n the
one side; the enemy confronts us on the other, and separates us from our
friends. Whether shall we fly into the sea, or force our way toward the
Trojans?" So saying, he turned, and dashed into the midst of the hostile
ranks. Tagus was the first who fell a victim to his noble wrath; for as he
was stooping to pick up a heavy stone, the spear of Pallas struck him in
the middle of the back, and shattered the spine and ribs. As the young
hero was withdrawing the weapon, Hisbon rushed on and struck at him from
above; but the blow fell short, and before he could recover his guard
Pallas buried his sword deep in his body. Warrior after warrior he struck
down, restored the confidence of his followers, and spread confusion and
dismay in the opposite ranks, raging among them as the flames lit by the
husbandman in the autumn spread through the stubble, and destroy
everything in their path. But now the Auruncian chief, Halaesus, summoned
by some of his followers to their aid, opposed the advance of the
Arcadians. He was a tried and fierce warrior, and he slew five of the
bravest of Pallas's men before the young chief could confront him. Then,
however, the son of Evander hurled a spear with such skill and certainty
of aim that he pierced Halaesus's heart, and the grim leader of the Aurunci
sank lifeless on the field. His fall was a sore discouragement to the
troops of Turnus, which would have sought safety in flight, had not
Lausus, the gallant son of Mezentius,--noble and upright offspring of an
unworthy father,--suddenly come to their aid. First encountering Abas,
leader of the Populonians, he slew him with a single blow of his sword,
and followed up his success with a furious slaughter of Arcadians and
Etrurians. Thus the battle continued: on the one side Pallas impetuously
urged the attack; on the other Lausus not less obstinately maintained the
defense. They were equal in years, and in beauty and grace of form; and to
both alike the Fates had assigned a place among the victims of the war.
But the Gods had ordained that they should not encounter hand to hand;
each was destined to succumb to a superior foe.

Turnus was leading his troops in another quarter of the field, when he was
summoned to hasten to the assistance of Lausus, who alone was bearing up
the battle against Pallas and his Arcadians. Quickly he turned his chariot
in that direction, and as soon as he reached the spot, called on his
warriors to withdraw from the c