deaths of rival rulers by poison or the dagger of the assassin.

When the armies of these states went into battle they formed a line,
with the bowmen on the left and the spearmen on the right flank. The
centre was occupied by chariots, each drawn by either three or four
horses harnessed abreast. Swords, daggers, shields, iron-headed clubs
some five to six feet in length and weighing from twelve to fifteen
pounds, huge iron hooks, drums, cymbals, gongs, horns, banners
and streamers innumerable, were also among the equipment of war.
Beacon-fires of wolves' dung were lighted to announce the approach of
an enemy and summon the inhabitants to arms. Quarter was rarely if
ever given, and it was customary to cut the ears from the bodies of
the slain. Parleys were conducted and terms of peace arranged under the
shelter of a banner of truce, upon which two words were inscribed--"Stop
fighting."

The beacon-fires above mentioned, very useful for summoning the feudal
barons to the rescue in case of need, cost one sovereign his throne. He
had a beautiful concubine, for the sake of whose company he neglected
the affairs of government. The lady was of a melancholy turn, never
being seen to smile. She said she loved the sound of rent silk, and to
gratify her whim many fine pieces of silk were torn to shreds. The king
offered a thousand ounces of gold to any one who would make her laugh;
whereupon his chief minister suggested that the beacon-fires should be
lighted to summon the feudal nobles with their armies, as though the
royal house were in danger. The trick succeeded; for in the hurry-skurry
that ensued the impassive girl positively laughed outright. Later on,
when a real attack was made upon the capital by barbarian hordes, and
the beacon-fires were again lighted, this time in stern reality, there
was no response from the insulted nobles. The king was killed, and his