He was as skilful in negotiation and persuasion as he was in battle.

The struggle that ensued was fierce, but brief; and nearly all the towns and legions that had been guilty of defection returned to their Roman allegiance.

Civilis, though not more than half vanquished, himself asked leave to surrender.

The Batavian might, as was said at the time, have inundated the country, and drowned the Roman armies.

Vespasian, therefore, not being inclined to drive men or matters to extremity, gave Civilis leave to go into retirement and live in peace amongst the marshes of his own land.