Civilis was no barbarian.

Like the German hero Arminius, he had received a Roman education, and had learned the degraded condition of Rome.

He knew the infamous vices of her rulers; he retained an unconquerable love for liberty and for his own race.

Desire to avenge his own wrongs was mingled with loftier motives in his breast.

He knew that the sceptre was in the gift of the Batavian soldiery.