22 The third year of his
campaigns opened up new tribes, our ravages on the native population being
carried as far as the Taus, an estuary so called. This struck such terror into
the enemy that he did not dare to attack our army, harassed though it was by
violent storms; and there was even time for the erection of forts. It was noted
by experienced officers that no general had ever shown more judgment in
choosing suitable positions, and that not a single fort established by Agricola
was either stormed by the enemy or abandoned by capitulation or flight. Sorties
were continually being made; for these positions were secured from protracted
siege by a year’s supply. So winter brought with it no alarms, and each
garrison could hold its own, as the baffled and despairing enemy, who had been
accustomed often to repair his summer losses by winter successes, found himself
repelled alike both in summer and winter. Never did Agricola in a greedy spirit
appropriate the achievements of others; the centurion and the prefect both
found in him an impartial witness of their every action. Some persons used to
say that he was too harsh in his reproofs, and that he was as severe to the bad
as he was gentle to the good. But his displeasure left nothing behind it;
reserve and silence in him were not to be dreaded. He thought it better to show
anger than to cherish hatred.
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