sent before him; whom Pompey, when leaving Rome
had exhorted, that the late services of Caesar should not erase from
their minds the memory of his former favors. On receiving this message,
the Massilians had shut their gates against Caesar, and invited over
to them the Albici, who had formerly been in alliance with them, and
who inhabited the mountains that overhung Massilia: they had likewise
conveyed the corn from the surrounding country, and from all the forts
into the city; had opened armories in the city; and were repairing
the walls, the fleet, and the gates.
===== Chapter 35 =====
Caesar sent for fifteen of the principal persons of Massilia to attend
him. To prevent the war commencing among them, he remonstrates [in
the following language]; "that they ought to follow the precedent
set by all Italy, rather than submit to the will of any one man."
He made use of such arguments as he thought would tend to bring them
to reason. The deputies reported his speech to their countrymen, and
by the authority of the state bring him back this answer: "That they
understood that the Roman people was divided into two factions: that
they had neither judgment nor abilities to decide which had the juster
cause; but that the heads of these factions were Cneius Pompey and
Caius Caesar, the two patrons of the state: the former of whom had
granted to their state the lands of the Vocae Arecomici, and Helvii;
the latter had assigned them a part of his conquests in Gaul, and
had augmented their revenue. Wherefore, having received equal favors
from both, they ought to show equal affection to both, and assist
neither against the other, nor admit either into their city or harbors."
===== Chapter 36 =====
While this treaty was going forward, Domitius arrived at Massilia
with his fleet, and was received into the city, and made governor
of it. The chief management of the war was intrusted to him. At his
command they send the fleet to all parts; they seize all the merchantmen
they could meet with, and carry them into the harbor; they apply the
nails, timber, and rigging, with which they were furnished to rig
and refit their other vessels. They lay up in the public stores, all
the corn that was found in the ships, and reserve the rest of their
lading and convoy for the siege of the town, should such an event
take place. Provoked at such ill treatment, Caesar led three legions
against Massilia, and resolved to provide turrets, and vineae to assault
the town, and to build twelve ships at Arelas, which being completed
and rigged in thirty days (from the time the timber was cut down),
and being brought to Massilia, he put under the command of Decimus
Brutus; and left Caius Trebonius his lieutenant, to invest the city.
===== Chapter 37 =====
end first part of audio second part of audio relates onwards from Chapter 37
While he was preparing and getting these things in readiness, he sent
Caius Fabius one of his lieutenants into Spain with three legions,
which he had disposed to winter quarters in Narbo, and the neighboring
country; and ordered him immediately to seize the passes of the Pyrenees,
which were at that time occupied by detachments from Lucius Afranius,
one of Pompey's lieutenants. He desired the other legions, which were
passing the winter at a great distance, to follow close after him.
Fabius, according to his orders, by using expedition, dislodged the
party from the hills, and by hasty marches came up with the army of
Afranius.
===== Chapter 38 =====
On the arrival of Vibullius Rufus, whom, we have already mentioned,
Pompey had sent into Spain, Afranius, Petreius, and Varro, his lieutenants
(one of whom had the command of Hither Spain, with three legions;
the second of the country from the forest of Castulo to the river
Guadiana with two legions; the third from the river Guadiana to the
country of the Vettones and Lusitania, with the like number of legions)
divided among themselves their respective departments. Petreius was
to march from Lusitania through the Vettones, and join Afranius with
all his forces; Varro was to guard all Further Spain with what legions
he had. These matters being settled, reinforcements of horse and foot
were demanded from Lusitania, by Petreius; from the Celtiberi, Cantabri,
and all the barbarous nations which border on the ocean, by Afranius.
When they were raised, Petreius immediately marched through the Vettones
to Afranius. They resolved by joint consent to carry on the war in
the vicinity of Herba, on account of the advantages of its situation.
===== Chapter 39 =====
Afranius, as above mentioned, had three legions, Petreius two. There
were besides about eighty cohorts raised in Hither and Further Spain
(of which, the troops belonging to the former province had shields,
those of the latter targets), and about five thousand horse raised
in both provinces. Caesar had sent his legions into Spain, with about
six thousand auxiliary foot, and three thousand horse, which had served
under him in all his former wars, and the same number from Gaul, which
he himself had provided, having expressly called out all the most
noble and valiant men of each state. The bravest of these were from
the Aquitani and the mountaineers, who border on the Province in Gaul.
He had been informed that Pompey was marching through Mauritania with
his legions to Spain, and would shortly arrive. He at the same time
borrowed money from the tribunes and centurions, which he distributed
among his soldiers. By this proceeding he gained two points; he secured
the interest of the centurions by this pledge in his hands, and by
his liberality he purchased the affections of his army.
===== Chapter 40 =====
Fabius sounded the inclinations of the neighboring states by letters
and messengers. He had made two bridges over the river Segre, at the
distance of four miles from each other. He sent foraging parties over
these bridges, because he had already consumed all the forage that
was on his side of the river. The generals of Pompey's army did almost
the same thing, and for the same reason: and the horse had frequent
skirmishes with each other. When two of Fabius's legions had, as was
their constant practice, gone forth as the usual protection to the
foragers, and had crossed the river, and the baggage, and all the
horse were following them, on a sudden, from the weight of the cattle,
and the mass of water, the bridge fell, and all the horse were cut
off from the main army, which being known to Petreius and Afranius,
from the timber and hurdles that were carried down the river, Afranius
immediately crossed his own bridge, which communicated between his
camp and the town, with four legions and all the cavalry, and marched
against Fabius's two legions. When his approach was announced, Lucius
Plancus, who had the command of those legions, compelled by the emergency,
took post on a rising ground; and drew up his army with two fronts,
that it might not be surrounded by the cavalry. Thus, though engaged
with superior numbers, he sustained the furious charge of the legions
and the horse. When the battle was begun by the horse, there were
observed at a distance by both sides the colors of two legions, which
Caius Fabius had sent round by the further bridge to reinforce our
men, suspecting, as the event verified, that the enemy's generals
would take advantage of the opportunity which fortune had put in their
way, to attack our men. Their approach put an end to the battle, and
each general led back his legions to their respective camps.
===== Chapter 41 =====
In two days after Caesar came to the camp with nine hundred horse,
which he had retained for a body guard. The bridge which had been
broken down by the storm was almost repaired, and he ordered it to
be finished in the night. Being acquainted with the nature of the
country, he left behind him six cohorts to guard the bridge, the camp,
and all his baggage, and the next day set off in person for Ilerda,
with all his forces drawn up in three lines, and halted just before
the camp of Afranius, and having remained there a short time under
arms, he offered him battle on equal terms. When this affair was made,
Afranius drew out his forces, and posted them on the middle of a hill,
near his camp. When Caesar perceived that Afranius declined coming
to an engagement, he resolved to encamp at somewhat less than half
a mile's distance from the very foot of the mountain; and that his
soldiers while engaged in their works, might not be terrified by any
sudden attack of the enemy, or disturbed in their work, he ordered
them not to fortify it with a wall, which must rise high, and be seen
at a distance, but draw, on the front opposite the enemy, a trench
fifteen feet broad. The first and second lines confined under arms,
as was from the first appointed. Behind them the third line was carrying
on the work without being seen; so that the whole was completed before
Afranius discovered that the camp was being fortified.
===== Chapter 42 =====
In the evening Caesar drew his legions within this trench, and rested
them under arms the next night. The day following he kept his whole
army within it, and as it was necessary to bring materials from a
considerable distance, he for the present pursued the same plan in
his work; and to each legion, one after the other, he assigned one
side of the camp to fortify, and ordered trenches of the same magnitude
to be cut: he kept the rest of the legions under arms without baggage
to oppose the enemy. Afranius and Petreius, to frighten us and obstruct
the work, drew out their forces at the very foot of the mountain,
and challenged us to battle. Caesar, however, did not interrupt his
work, relying on the protection of the three legions, and the strength
of the fosse. After staying for a short time, and advancing no great
distance from the bottom of the hill, they led back their forces to
their camp. The third day Caesar fortified his camp with a rampart,
and ordered the other cohorts which he had left in the upper camp,
and his baggage to be removed to it.
===== Chapter 43 =====
Between the town of Ilerda and the next hill, on which Afranius and
Petreius were encamped, there was a plain about three hundred paces
broad, and near the middle of it an eminence somewhat raised above
the level: Caesar hoped that if he could get possession of this and
fortify it, he should be able to cut off the enemy from the town,
the bridge, and all the stores which they had laid up in the town.
In expectation of this he led three legions out of the camp, and,
drawing up his army in an advantageous position, he ordered the advanced
men of one legion to hasten forward and seize the eminence. Upon intelligence
of this the cohorts which were on guard before Afranius's camp were
instantly sent a nearer way to occupy the same post. The two parties
engage, and as Afranius's men had reached the eminence first, our
men were repulsed, and, on a reinforcement being sent, they were obliged
to turn their backs and retreat to the standards of legions.
===== Chapter 44 =====
The manner of fighting of those soldiers was to run forward with great
impetuosity and boldly take a post, and not to keep their ranks strictly,
but to fight in small scattered parties: if hard pressed they thought
it no disgrace to retire and give up the post, being accustomed to
this manner of fighting among the Lusitanians and other barbarous
nations; for it commonly happens that soldiers are strongly influenced
by the customs of those countries in which they have spent much time.
This method, however, alarmed our men, who were not used to such a
description of warfare. For they imagined that they were about to
be surrounded on their exposed flank by the single men who ran forward
from their ranks; and they thought it their duty to keep their ranks,
and not to quit their colors, nor, without good reason to give up
the post which they had taken. Accordingly, when the advanced guard
gave way, the legion which was stationed on that wing did not keep
its ground, but retreated to the next hill.
===== Chapter 45 =====
Almost the whole army being daunted at this, because it had occurred
contrary to their expectations and custom, Caesar encouraged his men
and led the ninth legion to their relief, and checked the insolent
and eager pursuit of the enemy, and obliged them, in their turn, to
show their backs, and retreat to Ilerda, and take post under the walls.
But the soldiers of the ninth legion, being over zealous to repair
the dishonor which had been sustained, having rashly pursued the fleeing
enemy, advanced into disadvantageous ground and went up to the foot
of the mountain on which the town Ilerda was built. And when they
wished to retire they were again attacked by the enemy from the rising
ground. The place was craggy in the front and steep on either side,
and was so narrow that even three cohorts, drawn up in order of battle,
would fill it; but no relief could be sent on the flanks, and the
horse could be of no service to them when hard pressed. From the town,
indeed, the precipice inclined with a gentle slope for near four hundred
paces. Our men had to retreat this way, as they had, through their
eagerness, advanced too inconsiderately. The greatest contest was
in this place, which was much to the disadvantage of our troops, both
on account of its narrowness, and because they were posted at the
foot of the mountain, so that no weapon was thrown at them without
effect; yet they exerted their valor and patience, and bore every
wound. The enemy's forces were increasing, and cohorts were frequently
sent to their aid from the camp through the town, that fresh men might
relieve the weary. Caesar was obliged to do the same, and relieve
the fatigued by sending cohorts to that post.
===== Chapter 46 =====
After the battle had in this manner continued incessantly for five
hours, and our men had suffered much from superior numbers, having
spent all their javelins, they drew their swords and charged the enemy
up the hill, and, having killed a few, obliged the rest to fly. The
cohorts being beaten back to the wall, and some being driven by their
fears into the town, an easy retreat was afforded to our men. Our
cavalry also, on either flank, though stationed on sloping or low
ground, yet bravely struggled up to the top of the hill, and, riding
between the two armies, made our retreat more easy and secure. Such
were the various turns of fortune in the battle. In the first encounter
about seventy of our men fell: among them Quintus Fulgenius, first
centurion of the second line of the fourteenth legion, who, for his
extraordinary valor, had been promoted from the lower ranks to that
post. About six hundred were wounded. Of Afranius's party there were
killed Titus Caecilius, principal centurion, and four other centurions,
and above two hundred men.
===== Chapter 47 =====
But this opinion is spread abroad concerning this day, that each party
thought that they came off conquerors. Afranius's soldiers, because,
though they were esteemed inferior in the opinion of all, yet they
had stood our attack and sustained our charge, and, at first, had
kept the post on the hill which had been the occasion of the dispute;
and, in the first encounter, had obliged our men to fly: but ours,
because, notwithstanding the disadvantage of the ground and the disparity
of numbers, they had maintained the battle for five hours, had advanced
up the hill sword in hand, and had forced the enemy to fly from the
higher ground and driven them into the town. The enemy fortified the
hill, about which the contest had been, with strong works and posted
a garrison on it.
===== Chapter 48 =====
In two days after this transaction, there happened an unexpected misfortune.
For so great a storm arose, that it was agreed that there were never
seen higher floods in those countries; it swept down the snow from
all the mountains, and broke over the banks of the river, and in one
day carried away both the bridges which Fabius had built - a circumstance
which caused great difficulties to Caesar's army. For as our camp,
as already mentioned, was pitched between two rivers, the Segre and
Cinca, and as neither of these could be forded for the space of thirty
miles, they were all of necessity confined within these narrow limits.
Neither could the states, which had espoused Caesar's cause, furnish
him with corn, nor the troops, which had gone far to forage, return,
as they were stopped by the waters: nor could the convoys, coming
from Italy and Gaul, make their way to the camp. Besides, it was the
most distressing season of the year, when there was no corn in the
blade, and it was nearly ripe: and the states were exhausted, because
Afranius had conveyed almost all the corn, before Caesar's arrival,
into Ilerda, and whatever he had left, had been already consumed by
Caesar. The cattle, which might have served as a secondary resource
against want, had been removed by the states to a great distance on
account of the war. They who had gone out to get forage or corn, were
chased by the light troops of the Lusitanians, and the targeteers
of Hither Spain, who were well acquainted with the country, and could
readily swim across the river, because it is the custom of all those
people not to join their armies without bladders.
===== Chapter 49 =====
But Afranius's army had abundance of everything; a great stock of
corn had been provided and laid in long before, a large quantity was
coming in from the whole province: they had a good store of forage.
The bridge of Ilerda afforded an opportunity of getting all these
without any danger, and the places beyond the bridge, to which Caesar
had no access, were as yet untouched.
===== Chapter 50 =====
Those floods continued several days. Caesar endeavored to repair the
bridges, but the height of the water did not allow him: and the cohorts
disposed along the banks did not suffer them to be completed; and
it was easy for them to prevent it, both from the nature of the river
and the height of the water, but especially because their darts were
thrown from the whole course of the bank on one confined spot; and
it was no easy matter at one and the same time to execute a work in
a very rapid flood, and to avoid the darts.
===== Chapter 51 =====
Intelligence was brought to Afranius that the great convoys, which
were on their march to Caesar, had halted at the river. Archers from
the Rutheni, and horse from the Gauls, with a long train of baggage,
according to the Gallic custom of traveling, had arrived there; there
were besides about six thousand people of all descriptions, with slaves
and freed men. But there was no order, or regular discipline, as every
one followed his own humor, and all traveled without apprehension,
taking the same liberty as on former marches. There were several young
noblemen, sons of senators, and of equestrian rank; there were embassadors
from several states; there were lieutenants of Caesar's. The river
stopped them all. To attack them by surprise, Afranius set out in
the beginning of the night, with all his cavalry and three legions,
and sent the horse on before, to fall on them unawares; but the Gallic
horse soon got themselves in readiness, and attacked them. Though
but few, they withstood the vast number of the enemy, as long as they
fought on equal terms; but when the legions began to approach, having
lost a few men, they retreated to the next mountains. The delay occasioned
by this battle was of great importance to the security of our men;
for having gained time, they retired to the higher grounds. There
were missing that day about two hundred bow-men, a few horse, and
an inconsiderable number of servants and baggage.
===== Chapter 52 =====
However, by all these things, the price of provisions was raised,
which is commonly a disaster attendant, not only on a time of present
scarcity, but on the apprehension of future want. Provisions had now
reached fifty denarii each bushel; and the want of corn had diminished
the strength of the soldiers; and the inconveniences were increasing
every day; and so great an alteration was wrought in a few days, and
fortune had so changed sides, that our men had to struggle with the
want of every necessary; while the enemy had an abundant supply of
all things, and were considered to have the advantage. Caesar demanded
from those states which had acceded to his alliance, a supply of cattle,
as they had but little corn. He sent away the camp followers to the
more distant states, and endeavored to remedy the present scarcity
by every resource in his power.
===== Chapter 53 =====
Afranius and Petreius, and their friends, sent fuller and more
circumstantial accounts of these things to Rome, to their
acquaintances. Report exaggerated them so that the war appeared to be
almost at an end. When these letters and dispatches were received at
Rome, a great concourse of people resorted to the house of Afranius,
and congratulations ran high; several went out of Italy to Cneius
Pompey; some of them, to be the first to bring him the intelligence;
others, that they might not be thought to have waited the issue of the
war, and to have come last of all.
===== Chapter 54 =====
When Caesar's affairs were in this unfavorable position, and all the
passes were guarded by the soldiers and horse of Afranius, and the
bridges could not be prepared, Caesar ordered his soldiers to make
ships of the kind that his knowledge of Britain a few years before had
taught him. First, the keels and ribs were made of light timber, then,
the rest of the hulk of the ships was wrought with wicker work, and
covered over with hides. When these were finished, he drew them down
to the river in wagons in one night, a distance of twenty-two miles
from his camp, and transported in them some soldiers across the river,
and on a sudden took possession of a hill adjoining the bank. This he
immediately fortified, before he was perceived by the enemy. To this
he afterward transported a legion: and having begun a bridge on both
sides, he finished it in two days. By this means, he brought safe to
his camp, the convoys, and those who had gone out to forage; and began
to prepare a conveyance for the provisions.
===== Chapter 55 =====
The same day he made a great part of his horse pass the river, who,
falling on the foragers by surprise as they were dispersed without any
suspicions, intercepted an incredible number of cattle and people; and
when some Spanish light-armed cohorts were sent to reinforce the
enemy, our men judiciously divided themselves into two parts, the one
to protect the spoil, the other to resist the advancing foe, and to
beat them back, and they cut off from the rest and surrounded one
cohort, which had rashly ventured out of the line before the others,
and after putting it to the sword, returned safe with considerable
booty to the camp over the same bridge.
===== Chapter 56 =====
While these affairs are going forward at Ilerda, the Massilians,
adopting the advice of Domitius, prepared seventeen ships of war, of
which eleven were decked. To these they add several smaller vessels,
that our fleet might be terrified by numbers; they man them with a
great number of archers and of the Albici, of whom mention has been
already made, and these they incited by rewards and promises. Domitius
required certain ships for his own use, which he manned with colonists
and shepherds, whom he had brought along with him. A fleet being thus
furnished with every necessary, he advanced with great confidence
against our ships, commanded by Decimus Brutus. It was stationed at an
island opposite to Massilia.
===== Chapter 57 =====
Brutus was much inferior in number of ships; but Caesar had appointed
to that fleet the bravest men selected from all his legions,
antesignani and centurions, who had requested to be employed in that
service. They had provided iron hooks and harpoons, and had furnished
themselves with a vast number of javelins, darts, and missiles. Thus
prepared, and being apprised of the enemy's approach, they put out
from the harbor, and engaged the Massilians. Both sides fought with
great courage and resolution; nor did the Albici, a hardy people, bred
on the highlands and inured to arms, fall much short of our men in
valor: and being lately come from the Massilians, they retained in
their minds their recent promises: and the wild shepherds, encouraged
by the hope of liberty, were eager to prove their zeal in the presence
of their masters.
===== Chapter 58 =====
The Massilians themselves, confiding in the quickness of their ships,
and the skill of their pilots, eluded ours, and evaded the shock, and
as long as they were permitted by clear space, lengthening their line
they endeavored to surround us, or to attack single ships with several
of theirs, or to run across our ships, and carry away our oars, if
possible; but when necessity obliged them to come nearer, they had
recourse, from the skill and art of the pilots, to the valor of the
mountaineers. But our men, not having such expert seamen, or skillful
pilots, for they had been hastily drafted from the merchant ships, and
were not yet acquainted even with the names of the rigging, were
moreover impeded by the heaviness and slowness of our vessels, which
having been built in a hurry and of green timber, were not so easily
maneuvered. Therefore, when Caesar's men had an opportunity of a close
engagement, they cheerfully opposed two of the enemy's ships with one
of theirs. And throwing in the grappling-irons, and holding both ships
fast, they fought on both sides of the deck, and boarded the enemy's;
and having killed numbers of the Albici and shepherds, they sank some
of their ships, took others with the men on board, and drove the rest
into the harbor. That day the Massilians lost nine ships, including
those that were taken.
===== Chapter 59 =====
When news of this battle was brought to Caesar at Ilerda, the bridge
being completed at the same time, fortune soon took a turn. The enemy,
daunted by the courage of our horse, did not scour the country as
freely or as boldly as before: but sometimes advancing a small
distance from the camp, that they might have a ready retreat, they
foraged within narrower bounds: at other times, they took a longer
circuit to avoid our outposts and parties of horse; or having
sustained some loss, or descried our horse at a distance, they fled in
the midst of their expedition, leaving their baggage behind them; at
length they resolved to leave off foraging for several days, and,
contrary to the practice of all nations, to go out at night.
===== Chapter 60 =====
In the mean time the Oscenses and the Calagurritani, who were under
the government of the Oscenses, send embassadors to Caesar, and offer
to submit to his orders. They are followed by the Tarraconenses,
Jacetani, and Ausetani, and in a few days more by the Illurgavonenses,
who dwell near the river Ebro. He requires of them all, to assist him
with corn, to which they agreed, and having collected all the cattle
in the country, they convey them into his camp. One entire cohort of
the Illurgavonenses, knowing the design of their state, came over to
Caesar, from the place where they were stationed, and carried their
colors with them. A great change is shortly made in the face of
affairs. The bridge being finished, five powerful states being joined
to Caesar, a way opened for the receiving of corn, and the rumors of
the assistance of legions which were said to be on their march, with
Pompey at their head, through Mauritania, having died away, several of
the more distant states revolt from Afranius, and enter into league
with Caesar.
===== Chapter 61 =====
While the spirits of the enemy were dismayed at these things, Caesar,
that he might not be always obliged to send his horse a long circuit
round by the bridge, having found a convenient place, began to sink
several drains, thirty feet deep, by which he might draw off a part of
the river Segre, and make a ford over it. When these were almost
finished, Afranius and Petreius began to be greatly alarmed, lest they
should be altogether cut off from corn and forage, because Caesar was
very strong in cavalry. They therefore resolved to quit their posts,
and to transfer the war to Celtiberia. There was, moreover, a
circumstance that confirmed them in this resolution: for of the two
adverse parties, that, which had stood by Sertorius in the late war,
being conquered by Pompey, still trembled at his name and sway, though
absent: the other which had remained firm in Pompey's interest, loved
him for the favors which they had received: but Caesar's name was not
known to the barbarians. From these they expected considerable aid,
both of horse and foot, and hoped to protract the war till winter, in
a friendly country. Having come to this resolution, they gave orders
to collect all the ships in the river Ebro, and to bring them to
Octogesa, a town situated on the river Ebro, about twenty miles
distant from their camp. At this part of the river, they ordered a
bridge to be made of boats fastened together, and transported two
legions over the river Segre, and fortified their camp with a rampart,
twelve feet high.
===== Chapter 62 =====
Notice of this being given by the scouts, Caesar continued his work
day and night, with very great fatigue to the soldiers, to drain the
river, and so far effected his purpose, that the horse were both able
and bold enough, though with some difficulty and danger, to pass the
river; but the foot had only their shoulders and upper part of their
breast above the water, so that their fording it was retarded, not
only by the depth of the water, but also by the rapidity of the
current. However, almost at the same instant, news was received of
the bridge being nearly completed over the Ebro, and a ford was found
in the Segre.
===== Chapter 63 =====
Now indeed the enemy began to think that they ought to hasten their
march. Accordingly, leaving two auxiliary cohorts in the garrison at
Ilerda, they crossed the Segre with their whole force, and formed one
camp with the two legions which they had led across a few days
before. Caesar had no resource, but to annoy and cut down their rear;
since with his cavalry to go by the bridge, required him to take a
long circuit; so that they would arrive at the Ebro by a much shorter
route. The horse, which he had detached, crossed the ford, and when
Afranius and Petreius had broken up their camp about the third watch,
they suddenly appeared on their rear, and spreading round them in
great numbers, retard and impede their march.
===== Chapter 64 =====
At break of day, it was perceived from the rising grounds which joined
Caesar's camp, that their rear was vigorously pressed by our horse;
that the last line sometimes halted and was broken; at other times,
that they joined battle and that our men were beaten back by a general
charge of their cohorts, and, in their turn, pursued them when they
wheeled about: but through the whole camp the soldiers gathered in
parties, and declared their chagrin that the enemy had been suffered
to escape from their hands and that the war had been unnecessarily
protracted. They applied to their tribunes and centurions, and
entreated them to inform Caesar that he need not spare their labor or
consider their danger; that they were ready and able, and would
venture to ford the river where the horse had crossed. Caesar,
encouraged by their zeal and importunity, though he felt reluctant to
expose his army to a river so exceedingly large, yet judged it prudent
to attempt it and make a trial. Accordingly, he ordered all the weaker
soldiers, whose spirit or strength seemed unequal to the fatigue, to
be selected from each century, and left them, with one legion besides,
to guard the camp: the rest of the legions he drew out without any
baggage, and, having disposed a great number of horses in the river,
above and below the ford, he led his army over. A few of his soldiers
being carried away by the force of the current, were stopped by the
horse and taken up, and not a man perished. His army being safe on the
opposite bank, he drew out his forces and resolved to lead them
forward in three battalions: and so great was the ardor of the
soldiers that, notwithstanding the addition of a circuit of six miles
and a considerable delay in fording the river, before the ninth hour
of the day they came up with those who had set out at the third watch.
===== Chapter 65 =====
When Afranius, who was in company with Petreius, saw them at a
distance, being affrighted at so unexpected a sight, he halted on a
rising ground and drew up his army. Caesar refreshed his army on the
plain that he might not expose them to battle while fatigued; and when
the enemy attempted to renew their march, he pursued and stopped
them. They were obliged to pitch their camp sooner than they had
intended, for there were mountains at a small distance; and difficult
and narrow roads awaited them about five miles off. They retired
behind these mountains that they might avoid Caesar's cavalry, and,
placing parties in the narrow roads, stop the progress of his army and
lead their own forces across the Ebro without danger or
apprehension. This it was their interest to attempt and to effect by
any means possible; but, fatigued by the skirmishes all day, and by
the labor of their march, they deferred it till the following day;
Caesar likewise encamped on the next hill.
===== Chapter 66 =====
About midnight a few of their men who had gone some distance from the
camp to fetch water, being taken by our horse, Caesar is informed by
them that the generals of the enemy were drawing their troops out of
the camp without noise. Upon this information Caesar ordered the
signal to be given and the military shout to be raised for packing up
the baggage. When they heard the shout, being afraid lest they should
be stopped in the night and obliged to engage under their baggage, or
lest they should be confined in the narrow roads by Caesar's horse,
they put a stop to their march and kept their forces in their camp.
The next day Petreius went out privately with a few horse to
reconnoitre the country. A similar movement was made from Caesar's
camp. Lucius Decidius Saxa, was detached with a small party to explore
the nature of the country. Each returned with the same account to his
camp, that there was a level road for the next five miles, that there
then succeeded a rough and mountainous country. Whichever should first
obtain possession of the defiles would have no trouble in preventing
the other's progress.
===== Chapter 67 =====
There was a debate in the council between Afranius and Petreius, and
the time of marching was the subject. The majority were of opinion
that they should begin their march at night, "for they might reach the
defiles before they should be discovered." Others, because a shout had
been raised the night before in Caesar's camp, used this as an
argument that they could not leave the camp unnoticed: "that Caesar's
cavalry were patrolling the whole night, and that all the ways and
roads were beset; that battles at night ought to be avoided, because,
in civil dissension, a soldier once daunted is more apt to consult his
fears than his oath; that the daylight raised a strong sense of shame
in the eyes of all, and that the presence of the tribunes and
centurions had the same effect: by these things the soldiers would be
restrained and awed to their duty. Wherefore they should, by all
means, attempt to force their way by day; for, though a trifling loss
might be sustained, yet the post which they desired might be secured
with safety to the main body of the army." This opinion prevailed in
the council, and the next day, at the dawn, they resolved to set
forward.
===== Chapter 68 =====
Caesar, having taken a view of the country, the moment the sky began
to grow white, led his forces from the camp and marched at the head of
his army by a long circuit, keeping to no regular road; for the road
which led to the Ebro and Octogesa was occupied by the enemy's camp,
which lay in Caesar's way. His soldiers were obliged to cross
extensive and difficult valleys. Craggy cliffs, in several places,
interrupted their march, insomuch that their arms had to be handed to
one another, and the soldiers were forced to perform a great part of
their march unarmed, and were lifted up the rocks by each other. But
not a man murmured at the fatigue, because they imagined that there
would be a period to all their toils, if they could cut off the enemy
from the Ebro and intercept their convoys.
===== Chapter 69 =====
At first, Afranius's soldiers ran in high spirits from their camp to
look at us, and in contumelious language upbraided us, "that we were
forced, for want of necessary subsistence, to run away, and return to
Ilerda." For our route was different from what we proposed, and we
appeared to be going a contrary way. But their generals applauded
their own prudence in keeping within their camp, and it was a strong
confirmation of their opinion, that they saw we marched without wagons
or baggage, which made them confident that we could not long endure
want. But when they saw our army gradually wheel to the right, and
observed our van was already passing the line of their camp, there was
nobody so stupid, or averse to fatigue, as not to think it necessary
to march from the camp immediately, and oppose us. The cry to arms was
raised, and all the army, except a few which were left to guard the
camp, set out and marched the direct road to the Ebro.
===== Chapter 70 =====
The contest depended entirely on dispatch, which should first get
possession of the defile and the mountains. The difficulty of the
roads delayed Caesar's army, but his cavalry pursuing Afranius's
forces, retarded their march. However, the affair was necessarily
reduced to this point, with respect to Afranius's men, that if they
first gained the mountains, which they desired, they would themselves
avoid all danger, but could not save the baggage of their whole army,
nor the cohorts which they had left behind in the camps, to which,
being intercepted by Caesar's army, by no means could assistance be
given. Caesar first accomplished the march, and having found a plain
behind large rocks, drew up his army there in order of battle and
facing the enemy. Afranius, perceiving that his rear was galled by our
cavalry, and seeing the enemy before him, having come to a hill, made
a halt on it. Thence he detached four cohorts of Spanish light
infantry to the highest mountain which was in view: to this he ordered
them to hasten with all expedition, and to take possession of it, with
the intention of going to the same place with all his forces, then
altering his route, and crossing the hills to Octogesa. As the
Spaniards were making toward it in an oblique direction, Caesar's
horse espied them and attacked them, nor were they able to withstand
the charge of the cavalry even for a moment, but were all surrounded
and cut to pieces in the sight of the two armies.
===== Chapter 71 =====
There was now an opportunity for managing affairs successfully, nor
did it escape Caesar, that an army daunted at suffering such a loss
before their eyes, could not stand, especially as they were surrounded
by our horse, and the engagement would take place on even and open
ground. To this he was importuned on all sides. The lieutenants,
centurions, and tribunes, gathered round him, and begged "that he
would not hesitate to begin the battle: that the hearts of all the
soldiers were very anxious for it: that Afranius's men had by several
circumstances betrayed signs of fear; in that they had not assisted
their party; in that they had not quitted the hill; in that they did
not sustain the charge of our cavalry, but crowding their standards
into one place, did not observe either rank or order. But if he had
any apprehensions from the disadvantage of the ground, that an
opportunity would be given him of coming to battle in some other
place: for that Afranius must certainly come down, and would not be
able to remain there for want of water."
===== Chapter 72 =====
Caesar had conceived hopes of ending the affair without an engagement,
or without striking a blow, because he had cut off the enemy's
supplies. Why should he hazard the loss of any of his men, even in a
successful battle? Why should he expose soldiers to be wounded, who
had deserved so well of him? Why, in short, should he tempt fortune?
especially when it was as much a general's duty to conquer by tactics
as by the sword. Besides, he was moved with compassion for those
citizens, who, he foresaw, must fall: and he had rather gain his
object without any loss or injury to them. This resolution of Caesar
was not generally approved of; but the soldiers openly declared to
each other that since such an opportunity of victory was let pass,
they would not come to an engagement, even when Caesar should wish
it. He persevered however in his resolution, and retired a little from
that place to abate the enemy's fears. Petreius and Afranius, having
got this opportunity, retired to their camp. Caesar, having disposed
parties on the mountains, and cut off all access to the Ebro,
fortified his camp as close to the enemy as he could.
===== Chapter 73 =====
The day following, the generals of his opponents, being alarmed that
they had lost all prospect of supplies, and of access to the Ebro,
consulted as to what other course they should take. There were two
roads, one to Ilerda, if they chose to return, the other to Tarraco,
if they should march to it. While they were deliberating on these
matters, intelligence was brought them that their watering parties
were attacked by our horse: upon which information, they dispose
several parties of horse and auxiliary foot along the road, and
intermix some legionary cohorts, and begin to throw up a rampart from
the camp to the water, that they might be able to procure water within
their lines, both without fear, and without a guard. Petreius and
Afranius divided this task between themselves, and went in person to
some distance from their camp for the purpose of seeing it
accomplished.
===== Chapter 74 =====
The soldiers having obtained by their absence a free opportunity of
conversing with each other, came out in great numbers, and inquired
each for whatever acquaintance or fellow-citizen he had in our camp,
and invited him to him. First they returned them general thanks for
sparing them the day before, when they were greatly terrified, and
acknowledged that they were alive through their kindness; then they
inquired about the honor of our general, and whether they could with
safety intrust themselves to him; and declared their sorrow that they
had not done so in the beginning, and that they had taken up arms
against their relations and kinsmen. Encouraged by these conferences,
they desired the general's parole for the lives of Petreius and
Afranius, that they might not appear guilty of a crime, in having
betrayed their generals. When they were assured of obtaining their
demands, they promised that they would immediately remove their
standards, and sent centurions of the first rank as deputies to treat
with Caesar about a peace. In the mean time some of them invite their
acquaintances, and bring them to their camp, others are brought away
by their friends, so that the two camps seemed to be united into one,
and several of the tribunes and centurions came to Caesar, and paid
their respects to him. The same was done by some of the nobility of
Spain, whom they summoned to their assistance, and kept in their camp
as hostages. They inquired after their acquaintance and friends, by
whom each might have the means of being recommended to Caesar. Even
Afranius's son, a young man, endeavored, by means of Sulpitius the
lieutenant, to make terms for his own and his father's life. Every
place was filled with mirth and congratulations; in the one army,
because they thought they had escaped so impending danger; in the
other, because they thought they had completed so important a matter
without blows; and Caesar, in every man's judgment, reaped the
advantage of his former lenity, and his conduct was applauded by all.
===== Chapter 75 =====
When these circumstances were announced to Afranius, he left the work
which he had begun, and returned to his camp, determined as it
appeared, whatever should be the event, to bear it with an even and
steady mind. Petreius did not neglect himself; he armed his
domestics; with them and the praetorian cohort of Spaniards, and a few
foreign horse, his dependents, whom he commonly kept near him to guard
his person, he suddenly flew to the rampart, interrupted the
conferences of the soldiers, drove our men from the camp, and put to
death as many as he caught. The rest formed into a body, and being
alarmed by the unexpected danger, wrapped their left arms in their
cloaks, and drew their swords, and in this manner, depending on the
nearness of their camp, defended themselves against the Spaniards, and
the horse, and made good their retreat to the camp, where they were
protected by the cohorts which were on guard.
===== Chapter 76 =====
Petreius, after accomplishing this, went round every maniple, calling
the soldiers by their names, and entreating with tears that they would
not give up him and their absent general Pompey, as a sacrifice to the
vengeance of their enemies. Immediately they ran in crowds to the
general's pavilion, when he required them all to take an oath that
they would not desert nor betray the army nor the generals, nor form
any design distinct from the general interest. He himself swore first
to the tenor of those words, and obliged Afranius to take the same
oath. The tribunes and centurions followed their example; the soldiers
were brought out by centuries, and took the same oath. They gave
orders, that whoever had any of Caesar's soldiers should produce them;
as soon as they were produced, they put them to death publicly in the
praetorium, but most of them concealed those that they had
entertained, and let them out at night over the rampart. Thus the
terror raised by the generals, the cruelty of the punishments, the new
obligation of an oath, removed all hopes of surrender for the present,
changed the soldiers' minds, and reduced matters to the former state
of war.
===== Chapter 77 =====
Caesar ordered the enemy's soldiers, who had come into his camp to
hold a conference, to be searched for with the strictest diligence,
and sent back. But of the tribunes and centurions, several voluntarily
remained with him, and he afterward treated them with great respect.
The centurions he promoted to higher ranks, and conferred on the Roman
knights the honor of tribunes.
===== Chapter 78 =====
Afranius's men were distressed in foraging, and procured water with
difficulty. The legionary soldiers had a tolerable supply of corn,
because they had beef ordered to bring from Ilerda sufficient to last
twenty-two days; the Spanish and auxiliary forces had none, for they
had but few opportunities of procuring any, and their bodies were not
accustomed to bear burdens; and therefore a great number of them came
over to Caesar every day. Their affairs were under these difficulties;
but of the two schemes proposed, the most expedient seemed to be to
return to Ilerda, because they had left some corn there; and there
they hoped to decide on a plan for their future conduct. Tarraco lay
at a greater distance; and in such a space they knew affairs might
admit of many changes. Their design having met with approbation, they
set out from their camp. Caesar having sent forward his cavalry, to
annoy and retard their rear, followed close after with his legions.
Not a moment passed in which their rear was not engaged with our
horse.
===== Chapter 79 =====
Their manner of fighting was this: the light cohorts closed their
rear, and frequently made a stand on the level grounds. If they had a
mountain to ascend, the very nature of the place readily secured them
from any danger; for the advanced guards, from the rising grounds,
protected the rest in their ascent. When they approached a valley or
declivity, and the advanced men could not impart assistance to the
tardy, our horse threw their darts at them from the rising grounds
with advantage; then their affairs were in a perilous situation; the
only plan left was, that whenever they came near such places, they
should give orders to the legions to halt, and by a violent effort
repulse our horse; and these being forced to give way, they should
suddenly, with the utmost speed, run all together down to the valley,
and having passed it, should face about again on the next hill. For so
far were they from deriving any assistance from their horse (of which
they had a large number), that they were obliged to receive them into
the center of their army, and themselves protect them, as they were
daunted by former battles. And on their march no one could quit the
line without being taken by Caesar's horse.
===== Chapter 80 =====
While skirmishes were fought in this manner, they advanced but slowly
and gradually, and frequently halted to help their rear, as then
happened. For having advanced four miles, and being very much
harassed by our horse, they took post on a high mountain, and there in
trenched themselves on the front only, facing the enemy; and did not
take their baggage off their cattle. When they perceived that Caesar's
camp was pitched, and the tents fixed up, and his horse sent out to
forage, they suddenly rushed out about twelve o'clock the same day,
and, having hopes that we should be delayed by the absence of our
horse, they began to march, which Caesar perceiving, followed them
with the legions that remained. He left a few cohorts to guard his
baggage, and ordered the foragers to be called home at the tenth hour,
and the horse to follow him. The horse shortly returned to their
daily duty on march, and charged the rear so vigorously, that they
almost forced them to fly; and several privates and some centurions
were killed. The main body of Caesar's army was at hand, and universal
ruin threatened them.
===== Chapter 81 =====
Then indeed, not having opportunity either to choose a convenient
position for their camp, or to march forward, they were obliged to
halt, and to encamp at a distance from water, and on ground naturally
unfavorable. But for the reasons already given, Caesar did not attack
them, nor suffer a tent to be pitched that day, that his men might be
the readier to pursue them whether they attempted to run off by night
or by day. Observing the defect in their position, they spent the
whole night in extending their work, and turning their camp to
ours. The next day, at dawn, they do the same, and spend the whole day
in that manner, but in proportion as they advanced their works, and
extended their camp, they were further distant from the water; and one
evil was remedied by another. The first night, no one went out for
water. The next day, they left a guard in the camp, and led out all
their forces to water: but not a person was sent to look for
forage. Caesar was more desirous that they should be humbled by these
means, and forced to come to terms, than decide the contest by battle.
Yet he endeavored to surround them with a wall and trench, that he
might be able to check their most sudden sally, to which he imagined
that they must have recourse. Hereupon, urged by want of fodder, that
they might be the readier for a march, they killed all their baggage
cattle.
===== Chapter 82 =====
In this work, and the deliberations on it, two days were spent. By the
third day a considerable part of Caesar's work was finished. To
interrupt his progress, they drew out their legions about the eighth
hour, by a certain signal, and placed them in order of battle before
their camp. Caesar calling his legions off from their work, and
ordering the horse to hold themselves in readiness, marshaled his
army: for to appear to decline an engagement contrary to the opinion
of the soldiers and the general voice, would have been attended with
great disadvantage. But for the reasons already known, he was
dissuaded from wishing to engage, and the more especially, because the
short space between the camps, even if the enemy were put to flight,
would not contribute much to a decisive victory; for the two camps
were not distant from each other above two thousand feet. Two parts of
this were occupied by the armies, and one third left for the soldiers
to charge and make their attack. If a battle should be begun, the
nearness of the camps would afford a ready retreat to the conquered
party in the flight. For this reason Caesar had resolved to make
resistance if they attacked him, but not to be the first to provoke
the battle.
===== Chapter 83 =====
Afranius's five legions were drawn up in two lines, the auxiliary
cohorts formed the third line, and acted as reserves. Caesar had three
lines, four cohorts out of each of the five legions formed the first
line. Three more from each legion followed them, as reserves: and
three others were behind these. The slingers and archers were
stationed in the center of the line; the cavalry closed the
flanks. The hostile armies being arranged in this manner, each seemed
determined to adhere to his first intention: Caesar not to hazard a
battle, unless forced to it; Afranius to interrupt Caesar's
works. However, the matter was deferred, and both armies kept under
arms till sunset; when they both returned to their camp. The next day
Caesar prepared to finish the works which he had begun. The enemy
attempted to pass the river Segre by a ford. Caesar, having perceived
this, sent some light armed Germans and a party of horse across the
river, and disposed several parties along the banks to guard them.
===== Chapter 84 =====
At length, beset on all sides, their cattle having been four days
without fodder, and having no water, wood, or corn, they beg a
conference; and that, if possible, in a place remote from the
soldiers. When this was refused by Caesar, but a public interview
offered if they chose it, Afranius's son was given as a hostage to
Caesar. They met in the place appointed by Caesar. In the hearing of
both armies Afranius spoke thus: "That Caesar ought not to be
displeased either with him or his soldiers, for wishing to preserve
their attachment to their general, Cneius Pompey. That they had now
sufficiently discharged their duty to him, and had suffered punishment
enough, in having endured the want of every necessary: but now, pent
up almost like wild beasts, they were prevented from procuring water,
and prevented from walking abroad; and were not able to bear the
bodily pain or the mental disgrace: but confessed themselves
vanquished: and begged and entreated, if there was any room left for
mercy, that they should not be necessitated to suffer the most severe
penalties." These sentiments were delivered in the most submissive and
humble language.
===== Chapter 85 =====
Caesar replied, "That either to complain or sue for mercy became no
man less than him: for that every other person had done their duty:
himself, in having declined to engage on favorable terms, in an
advantageous situation and time, that all things tending to a peace
might be totally unembarrassed: his army, in having preserved and
protected the men whom they had in their power, notwithstanding the
injuries which they had received, and the murder of their comrades;
and even Afranius's soldiers, who of themselves treated about
concluding a peace, by which they thought that they would secure the
lives of all. Thus, that the parties on both sides inclined to mercy:
that the generals only were averse to peace: that they paid no regard
to the laws either of conference or truce; and had most inhumanly put
to death ignorant persons, who were deceived by a conference: that
therefore, they had met that fate which usually befalls men from
excessive obstinacy and arrogance; and were obliged to have recourse,
and most earnestly desire that which they had shortly before
disdained. That for his part, he would not avail himself of their
present humiliation, or his present advantage, to require terms by
which his power might be increased, but only that those armies, which
they had maintained for so many years to oppose him, should be
disbanded: for six legions had been sent into Spain, and a seventh
raised there, and many and powerful fleets provided, and generals of
great military experience sent to command them, for no other purpose
than to oppose him: that none of these measures were adopted to keep
the Spains in peace, or for the use of the province, which, from the
length of the peace, stood in need of no such aid; that all these
things were long since designed against him; that against him a new
sort of government was established, that the same person should be at
the gates of Rome, to direct the affairs of the city; and though
absent, have the government of two most warlike provinces for so many
years: that against him the laws of the magistrates had been altered;
that the late praetors and consuls should not be sent to govern the
provinces as had been the constant custom, but persons approved of and
chosen by a faction. That against him the excuse of age was not
admitted; but persons of tried experience in former wars were called
up to take the command of the armies: that with respect to him only,
the routine was not observed which had been allowed to all generals,
that, after a successful war, they should return home and disband
their armies, if not with some mark of honor, at least without
disgrace; that he had submitted to all these things patiently, and
would still submit to them; nor did he now desire to take their army
from them and keep it to himself (which, however, would not be a
difficult matter), but only that they should not have it to employ
against him: and therefore, as he said before, let them quit the
provinces, and disband their army. If this was complied with, he would
injure no person; that these were the last and only conditions of
peace."
===== Chapter 86 =====
It was very acceptable and agreeable to Afranius's soldiers, as might
be easily known from their signs of joy, that they who expected some
injury after this defeat, should obtain without solicitation the
reward of a dismissal. For when a debate was introduced about the
place and time of their dismissal, they all began to express, both by
words and signs, from the rampart where they stood, that they should
be discharged immediately; for although every security might be given,
that they would be disbanded, still the matter would be uncertain, if
it was deferred to a future day. After a short debate on either side,
it was brought to this issue: that those who had any settlement or
possession in Spain, should be immediately discharged: the rest at the
river Var. Caesar gave security that they should receive no damage,
and that no person should be obliged against his inclination to take
the military oath under him.
===== Chapter 87 =====
Caesar promised to supply them with corn from the present time till
they arrived at the river Var. He further adds, that whatever any of
them lost in the war, which was in the possession of his soldiers,
should be restored to those that lost them. To his soldiers he made a
recompense in money for those things, a just valuation being
made. Whatever disputes Afranius's soldiers had afterward among
themselves, they voluntarily submitted to Caesar's decision. Afranius
and Petreius, when pay was demanded by the legions, a sedition almost
breaking out, asserted that the time had not yet come, and required
that Caesar should take cognizance of it; and both parties were
content with his decision. About a third part of their army being
dismissed in two days, Caesar ordered two of his legions, to go
before, the rest to follow the vanquished enemy; that they should
encamp at a small distance from each other. The execution of this
business he gave in charge to Quintus Fufius Kalenus, one of his
lieutenants. According to his directions, they marched from Spain to
the river Var, and there the rest of the army was disbanded.