In history we find, that some armies already yielding and ready to fly, have been by women restored, through their inflexible importunity and entreaties, presenting their breasts, and showing their impending captivity; an evil to the Germans then by far most dreadful when it befalls their women.  So that the spirit of such cities as amongst their hostages are enjoined to send their damsels of quality, is always engaged more effectually than that of others.  They even believe them endowed with something celestial and the spirit of prophecy.  Neither do they disdain to consult them, nor neglect the responses which they return.  In the reign of the deified Vespasian, we have seen Veleda for a long time, and by many nations, esteemed and adored as a divinity.  In times past they likewise worshipped Aurinia and several more, from no complaisance or effort of flattery, nor as Deities of their own creating.

Of all the Gods, Mercury is he whom they worship most.  To him on certain stated days it is lawful to offer even human victims.  Hercules and Mars they appease with beasts usually allowed for sacrifice.  Some of the Suevians make likewise immolations to Isis.  Concerning the cause and original of this foreign sacrifice I have found small light; unless the figure of her image formed like a galley, show that such devotion arrived from abroad.  For the rest, from the grandeur and majesty of beings celestial, they judge it altogether unsuitable to hold the Gods enclosed within walls, or to represent them under any human likeness.  They consecrate whole woods and groves, and by the names of the Gods they call these recesses; divinities these, which only in contemplation and mental reverence they behold.

To the use of lots and auguries, they are addicted beyond all other nations.  Their method of divining by lots is exceeding simple.  From a tree which bears fruit they cut a twig, and divide it into two small pieces.  These they distinguish by so many several marks, and throw them at random and without order upon a white garment.  Then the Priest of the community, if for the public the lots are consulted, or the father of a family if about a private concern, after he has solemnly invoked the Gods, with eyes lifted up to heaven, takes up every piece thrice, and having done thus forms a judgment according to the marks before made.  If the chances have proved forbidding, they are no more consulted upon the same affair during the same day; even when they are inviting, yet, for confirmation, the faith of auguries too is tried.  Yea, here also is the known practice of divining events from the voices and flight of birds.  But to this nation it is peculiar, to learn presages and admonitions divine from horses also.  These are nourished by the State in the same sacred woods and grooves, all milk-white and employed in no earthly labour.  These yoked in the holy chariot, are accompanied by the Priest and the King, or the Chief of the community,