So saying, Entellus from his shoulders flung His quilted doublet, and revealed to light The massive joints, the sinews firmly strung, The bones and muscles, and the limbs of might, And, like a giant, stood prepared for fight.
Two gloves for either champion, matched in weight, AEneas brings, and binds them firm and tight.
So, face to face, each eager and elate, Like-armed the rivals stand, on tiptoe for debate.
LVIII.

Each from the blow the towering head draws back, Fearless, with arms uplifted to the skies.
Spars hand through hand, and tempts to the attack, One, nimbler-footed, on his youth relies; Entellus' strength is in his limbs and size.
But the knees shake beneath him, and are slow, And age the wanted energy denies.
He heaves for breath; thick pantings come and go, And shake the labouring breast, as hailing blow on blow.
LIX.

In vain they strive for mastery.

Loud sound Their hollow sides; the battered chests ring back, As here and there the whistling strokes pelt round Their ears and temples, and the jaw-bones crack.
Firm stands Entellus, though his knees are slack; Still in the same strained posture, he defies, Unmoved, the tempest of his foe's attack.
Only his body and his watchful eyes Slip from the purposed stroke, and shun the wished surprise.
LX.

As one who strives with battery to o'erthrow A high-walled city, or close siege doth lay Against some mountain-stronghold; even so Sly Dares shifts, an opening to essay, And vainly varies his assault each way.
On tiptoe stretched, Entellus, pricked with pride, Puts forth his right hand, with resistless sway Steep from his shoulder.