On the Shows 7

The origin of both kinds of games, then, is common, and their titles are common too, as coming from common causes. Likewise they must have their equipment in common, from the general guilt of idolatry, their foundress. But the display of the circus games is somewhat more pompous, and to them this name properly belongs: the procession (pompa) that goes before, proving in itself whose it is by the train of images, the column of statues, the chariots, the sacred wagons, the carriages, the thrones, the crowns, the robes. What rites besides, what sacrifices come before, between, and after, how many guilds, how many priesthoods, how many offices are set in motion, the people of that city know in which the assembly of demons has taken its seat. If these things are managed with less care in the provinces, in proportion to lesser means, still all circus games everywhere are to be referred to the place from which they are sought, and judged by the source from which they are taken. For even a thin stream from its spring and a small shoot from its bough keeps the quality of its origin. Let its ambition or its frugality see to it …: any procession of the circus whatever offends God. Even if it carries few images about, idolatry is present in one; even if it draws only one sacred wagon, it is still Jupiter's cart; any idolatry, whether meanly furnished or moderately rich, is splendid in the wealth of its crime.