"'Finally Civilis agreed to meet with Cerialis and discuss terms. It is a dramatic scene in Tacitus - a bridge across the Ijssel, from which workers first removed the middle - the two men stood each at an end of the broken span and talked -'
"'I remember that,' Everard said. 'It's where the manuscript ended, till the rest was recovered. As I recall, the rebels got a pretty fair offer, which they accepted.'" (2, pp. 489-490)
The Tacitus Two manuscript with no peace settlement but continued warfare and subjugation of the tribes had diverged just after that point. As Everard commented:
"'Kind of spooky, huh?'" (2, p. 487)
Chapter 18 ends when Niaerdh tells Veleda:
"'When [the kings and chiefs] are gathered before you, give them the word of peace.'" (p. 622)
Chapter 19 describes the parley on the broken bridge. Burhmund lists his services to Rome. Peace talks begin.
Chapter III contrasts with I and II by describing not conflict between gods but peace among men.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul! I remember that meeting between Cerealis and Civilis! It struck me as amusingly pragmatic how the middle span of the bridge was removed, to prevent any temptation to treachery from either party. Ad astra! Sean
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