§1.21.1Eodem die ab exploratoribus certior factus hostes sub monte consedisse milia passuum ab ipsius castris octo, qualis esset natura montis et qualis in circuitu ascensus qui cognoscerent misit.
On the same day, having been informed by scouts that the enemy had encamped at the foot of a mountain eight miles from his own camp, he sent men to find out what the nature of the mountain was, and what kind of ascent it had on a circuitous route.
§1.21.2Renuntiatum est facilem esse.
It was reported back that it was easy.
De tertia vigilia T. Labienum, legatum pro praetore, cum duabus legionibus et iis ducibus qui iter cognoverant summum iugum montis ascendere iubet; quid sui consilii sit ostendit.
During the third watch, he ordered T. Labienus, his lieutenant with praetorian powers, to ascend the highest ridge of the mountain with two legions and those guides who knew the road; he explained to him what his plan was.
§1.21.3Ipse de quarta vigilia eodem itinere quo hostes ierant ad eos contendit equitatumque omnem ante se mittit.
He himself, during the fourth watch, hastened toward them by the same route that the enemy had gone, and sent all the cavalry ahead of him.
§1.21.4P. Considius, qui rei militaris peritissimus habebatur et in exercitu L. Sullae et postea in M. Crassi fuerat, cum exploratoribus praemittitur.
P. Considius, who was considered highly experienced in military affairs, and had served in the army of L. Sulla and afterwards in that of M. Crassus, was sent ahead with the scouts.