four o'clock
Hand to hand encounters now became general ; monkeys assailed lions ; mamelukes returned the fire of gipsies ; a grand hurly-burly arose from every point in sight . Clouds fell from upper balconies upon each side of the street as the crowds poured on in incessant streams which became at intervals one moving mass of dust , white as snow . Beautiful ladies , maidens and children , mingled in the gay scene -- all intent upon the same enjoyment . It is impossible to convey the faintest idea of this grand display which is kept up from early morning until half-past four o'clock , when the street is cleared as by magic . How such a concourse of carriages and people get into the adjoining nooks and piazzas in such a short time is astonishing , while thousands still cling to the sidewalks of the Corso . A chariot race is the next proceeding , when , within the space of a few moments , the horses are in their places -- the signal given -- the distance of the Corso gained -- the race won . This is the first day 's outline of sport , which is followed in successive order until the end of the season .