Res Gestae

Accordingly, while he was passing a busy winter in the above-mentioned town,[*](I.e. Vienne) in the thick of rumours which kept persistently flying about, he learned that the walls of the ancient city of Autun, of wide circuit, to be sure, but weakened by the decay of centuries, had been besieged by a sudden onset of the savages; and then, though the force of soldiers garrisoned there was paralysed, it had been defended by the watchfulness of veterans who hurried together forits aid, as it often happens that the extreme of desperation wards off imminent danger of death.

Therefore, without putting aside his cares, and disregarding the servile flattery with which his courtiers tried to turn him to pleasure and luxury, after making adequate preparation he reached Autun on the 24th of June, like some experienced general, distinguished for power and policy, intending to fall upon the savages, who were straggling in various directions, whenever chance should give opportunity.

Accordingly, when he held a council, with men present who knew the country, to decide what route should be chosen as a safe one, there was much interchange of opinion, some saying that they ought to go by Arbor[*](The name cannot be completed.) others by way of Saulieu[*](In the department Côte d’ Or.) and Cora.[*](A small place in the neighbourhood of Autun.)

But when some remarked that Silvanus, commander of the infantry, with 8000 reserve troops had shortly before passed (though with difficulty) by roads shorter but mistrusted because of the heavy shade of the branches, the Caesar with the greater confidence

And to avoid any delay, he took only the cuirassiers[*](The cataphractarii were mounted warriors; both horses and men were heavily clad in armour; see xvi. 10, 8.) and the crossbowmen,[*](The ballistarii had charge of the ballistae, which took the place of modern artillery; described in xxiii. 4, 1.) who were far from suitable to defend a general, and traversing the same road, he came to Auxerre.