De Bello Gallico 7.15

7.15.1Omnium cōnsēnsū hāc sententiā probātā ūnō diē amplius XX urbēs Biturīgum incenduntur.

This view was approved by all, and in one day more than twenty cities of the Bituriges are set on fire.

7.15.2Hoc idem fit in reliquīs cīvitātibus: in omnibus partibus incendia cōnspiciuntur;

The same is done in the other states: fires are seen in every direction;

7.15.2quae etsī magnō cum dolōre omnēs ferēbant, tamen hoc sibi sōlātī prōpōnēbant, quod sē prope explōrātā victōriā celeriter āmissa reciperātūrōs cōnfīdēbant.

though all bore this with great grief, they still put this comfort before themselves, that since victory was almost certain they believed they would quickly recover what they had lost.

Note. hoc sibi sōlātī prōpōnēbant: partitive genitive, 'they set this comfort before themselves'.

7.15.3Dēlīberātur dē Avaricō in commūnī conciliō, incendī placēret an dēfendī.

It is debated in the general council whether it was right to burn Avaricum or to defend it.

7.15.4Prōcumbunt omnibus Gallīs ad pedēs Biturīgēs, nē pulcherrimam prope tōtīus Galliae urbem, quae praesidiō et ōrnāmentō sit cīvitātī, suīs manibus succendere cōgerentur: facile sē locī nātūrā dēfēnsūrōs dīcunt, quod prope ex omnibus partibus flūmine et palūde circumdata ūnum habeat et perangustum aditum.

The Bituriges throw themselves at the feet of all the Gauls, begging not to be forced to set fire with their own hands to almost the most beautiful city in all Gaul, which was both the defence and the pride of their state: they say they will easily defend it by the nature of the place, because, surrounded by a river and a marsh on almost every side, it has only one very narrow approach.

7.15.6Datur petentibus venia dissuādente prīmō Vercingetorīge, post concēdente et precibus ipsōrum et misericordiā vulgī.

Their request is granted, Vercingetorix at first arguing against it but afterward giving way both to their prayers and to the pity of the crowd.

7.15.6Dēfēnsōrēs oppidō idōneī dēliguntur.

Suitable defenders are chosen for the town.