" And declared "that even
war was a happy change for a most wretched peace." So much the more for
this, Tiberius affected to appear wrapped up in security and unconcern; he
neither changed place nor countenance, but behaved himself at that time as
at other times; whether from elevation of mind, or whether he had learned
that the state of things was not alarming, and only heightened by vulgar
representation.
Silius the while sending forward a band of auxiliaries, marched with two
legions, and in his march ravaged the villages of the Sequanians, next
neighbours to the Aeduans, and their associates in arms. He then advanced
towards Augustodunum; a hasty march, the standard-bearers mutually vying
in expedition, and the common men breathing ardour and eagerness: they
desired, "that no time might be wasted in the usual refreshments, none of
their nights in sleep; let them only see and confront the foe: they wanted
no more, to be victorious." Twelve miles from Augustodunum, Sacrovir
appeared with his forces upon the plains: in the front he had placed the
iron troop; his cohorts in the wings; the half-armed in the rear: he
himself, upon a fine horse, attended by the other chiefs, addressed
himself to them from rank to rank; he reminded them "of the glorious
achievements of the ancient Gauls; of the victorious mischiefs they had
brought upon the Romans; of the liberty and renown attending victory; of
their redoubled and intolerable servitude, if once more vanquished.
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