§6.8.1Vix agmen novissimum extra munitiones processerat, cum Galli cohortati inter se, ne speratam praedam ex manibus dimitterent—longum esse perterritis Romanis Germanorum auxilium exspectare, neque suam pati dignitatem ut tantis copiis tam exiguam manum praesertim fugientem atque impeditam adoriri non audeant—flumen transire et iniquo loco committere proelium non dubitant.
Scarcely had the rear of the army advanced beyond the fortifications, when the Gauls, encouraging one another not to let the hoped-for booty slip from their hands—that it was too long a time for the terrified Romans to wait for the assistance of the Germans, and that their own dignity did not allow them to shrink from attacking so small a force, especially when fleeing and encumbered, with such large forces—do not hesitate to cross the river and engage in battle on disadvantageous ground.
§6.8.2Quae fore suspicatus Labienus, ut omnes citra flumen eliceret, eadem usus simulatione itineris placide progrediebatur.
Labienus, suspecting that this would happen, in order to entice them all to this side of the river, proceeded slowly, using the same pretense of a march.
§6.8.3Tum praemissis paulum impedimentis atque in tumulo quodam collocatis "Habetis," inquit, "milites, quam petistis facultatem: hostem impedito atque iniquo loco tenetis: §6.8.4praestate eandem nobis ducibus virtutem, quam saepe numero imperatori praestitistis, atque illum adesse et haec coram cernere existimate. " §6.8.5Simul signa ad hostem converti aciemque dirigi iubet, et paucis turmis praesidio ad impedimenta dimissis reliquos equites ad latera disponit.
Then, having sent the baggage on a little ahead and placed it on a certain hill, he says, "Soldiers, you have the opportunity you sought: you hold the enemy in an encumbered and disadvantageous position; display the same courage under our leadership as you have often displayed to your general, and imagine that he is present and beholding this in person." At the same time, he orders the standards to be turned toward the enemy and the line of battle to be formed, and having dispatched a few troops of cavalry as a guard for the baggage, he disposes the remaining cavalry on the flanks.
§6.8.6Celeriter nostri clamore sublato pila in hostes immittunt.
Our men quickly, having raised a shout, hurl their javelins at the enemy.
Illi, ubi praeter spem quos fugere credebant infestis signis ad se ire viderunt, impetum modo ferre non potuerunt ac primo concursu in fugam coniecti proximas silvas petierunt.
They, when contrary to expectation they saw those whom they believed to be fleeing advance against them with hostile standards, could not even withstand their attack, and being routed at the first onset, they sought the nearest woods.
§6.8.7Quos Labienus equitatu consectatus, magno numero interfecto, compluribus captis, paucis post diebus civitatem recepit. Nam Germani qui auxilio veniebant percepta Treverorum fuga sese domum receperunt.
Labienus, having pursued them with his cavalry, after a large number had been slain and many taken prisoners, received the submission of the state a few days after; for the Germans who were coming to their assistance, having heard of the flight of the Treveri, returned home.
§6.8.8Cum his propinqui Indutiomari, qui defectionis auctores fuerant, comitati eos ex civitate excesserunt.
With them, the relations of Indutiomarus, who had been the instigators of the revolt, accompanying them, departed from the state.
§6.8.9Cingetorigi, quem ab initio permansisse in officio demonstravimus, principatus atque imperium est traditum.
The supreme power and command were delivered to Cingetorix, who, as we have shown, had remained faithful to his duty from the beginning.