The first one to break the eyelock by looking away, dropping the eyes, or closing the eyes was the loser.

Boreas, old buster, go unlock the cave of Æolus, and let the Venti rave.

And the King's rouse the heaven shall bruit again, Re-speaking earthly thunder.

In some cases the conquering state contented itself with imposing a tribute on the vanquished: who, being, in consideration of that burthen, freed from the expense and trouble of their own military and naval protection, might enjoy under it a considerable share of economical prosperity, […]