So wondrous like in feature, shape, and size, As caused an error in their parents' eyes-- Grateful mistake! but soon the sword decides The nice distinction, and their fate divides: For Thymbrus' head was lopped; and Laris' hand, Dismembered, sought its owner on the strand: The trembling fingers yet the faulchion strain, And threaten still the extended stroke in vain. Now, to renew the charge, the Arcadians came: } Sight of such acts, and sense of honest shame, } And grief, with anger mixed, their minds inflame. } Then, with a casual blow was Rhœteus slain, Who chanced, as Pallas threw, to cross the plain: The flying spear was after Ilus sent; But Rhœteus happened on a death unmeant: From Teuthras and from Tyres while he fled, The lance, athwart his body, laid him dead: Rolled from his chariot with a mortal wound, And intercepted fate, he spurned the ground. As when, in summer, welcome winds arise, The watchful shepherd to the forest flies, And fires the midmost plants; contagion spreads, And catching flames infect the neighbouring heads; Around the forest flies the furious blast, } And all the leafy nation sinks at last, } And Vulcan rides in triumph o'er the waste; } The pastor, pleased with his dire victory, Beholds the satiate flames in sheets ascend the sky:-- So Pallas' troops their scattered strength unite, And, pouring on their foes, their prince delight. Halseus came, fierce with desire of blood; But first collected in his arms he stood: Advancing then, he plied the spear so well, Ladon, Demodocus, and Pheres, fell. Around his head he tossed his glittering brand, And from Strymonius hewed his better hand, Held up to guard his throat; then hurled a stone At Thoas' ample front, and pierced the bone: It struck beneath the space of either eye; And blood, and mingled brains, together fly. Deep skilled in future fates, Halesus' sire Did with the youth to lonely groves retire: But, when the father's mortal race was run, Dire destiny laid hold upon the son, And hauled him to the war, to find, beneath The Evandrian spear, a memorable death. Pallas the encounter seeks, but, ere he throws, To Tuscan Tyber thus addressed his vows:-- "O sacred stream! direct my flying dart, And give to pass the proud Halesus' heart: His arms and spoils the holy oak shall bear." Pleased with the bribe, the god received his prayer: For, while his shield protects a friend distressed, The dart came driving on, and pierced his breast. But Lausus, no small portion of the war, Permits not panic fear to reign too far, Caused by the death of so renowned a knight; But by his own example cheers the fight. Fierce Abas first he slew--Abas, the stay Of Trojan hopes, and hinderance of the day.