A Lay Sung at the Feast (16)

    But far to the north 髋utius, The Master of the Knights, Gave Tubero of Norba To feed the Porcian kites. Next under those red horse-hoofs Flaccus of Setia lay； Better had he been pruning Among his elms that day. Mamilus saw the slaughter, And tossed his golden crest, And towards the Master of the Knights Through the thick battle pressed. 髋utius smote Mamilius So fiercely on the shield That the great lord of Tusculum Well-nigh rolled on the field. Mamilius smote 髋utius, With a good aim and true, Just where the next and shoulder join, And pierced him through and through； And brave 髋utius Elva Fell swooning to the ground： But a thick wall of bucklers Encompassed him around. His clients from the battle Bare him some little space, And filled a helm from the dark lake,

    And bathed his brow and face； And when at last he opened His swimming eyes to light, Men say, the earliest words he spake Was, ``Friends, how goes the fight？''.