The more glad the citizens had been at first after Milo's arrival to be quit of the burdensome service of mounting guard, the more unwillingly they now rallied to the standards of the king: it was necessary to threaten the negligent with the penalty of death.
This result now justified the peace party in the eyes of all, and communications were entered into, or at any rate appeared to have been entered into, even with Rome.

Pyrrhus, prepared for such opposition, immediately treated Tarentum as a conquered city; soldiers were quartered in the houses, the assemblies of the people and the numerous clubs (-- sussitia--) were suspended, the theatre was shut, the promenades were closed, and the gates were occupied with Epirot guards.

A number of the leading men were sent over the sea as hostages; others escaped the like fate by flight to Rome.

These strict measures were necessary, for it was absolutely impossible in any sense to rely upon the Tarentines.

It was only now that the king, in possession of that important city as a basis, could begin operations in the field.
Preparations in Rome-- Commencement of the Conflict in Lower Italy The Romans too were well aware of the conflict which awaited them.