jaws.

[5] Or, "poker," as we might say; lit. "spit."

[6] Schneid. cf. Eur. "Hippol." 1223.

[7] See Morgan, note ad loc. Berenger (i. 261) notes: "We have a small
chain in the upset or hollow part of our bits, called a 'Player,'
with which the horse playing with his tongue, and rolling it
about, keeps his mouth moist and fresh; and, as Xenophon hints, it
may serve likewise to fix his attention and prevent him from
writhing his mouth about, or as the French call it, 'faire ses
forces.'"

To explain what is meant by flexible and stiff as applied to a bit, we
will describe the matter. A flexible bit is one in which the axles
have their points of junction broad and smooth,[8] so as to bend
easily; and where the several parts fitting round the axles, being
large of aperture and not too closely packed, have greater
flexibility; whereas, if the several parts do not slide to and fro
with ease, and play into each other, that is what we call a stiff bit.
Whatever the kind of bit may be, the rider must carry out precisely
the same rules in using it, as follows, if he wishes to turn out a
horse with the qualities described. The horse's mouth is not to be
pulled back too harshly so as to make him toss his head aside, nor yet
so gently that he will not feel the pressure. But the instant he
raises his neck in answer to the pull, give him the bit at once; and
so throughout, as we never cease repeating, at every response to your
wishes, whenever and wherever the animal performs his service well,[9]
reward and humour him. Thus, when the rider perceives that the horse