were such as gave to Rome small cause of boast, though much of joy: for those opposites [opponents] were as base of courage, as the lands which they held were abundant of riches. Sicily, Spain, and all Greece fell into her hands; by using her aid to protect them against the Carthaginians and Macedonians.
I shall not need to speak of her other conquests. It was easy to get more, when she had gotten all this. It is not my purpose to disgrace Roman valour; which was very noble: or to blemish the reputation of so many famous victories. I am not so idle. This I say, That among all their wars I find not any; wherein their valour hath appeared comparable to the English.
If my judgment seem over-partial: our wars in France may help to make it good.
First therefore, it is well known that Rome or perhaps all the world besides, had never any so brave a commander in war as JULIUS CAESAR; and that no Roman army was comparable unto that which served under the same CAESAR. Likewise, it is apparent that this gallant army, which had given fair proof of the Roman courage in the good performance of the Helvetian war, when it first entered into Gaul; was nevertheless utterly disheartened, when CAESAR led it against the Germans. So that we may justly impute all that was extraordinary in the valour of CAESAR'S men; to their long exercise, under so good a leader, in so great a war.
Now let us in general compare with the deeds done by these best of Roman soldiers, in their principal service; the things performed in the same country by our common English soldiers, levied in haste from following the cart or sitting on the shop-stall: so shall we see the difference. Herein will we deal fairly, and believe CAESAR in relating the acts of the Romans; but will call the French historians to witness what actions were performed by the English.
In CAESAR'S time, France was inhabited by the Gauls, a stout people; but inferior to the French, by whom they were subdued, even when the Romans gave them assistance. The country of Gaul was rent in sunder, as CAESAR witnesseth, into many Lordships: some of which were governed by petty kings and others by the multitude; none ordered in such sort as might make it appliable to the
