The Meuse
lay between them and Labienus, so they had selected to go to Cicero at
Charleroy. Their course lay up the left bank of the little river
_Geer_. Trusting to the promises of Ambiorix, they started in loose
order, followed by a long train of carts and wagons. The Eburones lay,
waiting for them, in a large valley, two miles from the camp. When most of
the cohorts were entangled in the middle of the hollow, the enemy appeared
suddenly, some in front, some on both sides of the valley, some behind
threatening the baggage. Wise men, as Caesar says, anticipate possible
difficulties, and decide beforehand what they will do if occasions arise.
Sabinus had foreseen nothing and arranged nothing. Cotta, who had expected
what might happen, was better prepared, and did the best that was
possible. The men had scattered among the wagons, each to save or protect
what he could. Cotta ordered them back, bade them leave the carts to their
fate, and form together in a ring. He did right, Caesar thought; but the
effect was unfortunate. The troops lost heart, and the enemy was
encouraged, knowing that the baggage would only be abandoned when the
position was desperate. The Eburones were under good command. They did
not, as might have been expected, fly upon the plunder. They stood to
their work, well aware that the carts would not escape them.
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