§2.20.1Caesari omnia uno tempore erant agenda: vexillum proponendum, quod erat insigne, cum ad arma concurri oporteret; signum tuba dandum; ab opere revocandi milites; qui paulo longius aggeris petendi causa processerant arcessendi; acies instruenda; milites cohortandi; signum dandum.
Caesar had to do everything at one time: the standard had to be displayed, which was the signal for when it was necessary to rush to arms; the signal had to be given with the trumpet; the soldiers had to be recalled from the work; those who had proceeded a little further for the purpose of seeking material for the mound had to be summoned; the line of battle had to be formed; the soldiers had to be encouraged; the signal had to be given.
§2.20.2Quarum rerum magnam partem temporis brevitas et incursus hostium impediebat.
The shortness of time and the onset of the enemy prevented a great part of these matters.
§2.20.3His difficultatibus duae res erant subsidio, scientia atque usus militum, quod superioribus proeliis exercitati quid fieri oporteret non minus commode ipsi sibi praescribere quam ab aliis doceri poterant, et quod ab opere singulisque legionibus singulos legatos Caesar discedere nisi munitis castris vetuerat.
In these difficulties, two things were of assistance: the knowledge and experience of the soldiers, because, having been trained in former battles, they could prescribe for themselves what ought to be done no less fitly than be taught by others; and because Caesar had forbidden the individual legates to leave the work and their respective legions unless the camp was fortified.
§2.20.4Hi propter propinquitatem et celeritatem hostium nihil iam Caesaris imperium expectabant, sed per se quae videbantur administrabant.
These men, on account of the proximity and speed of the enemy, did not wait for any command from Caesar now, but by themselves administered what seemed best.