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The enemy, thus inflamed and calling for battle, were led into a plain
called Idistavisus: [Footnote: Near Minden.] it lies between the Visurgis
and the hills, and winds unequally along, as it is straitened by the
swellings of the mountains or enlarged by the circuits of the river.
Behind rose a forest of high trees, thick of branches above but clear of
bushes below. The army of Barbarians kept the plain, and the entrances of
the forest. The Cheruscans alone sat down upon the mountain, in order to
pour down from thence upon the Romans as soon as they became engaged in
the fight. Our army marched thus: the auxiliary Gauls and Germans in
front, after them the foot archers, next four legions, and then Germanicus
with two Praetorian cohorts and the choice of the cavalry; then four
legions more, and the light foot with archers on horseback and the other
troops of the allies; the men all intent to march in order of battle and
ready to engage as they marched.
As the impatient bands of Cheruscans were now perceived descending
fiercely from the hills, Germanicus commanded a body of the best horse to
charge them in the flank, and Stertinius with the rest to wheel round to
attack them in the rear, and promised to be ready to assist them in
person.
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