of provisions; there was an apprehension of broken courage, and perchance of numerous desertions.  Caesar summoned a great council of war, to which he called the chief officers of his legions; he complained bitterly of their alarm, recalled to their memory their recent success against the Helvetians, and scoffed at the rumors spread about the Germans, and at the doubts with which there was an attempt to inspire him about the fidelity and obedience of his troops.  “An army,” said he, “disobeys only the commander who leads them badly and has no good fortune, or is found guilty of cupidity and malversation.  My whole life shows my integrity, and the war against the Helvetians my good fortune.  I shall order forthwith the departure I had intended to put off.  I shall strike the camp the very next night, at the fourth watch; I wish to see as soon as possible whether honor and duty or fear prevail in your ranks.  If there be any refusal to follow me, I shall march with only the tenth legion, of which I have no doubt; that shall be my praetorian cohort.”

The cheers of the troops, officers and men, were the answer given to the reproaches and hopes of their general:  all hesitation passed away; and Caesar set out with his army.  He fetched a considerable compass, to spare them the passage of thick forests, and, after a seven days’ march, arrived at a short distance from the camp of Ariovistus.  On learning that Caesar was already so near, the German sent to him a messenger with proposals for the interview which was but lately demanded, and to which there was no longer any obstacle, since Caesar had himself arrived upon the spot.  And the interview really took place, with mutual precautions for safety and warlike dignity.  Caesar repeated all the demands he had made upon Ariovistus, who, in his turn, maintained his refusal, asking, “What was wanted?  Why had foot been set upon his lands?  That part of Gaul was his province, just as the other was the Roman province.  If Caesar did not retire, and withdraw his troops, he should consider him no more a friend, but an enemy.  He knew that if he were to slay Caesar, he would recommend himself to many nobles and chiefs amongst the Roman people; he had learned as much from their own envoys.  But if Caesar retired and left him, Ariovistus, in free possession of Gaul, he would pay liberally in return, and would wage on Caesar’s behalf, without trouble or danger to him, any wars he might desire.”  During this interview it is probable that Caesar smiled more than once at the boldness and shrewdness of the barbarian.  Ultimately some horsemen in the escort of Ariovistus began to caracole towards the Romans, and to hurl at them stones and darts.  Caesar ordered his men to make no reprisals, and broke off the conference.  The next day but one Ariovistus proposed a renewal; but Caesar refused, having decided to bring the quarrel to an issue.  Several days in succession he led out his legions from their camp, and offered battle; but Ariovistus