Persians
Aeschylus
Aeschylus, Volume 1. Smyth, Herbert Weir, translator. London; New York: William Heinemann; G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1922.
- But how was it that so vast a land force won a passage to the farther shore?
- By a clever device he yoked the Hellespont so as to gain a passage.
- What! Did he succeed in closing the mighty Bosporus?
- Yes indeed. One of the divine powers must have assisted him in his purpose.
- Alas! Some mighty power came upon him so that he was not able to think clearly.
- Yes, since we can see the outcome, what ruin he wrought.
- And how then did they fare that you now lament them?
- Disaster to the naval force brought ruin to the force on land.
- And did the whole army utterly perish by the spear?
- Yes, and it is for this reason that the whole city of Susa groans at its desolation.
- Alas for the loss of our warriors’ valiant force and defence!
- And the host of the Bactrians is lost, wholly destroyed: not even an old man is left.
- Unhappy man, since he has brought to ruin the youth of our allies.
- But Xerxes, alone and forlorn, with scanty train, they say—
- Met his end, how, tell me, and where? Of his safety is there any hope?
- To his joy he reached the bridge yoking the two continents.
- And reached our continent in safety? Is this certain?
- Yes, a proven report establishes this. Doubt there is none.