Atossa.
Is the bow-stretching arrow conspicuous in their hands?
Chorus.
Nay, lances for close fighting, and equipage of shield.
Atossa.
And who then is their shepherd? Who lords it o'er their host?
Chorus.
To no man are they vassals, nor yield they to command.
Atossa.
How then, if foe invade them, may they the shock sustain?
Chorus.
So that Darius' army, gallant and large, they quelled.
Atossa.
Dreadful thy words to parents whose sons to war are sped.
Chorus.
But soon, if I mistake not, thou the whole truth shalt learn,
For here a courier speedeth whose gait proclaimeth him
Persian, and he will bring us clear news of weal or woe. 250
[Enter Messenger.]
Messenger.
O fencèd homes of all the Asian earth,
O soil of Persia, haven of vast wealth,
