Having led his troops beyond their camp, he formed them in order of battle, and at the first light sent three cohorts close to their very ramparts.

The barbarians, surprised at the Romans appearing on their rear, ran hastily to arms.
In the mean time, the consul observed to his men, "Soldiers, you have no room for hope, but in your own courage; and I have, purposely, taken care that it should be so.

The enemy are between us and our camp; behind us is an enemy's country.

What is most honourable, is likewise safest; namely, to place all our hopes in our own valour." He then ordered the cohorts to retreat, in order to draw out the barbarians by the appearance of flight.

Every thing happened as he had expected.