Had fix’d their order, and arranged their cars,

All, at the trumpet’s signal, all at once

Burst from the barrier; all together cheer’d

Their fiery steeds, and shook the floating reins.

Soon with the din of rattling cars was filled

The sounding hippodrome, and clouds of dust

Ascending, tainted the fresh breath of morn.

Now mix’d and press’d together, on they drove,

Nor spared the smarting lash; impatient each

To clear his chariot, and outstrip the throng