These things were going on in all parts of the territories of the
Eburones, and the seventh day was drawing near, by which day
Caesar had purposed to return to the baggage and the legion. Here it might be learned how much fortune achieves in war, and how great casualties she produces. The enemy having been scattered and alarmed, as we related above, there was no force which might produce even a slight occasion of fear. The report extends beyond the
Rhine to the
Germans that the
Eburones are being pillaged, and that all were without distinction invited to the plunder. The
Sigambri, who are nearest to the
Rhine , by whom, we have mentioned above, the
Tenchtheri and
Usipetes were received after their retreat, collect 2,000 horse; they cross the
Rhine in ships and barks thirty miles below that place where the bridge was entire and the garrison left by
Caesar; they arrive at the frontiers of the
Eburones, surprise many who were scattered in flight, and get possession of a large amount of cattle, of which barbarians are extremely covetous.
Allured by booty, they advance further; neither morass nor forest obstructs these men, born amid war and depredations; they inquire of their prisoners in what part
Caesar is; they find that he has advanced further, and learn that all the army has removed. Thereon one of the prisoners says, "Why do you pursue such wretched and trifling spoil; you, to whom it is granted to become even now most richly endowed by fortune? In three hours you can reach
Aduatuca; there the
Roman army has deposited all its fortunes; there is so little of a garrison that not even the wall can be manned, nor dare any one go beyond the fortifications." A hope having been presented them, the
Germans leave in concealment the plunder they had acquired; they themselves hasten to
Aduatuca, employing as their guide the same man by whose information they had become informed of these things.
