It was of gold, the gift of Vulcan; the axle was of gold, the pole and wheels of gold, the spokes of silver.  Along the seat were rows of chrysolites and diamonds which reflected all around the brightness of the sun.  While the daring youth, gazed in admiration, the early Dawn threw open the purple doors of the east, and showed the pathway strewn with roses.  The stars withdrew, marshalled by the Day-star, which last of all retired also.  The father, when he saw the earth beginning to glow, and the Moon preparing to retire, ordered the Hours to harness up the horses.  They obeyed, and led forth from the lofty stalls the steeds full fed with ambrosia, and attached the reins.  Then the father bathed the face of his son with a powerful unguent, and made him capable of enduring the brightness of the flame.  He set the rays on his head, and, with a foreboding sigh, said, “If, my son, you will in this at least heed my advice, spare the whip and hold tight the reins.  They go fast enough of their own accord; the labor is to hold them in.  You are not to take the straight road directly between the five circles, but turn off to the left.  Keep within the limit of the middle zone, and avoid the northern and the southern alike.  You will see the marks of the wheels, and they will serve to guide you.  And, that the skies and the earth may each receive their due share of heat, go not too high, or you will burn the heavenly dwellings, nor too low, or you will set the earth on fire; the middle course is safest and best. [Footnote:  See Proverbial Expressions] And now I leave you to your chance, which I hope will plan better for you than you have done for yourself.  Night is passing out of the western gates and we can delay no longer.  Take the reins; but if at last your heart fails you, and you will benefit by my advice, stay where you are in safety, and suffer me to light and warm the earth.”  The agile youth sprang into the chariot, stood erect, and grasped the reins with delight, pouring out thanks to his reluctant parent.

Meanwhile the horses fill the air with their snortings and fiery breath, and stamp the ground impatient.  Now the bars are let down, and the boundless plain of the universe lies open before them.  They dart forward and cleave the opposing clouds, and outrun the morning breezes which started from the same eastern goal.  The steeds soon perceived that the load they drew was lighter than usual; and as a ship without ballast is tossed hither and thither on the sea, so the chariot, without its accustomed weight, was dashed about as if empty.  They rush headlong and leave the travelled road.  He is alarmed, and knows not how to guide them; nor, if he knew, has he the power.  Then, for the first time, the Great and Little Bear were scorched with heat, and would fain, if it were possible, have plunged into the water; and the Serpent which lies coiled up round the north pole, torpid and harmless, grew warm, and with warmth felt its rage revive.  Bootes, they say, fled away, though encumbered with his plough, and all unused to rapid motion.