ANCENT OLYMPIC CHARIOT RACES DRIVER

We have been interesting ourselves in a blockhead but still, Romans, call him back again, 12 and by waving the garments, 13 give the signal on every side. What, wretched man, art thou about? Thou art wasting the good wishes of the fair pull in the reins, I entreat, to the left, 11 with a strong hand. 10 What art thou about? The next is overtaking thee with his wheel in contact. Oh shocking! around the turning-place he goes with a circuit far too wide. The very horses appear to understand what it is you wish for. I see who is your favourite whoever you wish well to, he will prove the conqueror. Now the PrГ¦tor, 8 the Circus emptied, has sent from the even barriers 9 the chariots with their four steeds, the greatest sight of all. Procession approaches, glistening with gold. 6 If you should be seen by me in my course, then I should stop and the reins, let go, would fall from my hands.Д«ut now the procession 7 is approaching give good omens both in words and feelings. 4 And now I would give rein 5 now with my whip would I lash their backs now with my inside wheel would I graze the turning-place.

ANCENT OLYMPIC CHARIOT RACES DRIVER

O, happy the driver of the steeds, whoever he is, that is your favourite it is then his lot to be the object of your care might such be my lot with ardent zeal to be borne along would I press over the steeds as they start from the sacred barrier. You are looking at the race, I am looking at you let us each look at what pleases us, and so let us each feast our eyes.

I have come here to chat with you, and to be seated by you, 3 that the passion which you cause may not be unknown to you. I am not sitting here 1 an admirer of the spirited steeds 2 still I pray that he who is your favourite may win. (Poetry in Translation, Publius Ovidius Naso, The Amores: At the Races

Publius Vergilius Maro, Georgics, 3.103-112 transl. So strong the desire for glory, so dear is victory. No delay, no rest: a cloud of yellow dust rises,ДЄnd theyвЂ™re wet with foam, and the breath of those pursuing: Now low, now lifted high, they seem to be carried When young menвЂ™s hopes are roused, and fear throbs,Дraining each exultant heart? On they go with writhing whips,Д«ending forward to loosen the rein, the red-hot axle turns: Rushing to attack the flat, competing headlong, Have you seen the chariots pour from the barrier, Publius Vergilius Maro, Georgics: Chariot race Virgil Ovid Statius Silius Italicus Sidonius Nonnos

Ancent olympic chariot races