I must now proceed to speak of the Suevians, who are not, like the Cattans and Tencterians, comprehended in a single people; but divided into several nations all bearing distinct names, though in general they are entitled Suevians, and occupy the larger share of Germany.  This people are remarkable for a peculiar custom, that of twisting their hair and binding it up in a knot.  It is thus the Suevians are distinguished from the other Germans, thus the free Suevians from their slaves.  In other nations, whether from alliance of blood with the Suevians, or, as is usual from imitation, this practice is also found, yet rarely, and never exceeds the years of youth.  The Suevians, even when their hair is white through age, continue to raise it backwards in a manner stern and staring; and often tie it upon the top of their head only.  That of their Princes, is more accurately disposed, and so far they study to appear agreeable and comely; but without any culpable intention.  For by it, they mean not to make love or to incite it:  they thus dress when proceeding to war, and deck their heads so as to add to their height and terror in the eyes of the enemy.

Of all the Suevians, the Semnones recount themselves to be the most ancient and most noble.  The belief of their antiquity is confirmed by religious mysteries.  At a stated time of the year, all the several people descended from the same stock, assemble by their deputies in a wood; consecrated by the idolatries of their forefathers, and by superstitious awe in times of old.  There by publicly sacrificing a man, they begin the horrible solemnity of their barbarous worship.  To this grove another sort of reverence is also paid.  No one enters it otherwise than bound with ligatures, thence professing his subordination and meanness, and power of the Deity there.  If he fall down, he is not permitted to rise or be raised, but grovels along upon the ground.  And of all their superstition, this is the drift and tendency; that from this place the nation drew their original, that here God, the supreme Governor of the world, resides, and that all things else whatsoever are subject to him and bound to obey him.  The potent condition of the Semnones has increased their influence and authority, as they inhabit an hundred towns; and from the largeness of their community it comes, that they hold themselves for the head of the Suevians.

What on the contrary ennobles the Langobards is the smallness of their number, for that they, who are surrounded with very many and very powerful nations, derive their security from no obsequiousness or plying; but from the dint of battle and adventurous deeds.  There follow in order the Reudignians, and Aviones, and Angles, and Varinians, and Eudoses, and Suardones and Nuithones; all defended by rivers or forests.  Nor in one of these nations does aught remarkable occur, only that they universally join in the worship of Herthum; that is to say, the Mother Earth.