1That the power of the Gauls was once greater is reported by the greatest of authorities, the deified Julius; 1and so it is credible that Gauls also crossed over into Germany. 1For how little the river stood in the way of each people, as it grew strong, seizing and exchanging homes that were still common to all and divided by no power of kingdoms! 2So between the Hercynian forest and the rivers Rhine and Main the Helvetii held the land, and further on the Boii, both Gallic peoples. 2The name Boihaemum still remains and marks the ancient tradition of the place, though its inhabitants have changed. 3But whether the Aravisci migrated into Pannonia from the Osi, a German tribe, or the Osi from the Aravisci into Germany, since they still use the same language, institutions and customs, is uncertain, because in former times, with equal poverty and equal freedom, the advantages and disadvantages of either bank were the same.
4The Treveri and Nervii are even eager in their claim to a German origin, as though by this glory of blood they were set apart from any likeness to the Gauls and their sluggishness. 4The bank of the Rhine itself is inhabited by peoples who are beyond doubt Germans, the Vangiones, Triboci and Nemetes. 5Not even the Ubii, though they have earned the right to be a Roman colony and prefer to be called Agrippinenses after the name of their founder, blush at their origin; they crossed over long ago and, as a proof of their loyalty, were settled on the very bank of the Rhine, to keep others out, not to be kept under guard.