1The third year of campaigns opened up new peoples, the tribes being ravaged as far as the Tanaus (that is the name of an estuary). 1The enemy, struck with terror by this, did not dare to provoke the army, although it was harassed by savage storms; 1and there was time to spare besides for building forts. 2Experts remarked that no other general had chosen suitable sites more wisely. 2No fort built by Agricola was either stormed by the enemy's force or abandoned by surrender or flight; 2for they were strengthened against prolonged siege with a year's supplies. 3So winter there was without fear, sallies were frequent, and each garrison was its own protection, while the enemy were baffled and therefore in despair, because, though they had usually made up for the losses of summer by successes in winter, they were now driven back in summer and winter alike.
4Nor did Agricola ever greedily take for himself the achievements of others: whether centurion or prefect, each had in him an honest witness of his deed. 4Some said that he was rather harsh in rebuke; 4just as he was courteous to good men, so he was disagreeable towards bad ones. 5But of his anger nothing remained hidden, so that you had no need to fear his silence: he thought it more honourable to give offence than to hate.