[-47-] At the end of this speech of Caesar’s not only did no one raise an objection, even if some thought altogether the opposite, but they all approved his words, especially those who were suspected by him of spreading the talk they had heard mentioned.  The soldiers they had no difficulty in persuading to yield obedience:  some had of their own free will previously decided to do so and the rest were led to that course through emulation of them.  He had made an exception of the tenth legion because for some reason he always felt kindly toward it.  This was the way the government troops were named, according to the arrangement of the lists; whence those of the present day have similar titles.

When they had been thus united, Caesar, for fear that by delay they might again become indifferent, no longer remained stationary, but immediately set out and pressed forward against Ariovistus.  By the suddenness of his approach he so alarmed the latter that he forced him to hold a conference with him regarding peace.  They did not come to terms, however, since Caesar wished to impose all commands and Ariovistus refused to obey at all.

War consequently broke forth; and not only were the two chief parties interested on the alert, but so were also all the allies and enemies of both sides in that region; for they felt sure that the battle between them would take place in the shortest possible time and that they themselves should have to serve in every way those who once conquered.  The barbarians had the superiority in numbers and in size of bodies, but the Romans in experience and armor.  To some extent also Caesar’s skill in planning was found to counterbalance the fiery spirit of the Celts and their disorderly, headlong charge.  As a result, then, of their being evenly matched, their hopes and consequent zeal were in perfect equipoise.

[-48-] While they were encamped opposite each other the women on the barbarian side after divination forbade the men to engage in any battle before the new moon.  For this reason Ariovistus, who already paid great heed to them whenever they took any such action, did not join in conflict with his entire force immediately, although the Romans were challenging him to come out.  Instead, he sent out the cavalry together with the foot soldiers assigned to them and did the other side severe injury.  Scornfully elated by his success he undertook to occupy a position beyond the line of their trench.  Of this he held possession, while his opponents occupied in turn another.  Then, although Caesar kept his army drawn up outside until afternoon, he would not proceed to battle, but when his foe toward evening retired he suddenly came after them and all but captured their palisade.  Since his affairs progressed so well he recked little any longer of the women, and on the following day when, according to their daily custom the Romans were marshaled, he led out his forces against them.