22 APRIL 1955, Page 23

Tiberius Claudius Rufus

It was not hard for Tiberius Claudius Rufus 'To be decent and to keep the traditional laws In the presence of the Hellanodikai, And still to perform acts worthy of the Olympic Crown, of Zeus, and the true spirit of athletics,' As the stone decree of the Elians proclaims.

Admittedly, it was not the practice of his times, When professional wrestler and crush-eared pugilist Tricked the judges, and duped the cheering crowds, When the Altis was scarred by the statues Of scowling. low-foreheaded Romans.

But honesty can always be found, and, like health, Is taken for granted by those who possess it.

Elians of the Empire, only the dishonest Consider it worthy of special mention.

C. A. TRYPANIS