Pedestrianism

ancient gymnastics. 15 this institution shewsits perfect organization, and that,whileit comprizedso manydifferent states, its laws wereadministered withjustice and impartiality. The games were celebrated every fifth year; and the candidates for the Olympic crown, termed Athlete , were obliged, pre­ viously,to enter theirnames, that they might be known to the Hellanodics, and theirpre­ tensionsto the honor of competition investi­ gated. Ten months of preparatory training were requisite; of whichone wasdevoted to exercisein the stadium in the presenceof the judges, in order to qualify the competitor for the arduous trial; and free citizens only, whose characters were irreproachable, and who, in otherrespects,had compliedwith the rules of the institution, were permitted to contend. So important wasthe prize of vic­ tory, that nonebut men of spotless reputation were allowed to enter the lists, which were carefullyguarded againstthe intrusion of un­ worthyor improper persons. The games lastedfive days, and com­ menced \