Note 251 — ARRIAN ON COURSING.
William Dansey translation
Ἱερεῖον.
Ovid. Metam. L. xv. 130.
Victima labe carens, et præstantissima forma, (Nam placuisse nocet,) vittis præsignis et auro Sistitur ante aras.
The ancient sacrifice consisted of three principal things—libation, incense, and victim; of which the latter was most important—varying according to the character of the deity to whom it was offered, and that of the persons offering. Perfection of form, as described by Ovid, was essential to acceptance at the altar.