Persians
Aeschylus
Aeschylus, Volume 1. Smyth, Herbert Weir, translator. London; New York: William Heinemann; G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1922.
- Far from here, to the west where the last rays of our Lord the Sun set.
- Can it then really be that my son had the keen desire to make this city his prey?
- Yes, for then all Hellas would be subject to the King.
- Does their army have such a multitude of men?
- Yes, it is an army of such magnitude that it has caused great disaster for the Medes.
- And what else have they besides? Do they have sufficient wealth in their homes?
- Of silver they possess a veritable fountain, a treasure chest in their soil.
- Is the bow-stretching arrow particularly suited to their hands?
- Far from it; they have lances for close fight and shields that serve them for armor.
- And who is set over them as shepherd and is master of their host?
- Of no man are they called the slaves or vassals.
- How then can they withstand the attack of an invading foe?
- So well as to have destroyed Darius’ great and courageous host.
- In truth, your words have given the fathers and mothers of those who are now on their way there dire food for thought.
- No, rather I think that you will soon learn the truth of the matter. For here comes one who is beyond a doubt a Persian courier. He bears clear tidings of some issue, be it good or bad.
- O cities of all the land of Asia,
- O realm of Persia, and bounteous haven of wealth, at a single stroke all your plenteous prosperity has been shattered, and the flower of the Persians has fallen and perished! Ah, it is a terrible task to be the first to deliver news of disaster. And yet, Persians, I must relate the entirety of the calamity
- —the whole barbarian host is lost.
- Grievous, grievous disaster, strange and cruel. Alas, Persians, weep now that you hear of this calamity.
- Yes, weep, for you hear that the whole army is utterly destroyed; and I myself unexpectedly behold the day of my return.