Through such fair things unto the gates he came, And found them open, as though peace were there; Wherethrough, unquestioned of his race or name, 45 He entered, and along the streets 'gan fare, Which at the first of folk were wellnigh bare; But pressing on, and going more hastily, Men hurrying too he 'gan at last to see. Following the last of these, he still pressed on, 50 Until an open space he came unto, Where wreaths of fame had oft been lost and won, For feats of strength folk there were wont to do. And now our hunter looked for something new, Because the whole wide space was bare, and stilled 55 The high seats were, with eager people filled. There with the others to a seat he gat, Whence he beheld a broidered canopy, 'Neath which in fair array King Schoeneus sat Upon his throne with councillors thereby; 60 And underneath this well-wrought seat and high, He saw a golden image of the sun,[292] A silver image of the Fleet-foot One.[293] A brazen altar stood beneath their feet Whereon a thin flame flickered in the wind; 65 Nigh this a herald clad in raiment meet Made ready even now his horn to wind, By whom a huge man held a sword, intwined With yellow flowers; these stood a little space From off the altar, nigh the starting-place. 70 And there two runners did the sign abide Foot set to foot,--a young man slim and fair, Crisp-haired, well-knit, with firm limbs often tried In places where no man his strength may spare; Dainty his thin coat was, and on his hair 75 A golden circlet of renown he wore, And in his hand an olive garland bore. But on this day with whom shall he contend? A maid stood by him like Diana[294] clad When in the woods she lists[295] her bow to bend, 80 Too fair for one to look on and be glad, Who scarcely yet has thirty summer's had, If he must still behold her from afar; Too fair to let the world live free from war. She seemed all earthly matters to forget; 85 Of all tormenting lines her face was clear, Her wide gray eyes upon the goal were set Calm and unmoved as though no soul were near, But her foe trembled as a man in fear; Nor from her loveliness one moment turned 90 His anxious face with fierce desire that burned. Now through the hush there broke the trumpet's clang Just as the setting sun made eventide. Then from light feet a spurt of dust there sprang, And swiftly were they running side by side; 95 But silent did the thronging folk abide Until the turning-post was reached at last, And round about it still abreast they passed.