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58“I am well aware, soldiers, that words do not supply valour, and that a spiritless army is not made vigorous, or a timid one stout-hearted, by a speech from its commander. 2Only that degree of courage which is in each man’s heart either by disposition or by habit, is wont to be revealed in battle. It is vain to exhort one who is roused neither by glory nor by dangers; the fear he feels in his heart closes his ears. 3I have, however, called you together to offer a few words of advice, and at the same time to explain the reason for my resolution.
4“You know perfectly well, soldiers, how great is the disaster that the incapacity and cowardice of Lentulus have brought upon himself and us, and how, waiting for reinforcements from the city, I could not march into Gaul. 5At this present time, moreover, you understand as well as I do in what condition our affairs stand. 6Two hostile armies, one towards Rome, the other towards Gaul, block our way. We cannot remain longer where we are, however much we may desire it, because of lack of grain and other necessities. 7Wherever we decide to go, we must hew a path with the sword. 8Therefore I counsel you to be brave and ready of spirit, and when you enter the battle to remember that you carry in your own right hands riches, honour, glory; yea, even freedom and your native land. 9If we win, complete security will be ours, supplies will abound, free towns and colonies will open their gates; but if we yield to fear, the very reverse will be true: 10no place and no friend will guard the man whom arms could not protect. 11Moreover, soldiers, we and our opponents are not facing the same exigency. We are battling for country, for freedom, for life; theirs is a futile contest, to uphold the power of a few men. 12March on, therefore, with the greater courage, mindful of your former valour.
13“You might have passed your life in exile and in utter infamy, at Rome some of you might look to others for aid after losing your estates; 14but since such conditions seemed base and intolerable to true men, you decided upon this course. 15If you wish to forsake it, you have need of boldness; none save the victor exchanges war for peace. 16To hope for safety in flight when you have turned away from the enemy the arms which should protect your body, is surely the height of madness. 17In battle the greatest danger always threatens those who show the greatest fear; boldness is a bulwark.
18“When I think on you, my soldiers, and weigh your deeds, I have high hopes of victory. 19Your spirit, youth, and valour give me heart, not to mention necessity, which makes even the timid brave. 20In this narrow defile the superior numbers of the enemy cannot surround us. 21But if Fortune frowns upon your bravery, take care not to die unavenged. Do not be captured and slaughtered like cattle, but, fighting like heroes, leave the enemy a bloody and tearful victory.”
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