Soon after the publication of my recent article on ‘The Dating-Value of Samian Ware’ I learned with much satisfaction that the attack I had endeavoured to meet was in reality no more than the preliminary bombardment of an isolated sector, and that it was to be followed very shortly by a general assault, in which no part of the front would be spared. This is what I have all along hoped for, having every confidence in the impregnability of the position. Nevertheless, hoste vicino, it may not be amiss to strengthen the defences by developing a line of evidence which has not yet been given the prominence to which it is entitled. I mean the literary tradition. Though accidental, the delay in dealing with it has been fortunate. In the interval the discussion has taken a turn which lends to the testimony of Tacitus a degree of significance that may well prove to be decisive, for it is Tacitus alone who counts. Before hearing what he has to say, it will be convenient to clear the ground by dismissing the less important witnesses.