The monarch's place on these occasions was the middle of the boat.

Before him and behind him were guards armed with spears, who were thus ready to protect their master, whether the beast attacked him in front or rear.

The monarch used a round bow, like that commonly carried in war, and aimed either at the heart or at the head.

The spearmen presented their weapons at the same time, while the sides of the boat were also sufficiently high above the water to afford a considerable protection against the animal's spring.

An attendant immediately behind the monarch held additional arrows ready for him; and after piercing the noble brute with three or four of these weapons, the monarch had commonly the satisfaction of seeing him sink down and expire.