§3.18.1Hac confirmata opinione timoris idoneum quendam hominem et callidum deligit, Gallum, ex iis quos auxilii causa secum habebat.
When this impression of fear had been confirmed, he selected a certain suitable and crafty Gaul from among those whom he had with him as auxiliaries.
§3.18.2Huic magnis praemiis pollicitationibusque persuadet uti ad hostes transeat, et quid fieri velit edocet.
He persuaded this man by great rewards and promises to go over to the enemy, and instructed him in what he wished to be done.
§3.18.3Qui ubi pro perfuga ad eos venit, timorem Romanorum proponit, quibus angustiis ipse Caesar a Venetis prematur docet, §3.18.4neque longius abesse quin proxima nocte Sabinus clam ex castris exercitum educat et ad Caesarem auxilii ferendi causa proficiscatur.
When he came to them in the character of a deserter, he laid before them the fear of the Romans, and informed them by what straits Caesar himself was hard pressed by the Veneti, and that it was not far off but that on the next night Sabinus would secretly lead his army out of the camp and set out to Caesar for the purpose of bringing aid.
§3.18.5Quod ubi auditum est, conclamant omnes occasionem negotii bene gerendi amittendam non esse: §3.18.6ad castra iri oportere.
When this was heard, they all cried out that the opportunity of performing the business successfully ought not to be lost, and that they ought to go to the camp.
Multae res ad hoc consilium Gallos hortabantur: superiorum dierum Sabini cunctatio, perfugae confirmatio, inopia cibariorum, cui rei parum diligenter ab iis erat provisum, spes Venetici belli, et quod fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt.
Many things encouraged the Gauls to this plan: the hesitation of Sabinus during the previous days, the confirmation of the deserter, the lack of provisions, for which matter too little care had been taken by them, the hope of the Venetic war, and the fact that men generally believe what they wish to believe.
§3.18.7His rebus adducti non prius Viridovicem reliquosque duces ex concilio dimittunt quam ab iis sit concessum arma uti capiant et ad castra contendant.
Induced by these things, they did not let Viridovix and the other leaders leave the council until it was conceded by them that they should take up arms and hasten to the camp.
§3.18.8Qua re concessa laeti, ut explorata victoria, sarmentis virgultisque collectis, quibus fossas Romanorum compleant, ad castra pergunt.
This being granted, they, rejoicing as if victory were already assured, collected brushwood and twigs with which to fill up the trenches of the Romans, and marched to the camp.