this what my strength
once was, and also from what death you have saved Dares." With these words
he smote the bull on the forehead with the cestus so mightily that the
skull was battered in and the brute sank dead at his feet.

After this exciting competition came a more peaceful sport,--a trial of
skill with the bow. A mast was planted on a sward, and to the top of it a
living dove was secured by a cord. This was the mark, and four archers
came forward to contend for the prizes,--Hippocooen, the brother of Nisus
and one of AEneas's dearest friends; Mnestheus, the winner of the second
prize in the galley race; Eurytion, a brother of that Pandarus who was one
of the most skillful archers that fought in the Trojan war, and who, after
wounding Menelaus, was slain by Diomedes; and lastly, King Acestes
himself. Hippocooen shot first, and his arrow, whizzing past the fluttering
dove, pierced the pole to which she was fastened. This, though it did not
hit the mark, was an excellent shot, and it won loud applause from the
spectators. Mnestheus next discharged his dart, taking a long and steady
aim; but his arrow, instead of striking the bird, cut in two the cord by
which she was fastened, and, spreading her wings, the dove at once flew
away. Instantly, however, Eurytion raised his bow, and shot with so true
an aim that he struck the bird even in mid-flight, and brought her
lifeless to the earth. There was thus no longer a mark at which Acestes
could aim; but notwithstanding he drew his bow and discharged a shaft high
into the air. And now a strange prodigy happened; for the arrow, soaring
upward, took fire as it flew, and marked out a path of flame, till, being
quite consumed, it vanished into the air. This spectacle naturally excited
the wonder and reverence of the assembled multitude; and AEneas, embracing
Acestes, declared that the incident was an omen from the Gods awarding to
him the first prize. He therefore bestowed on him a splendid bowl,
embossed with figures, which had once belonged to Anchises, nor did the
other competitors dispute the justice of the decision.

But the games were not yet ended. The Trojan chief had prepared a closing
spectacle as a surprise for the spectators. He sent a messenger to summon
Ascanius, and in the mean time ordered a large space of ground to be
cleared. Then suddenly his son entered on horseback at the head of a
numerous company,--all the youths of the expedition. They were attired
alik