But the Batavian was not a man to be crushed, nor had he lived so long in the Roman service to be outmatched in politics by the barbarous Germans.

He was not to be sacrificed as a peace-offering to revengeful Rome.

Watching from beyond the Rhine the progress of defection and the decay of national enthusiasm, he determined to be beforehand with those who were now his enemies.

He accepted the offer of negotiation from Cerialis.

The Roman general was eager to grant a full pardon, and to re-enlist so brave a soldier in the service of the empire.
A colloquy was agreed upon.