Sometimes he transfixed the beast with three or four shafts before it succumbed.
Occasionally the lion attacked him in his chariot, and was met with spear and shield, or with a fresh arrow, according to the exigencies of the moment, or the monarch's preference for one or the other weapon.

On rare occasions the monarch descended to the ground, and fought on foot.
He would then engage the lion in close combat with no other weapon but a short sword, which he strove to plunge, and often plunged, into his heart.

[PLATE CXVIII., Fig.

2.] In the later time, though the chariot was still employed to some extent in the lion-hunts, it appears to have been far more usual for the king to enjoy the sport on foot.

He carried a straight sword, which seems to have been a formidable weapon; it was strong, very broad, and two feet or a little more in length.