The conspiracy with which he had
frightened Sabinus had not as yet extended beyond a few northern chiefs,
hut the success of Ambiorix produced the effect which he desired. As soon
as it was known that two Roman generals had been cut off, the remnants of
the Aduatuci and the Nervii were in arms for their own revenge. The
smaller tribes along the Meuse and Sambre rose with them; and Cicero,
taken by surprise, found himself surrounded before he had a thought of
danger. The Gauls, knowing that their chances depended on the capture of
the second camp before assistance could arrive, flung themselves so
desperately on the entrenchments that the legionaries were barely able to
repel the first assault. The assailants were driven back at last, and
Cicero despatched messengers to Caesar to Amiens, to give him notice of
the rising; but not a man was able to penetrate through the multitude of
enemies which now swarmed in the woods. The troops worked gallantly,
strengthening the weak points of their fortifications. In one night they
raised a hundred and twenty towers on their walls. Again the Gauls tried a
storm, and, though they failed a second time, they left the garrison no
rest either by day or night. There was no leisure for sleep; not a hand
could be spared from the lines to care for the sick or wounded.
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