Cast
Chorus of Old Persians
Queen Atossa
Ghost of King Darius
King Xerxes
Messenger
Enter a band of Elders, guardians of the Persian
Empire
Chorus
[1] Here we are, the faithful Council of the Persians, who have gone to
the land of Hellas, we who serve as warders of the
royal abode, rich in bountiful store of gold, [5] we whom Xerxes, our King,
Darius' royal son, himself selected, by virtue
of our rank and years, to be the guardians of his realm.
Yet as
regards the return of our King and of his host, so richly decked out in
gold, [10] the soul within my breast is
distressed and presages disaster. For the whole populace of the Asian nation
has come and murmurs against its youthful
King, nor does any courier or horseman [15] arrive at the city of the Persians,
who left behind them the walled defence of
Susa and Agbatana and Cissa's ancient ramparts, and went forth, some on
horseback, some in galleys, others on foot
[20] presenting a dense array of war.
Such are Amistres and Artaphrenes and Megabates and Astaspes, marshals
of the Persians; kings themselves, yet vassals
of the Great King, [25] they press on, commanders of an enormous host,
skilled in archery and horsemanship, formidable
to look upon and fearful in battle through the valiant resolve of their
souls. Artembares, too, who fights from his chariot,
[30] and Masistres, and noble Imaeus, skilled with the bow, and Pharandaces,
and Sosthanes, who urges on his steeds.
Others in addition the mighty, fecund Nile sent forth -- Susiscanes, [35]
Pegastagon of Egyptian lineage, mighty Arsames,
lord of sacred Memphis, Ariomardus, governor of ancient Thebes, and the
marsh-dwelling oarsmen, [40] well-skilled and
countless in number.
Behind them follows a throng of luxurious Lydians and
those who hold in subjection all the people of the mainland,
whom Metrogathes and brave Arcteus, their regal commanders, [45] and Sardis
rich in gold sent forth, riding in many a
chariot, in ranks with three and four steeds abreast, a spectacle terrible
to behold. They too who live by sacred Tmolus
pledge themselves [50] to cast the yoke of slavery upon Hellas--Mardon,
Tharybis, anvils of the lance, and the Mysians,
hurlers of the javelin. Babylon, also, teeming with gold, sends a mixed
host arrayed in a long line, both mariners borne in
galleys [55] and those who rely on their skill in archery. The nation too
which wears the sabre follows from every part of
Asia in the fearful procession of the King.
Such are the warriors, the flower of the Persian land, [60] who have departed,
and in fierce longing for them the whole
land of Asia, their foster-nurse, laments, while parents and wives, as
they count the days, shudder at the lengthening delay.
[65] The royal army, dealing destruction to cities, has already passed
to the neighboring land upon the facing shore, and
this they did by crossing the Hellespont, [70] named for the daughter of
Athamas, on a bridge of boats made fast with
cables, thereby casting a tightly constructed roadway as a yoke upon the
neck of the sea.
The fiery lord of populous Asia [75] is leading his wondrous warrior-flock
against the whole earth in two divisions, on foot
and by the sea, putting his trust in his stalwart and stern commanders;
he himself, [80] a god-like hero whose race is sprung
from gold.1
With eyes flashing with the dark glare of a deadly dragon, attended
by soldiers and mariners in great numbers, and
speeding his Syrian chariot, [85] he leads against a people renowned for
the spear a warlike host of archers.
And there is no man skilled to withstand the mighty stream of men,
and with strong barriers keep out the sea's invincible
surge; [90] for Persia's host cannot be withstood, and her men are courageous.
For by the will of the gods Fate has held sway [95] since ancient time,
and has ordained for the Persians the pursuit of
rampart-destroying war, the turmoil of fighting horsemen, and the storming
of cities.
100] And they have learned to look upon the precinct of the deep when
the broad-wayed sea whitens to foam beneath the
tempest's blast, trusting in their finely wrought [105] cables and their
devices which give passage to their army.
Yet the insidious guile of god--what mortal man can escape it? Who
with agile foot can lightly overleap [110] and escape its
toils?
For Delusion, with her fair appearance, lures men astray into her snares,
from which it is not possible to escape without
meeting with disaster.
[115] Therefore my heart is wrapped in gloom and is racked with fear
for the Persian army lest the state learn that the mighty
capital of Susa is empty of men.
[120] Fearful I am too that as bands of women cry aloud “woe,”
the Cissian stronghold will raise a resounding shout
responsive to the beating of breasts, [125] and that there will be a tearing
of fine linen robes.
For all the men-at-arms, those who urge on steeds and those who march
along the plain, have left the city and gone forth, like
bees in a swarm, together with the captain of the host. [130] They have
crossed the headland, projecting into the sea and
common to either continent, through which both shores are bridged.
And marriage-beds are filled with tears through longing for husbands;
[135] each Persian woman has sent to the field her
warlike and fiery consort, and now in grief and longing for her beloved
lord, is left forsaken by her mate.
[140] But come, Persians, let us take our place on the steps of this
ancient palace and devise some wise and deeply-pondered
counsel--for need of this has come upon us--as to how Xerxes our King,
[145] Darius' son, scion of our own race as his
forefather's name declares, is faring. Is it the drawing of the bow that
has triumphed, or is it the might of the sharp spear-head
which has prevailed? Enter Atossa, richly dressed,
on a chariot and attended by a numerous retinue
[150] But look, here is a light like the eyes of the god, the mother of
our king, my Queen. I bow low before her. It is fitting
also that we all address her with words of salutation. The
elders prostrate themselves and then rise to their feet. Their leader
continues
[155] O Queen, most exalted of Persia's deep-girdled women, venerable
mother of Xerxes, wife of Darius, all hail! You
were the consort of the Persian's god, and of another god the mother, that
is, unless its former good fortune has now
forsaken our host.
Atossa
For this very reason I have left the gold-decorated palace [160] and the
chamber which belongs to Darius and myself, and have
come here. My heart, too, is racked with anxiety, and to you, my friends,
will I make a disclosure. For I am by no means free
from apprehension that wealth, grown great, will, raising a cloud of dust
upon the ground, trip up the prosperity which Darius
raised not without the favor of some god. [165] It is for this reason that
there is a double concern in my mind: neither to hold
in honor vast wealth without men, and that the light of success does not
shine, in proportion to their strength, on men without
riches. Our wealth, at all events, is ample, but my anxiety is for the
light, the salvation of the house, which I regard to be the
presence of its lord. [170] Therefore, since things stand as they do, lend
me your counsel in this concern, Persians, my aged
trusty servants. For all my hopes of good counsel depend on you.
Chorus
Be assured, our country's Queen, that you need not twice mention either
word or deed regarding that in which it is possible
for us to direct you. [175] For we whom you summon as counsellors in these
matters are well disposed towards you and your
interests.
Atossa
I have been haunted by a multitude of dreams at night since the time when
my son, having despatched his army, departed
with intent to lay waste the land of the Ionians. But never yet have I
beheld so distinct a vision [180] as that of the last
night. This I will describe to you.
I dreamed that two women in beautiful clothes, one in Persian garb, the
other in Dorian attire, appeared before my eyes;
both far more striking in stature than are the women of our time, [185]
flawless in beauty, sisters of the same family. As
for the lands in which they dwelt, to one had been assigned by lot the
land of Hellas, to the other that of the barbarians. The
two, as I imagined it, seemed to provoke each other to a mutual feud, and
my son, when he had become aware of this,
[190] attempted to restrain and placate them. He yoked them both to his
car and placed the collar-straps upon their necks.
The one bore herself proudly in these trappings and kept her mouth obedient
to the rein. The other struggled and with her
hands [195] tore apart the harness of the car; then, free of the curb,
she dragged it violently along with her and snapped the
yoke in two. My son was hurled to the ground and his father Darius stood
by his side filled with pity. But Xerxes, when
he caught sight of him, tore the garments covering his body.
[200] Such was the vision I beheld in the night. But when I had risen
and dipped my hands in the clear-flowing water of a
spring, I drew near to an altar with incense in my hand, intending to make
an offering of sacrificial cake to the divinities
that avert evil, those to whom these rites are due. [205] But I saw an
eagle fleeing for safety to the altar of Phoebus--and
out of terror, my friends, I stood speechless. Thereupon I caught sight
of a falcon rushing at full speed with outstretched
wings and with his talons plucking at the head of the eagle, which did
nothing but cower and [210] yielded its body to his
foe.
These are the terrors I beheld, terrors too for you to hear. Be assured
that if my son should suceeed, he would prove to be
remarkable indeed, but if he fails, he does not have to answer to the state;
if he returns safely, he will hold sway in this land
as he did before.
Chorus
[215] Mother, we would neither alarm you unduly by our words nor raise
your hopes too high. If, however, it is
something inauspicious that you have seen, visit the gods with supplication
and entreat them to avert the evil and to bring to
pass what will be beneficial to you, your children, the kingdom, and all
else that you hold dear. Next, it is appropriate that
you should [220] offer libations to Earth and the dead; and use auspicious
words to address your husband Darius, whom
you say you have seen in the night, and ask him to send into the light
of day from beneath the earth blessings for you and
your son; ask too that the reverse of this may be held in bondage beneath
the earth and fade away in gloom. Such is the
advice I, relying on my instincts, offer you with kind intent. [225] According
to our interpretation of these portents, the
issue will in all respects prove prosperous to you.
Atossa
You, its first interpreter, have indeed read the meaning of my dream with
goodwill, at least, toward my son and house.
May the outcome then prove beneficial! When I return to the palace, I will
perform for the gods and my dear ones beneath
the earth all those rites which you recommend. Meanwhile, my friends, I
would like to learn [230] where Athens is located.
Chorus
Far from here, to the west where the last rays of our Lord the Sun set.
Atossa
Can it then really be that my son had the keen desire to make this city
his prey?
Chorus
Yes, for then all Hellas would be subject to the King.
Atossa
[235] Does their army have such a multitude of men?
Chorus
Yes, it is an army of such magnitude that it has caused great disaster
for the Medes.
Atoss
And what else have they besides? Do they have sufficient wealth in their
homes?
Chorus
Of silver they possess a veritable fountain, a treasure chest in their
soil.
Atossa
Is the bow-stretching arrow particularly suited to their hands?
[240] Chorus
Far from it; they have lances for close fight and shields that serve them
for armor.
Atossa
And who is set over them as shepherd and is master of their host?
Chorus
Of no man are they called the slaves or vassals.
Atossa
How then can they withstand the attack of an invading foe?
Chorus
So well as to have destroyed Darius' great and courageous host.
Atossa
[245] In truth, your words have given the fathers and mothers of those
who are now on their way there dire food for
thought.
Chorus
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.
Messenger
O cities of all the land of Asia, [250] 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 [255] --the whole barbarian
host is lost.
Chorus
Grievous, grievous disaster, strange and cruel. Alas, Persians, weep now
that you hear of this calamity.
Messenger
[260] Yes, weep, for you hear that the whole army is utterly destroyed;
and I myself unexpectedly behold the day of my
return.
Chorus
The life which has been given to us elders is too long, for we have now
heard [265] of this unexpected misery.
Messenger
Since 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.
Chorus
Alas, alas! In vain did our vast and variously armed host [270] go forth
from the land of Asia against the hostile soil of Hellas.
Messenger
Full of the bodies of men who perished by a miserable fate are the shores
of Salamis and all the neighboring coasts.
Chorus
Alas, alas! You say that the bodies of our loved ones, [275] battered by
the brine and drenched, are tossing, washed back and
forth among the reefs.
Messenger
Our bows were of no use, and the whole host has perished, overwhelmed when
ship charged on ship.
Chorus
Raise 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!
Messenger
O name of Salamis most odious to my ears! [285] Alas, how I groan when
I recall the memory of Athens!
Chorus
Ah, 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.
Atossa
Long have I kept silent in my misery, struck with dismay at our disaster;
for this calamity is so great that it is not possible to
say or even to ask about its extent. Nevertheless mortals must endure affliction
when it is heaven-sent. [295] Compose
yourself, and even though you groan at our loss, relate the sum of our
disaster and speak out! Who is there that is not dead?
Whom of our leaders must we bewail? Who, appointed to wield command, by
death left his post empty, without its chief?
Messenger
Xerxes himself lives and beholds the light.
[300] Atossa
The words you utter bring a great light of joy into my house, and bright
day after night wrapped in gloom.
Messenger
But Artembares, commander of ten thousand cavalrymen, is being battered
now against Silenia's cruel shore. And Dadaces,
leader of a thousand men, leapt, struck by a spear, [305] with a
nimble bound from his ship. Tenagon, the true-born
Bactrians' chieftain, is ranging now around the surf-beaten isle of Ajax.
Lilaeus and Arsames, and, third, Argestes, [310] kept
buffeting against its rugged shore, whirled around about the island,1 the
breeding-place of doves. Arcteus, too, who lived by
the waters of the Egyptian Nile, Adeues, and Pharnuchus of the mighty shield--all
these were hurled out of one ship. Matallus
of Chrysa, commander of ten thousand, [315] leader of the Black Cavalry,
thirty thousand strong, in death dyed red his thick
and shaggy beard, changing its color with a deep crimson stain. Arabus,
too, the Magian, perished there, and Bactrian
Artabes, a settler now in a rugged land. [320] Amistris, and Amphistreus,
wielder of a painful spear, and brave Ariomardus,
whose death brought grief to Sardis, and Seisames the Mysian, and Tharybis,
admiral of five times fifty ships, a Lyrnaean by
descent, a man of physical beauty, [325] lies dead in a state of misery,
no longer attended by good fortune.2 Syennesis, also,
the governor of the Cilicians, foremost in courage, he whose prowess did
the foe most harm, found there a glorious death.
Such were the leaders about whom I was making my report. [330] Although
our losses were many, I announce but few.
Atossa
Alas! The words I hear put the very crown upon our woes; a disgrace to
the Persians and cause for shrill lament. But
retrace your tale and tell me this clearly: [335] how great was the number
of the Greek ships which gave them confidence
enough to go into battle with their armed prows against the Persian army?
Messenger
If numbers had been the only factor, be assured that the barbarians would
have gained the victory with their fleet. For the
whole number of the ships of Hellas amounted to ten times thirty, [340]
and, in addition to these, there was a chosen
squadron of ten. But Xerxes, this I know, had under his command a thousand,
while those excelling in speed were twice a
hundred, and seven more. This is the total of their respective numbers.
Do you think that we were simply outnumbered in
this contest? [345] No, it was some divine power that tipped the scale
of fortune with unequal weight and thus destroyed
our host. The gods preserve the city of the goddess Pallas.
Atossa
Is then the city of Athens not yet despoiled?
Messenger
No, while her men still live, her ramparts are impregnable.
[350] Atossa
But the beginning of the encounter of the fleets, tell me about it. Who
began the onset? Was it the Hellenes? Or my son,
exulting in the multitude of his ships?
Messenger
My Queen, some destructive power or evil spirit, appearing from somewhere
or other, caused the beginning of our utter
rout. [355] A Hellene, from the Athenian host, came to your son Xerxes
and told this tale: that, when the gloom of black
night should set in, the Hellenes would not remain in place, but, springing
upon the rowing benches of their ships, would
seek, some here, some there, [360] to preserve their lives by stealthy
flight. But Xerxes, when he heard this,
comprehending neither the cleverness of the Greek nor that the gods grudged
him success, straightway gave all his captains
orders to this effect--that, when the sun had ceased to illumine the earth
with his beams, [365] and darkness had covered
the region of the sky, they should bring up in a tight group the main body
of the fleet, disposed in triple line, to bar the
exits and the sounding straits, and station other ships in a circle around
the island of Ajax. He gave them a warning too
that, should the Hellenes escape an evil doom, [370] finding by stealth
some means of flight for their fleet, it had been
decreed that every captain should lose his head. These commands he made
with complete confidence of heart, since he
knew not the issue intended by the gods. Our crews then, with no lack of
order but with an obedient spirit, [375] prepared
their evening meal, while each sailor looped his oar about its thole-pin
so that it fitted well. But when the light of the sun
had faded and night drew on, each master of an oar and each man versed
in arms went on board. [380] The long galleys
cheered each other, line by line; and they held their course as each captain
had been ordered, and all through the night the
commanders of the fleet kept their whole force cruising to and fro across
the strait. Night began to wane, [385] yet the fleet
of the Hellenes in no way attempted to put forth by stealth. When, however,
radiant Day with her white horses shone over
all the land, a loud cheer like a song of triumph first rang out from the
Hellenes, and, at the same instant, [390] clear from
the island crags, an echo returned an answering cry. Terror fell on all
the barbarians, balked of their purpose; for then the
Hellenes chanted their solemn paean, not as in flight, but as men rushing
to the onset with the courage of gallant hearts.
[395] The trumpet with its blast set all their side afire, and instantly,
at the word of command, with the even stroke of
foaming oars they struck the briny deep. Swiftly they all came clear into
view. Their right wing, well marshalled, [400] led
on in orderly advance, next their whole army pressed on against us, and
at the same time a loud shout met our ears: “On,
you men of Hellas! Free your native land. Free your children, your wives,
the temples of your fathers' gods, [405] and the
tombs of your ancestors. Now you are fighting for all you have.” Then
from our side arose in response the mingled clamor
of Persian speech, and straightaway the ships dashed together their bronze
prows. It was a ship of Hellas [410] that began
the charge and chopped off in its entirety the curved stern of a Phoenician
boat. Each captain drove his ship straight against
some other ship. At first the stream of the Persian army held its own.
When, however, the mass of our ships had been
crowded in the narrows, and none could render another aid, [415] and each
crashed its bronze prow against each of its own
line, they splintered their whole bank of oars. Then the Hellenic galleys,
not heedless of their chance, hemmed them in and
battered them on every side. The hulls of our vessels rolled over, and
the sea was hidden from our sight, [420] strewn as it
was with wrecks and slaughtered men. The shores and reefs were crowded
with our dead, and every ship that formed a
part of the barbarian fleet plied its oars in disorderly flight. But, as
if our men were tuna or some haul of fish, [425] the foe
kept striking and hacking them with broken oars and fragments of wrecked
ships. Groans and shrieks together filled the
open sea until the face of black night hid the scene. But as for the the
full extent of our disasters, this, even if I had ten days
in succession to do so, I could not describe to you. [430] However, you
can be sure that so great a multitude of men never
perished in a single day.
Atossa
Alas! In truth a vast sea of troubles has burst upon the Persians and the
entire barbarian race.
[435] Messenger
Be assured of this, not even half of the disaster has as yet been told.
A calamity so dreadful as to outweigh these ills twice
over befell them.
Atossa
But what greater misfortune than this could have befallen them? Speak!
What is this other disaster you say [440] came
upon our force, sinking the scale to greater weight of ill?
Messenger
Those Persians who were in their life's prime, bravest in spirit, pre-eminent
for noble birth, and always among the
foremost in loyalty to the King himself-- these have fallen ignobly by
a most inglorious doom.
[445] Atossa
Ah, I am truly reduced to misery through this disaster! By what fate was
it that you say they met their end?
Messenger
There is an island1 lying before Salamis, a small one and dangerous anchorage
for ships; its sea-washed shore is the haunt
of Pan, who loves the dance. [450] There Xerxes dispatched these, his choicest
troops, in order that when the Hellenic
enemy, wrecked from their ships, should flee in search of safety to the
island, they might slaughter their force, an easy
prey, and rescue their comrades from the straits of the sea. Grievously
did he misjudge the issue. For when some god
[455] had given the glory to the Hellenes in the battle on the sea, on
that same day, fencing their bodies in armor of bronze,
they leapt from their ships and encircled the whole island, so that our
men were at a loss which way to turn. Often they
were struck by stones slung from their hands, [460] and arrows sped from
the bow-string kept falling upon them and
doing them harm. At last the Hellenes, charging with one shout, struck
them and hacked to pieces the limbs of the poor
wretches, until they had utterly quenched the life of all. [465] Xerxes
groaned aloud when he beheld the extent of the
disaster, for he occupied a seat commanding a clear view of the entire
army--a lofty headland by the open sea. Tearing his
robes and uttering a loud cry, he straightaway gave orders to his force
on land [470] and dismissed them in disorderly
flight. This, besides the one already told, is the disaster you must bewail.
Atossa
O hateful divinity, how have you foiled the purpose of the Persians! Cruel
was the vengeance which my son brought upon
himself for his designs against illustrious Athens; the barbarians [475]
whom Marathon destroyed were not enough. It was
in an effort to exact retribution for them that my son has drawn upon himself
so great a multitude of woes. But the ships
that escaped destruction--tell me about them. Where did you leave them?
Can you give a clear report?
Messenger
[480] The commanders of the ships which still remained fled with a rush
in disorder wherever the wind bore them. As for
the survivors of the army, they perished in Boeotian territory, some, faint
from thirst, beside a refreshing spring, while
some of us, exhausted and panting, [485] made our way to the land of the
Phocians, to Doris and the Melian gulf, where
the Spercheus waters the plain with kindly stream. Coming from there, badly
in need of food, we received welcome in the
Achaean land and [490] the cities of the Thessalians. There it was that
many perished of thirst and hunger, for we were
oppressed by both. And we came to the Magnesian land and to the country
of the Macedonians, to the ford of the Axius
and Bolbe's reedy marsh, and to Mount Pangaeus, [495] in the Edonian land.
But on that night the god roused winter
before its time and froze the stream of sacred Strymon from shore to shore.
Many a man who before that had held the gods
in no esteem, implored them then in supplication, doing obeisance to earth
and heaven. [500] But when our host had made
an end of its fervent invocation of the gods, it ventured to pass across
the ice-bound stream. And each of us who started on
his way before the sun god dispersed his beams, found himself in safety,
for the bright orb of the sun with its burning rays
[505] heated the middle section and pierced it with its flames. One after
another our men sank in, and fortunate indeed was
he who perished soonest. The survivors, after making their way through
Thrace with great hardship, [510] --and few they
were indeed--escaped to the safety of the land of their homes; now the
city of the Persians may make lament in regret for
the beloved youth of the land. What I say is true, yet much remains untold
of the ills launched by Heaven upon the
Persians. Exit
Chorus
[515] O unearthly power, source of our cruel distress, with what crushing
weight have you fallen upon the whole Persian
race!
Atossa
How the utter destruction of our host distresses me! O vivid vision of
my dreams at night, how clearly did you signify
misfortune to me! [520] And all too lightly did you in turn interpret it.
However, since your explanation determined thus,
first of all I wish to offer prayers to the gods, and then I will return
after I have brought from the palace a sacrificial cake as
a gift to Earth and the dead. [525] I know indeed that it is for what cannot
be undone, yet I do this in the hope that
something more auspicious may come to pass in the future. But you should
confer faithfully with the faithful counsellors in
view of what has befallen. And as for my son, if he should come here before
I return, [530] comfort him and escort him to
the palace, so that he will not inflict on himself some further ill to
crown those already ours. Exit
Chorus
O sovereign Zeus, by destroying the army of the haughty and multitudinous
Persians, [535] you have shrouded in the
gloom of grief the city of Susa and of Agbatana! Many a woman, who has
a share in this sorrow, tears her veil with tender
hands [540] and moistens with drenching tears the robe covering her bosom.
And the Persian wives, indulging in soft
wailing through longing to behold their lords and abandoning the daintily
wrought coverlets of their couches, the delight of
their youth, [545] mourn with complainings that know no end. So I too sustain
the truly woeful fate of those who are
gone.
For now in truth the whole land of Asia, decimated, moans: [550] Xerxes
led forth (woe!), Xerxes laid low (woe!),
Xerxes disposed all things imprudently with his sea-going vessels. Why
then was Darius [555] in his time so unscathed by
disaster, he who was ruler of archers, to the men of Susa a beloved leader?
For infantry and seamen both, the ships, dark-eyed1 and linen-winged,
[560] led forth (woe!), the ships laid them low (woe!),
the ships, under the deadly impact of the foe and by the hands of Ionians.
[565] The King himself, as we learn, has barely
made his escape over the wintry paths which traverse the plains of Thrace.
And they who were first to meet their doom (alas!), left behind by
dire necessity (alas!), [570] are swept along the Cychrean
strand (woe!). Groan and gnash your teeth; in grievous strain shout forth
our woes till they reach the heavens (alas!), raise
high [575] your wailing clamor in cries of misery.
Lacerated by the swirling waters (alas!) they are gnawed (alas!) by
the voiceless children of the undefiled sea (alas!). The
home, bereaved of his presence, laments its head; [580] and parents, bereft
of their children, in their old age bewail their
heaven- sent woes (alas!), now that they learn the full measure of their
afflictions.
Not now for long will those who dwell throughout the length and breadth
of Asia [585] abide under the sway of the Persians,
nor will they pay further tribute at the compulsion of their lord, nor
will they prostrate themselves to the earth and do him
reverence; [590] for the royal power has perished utterly.
No longer will men keep a curb upon their tongues; for the people are
set free to utter their thoughts at will, now that the yoke
of power has been broken. [595] The blood-stained soil of Ajax' sea-washed
isle holds all that once was Persia.
Enter Atossa
Atossa
My friends, whoever has experience of misery knows that when a sea [600]
of troubles comes upon mortal men, they view all
things with alarm; but when fortune flows with prosperous tide, they believe
that this same fortune will forever bring them
success. Now in my case everything seems full of dread; before my eyes
appears the enmity of the gods, [605] and in my ears
there rings a sound that has no note of joy; such is my consternation at
the evil tidings which terrify my soul.
It is for this reason that I have come here from the palace once again,
without my chariot and my former pomp, and bring, as
propitiatory libations for the father of my son, [610] offerings that soothe
the dead, both white milk, pleasant to drink, from an
unblemished cow, and bright honey, distillation wrought from blossoms by
the bee, together with lustral water from a virgin
spring; [615] and from a rustic source, this unmixed draught, the quickening
juice of an ancient vine. Here too is the fragrant
fruit of the pale-green olive that lives the entirety of its life in luxuriant
foliage; and garlanded flowers, produce of the
bounteous earth.
But come, my friends, [620] chant solemn songs as I make these libations
to the dead, and summon forth the divine spirit of
Darius, while I convey, in honor of the gods, these offerings for the earth
to drink.
Chorus
Royal lady, august queen of the Persians, pour these libations down to
the chambers of the earth, [625] while we, in
solemn chant, beseech the guides of the dead beneath the earth to be gracious
to our prayers.
O holy divinities of the nether world, Earth and Hermes, and you, Lord
of the dead, [630] send up to the light the spirit
from below; for if, beyond our prayers, he knows any further remedy for
our distress, he alone of mortals can declare how
to bring it to accomplishment.
Does our sainted and godlike king hear me as I utter, [635] in obscure
barbaric speech, my dismal and dolorous cries? Or must
I shout aloud the utter misery of my anguish so that it pierces the earth?
Does he hear me from below?
[640] O Earth, and you other rulers of those who dwell in the nether
world, ensure, I implore, that the glorious spirit, the god
of the Persians, whom Susa bore, may quit his abode. [645] Send to the
upper world him the likes of whom the Persian earth
has never entombed.
Beloved indeed was the hero, beloved is his burial mound; beloved are
the qualities that lie buried there. O Aidoneus,
[650] Aidoneus, who convey shades to the upper air, permit our divine lord
Darius to come forth!
For since he did not ever cause the destruction of his people by senseless
and ruinous wars, he bore the name of divine
counsellor [655] to the Persians; and a divine counsellor he was, since
he guided his people well.
King, our king of old, come forth, draw near! Rise to the barrow's
topmost point, [660] lift your saffron-dyed sandal, display
the crest of your royal tiara! Come forth, O blameless father Darius.
That you may hear [665] pitiable and unheard-of sorrows, O Lord of
our lord, appear! For a gloom, like that of Styx, hovers
over us, since all the youth of the land [670] is now utterly destroyed.
Come forth, O blameless father Darius!
Alas, alas! You whose death your friends bewailed with bitter tears,
[675] why, my king, my king, why is it that our land has
lost all its three-tiered galleys, [680] ships that are no more, no more?
The ghost of Darius rises from his tomb
Ghost of Darius
O most faithful of the faithful, comrades of my youth, aged Persians, what
is it that is troubling the state? The earth groans and
is furrowed by the stamp of men. As I behold my wife by my tomb, [685]
I feel alarm, and I accept her libations in kindly
mood; while you, standing near my tomb, make lament, and with shrill cries
that summon the spirits of the dead, invoke me
piteously. Not easy is the path out of the tomb, for this reason above
all, that the gods beneath the earth [690] are readier to
seize than to release. Nevertheless, since I have obtained dominion among
them, I have come. But make haste, so that I may
not incur blame regarding the time of my sojourn. What is this unexpected
ill that weighs the Persians down?
Chorus
I shrink in awe from gazing upon you. [695] I shrink in awe from speaking
in your presence by reason of my former dread
of you.
Darius
Since, in compliance with your moanings, I have come from the world below,
lay aside your awe of me; make your tale not
long, but brief; speak out and deliver your story in its entirety.
Chorus
[700] I fear to do your bidding; I fear to speak in your presence and deliver
to those I love news hard to utter.
Darius
Since dread long ingrained in your mind restrains you, [705] cease, noble
woman, venerable partner of my bed, from your
tears and laments, speak to me with all frankness. Afflictions ordained
for human life must, we know, befall mankind. For
many calamities from the sea, many from the land, arise to mortal men if
their span of life is extended far.
Atossa
O you who in prosperity surpassed all mortal men by your happy destiny,
[710] since, so long as you gazed upon the beams
of the sun, you lived a life of felicity, envied of all, in Persian eyes
a god, so now too I consider you fortunate in that you died
before you beheld the depth of our calamities. The whole tale, O Darius,
you will hear in brief space of time: the power of
Persia is ruined almost utterly.
Darius
[715] How did it happen? Did some stroke of pestilence or factional strife
come upon the State?
Atossa
Neither; but near Athens our whole host has been brought to ruin.
Darius
Tell me, what son of mine led our army there?
Atossa
Impetuous Xerxes, depopulating the whole surface of the continent.
Darius
Was it by land or sea that he made this mad expedition, the reckless man?
Atossa
[720] By both. There was a twofold front of double armies.
Darius
But how was it that so vast a land force won a passage to the farther shore?
Atossa
By a clever device he yoked the Hellespont so as to gain a passage.
Darius
What! Did he succeed in closing the mighty Bosporus?
Atossa
Yes indeed. One of the divine powers must have assisted him in his purpose.
Darius
[725] Alas! Some mighty power came upon him so that he was not able to
think clearly.
Atossa
Yes, since we can see the outcome, what ruin he wrought.
Darius
And how then did they fare that you now lament them?
Atossa
Disaster to the naval force brought ruin to the force on land.
Darius
And did the whole army utterly perish by the spear?
Atossa
[730] Yes, and it is for this reason that the whole city of Susa groans
at its desolation.
Darius
Alas for the loss of our warriors' valiant force and defence!
Atossa
And the host of the Bactrians is lost, wholly destroyed: not even an old
man is left.
Darius
Unhappy man, since he has brought to ruin the youth of our allies.
Atossa
But Xerxes, alone and forlorn, with scanty train, they say--
Darius
[735] Met his end, how, tell me, and where? Of his safety is there any
hope?
Atossa
To his joy he reached the bridge yoking the two continents.
Darius
And reached our continent in safety? Is this certain?
Atossa
Yes, a proven report establishes this. Doubt there is none.
Darius
Alas! The fulfilment of the oracles has indeed come swiftly, and it is
my son upon whom [740] Zeus has caused their issue
to descend. Yet I was confident that, only after long lapse of time, the
gods would in some way bring them to
accomplishment; nevertheless, when man hastens to his own undoing, the
god too participates with him. A fountain of
misfortune has now, I think, been discovered for all I love. A son of mine
it was who, in his ignorance, brought these
things to pass through youthful recklessness; [745] for he conceived the
hope that he could by shackles, as if it were a
slave, restrain the current of the sacred Hellespont, the Bosporus, a stream
divine; he set himself to fashion a roadway of a
new type, and, by casting upon it hammer-wrought fetters, made a spacious
causeway for his mighty host. Mortal though
he was, he thought in his folly that he would gain the mastery of all the
gods, [750] yes, even over Poseidon. Must this not
have been a disease of the soul that possessed my son? I fear that the
plenteous treasure amassed by my toil may become
the prey of the spoiler.
Atossa
This lesson impetuous Xerxes learned through conversation with evil men.
For they kept telling him that, whereas you
[755] won plentiful treasure for your children by your spear, he, on his
part, through lack of manly spirit, played the
warrior at home and did not increase his father's wealth. Hearing such
taunts many a time from evil counsellors, he
planned this expedition and army against Hellas.
Darius
Therefore a calamity [760] dreadful and unforgettable has been caused by
him, a desolating calamity such as never before
befell this city of Susa since our Lord Zeus first ordained that one ruler
should bear sway over all Asia with its flocks and
wield the sceptre of its government. [765] For Medus was first to be the
leader of its host; and another, his son, completed
his work since wisdom ruled his spirit. Third, after him, Cyrus, blessed
in good fortune, came to the throne and
established peace for all his people. [770] The Lydians and Phrygians he
won to his rule, and the whole of Ionia he
subdued by force; for he won the favor of the gods through his right-mindedness.
Fourth in succession, the son of Cyrus
ruled the host. Fifth in the list, Mardus came to power, a disgrace to
his native land [775] and to the ancient throne; but he
was slain in his palace by the guile of noble Artaphrenes, with the help
of friends whose duty this was. [Sixth came
Maraphis, and seventh Artaphrenes.1 ] And I in turn attained the lot I
desired, [780] and many a campaign I made with a
valiant force; but disaster so dire as this I brought not upon the state.
Yet Xerxes my son, youth that he is, has the mind of
youth and does not remember my injunctions. Be sure of this, my age-mates:
[785] all of us who have held this sovereign
power cannot be shown to have wrought ruin as great as this.
Chorus
What then, O king Darius? What is the intention of your words? How, after
this reverse, may we, the people of Persia,
best prosper in time to come?
Darius
[790] If you do not take the field against the Hellenes' land, even if
the forces of the Medes outnumber theirs. The land
itself is their ally.
Chorus
What do you mean? In what way “their ally”?
Darius
It wastes with famine an enemy force which is too large.
Chorus
[795] But we will dispatch a force of select and easily managed troops.
Darius
Not even the host which now remains in Hellas will be able to return to
safety.
Chorus
How is that? Will not the whole barbarian army cross from Europe over the
Hellespont?
Darius
[800] Few indeed out of many, if it is right to put any faith in the oracles
of Heaven, with regard to what has just been
brought to pass; for they are fulfilled, not just some, while others fail.
And if this is truth, it is through persuasion of vain
hopes that he is leaving behind a body of picked troops. [805] They are
now lingering where the plain is watered by the
stream of Asopus which nourishes Boeotia's fields. Here they will meet
their crowning disaster in requital for their
presumptuous pride and impious thoughts. For, on reaching the land of Hellas,
[810] restrained by no religious awe, they
ravaged the images of the gods and set fire to their temples. Altars have
been destroyed, statues of the gods have been
thrown from their bases in utter ruin and confusion. Therefore, since they
wrought such evil, evil they suffer in no less
measure; and other evils are still in store: [815] the spring of their
woes is not yet quenched, but it still wells forth. For so
great will be the mass of clotted gore spilled by the Dorian lance upon
Plataean soil that heaps of dead will reveal, even to
the third generation, a voiceless record for the eyes of men [820] that
mortal man should not vaunt himself excessively. For
presumptuous pride, when it has matured, bears as its fruit a crop of calamity,
from which it reaps an abundant harvest of
tears.
Bear in mind that such are the penalties for deeds like these, and hold
Athens and Hellas in your memory. Let no one of
you, [825] through disdain of present fortune and lust for more, squander
his abundant wealth. Zeus, in truth, is a
chastiser of overweening pride and corrects with heavy hand. Therefore,
now that my son has been warned to be prudent
by the voice of God, [830] instruct him with admonitions of reason to cease
from drawing the punishment of Heaven on
himself by his vaunting rashness. And as for you, beloved and venerable
mother of Xerxes, withdraw to the palace and
bring from there clothing which is suitable for him, and prepare to meet
your son. For [835] through grief at his
misfortunes, the embroidered apparel which he was wearing has been torn
into tattered shreds. Soothe him with words of
kindness; for it is to your voice alone, I know, that he will listen. As
for me, I depart to the darkness beneath the earth.
[840] Farewell, Elders, and despite your troubles, rejoice while each day
is yours; for wealth does not profit the dead at all.
The ghost of Darius descends
Chorus
I grieve as I hear the many misfortunes that are now, and are yet to be,
the lot of the barbarians.
Atossa
[845] O God! How much grief assails me! But most of all this sorrow wounds
me, to hear of the shameful clothes which
are now worn by my son. But I will depart, and when I have brought appropriate
garments from the palace, [850] I will
make attempt to meet my son; for I will not forsake him whom I love so
well in his affliction. Exit
Chorus
Oh yes, it was in truth a glorious and good life under civil government
that we enjoyed so long as our aged [855] and
all-powerful king, who did no wrong and did not favor war, god-like Darius,
ruled the realm.
In the first place we showed to the world armies worthy of our fame,
and civil institutions, like towers in strength,
[860] regulated all the state; and our return from war brought back our
men, unworn and unsuffering, to happy homes.
And what a number of cities he captured!-- [865] without crossing the
stream of Halys or even stirring from his own hearth:
such as the Acheloan1 cities on the Strymonian sea which is located beside
[870] the Thracian settlements.
And those outside the lake, the cities on the mainland, surrounded
with a rampart, obeyed him as their king; [875] those, too,
that boast to be on both sides of the broad Hellespont and Propontis, deeply-recessed,
and the outlet of Pontus.
The sea-washed islands, also, off the projecting arm [880] of the sea,
lying close to this land of ours, such as Lesbos, and
olive-planted Samos, Chios and Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, [885] and Andros
which lies adjacent to Tenos.
And he held under his sway the sea-girt islands midway between the
continents, [890] Lemnos, and the settlement of Icarus,
and Rhodes, and Cnidos, and the Cyprian cities Paphos, Soli, and Salamis,
[895] whose mother-city is now the cause of our
lament.
And the rich and populous cities of the Hellenes in the Ionian heritage
[900] he controlled by his own will; and at his command
he had an unwearied strength of men-at-arms and of allies from every nation.
But now, [905] worsted completely in war
through disasters on the sea, we endure this change of fortune no doubt
from the hand of god.
Enter Xerxes in tattered robes, and attended
by a scanty retinue
Xerxes
Alas, wretched am I who have met this cruel doom [910] which did not give
the faintest sign of its coming! In what savage
mood has Fortune trampled upon the Persian race? What misery is yet in
store for me, unhappy wretch? The strength of my
limbs is loosened as I look upon this aged group of citizens. [915] Ah,
Zeus,I wish that the doom of death had buried me, too,
together with the men who have been laid low!
Chorus
Alas, my king, for our noble army, for the high honor of Persia's rule,
[920] and for the splendor of the men now cut off by
Fate!
The land bewails her native youth, slaughtered for Xerxes, who has crowded
Hades with Persian slain. [925] Many warriors,
masters of the bow, our country's pride, a great multitude of men, have
perished. Alas, alas, for our trusty defence! The land
of Asia, the leading power of the earth, [930] has piteously, yes piteously,
been bowed to her knees.
Xerxes
Behold me, alas, a fitting subject for lamentation, born a source of ruin
to my race and fatherland.
Chorus
[935] As a greeting for your return home I will lift up an ill-omened cry
of woe, the voice, versed in lamentation, of a
Mariandynian mourner, [940] a wail attended by many a tear.
Xerxes
Utter a strain of lamentation, plaintive and discordant. For Fortune has
now veered and turned against me.
Chorus
I will indeed utter the song of lamentation [945] in commemoration of your
sufferings and of our strongly-manned ships,
buffeted by waves; the plaintive strain of our land which mourns its sons.
And I will cry aloud in lamentation, shedding
many a tear.
Xerxes
[950] Yes, for the Ionian naval force, turning the tide of battle, swept
them away, the Ionian host, ravaging the dark sea
and the shore of doom.
Chorus
[955] Woe! woe! cry aloud, learn about the whole disaster. Where is the
rest of the multitude of your comrades? Where are
those who stood by your side, such as Pharandaces, Susas, Pelagon, Dotamas,
and [960] Agdabatas, Psammis, and
Susiscanes of Agbatana?
Xerxes
By the shores of Salamis, dashing against its rugged shore, [965] I left
them, fallen in death from a Tyrian ship.
Chorus
Woe! woe! cry aloud! Where is your beloved Pharnuchus, and the courageous
Ariomardus? Where is prince Seualces,
[970] or Lilaeus of noble lineage, Memphis, Tharybis and Masistras, Artembares
and Hystaechmas? This I ask you.
Xerxes
Woe, woe is me! [975] They beheld ancient and hateful Athens and with one
convulsive struggle (alas, alas !) poor wretches,
they lie gasping on the shore.
Chorus
Did you really lose your trusty eye1 there, that which [980] counted tens
upon tens of thousands of the Persians, Batanochus'
son Alpistus . . . son of Sesames, Megabates' son, Parthos and mighty Oebares,
did you leave these behind? [985] Alas, alas,
the unhappy men! You speak of woe, surpassing woe, for noble Persians.
Xerxes
In truth you stir yearning in me for my gallant comrades [990] when you
tell me of woe, surpassing woe, hateful and
unforgettable. The heart within me cries out aloud for the wretched ones.
Chorus
And yet there are others too whom we miss: Xanthis, commander of a myriad
Mardian men, and warlike Anchares,
[995] Diaexis, too, and Arsaces, captains of the horse, Cegdadatas and
Lythimnas, and Tolmus, insatiate in war. I marvel,
[1000] that they do not follow behind around your wheeled tent.
Xerxes
Gone are they who were leaders of the host.
Chorus
Gone, alas, ingloriously.
Xerxes
Alas, alas!
Chorus
[1005] Alas, alas, you powers divine, you brought ruin upon us, unexpected,
unmistakable to see, as is the glance of
calamity.
Xerxes
We have been stricken by misfortune such as will endure for ages.
Chorus
We have been stricken; it is abundantly clear.
Xerxes
[1010] By strange woe, strange woe!
Chorus
It was with bad luck that we encountered Ionia's mariners. Unfortunate
in war, indeed, is Persia's race.
Xerxes
How true it is. In the loss of so great an army [1015] I have indeed been
dealt a blow, wretched as I am.
Chorus
What that belonged to Persia, unfortunate one, has not been destroyed?
Xerxes
Do you see this remnant of my royal robe?
Chorus
Yes, I do indeed.
Xerxes
[1020] And this quiver--
Chorus
What is this you say has been saved?
Xerxes
Treasury for shafts?
Chorus
Truly a small remnant from an ample store.
Xerxes
We have been deprived of defenders.
Chorus
[1025] Ionia's people shrink not from the spear.
Xerxes
They are a war-like people. I have lived to behold a calamity I never expected.
Chorus
Are you speaking of the routed multitude which manned your ships?
Xerxes
[1030] And I rent my robe at the disastrous event.
Chorus
Alas, alas!
Xerxes
No, far worse than alas.
Chorus
Yes, for twofold and threefold--
Xerxes
Pain to us, but exultation to our enemies
Chorus
[1035] Yes, and our strength has been maimed.
Xerxes
I am stripped of my escort.
Chorus
By the disasters of your comrades upon the sea.
Xerxes
Weep, weep over our calamity, and depart to your homes.
Chorus
Alas, alas, woe, woe!
Xerxes
[1040] Cry aloud now in response to me.
Chorus
A wretched offering from the wretched to the wretched.
Xerxes
Cry out, tuning your strain to mine.
Chorus
Oh, oh! That which has happened is grievous indeed. [1045] Alas, for I
too share in your sorrow.
Xerxes
Strike, strike, and groan for my sake.
Chorus
I weep in lamentation!
Xerxes
Now cry aloud in response to me.
Chorus
This care, my lord, is mine.
Xerxes
[1050] Lift up your voice now in lamentation.
Chorus
Oh, oh! And with our wailing, alas, will be mingled bruising blows and
shrieks of pain.
Xerxes
Beat your breast too, and raise the Mysian wail.
Chorus
[1055] Anguish, anguish!
Xerxes
And tear, I beg of you, the white hair from your beard.
Chorus
With clenched nails, with clenched nails, with loud wailing.
Xerxes
And utter shrill cries.
Chorus
This too I will do.
Xerxes
[1060] And with your fingers tear the robe which drapes you.
Chorus
Anguish, anguish!
Xerxes
Pluck out your locks, and lament our host.
Chorus
With clenched nails, with clenched nails, with loud wailing.
Xerxes
Let tears moisten your eyes.
Chorus
[1065] I am drenched with tears.
Xerxes
Cry aloud now in response to me.
Chorus
Alas, alas!
Xerxes
With sounds of wailing go to your homes.
Chorus
[1070] Alas, alas!
Xerxes
Alas! through the city.
Chorus
Alas, indeed!
Xerxes
Pour forth your wails as you move along with soft steps.
Chorus
Alas, alas, O Persian land, grievous now to walk upon!
Xerxes
Ah me! [1075] Those that perished in three-tiered galleys, ah me!
Chorus
I will escort you with dismal sounds of woe. Exeunt
omnes