atagem [though] driving inferior steeds, always
looking at the goal, turns it close, nor does it escape him in what
manner he may first turn [the course][746] with his leathern reins; but
he holds on steadily, and watches the one who is before him. But I will
show thee the goal, easily distinguished, nor shall it escape thy
notice. A piece of dry wood, as much as a cubit, stands over the ground,
either of oak or of larch, which is not rotted by rain; and two white
stones are placed on either side, in the narrow part of the way;[747]
but the racecourse around is level: either it is the monument[748] of
some man long since dead, or perhaps it has been a goal in the time of
former men, and now swift-footed noble Achilles has appointed it the
goal. Approaching this very closely, drive thy chariot and horses near;
but incline thyself gently towards the left of them (the steeds), in the
well-joined chariot-seat; and, cheering on the right-hand horse, apply
the whip, and give him the rein with thy hands. Let thy left-hand horse,
however, be moved close to the goal, so that the nave of the well-made
wheel may appear to touch, the top [of the post]; but avoid to touch
upon the stone, lest thou both wound thy horses, and break thy chariot
in pieces, and be a joy to the others, and a disgrace to thyself. But,
my beloved son, mind to be on thy guard; for if at the goal thou couldst
pass by in the course, there will not be one who could overtake thee in
pursuit, nor pass thee by; not if behind he drives noble Arion, the
swift steed of Adrastus,[749] which was from a god in race; or those of
Laomedon, which, excellent, have here been reared."

[Footnote 746: Or "pull with his leathern reins."--Oxf. Transl.
"[Greek: tanyse], viz. [Greek: dromon sun imasin]. Thus [Greek:
tathe dromos], ver. 375. The same ellipsis occurs in the
following verse, in the case of [Greek: echei], which, however,
admits also of the construction [Greek: echei eauton], one usual
in the latter language."--Kennedy.]

[Footnote 747: "The old interpreter explained [Greek: en
eynochesin odou], and I think correctly, of a wide track in the
open plain becoming somewhat narrower at the point where the old
monument stood; but [Greek: amphis] they took in the opposite
sense of [Greek: choris], or still more forced. Heyne, however,
understood it quite correctly of the wide plain around, which was
so suited to a chariot-race, and wit