For already whole battalions of vanquished Byzantines came flying through the wood towards him. He saw that it would be impossible to stem the flight of these masses with his small troop.
For some time he watched the movement irresolutely.
The Gothic pursuers were already visible in the distance, when Vitalius, one of Demetrius's captains, came wounded up to Cethegus.
"Oh, friend," he cried, "there is no stopping them! They will now go on till they reach Ravenna."
"I verily believe it," said Cethegus. "They will more likely carry my men away with them than stand and fight."
"And yet only the half of the victors, under Teja and Hildebrand, follow us. The King turned back already on the field of battle. I saw him withdraw his troops. He wheeled to the south-west."
"Whither?" cried Cethegus, becoming attentive. "Tell me again. In what direction?"
"He marched towards the south-west."
"He is going to Rome!" exclaimed the Prefect, and pulled his horse round so suddenly that it reared. "Follow me!--to the coast!"
"And the routed army? without leaders!" cried Lucius Licinius. "See how they fly!"