The alarm is now transferred to the enemy; they had both heard what had been pronounced so audibly, and a great part of the Fidenates, as having been joined as colonists to the Romans, understood Latin.

Therefore, that they might not be intercepted from the town by a sudden descent of the Albans from the hills, they take to flight.

Tullus presses forward, and having routed the wing of the Fidenates, returned with greater fury against the Veientes, disheartened by the panic of the others: nor did they sustain his charge; but the river, opposed to them behind, prevented a precipitate flight.

Whither when their flight led, some, shamefully throwing down their arms, rushed blindly into the river; others, while they linger on the banks, doubting whether to fly or fight, were overpowered.

Never before had the Romans a more desperate battle.
[Footnote 41: The part which he reserves for himself and the Albans is to play the traitors to Tullus in the hour of need, wearing meanwhile the mark of friendship to Rome.] [Footnote 42: The fact is, that the subject population rose up against the Roman colonists, drove them out of the town, and asserted their independence.Nieb.i.24.