The proverb says

The proverb says, "Just as a Roman army retreated after a defeat, so too is a retreat possible after every defeat. Accept it. Don't accept the defeat, but the retreat that follows, even into your own entrenchment, the armor of your body."

to where you were before the lost followed and choose something else. A road to Rome. Hagar Peeters, from: Runner of Light (De Bezige Bij 2008)