"Chorus. Far in the west, where sets the imperial sun.
Atossa. Send they embattled numbers to the field?
Chor. A force that to the Medes hath wrought much woe.
Atos. Have they sufficient treasures in their houses?
Chor. Their rich earth yields a copious fount of silver.[1]
Atos. From the strong bow wing they the barbèd shaft?
Chor. They grasp the stout spear, and the massy shield.
Atos. What monarch reigns, whose power commands their ranks?
Chor. Slaves to no lord, they own no kingly power.
Atos. How can they then resist the invading foe?
Chor. As to spread havoc through the numerous host
That round Darius formed their glitt'ring files
Atos. Thy words strike deep, and wound the parent's breast,
Whose sons are marched to such a dangerous field."
In this way the queen gains some notion of her son's danger, while, by the way, the Greek spear is again contrasted with the Persian arrow, and the Athenian freedom with the despotic rule of Xerxes. Atossa is made to wonder that a free people can resist nations who are driven into battle with whips and goads, in order that the Athenian may be led to reflect that he owes his independence to his free constitution.
But forebodings are now to be converted into actual lamentation. A messenger arrives with cries of "Woe to Persia!" and briefly tells his tale—"The whole barbaric host has fallen."
- ↑ The silver mines of Laurium, in the south of Attica.
