Ovid Amores 3.2
I am not sitting here because I am keen on thoroughbred horses; however I do pray that the horse you yourself fancy does wins. I have come to talk with you and to sit with you so that the feelings of love which you arouse may not be unknown to you. You are watching the races, I am watching you; let both of us watch what pleases us and let both of us feast our eyes. Oh lucky charioteer of horses, whichever one it is you fancy! So was it his good fortune that you care for him?
May I have this good luck, then I will press on with resolute intention, riding my horses, released from the sacred starting gate, (10) and at one moment I will slacken the reins and at another I will mark their backs with the whip and now I will scrape the turning posts with my nearside wheel. If I catch sight of you as I race I will slow down and the loose reins will drop from my hands.
Ah, how nearly Pelops fell, (struck) by the spear of Oenomaus (of Pisa) while he gazed at your face, Hippodameia. Yet of course he won with the support of the girl; may each of us win with the support of own mistress.
Why do you shrink back in vain? The seating forces us to be close. These are the advantages the Circus has by the regulations of the place (in its rule for seating). (20) However, you, whoever you are, on the right, give the girl some space. She is disgusted by the contact with your side. You too who are watching from behind us, draw in your legs, if you have any sense of shame, and don’t press her back with your bony knee.
But your cloak is trailing too far on the ground; gather it up, or - look - I am picking it up with my fingers. You were an envious cloak, you who were covering such good legs, so that the more you watch (me looking), (the more) envious a cloak you became. Such legs had Atalanta as she fled, which Milanion prayed to hold up in his hands. (30) Legs like those of Diana girt for action are depicted in pictures when she chases strong wild animals, herself stronger. I burnt with love though I had not seen her legs. What is going to happen now that I have seen them? You are pouring flames onto a flame, waters into the sea. I suspect from those legs of yours that everything else which lies well hidden beneath your thin dress is capable of pleasing too.
Meanwhile however would you like me to summon gentle breezes which a writing tablet (fan?) waved by my hand will make? Or is this heat of mine the heat of my heart/passion rather than of the air, and does love for a woman scorch my captive heart? (40) While I am speaking, your white robe has been sprinkled with a light coating of dust; leave her snow white body, you dirty dust.
But now the procession approaches; show respect with your tongues and your thoughts, the time for clapping is here, the golden procession comes. Victory with outspread wings is carried first into place; come and be present here, and, goddess, grant that this love of mine wins. Applaud Neptune, you who put too much trust in the waves; I have no dealings with the sea; my land holds me captive. Soldier, applaud your Mars; we hate warfare. Peace delights me as well as the love found in the midst of peace. (50) Let Phoebus be favourable for the prophets and Phoebe for the hunters; Minerva, direct the hands of the craftsmen towards you. Countrymen, rise to your feet for Ceres and for young Bacchus; may the boxers win the favour of Pollux and the cavalry win the favour of Castor.
We applaud you, seductive Venus, and the boys powerful with their bow. Goddess, grant assent to my intentions and give a receptive attitude to my new mistress and may she allow herself to be loved. She nodded assent and with her nod she gave signs of approval. What the goddess has promised, let me ask that you yourself promise. May I speak with all due respect to Venus, you will be the greater goddess. (60) I swear to you by so many witnesses and the procession of the gods that you are sought as my mistress forever.
But your legs are dangling. If by chance you would like to you can stick the tips of your toes into the barrier.
Now that the Circus is empty, the praetor has sent the four-yoked teams, the greatest show, out of the equally staggered starting gate. I can see the charioteer you are keen on; he will win, whoever it is you (will) support. The horses themselves seem to know what you want. Oh no! (Poor me!) He is going round the turning post in a wide circle. What are you doing? The man behind you is bringing his chariot close and coming up on you. (70) What are you doing, you idiot? You are losing the girl’s good wishes. Draw in the reins on the left with a strong hand, I beg you. We have supported a loser! But still, call them back, Romans, and give signs by waving your togas on all sides. Look! They are calling them back; but, so that my waving toga does not mess your hair, you can hide yourself for as long as you like in my lap (fold of tunic).
And now the starting gate has been unbarred again and the gates are standing open. The horses have been released and a column of many colours flies out. Now at least get ahead and get in the open space. See to it that my prayers, and those of my mistress, are granted. (80) My mistress’ prayers have been granted; my prayers are yet to be granted. The charioteer holds his palm of victory; my palm is yet to be sought.’ She smiled and promised something with her shining (suggestive) eyes; ‘this is enough; give me the rest in another place.’