Epeisodion 1
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
Does their army have such a multitude of men?
235
Chorus
Yes, it is an army of such magnitude that it has caused great disaster for the Medes.
Atossa
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?
Chorus
Far from it; they have lances for close fight and shields that serve them for armor.
240
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
In truth, your words have given the fathers and mothers of those who are now on their way there dire food for thought.
245
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,
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
250
—the whole barbarian host is lost.
255
