---
title: "Gallic War — Book V"
author: "Julius Caesar"
translator: "W. A. McDevitte and W. S. Bohn"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 45 of 58
url: https://scriptura.si/works/caesar-gallic-war-book-v/45/
cite: "Julius Caesar, tr. W. A. McDevitte and W. S. Bohn, Gallic War — Book V, section 45. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/caesar-gallic-war-book-v/45/"
---

# Gallic War — Book V

*Julius Caesar, tr. W. A. McDevitte and W. S. Bohn*

## 45. Book V — Chapter 45

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/caesar-gallic-war-book-v/45/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/caesar-gallic-war-book-v/45/#p-N

[¶0] In proportion as the attack became daily more formidable and violent, and particularly, because, as a great number of the soldiers were exhausted with wounds, the matter had come to a small number of defenders, more frequent letters and messages were sent to Caesar; a part of which messengers were taken and tortured to death in the sight of our soldiers.

> Latin: Quanto erat in dies gravior atque asperior oppugnatio, et maxime quod magna parte militum confecta vulneribus res ad paucitatem defensorum pervenerat, tanto crebriores litterae nuntiique ad Caesarem mittebantur; quorum pars deprehensa in conspectu nostrorum militum cum cruciatu necabatur.

[¶1] There was within our camp a certain Nervian, by name Vertico, born in a distinguished position, who in the beginning of the blockade had deserted to Cicero, and had exhibited his fidelity to him.

> Latin: Erat unus intus Nervius nomine Vertico, loco natus honesto, qui a prima obsidione ad Ciceronem perfugerat suamque ei fidem praestiterat.

[¶2] He persuades his slave, by the hope of freedom, and by great rewards, to convey a letter to Caesar.

> Latin: Hic servo spe libertatis magnisque persuadet praemiis, ut litteras ad Caesarem deferat.

[¶3] This he carries out bound about his javelin; and mixing among the Gauls without any suspicion by being a Gaul, he reaches Caesar.

> Latin: Has ille in iaculo illigatas effert et Gallus inter Gallos sine ulla suspicione versatus ad Caesarem pervenit.

[¶4] From him they received information of the imminent danger of Cicero and the legion.

> Latin: Ab eo de periculis Ciceronis legionisque cognoscitur.