The age-herald., 1901-05-26
Classical Racing.

 brightest ornament of turf Journalism psendonyn of "Iconoclast," leaves a va cancy that will probably never be filled. Joseph Carn Simpson, long known as the Nestor of turf journalism, is still liv- ing in good health at his hospitable home at Oakland, Cal. About two years ago we had occasion to write of these distin- guished gentlemen as follows: There are two picturesque figures in the arena of turf journalism today They are built in the archaic world, and they write of the past and its exquisite traditions. Each of them is possessed of a fancy which runs riot amidst the hopes of the horse mans Utopia, and they seem to have ar- rived at an age that has survived the pas sions. and from their wholesome minds emanate food intellectual for the babbling and garish world of civilized horsemen. We do not remember that during the many hot controversies they have been engaged in that either has been suspected of striking dastard blow There is poe try in the lives of such men-the poetry of generous deeds.
 It was one of these writers who dis covered that the first horse race was reported by the author of the 1liad, and jocosely maintained that it was trotting race. However, he text of the Great Epic" does no bear the gentleman out that 1t was a ''trotting contest" for the phrases: His bounding horses scarcely touched the fields'-"so swift, it seemed flight, and not a race" flying courser," and kindred expressions clearly indicate that the horses were running at mad speed We must also disagree with the great writer that "Antilochus drove foul" for the narrow part of the track into rvhf fal, he Had ic at ba ri ulr of his life, is the only complaint that Menelaus makes, and the expression that "Antilochus acknowledged the corn" is not only idomatic, but strained, as Mene- laus was his King. and even took his sceptre-regal insignia of power-is his hand before he preferred the charges of fraud. If the expression is permitted 1t appears to have been ''bluff' on the part of Menelaus. such as MT. John Splaun Doanbrook was wont to indulge in a few years ago when some newcomer to the track "stood him off, on the back stretch or lower turn.
 This famous chariot race Is one of many thrilling incidents in the tale of the seize of Troy, and was part of the fun eral ceremonies in honor of the head Patroclus by his friend Achilles, the aged Nestor, who fguratively represents wisdom and honor and superiority gen. erally has often, since that long ago time been apothesized by succeeding cen- turies. Just before the race began, the old man gave his son, Antilochus the following shrewd advice, which would to- day tax the skill of Geers or McHenry to surpass:
 My son. though youthful ardour fire thy
 beast,
 The gods have loved thee, and with arts
 have blessed;
 Neptune and love on thee conferred the
 skill
 Swift round the goal to turn thy flying
 wheel.
 To guide thy conduct little precept needs, But slow, and past their vigor, are my
 steeds, Fear not thy rivals, though for swiftness
 known;
 Compare those rivals judgment and thy
 own; It is not strength, but art, obtains the
 prize,
 And to be swift is less than to be wise.
 The race is glowingly described, but is too long for this department, and the student can search the libraries for a full report. Hence we skip to where Antilochus crowded Menelaus in a narrow part of the course where only one could drive with safety.
 "The next. though distant, Menelaus
 succeeds;
 While thus young Nestor (Antilochus)
 animates his steeds; Now, now my generous pair, exert your
 force;
 Not that we hope to watch Tydide's horse. Since great Mntrva wings their rapid
 way,
 And gives their lord Oiomede) the honor
 of the day;
 But reach Atrides (Menelaus); shall his
 mare outgo
 Your swiftness? vanquished by female
 foe?
 Haste then. you narrow road, before Resents the occasion, could we use 1t
 right Twas where, by force of wintry torrents torn,
 Fast by the road precipice was worn; Here, where but one could pass to shun the throng The Spartan herds (Antilochus) chariot smoked along,
 Close up the venturous youth resloves to keep, still edging near. and heads him toward
 the steep,
 Atrides (Menelaus), trembling, casts hls eyes DeloW,
 And wonders at the rashness of his foe. Hold, stay your -steeds-what madness thus to ride
 This narrow way! take larger f1eld," he cried,
 'Or both must fall" Atrides cried in vain; He flies more fast and throws up all the rein. (say Menelaus): "Go, furious youth! ungenerous and un- wise!
 Go, but expect not I'll the prize resign; Add perjury to fraud and make it thine.
 The Finish. High OCT his head the circling lash he wields,
 His counding horses scarcely touch the fields,
 Now victor at the goal Tydides stands Quits his bright car and springs upon the sands. A Kick. Then Menelaus rose; l The herald placed the sceptre in his hands, And stilled the clamor of the shouting bands. .sThe prsiae of wisdom, in thy youth obtained An act so rash. Antilochus! has stained, l Robbed of my glory and just reward, To you, o Grecians be my wrong declared. To Antilochus
 What Greek shall blame me, if bid thee rise, At.x&