3 par = equally distinguished by, equal, that is, to his beauty.—S.
5 Tolumni = Lars Tolumnius, King of the Veientos, in alliance with Fidenae (about 5 miles N.E. of Rome).
quacumque se intendisset = wherever he directed his charge.
8-11 Hicine . . . manibus dabo. Fidenae had frequently been colonised by Rome, and had as frequently revolted. When the Romans sent four ambassadors to Fidenae to demand satisfaction for this last revolt, the people of Fidenae murdered them. Tolumnius is associated with their crime.
12 infesta cuspide = with couched lance.
13-14 hasta . . . excepit = with the help of his spear leapt to the ground. Lit. ‘resting on his spear caught himself on his feet.’—Stephenson.
15 umbone resupinat = he throws him back with the boss of his shield.
repetitum = piercing him again and again.—S.
19 Dictator = Mamercus Aemilius, a man of energy and ability.
The spolia opima (spoils of honour) were the arms taken on the field of battle by the victorious from the vanquished general. They were won on only three occasions:—