Ajax, champion wrangler in all the ranks! Stupid too,
first and last the worst man in the Argive armies –
stubborn, bullnecked fool. Come now,
let’s both put up a tripod or a cauldron,
wager which horses are really out in front
and we’ll make Atrides Agamemnon our referee –
you’ll learn, don’t worry, once you pay the price!
– Homer
The Iliad, Book 23, lines 539-545. Cretan captain Idomeneus says this to Ajax, as they swop taunts with each other about the chariot race. Idomeneus suggests a wager on who is going to win and to make Agamemnon their referee. The spectators are as engaged as the competitors in what is happening at the sports.