§6.24.1Ac fuit antea tempus, cum Germanos Galli virtute superarent, ultro bella inferrent, propter hominum multitudinem agrique inopiam trans Rhenum colonias mitterent.
And there was formerly a time when the Gauls surpassed the Germans in valor, waged war of their own accord, and, because of the great number of their people and the scarcity of land, sent colonies across the Rhine.
§6.24.2Itaque ea quae fertilissima Germaniae sunt loca circum Hercyniam silvam, quam Eratostheni et quibusdam Graecis fama notam esse video, quam illi Orcyniam appellant, Volcae Tectosages occupaverunt atque ibi consederunt; §6.24.3quae gens ad hoc tempus his sedibus sese continet summamque habet iustitiae et bellicae laudis opinionem.
And so, the Volcae Tectosages seized those places around the Hercynian forest (which I see was known by report to Eratosthenes and certain Greeks, which they call Orcynia), which are the most fertile parts of Germany, and settled there; which nation to this time maintains itself in these settlements, and enjoys the highest reputation for justice and military renown.
§6.24.4Nunc quod in eadem inopia, egestate, patientia qua Germani permanent, eodem victu et cultu corporis utuntur; Gallis autem provinciarum propinquitas et transmarinarum rerum notitia multa ad copiam atque usus largitur, §6.24.6paulatim adsuefacti superari multisque victi proeliis ne se quidem ipsi cum illis virtute comparant.
Now, because they remain in the same scarcity, poverty, and endurance as the Germans, and use the same food and clothing; while to the Gauls the proximity of the provinces and the knowledge of transmarine affairs supply many things for luxury and utility, having gradually become accustomed to being overcome and being conquered in many battles, they do not even compare themselves with them in valor.