But suddenly the glittering helmet and the white mantle had disappeared.
Two spears had struck the white horse, and at the same time a third pierced the King's shield and wounded his left arm severely.
Horse and man fell.
Isdigerd's Persians raised a wild cry of exultation and pressed forward.
Furius and Alboin spurred their horses.
"Spare the King's life! take him prisoner! He spared me!" cried Alboin.
For he had been greatly touched when Gisulf told him that he distinctly saw the King change the point of his spear for the shaft.
"No! Down with Totila!" cried Furius.
And he hurled his spear at the wounded man, whom Aligern was trying to lift upon the Prefect's horse and lead out of the fight.
Julius caught the Corsican's first spear upon Teja's proven shield.