TESEIDE OF BOCCA CCIO. 115
formed. The day before the combat, Arcita, after having visited the temples of all the Gods, makes a formal prayer to Mars. The prayer, being fersom-fad, is said to go and find Mars in his temple in Thrace, which is described ; and Mars, upon understanding the message, causes favourable signs to be given to Arcita. In the same manner Palemone closes his religious observances with a prayer to Venus. His Prayer, being also personified, sets out for the temple of Venus on Mount Citherone, which is also described; and the petition is granted. Then the sacrifice of Emilia to Diana is described; her prayer; the appearance of the Goddess; and the signs of the two fires. In morning they proceed to the Theatre with their respective troops, and prepare for the action. Arcita puts up a private prayer to Emilia, and harangues his troop publickly; and Palemone does the same.
Book VIIL Contains a description of the battle, in which Palemone is taken prisoner.
Book IX. The horse of Arcita, being frighted by a Fury, sent from hell at the desire of Venus, throws him. However he is carried to Athens in a triumphal chariot with Emilia by his side; is put to bed dangerously ill; and there by his own desire espouses Emilia.
Book X. The funeral of the persons killed in the combat. Arcita, being given over by his Physicians, makes his will, in discourse with Theseus, and desires that Palemone may inherit all his possessions and also Emilia. He then takes leave of Palemone and Emilia, to whom he repeats the same request. Then lamentations. Arcita orders a sacrifice to Mercury, (which Palemone performs for him,) and dies.
Book XL Opens with the passage of Arcita's soul to heaven, imitated from the beginning of the pth Book of Lucan. The funeral of Arcita. Description