The servants ran up to accomplish his bidding; but Ragnar was dead, and forestalled the order of the king.

Surely we must say that this man had a double lot for his share?
By one, he had a fleet unscathed, an empire well-inclined, and immense power as a rover; while the other inflicted on him the ruin of his fame, the slaughter of his soldiers, and a most bitter end.

The executioner beheld him beset with poisonous beasts, and asps gorging on that heart which he had borne steadfast in the face of every peril.

Thus a most glorious conqueror declined to the piteous lot of a prisoner; a lesson that no man should put too much trust in fortune.
Iwar heard of this disaster as he happened to be looking on at the games.

Nevertheless, he kept an unmoved countenance, and in nowise broke down.