But even amongst them, in the very heart of Gaul, Rome was much dreaded; she was not to be encountered without hesitation.

So Bituitus, King of the Arvernians, was for trying accommodation.

He was a powerful and wealthy chieftain.

His father Luern used to give amongst the mountains magnificent entertainments; he had a space of twelve square furlongs enclosed, and dispensed wine, mead, and beer from cisterns made within the enclosure; and all the Arvernians crowded to his feasts.

Bituitus displayed before the Romans his barbaric splendor.