ChorusGrievous, grievous disaster, strange and cruel. Alas, Persians, weep now that you hear of this calamity.
MessengerYes, weep, for you hear that the whole army is utterly destroyed; and I myself unexpectedly behold the day of my return.
ChorusThe life which has been given to us elders is too long, for we have now heardof this unexpected misery.
MessengerSince I myself was present and did not merely hear what happened from the report of others, I can tell you exactly what kind of disaster was wrought.
ChorusAlas, alas! In vain did our vast and variously armed hostgo forth from the land of Asia against the hostile soil of Hellas.
MessengerFull of the bodies of men who perished by a miserable fate are the shores of Salamis and all the neighboring coasts.
ChorusAlas, alas! You say that the bodies of our loved ones,battered by the brine and drenched, are tossing, washed back and forth among the reefs.
MessengerOur bows were of no use, and the whole host has perished, overwhelmed when ship charged on ship.
ChorusRaise a doleful and mournful wail for the Persians, the wretched Persians, since they have met with complete and utter ruin. Alas for the destruction of our host!
MessengerO name of Salamis most odious to my ears!Alas, how I groan when I recall the memory of Athens!
ChorusAh, hateful indeed is Athens to her foes. Now must we remember how many Persian women she has deprived of sons and husbands, lost all in vain.