§7.80.1Caesar omni exercitu ad utramque partem munitionum disposito, ut, si usus veniat, suum quisque locum teneat et noverit, equitatum ex castris educi et proelium committi iubet.
Caesar, having disposed his entire army on both sides of the fortifications so that, if need should arise, each man might hold and know his own post, orders the cavalry to be led out of the camp and battle to be joined.
§7.80.2Erat ex omnibus castris, quae summum undique iugum tenebant, despectus, atque omnes milites intenti pugnae proventum exspectabant.
There was a view down from all the camps which occupied the summit of the ridge on all sides, and all the soldiers, intent, were awaiting the issue of the battle.
§7.80.3Galli inter equites raros sagittarios expeditosque levis armaturae interiecerant, qui suis cedentibus auxilio succurrerent et nostrorum equitum impetus sustinerent.
The Gauls had intermingled among their cavalry scattered archers and light-armed infantry, who were to run to the aid of their men if they retreated, and withstand the charges of our cavalry.
Ab his complures de improviso vulnerati proelio excedebant.
Wounded unexpectedly by these, many were leaving the battle.
§7.80.4Cum suos pugna superiores esse Galli confiderent et nostros multitudine premi viderent, ex omnibus partibus et ei qui munitionibus continebantur et hi qui ad auxilium convenerant clamore et ululatu suorum animos confirmabant.
When the Gauls trusted that their own men were superior in the fight and saw ours hard pressed by numbers, from all sides both those who were confined within the fortifications and those who had assembled for aid encouraged the spirits of their men with shouting and howling.
§7.80.5Quod in conspectu omnium res gerebatur neque recte ac turpiter factum celari poterat, utrosque et laudis cupiditas et timor ignominiae ad virtutem excitabant.
Because the action was going on in the sight of all, and no deed, whether done bravely or basely, could be concealed, both the desire for praise and the fear of disgrace excited both sides to valor.
§7.80.6Cum a meridie prope ad solis occasum dubia victoria pugnaretur, Germani una in parte confertis turmis in hostes impetum fecerunt eosque propulerunt; §7.80.7quibus in fugam coniectis sagittarii circumventi interfectique sunt.
When they had fought from noon almost to the setting of the sun with doubtful victory, the Germans, having massed their troops in one part, made a charge upon the enemy and repulsed them; when these were put to flight, the archers were surrounded and slain.
§7.80.8Item ex reliquis partibus nostri cedentes usque ad castra insecuti sui colligendi facultatem non dederunt.
Likewise, from the remaining parts, our men pursued the retreating enemy all the way to their camp, and gave them no opportunity of rallying themselves.
§7.80.9At ei qui ab Alesia processerant maesti prope victoria desperata se in oppidum receperunt.
But those who had advanced from Alesia, sorrowful, almost despairing of victory, retreated into the town.