From thence,
beginning to traverse gloomy forests, they stopped to consult which of two
ways they should choose, the short and frequented, or the longest and
least known, and therefore unsuspected by the foe: the longest way was
chosen; but in everything else despatch was observed; for by the scouts
intelligence was brought that the Germans did, that night, celebrate a
festival with great mirth and revelling. Hence Caecina was commanded to
advance with the cohorts without their baggage, and to clear a passage
through the forest: at a moderate distance followed the legions; the
clearness of the night facilitated the march, and they arrived at the
villages of the Marsians, which with guards they presently invested. The
Germans were even yet under the effects of their debauch, scattered here
and there, some in bed, some lying by their tables; no watch placed, no
apprehension of an enemy. So utterly had their false security banished all
order and care; and they were under no dread of war, without enjoying
peace, other than the deceitful and lethargic peace of drunkards.
The legions were eager for revenge; and Germanicus, to extend their
ravage, divided them into four battalions.
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