In his fighting cry there were inspiration for his party and alarm for his enemies.

Thus surprised and equally matched, the Romans at first retired, but finally turned their backs and fled to the portico.

The impetuous Galileans would have pursued them to the steps, but Ben-Hur wisely restrained them.
"Stay, my men!" he said.

"The centurion yonder is coming with the guard.

They have swords and shields; we cannot fight them.
We have done well; let us get back and out of the gate while we may." They obeyed him, though slowly; for they had frequently to step over their countrymen lying where they had been felled; some writhing and groaning, some praying help, others mute as the dead.