The Pope's army, composed mostly of new recruits, retreated in confusion.

Faenza was carried by the bayonet.

Colli and 3000 more laid down their arms; and the strong town of Ancona was occupied.[15] On the 10th of February the French entered Loretto, and rifled that celebrated seat of superstition of whatever treasures it still retained; the most valuable articles had already been packed up and sent to Rome for safety.[16]--Victor then turned westwards from Ancona, with the design to unite with another French column which had advanced into the papal dominion by Perugia.
The panic which the French advance had by this time spread was such, that the Pope had no hope but in submission.

The peasants lately transformed into soldiers abandoned everywhere their arms, and fled in straggling groups to their native villages.

The alarm in Rome itself recalled the days of Alaric.
The conduct of Buonaparte at this critical moment was worthy of that good sense which formed the original foundation of his successes, and of which the madness of pampered ambition could alone deprive him afterwards.