Mattium, [Footnote: Maden.] the capital of the
nation, he burnt, ravaged all the open country, and bent his march to the
Rhine; nor durst the enemy harass his rear, an usual practice of theirs,
when sometimes they fly more through craft than affright. The Cheruscans
indeed were addicted to assist the Cattans, but terrified from attempting
it by Caecina, who moved about with his forces from place to place; and by
routing the Marsians who had dared to engage him, restrained all their
efforts.
Soon after arrived deputies from Segestes, praying relief against the
combination and violence of his countrymen, by whom he was held besieged;
as more powerful amongst them than his was the credit of Arminius, since
it was he who had advised the war. The genius this of barbarians, to judge
that men are to be trusted in proportion as they are fierce, and in public
commotions ever to prefer the most resolute. To the other deputies
Segestes had added Segimundus, his son; but the young man faltered a
while, as his own heart accused him; for that the year when Germany
revolted, he, who had been by the Romans created Priest of the altar of
the Ubians, rent the sacerdotal tiara and fled to the revolters: yet,
encouraged by the Roman clemency, he undertook the execution of his
father's orders, was himself graciously received, and then conducted with
a guard to the frontiers of Gaul.
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