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LIBER VIII · CAPUT 20

THE RHINOCEROS

THE RHINOCEROS. Complete modern editorial illustration created specifically for this chapter.
THE RHINOCEROS · EDITORIAL PLATE VIII.20 · modern editorial plate
THE RHINOCEROS. Complete modern editorial illustration created specifically for this chapter.

Latine · Mayhoff 1906

Isdem ludis et rhinoceros unius in nare cornus, qualis saepe, visus. alter hic genitus hostis elephanto cornu ad saxa limato praeparat se pugnae, in dimicatione alvum maxime petens, quam scit esse molliorem. longitudo ei par, crura multo breviora, color buxeus.

English · Bostock & Riley 1855–57

At the same games the rhinoceros was also exhibited, an animal which has a single horn projecting from the nose; it has been frequently seen since then. This too is another natural-born enemy of the elephant. It prepares itself for the combat by sharpening its horn against the rocks; and in fighting directs it chiefly against the belly of its adversary, which it knows to be the softest part. The two animals are of equal length, but the legs of the rhinoceros are much the shorter: its skin is the colour of box-wood.