30. Beyond them are the Chatti,
whose settlements begin at the Hercynian forest, where the country is not so open and marshy as in the other cantons into which Germany
stretches. They are found where there are hills, and with them grow less
frequent, for the Hercynian forest keeps close till it has seen the last of its
native Chatti. Hardy frames, close-knit limbs, fierce countenances, and a
peculiarly vigorous courage, mark the tribe. For Germans, they have much
intelligence and sagacity; they promote their picked men to power, and obey those
whom they promote; they keep their ranks, note their opportunities, check their
impulses, portion out the day, intrench themselves by night, regard fortune as
a doubtful, valour as an unfailing, resource; and what is most unusual, and
only given to systematic discipline, they rely more on the general than on the
army. Their whole strength is in their infantry, which, in addition to its
arms, is laden with iron tools and provisions. Other tribes you see going to
battle, the Chatti to a campaign. Seldom do they engage in mere raids and
casual encounters. It is indeed the peculiarity of a cavalry force quickly to
win and as quickly to yield a victory. Fleetness and timidity go together;
deliberateness is more akin to steady courage.
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