just that reason that it had been delivered publicly,—­and thought he was really afraid and truly taking to flight.  Hence they eagerly crossed the river and started toward the Romans with spirit, as fast as each one could.  So Labienus received their attack while they were scattered, and after terrifying the foremost easily routed the rest because of the action of the men in front.  Then as they were fleeing in disorder, falling over one another and crowding toward the river, he killed many of them.

[B.C. 53 (a.u. 701)]

[-32-] Not a few of them escaped even so, of whom Caesar made no account, except of Ambiorix:  this man by hurrying now one way and now another and doing much injury caused Caesar trouble in seeking and pursuing him.  Not being able to catch him by any device the Roman commander made an expedition against the Celtae, alleging that they had wished to help the Treveri.  On this occasion likewise he accomplished nothing, but retired rapidly through fear of the Suebi:  he gained the reputation, however, of having crossed the Rhine again, and of the bridge he destroyed only the portions near the barbarians, constructing upon it a guard-house, as if he might at any time have a desire to cross.  Then, in anger at the successful flight of Ambiorix, he delivered his country, though guilty of no rebellion, to any one who wished, to be plundered.  He gave public notice of this in advance, that as many as possible might assemble, wherefore many Gauls and many Sugambri came for the plunder.  It did not suffice the Sugambri, however, to make spoil of Gallic territory, but they attacked the Romans themselves.  They watched until the Romans were absent getting provender and made an attempt upon their camp; but meanwhile the other soldiers, perceiving it, came to the rescue and killed a number of the assailants.  Inspired with a fear of Caesar by this encounter they hurriedly withdrew homeward:  he inflicted no punishment upon any one of them because of the winter and the political disputes in Rome, but after dismissing the soldiers to their winter-quarters, went himself to Italy on the plea of caring for Hither Gaul, but really in order that he might be located close to what was taking place in the city.

[B.C. 52 (a.u. 702)]

[-33-] Meantime the Gauls made another outbreak.  The Arverni under the leadership of Vercingetorix revolted, killed all the Romans they found in their country, and proceeding against the tribes in alliance with the foreigner bestowed favors upon such as were willing to join their revolt, and injured the rest.  Caesar, on ascertaining this, returned and found that they had invaded the Bituriges.  He did not try to repel them, all his soldiers not being at hand as yet, but by invading the Arvernian country in his turn drew the enemy home again, whereupon, not deeming himself yet a match for them, he retired in good season. [-34-] They accordingly went back to the Bituriges,