Tacitus on Germany | Page 5

to pay a certain number of
horses or cattle. Part of this mulct accrues to the King or to the
community, part to him whose wrongs are vindicated, or to his next
kindred. In the same assemblies are also chosen their chiefs or rulers,
such as administer justice in their villages and boroughs. To each of
these are assigned an hundred persons chosen from amongst the
populace, to accompany and assist him, men who help him at once with
their authority and their counsel.
Without being armed they transact nothing, whether of public or

private concernment. But it is repugnant to their custom for any man to
use arms, before the community has attested his capacity to wield them.
Upon such testimonial, either one of the rulers, or his father, or some
kinsman dignify the young man in the midst of the assembly, with a
shield and javelin. This amongst them is the manly robe, this first
degree of honour conferred upon their youth. Before this they seem no
more than part of a private family, but thenceforward part of the
Commonweal. The princely dignity they confer even upon striplings,
whose race is eminently noble, or whose fathers have done great and
signal services to the State. For about the rest, who are more vigorous
and long since tried, they crowd to attend; nor is it any shame to be
seen amongst the followers of these. Nay, there are likewise degrees of
followers, higher or lower, just as he whom they follow judges fit.
Mighty too is the emulation amongst these followers, of each to be first
in favour with his Prince; mighty also the emulation of the Princes, to
excel in the number and valour of followers. This is their principal state,
this their chief force, to be at all times surrounded with a huge band of
chosen young men, for ornament and glory in peace, for security and
defence in war. Nor is it amongst his own people only, but even from
the neighbouring communities, that any of their Princes reaps so much
renown and a name so great, when he surpasses in the number and
magnanimity of his followers. For such are courted by Embassies, and
distinguished with presents, and by the terror of their fame alone often
dissipate wars.
In the day of battle, it is scandalous to the Prince to be surpassed in
feats of bravery, scandalous to his followers to fail in matching the
bravery of the Prince. But it is infamy during life, and indelible
reproach, to return alive from a battle where their Prince was slain. To
preserve their Prince, to defend him, and to ascribe to his glory all their
own valorous deeds, is the sum and most sacred part of their oath. The
Princes fight for victory; for the Prince his followers fight. Many of the
young nobility, when their own community comes to languish in its
vigour by long peace and inactivity, betake themselves through
impatience in other States which then prove to be in war. For, besides
that this people cannot brook repose, besides that by perilous
adventures they more quickly blazon their fame, they cannot otherwise

than by violence and war support their huge train of retainers. For from
the liberality of their Prince, they demand and enjoy that war-horse of
theirs, with that victorious javelin dyed in the blood of their enemies. In
the place of pay, they are supplied with a daily table and repasts;
though grossly prepared, yet very profuse. For maintaining such
liberality and munificence, a fund is furnished by continual wars and
plunder. Nor could you so easily persuade them to cultivate the ground,
or to await the return of the seasons and produce of the year, as to
provoke the foe and to risk wounds and death: since stupid and
spiritless they account it, to acquire by their sweat what they can gain
by their blood.
Upon any recess from war, they do not much attend the chase. Much
more of their time they pass in indolence, resigned to sleep and repasts.
All the most brave, all the most warlike, apply to nothing at all; but to
their wives, to the ancient men, and to even the most impotent domestic,
trust all the care of their house, and of their lands and possessions.
They themselves loiter. Such is the amazing diversity of their nature,
that in the same men is found so much delight in sloth, with so much
enmity to tranquillity and repose. The communities are wont, of their
own accord and man by man, to bestow upon their Princes a certain
number of beasts, or a certain portion of grain; a contribution which
passes indeed for a mark of reverence and honour, but serves also to
supply their necessities. They chiefly