ABSTRACT
At present, however, some of the chieftains there, having gained the friendship of Caesar Augustus through embassies and paying court to him, have set up votive offerings on the Capitolium and have almost made the whole island Roman property. In addition, they submit so readily to heavy duties both on the exports from there to Gaul and on the imports from Gaul – these consist of ivory chains, necklaces, amber, glassware and other such trinkets – that there is no need to garrison the island. For at the very least one legion and some cavalry would be needed to exact tribute from them, and the expense of the army would equal the money brought in. Indeed the duties would have to be reduced if tribute were imposed and at the same time there are dangers to be faced if force is applied.
