At the head of one thousand horse, the Roman general sallied from the Flaminian gate to mark the ground of an advantageous position, and to survey the camp of the Barbarians; but while he still believed them on the other side of the Tyber, he was suddenly encompassed and assaulted by their numerous squadrons.

The fate of Italy depended on his life; and the deserters pointed to the conspicuous horse a bay, [75] with a white face, which he rode on that memorable day.

"Aim at the bay horse," was the universal cry.

Every bow was bent, every javelin was directed, against that fatal object, and the command was repeated and obeyed by thousands who were ignorant of its real motive.

The bolder Barbarians advanced to the more honorable combat of swords and spears; and the praise of an enemy has graced the fall of Visandus, the standard-bearer, [76] who maintained his foremost station, till he was pierced with thirteen wounds, perhaps by the hand of Belisarius himself.