The Ten Books on Architecture, 5.6.4

Vitruvius  Parallel editions

‹‹‹ Vitr. 5.6.3 | Table of Contents | Vitr. 5.6.5 ›››

Gwilt translation

4The roof of the portico, which is on the last step, should be on a level with the top of the scene; by which arrangement the voice will extend and be distinct to those on the upper seats and roof. For if it be not equally high, where that height is deficient, the voice, first striking thereon, will be stopped.

Morgan translation

4The roof of the colonnade to be built at the top of the rows of seats, should lie level with the top of the “scaena,” for the reason that the voice will then rise with equal power until it reaches the highest rows of seats and the roof. If the roof is not so high, in proportion as it is lower, it will check the voice at the point which the sound first reaches.