Newmarket fame was an object of ambition sought by the most
distinguished personages.
'Go on, brave youths, till in some future age
Whips shall become the senatorial badge;
Till England see her thronging senators
Meet all at Westminster in boots and spurs;
See the whole House with mutual phrensy mad,
Her patriots all in leathern breeches clad;
Of bets for taxes learnedly debate, And guide with equal reins
a steed or state.'[77]
[77] Ibid.
And then at the winning-post what motley confusion.
--------------------'A thousand tongues
Jabber harsh jargon from a thousand lungs.
****
Dire was the din--as when in caverns pent,
Hoarse Boreas storms and Eurus works for vent,
The aeolian brethren heave the labouring earth,
And roar with elemental strife for birth.'[78]
[78] 'The Gamblers.' Horace had said long before--Tanto cum
strepitu ludi spectantur, 'So great a noise attends the games!
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