Res Gestae

So far the peak of the bow is thought to extend; the remainder of it, gently curved and lying under the Bear in the heavens, we shall now follow as far as the left side of the Thracian Bosporus, as the order demands, with this warning; that while the bows of all other races are bent with the staves curved, in those of the Scythians alone, or the Parthians, since a straight rounded[*](These apparently contradictory words have given a good deal of trouble, but the meaning is plain. The handle is straight laterally, but is rounded like a broomstick for example, or a hoe-handle, and for the same reason; see note on § 10, above.) handle divides them in the middle, the ends are bent downwards on both sides and far apart,[*](That is, the Greek bow is bent in a continuous curve; in the Scythian, the two sides are bent, but not the handle.) presenting the form of a waning moon.[*](I.e. in the gibbous stage; see xx. 3, 11, notes.)