644 Dum . . . hostes, i.e. after Flaminius’ vain attempt to rally and form his men, and his consequent resolve to atone for his fault (inexplorato* angustiis superatis) with his life.
645 Ducarius—Livy, ‘an Insubrian (Lombard) trooper.’
651 mānet = will flow. Cf. emanate.
652 populares = fellow-countrymen, but of Romans usu. civis.
658-666 Livy says more simply ‘He (Ducarius) was trying to despoil the corpse, when some veterans screened it with their shields.’
660 laeva = unfavourable, lit. ‘on the left side.’ Cf. sinister.
* See [p. 124], l. 2, note.
Parallel Passages.—Livy, xxii. 6; Polyb. iii. 84.
Character of Flaminius. ‘The party feelings which have so coloured the language of the ancient writers (e.g. Livy, Polybius) respecting him need not be shared by a modern historian. Flaminius was indeed an unequal antagonist to Hannibal; but, in his previous life, as Consul and as Censor, he had served his country well; and if the defile of Trasimene witnessed his rashness, it also contains his honourable grave.’ Arnold, Hist. Rome, iii. 110.