He was preparing
with all diligence to prosecute it the following summer; but began much
sooner by a sudden irruption early in the spring into the territories of
the Cattans: an anticipation of the campaign, which proceeded from the
hopes given him of dissension amongst the enemy, caused by the opposite
parties of Arminius and Segestes; two men signally known to the Romans
upon different accounts; the last for his firm faith, the first for faith
violated. Arminius was the incendiary of Germany; but by Segestes had been
given repeated warnings of an intended revolt, particularly during the
festival immediately preceding the insurrection: he had even advised Varus
"to secure himself and Arminius, and all the other chiefs; for that the
multitude, thus bereft of their leaders, would dare to attempt nothing;
and Varus have time to distinguish crimes and such as committed none." But
by his own fate, and the sudden violence of Arminius, Varus fell.
Segestes, though by the weight and unanimity of his nation he was forced
into the war, yet remained at constant variance with Arminius: a domestic
quarrel too heightened their hate, as Arminius had carried away the
daughter of Segestes, already betrothed to another; and the same
relations, which amongst friends prove bonds of tenderness, were fresh
stimulations of wrath to an obnoxious son and an offended father.
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