day they advanced in better order, with the aim of reaching open country; but they did not gain it without loss.  From there they went forward and plunged into the woods again, defending themselves against the attacks, but endured no inconsiderable reverses in this very operation.  For whereas they were marshaled in a narrow place in order that cavalry and heavy-armed men in a mass might run down their foes, they had many collisions with one another and with the trees.  Dawn of the fourth day broke as they were advancing and again a violent downpour and mighty wind attacked them, which would not allow them to go forward or even to stand securely, and actually deprived them of the use of their weapons.  They could not manage successfully their arrows or their javelins or, indeed, their shields (which were soaked through).  The enemy, however, being for the most part lightly equipped and with power to approach and retire freely, suffered less from the effects of the storm. Their numbers, moreover, increased, as numbers of those who had at first wavered joined them particularly for the sake of plunder, and so they could more easily encircle and strike down the Romans, who were already few, many having perished in the previous battles.  Varus, therefore, and the most eminent of the other leaders, fearing that they might either be taken alive or be killed by their bitterest foes,—­for they had been wounded,—­dared do a deed which was frightful but not to be avoided:  they killed themselves.

[-22-] When this news was spread, none of the rest, even if he had strength still left, defended himself longer.  Some imitated their leader; others, throwing aside their arms, allowed who pleased to slay them.  To flee was impossible, however one might wish it.  Every man and horse, therefore, was cut down without resistance, and the[3] ...

And the barbarians occupied all the strongholds save one, delay over which prevented them from either crossing the Rhine or invading Gaul.  Yet they found themselves unable to reduce this particular fort because they did not understand the conduct of sieges and because the Romans employed numerous archers, who repeatedly repulsed them and from first to last destroyed a large proportion of the attacking party.

Later they learned that the Romans had posted a guard at the Rhine and that Tiberius was approaching with an imposing force of fighters.  Therefore most of the barbarians retired from the fortress, and the detachment still left there withdrew some distance away, so as not to be damaged by sudden sallies of the men inside; and they kept watch of the roads, hoping to capture the garrison through scarcity of food supplies.  The Romans within, so long as they had abundance of sustenance, remained where they were awaiting relief.  But when no one came to their assistance and they were likewise a prey to hunger, they watched for a stormy night and issued forth—­the soldiers were but fed, the