The Prefect left the Capitol to the charge of his faithful tribune, Lucius Licinius, and followed the march of Belisarius.
In vain he warned the latter against too great confidence.
"Remain behind the rock of the Capitol if you fear the barbarians," Belisarius had answered sarcastically.
"No," retorted Cethegus; "a defeat of Belisarius is too rare a spectacle. I must not miss it."
In truth, Cethegus would have been glad to witness the humiliation of the great general, whose fame inspired the Italians with too great admiration.
Belisarius had led his troops out of the northern gate of the city, and had pitched a camp at a few miles distant, in order to hold a review and make a new division of the army, which was the more necessary as the influx of Italians who hastened to join his flag was very great.
He had also recalled Bessas, Constantinus, and Ambazuch, with the greater part of their troops. They had only left a small portion behind them to garrison the towns which they had conquered.
Vague rumours of the approach of a Gothic army had spread in the camp. But Belisarius would not believe them.
"They dare not come," he replied to Procopius's warnings; "they lie in Ravenna and tremble before Belisarius."
Late at night Cethegus lay sleepless upon his coach in his tent. He had left the lamp burning.