Persians

Aeschylus

Aeschylus, Volume 1. Smyth, Herbert Weir, translator. London; New York: William Heinemann; G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1922.

  1. And utter shrill cries.
Chorus
  1. This too I will do.
Xerxes
  1. And with your fingers tear the robe which drapes you.
Chorus
  1. Anguish, anguish!
Xerxes
  1. Pluck out your locks, and lament our host.
Chorus
  1. With clenched nails, with clenched nails, with loud wailing.
Xerxes
  1. Let tears moisten your eyes.
Chorus
  1. I am drenched with tears.
Xerxes
  1. Cry aloud now in response to me.
Chorus
  1. Alas, alas!
Xerxes
  1. With sounds of wailing go to your homes.
Chorus
  1. Alas, alas!
Xerxes
  1. Alas! through the city.
Chorus
  1. Alas, indeed!
Xerxes
  1. Pour forth your wails as you move along with soft steps.
Chorus
  1. Alas, alas, O Persian land, grievous now to walk upon!
Xerxes
  1. Ah me!
  2. Those that perished in three-tiered galleys, ah me!
Chorus
  1. I will escort you with dismal sounds of woe. Exeunt omnes