Of all these nations, the Batavians are the most signal in bravery.  They inhabit not much territory upon the Rhine, but possess an island in it.  They were formerly part of the Cattans, and by means of feuds at home removed to these dwellings; whence they might become a portion of the Roman Empire.  With them this honour still remains, as also the memorials of their ancient association with us:  for they are not under the contempt of paying tribute, nor subject to be squeezed by the farmers of the revenue.  Free from all impositions and payments, and only set apart for the purposes of fighting, they are reserved wholly for the wars, in the same manner as a magazine of weapons and armour.  Under the same degree of homage are the nation of the Mattiacians.  For such is the might and greatness of the Roman People, as to have carried the awe and esteem of their Empire beyond the Rhine and the ancient boundaries.  Thus the Mattiacians, living upon the opposite banks, enjoy a settlement and limits of their own; yet in spirit and inclination are attached to us:  in other things resembling the Batavians, save that as they still breathe their original air, still possess their primitive soil, they are thence inspired with superior vigour and keenness.  Amongst the people of Germany I would not reckon those who occupy the lands which are under decimation, though they be such as dwell beyond the Rhine and the Danube.  By several worthless and vagabond Gauls, and such as poverty rendered daring, that region was seized as one belonging to no certain possessor:  afterwards it became a skirt of the Empire and part of a province, upon the enlargement of our bounds and the extending of our garrisons and frontier.

Beyond these are the Cattans, whose territories begin at the Hercynian Forest, and consist not of such wide and marshy plains, as those of the other communities contained within the vast compass of Germany; but produce ranges of hills, such as run lofty and contiguous for a long tract, then by degrees sink and decay.  Moreover the Hercynian Forest attends for a while its native Cattans, then suddenly forsakes them.  This people are distinguished with bodies more hardy and robust, compact limbs, stern countenances, and greater vigour of spirit.  For Germans, they are men of much sense and address.  They dignify chosen men, listen to such as are set over them, know how to preserve their post, to discern occasions, to rebate their own ardour and impatience; how to employ the day, how to entrench themselves by night.  They account fortune amongst things slippery and uncertain, but bravery amongst such as are never-failing and secure; and, what is exceeding rare nor ever to be learnt but by a wholesome course of discipline, in the conduct of the general they repose more assurance than in the strength of the army.  Their whole forces consist of foot, who besides their arms carry likewise instruments of iron and their provisions.  You may see other Germans proceed equipped to battle, but the Cattans so as to conduct a war.  They rarely venture upon excursions or casual encounters.  It is in truth peculiar to cavalry, suddenly to conquer, or suddenly to fly.  Such haste and velocity rather resembles fear.  Patience and deliberation are more akin to intrepidity.