Chorus.
To look upon thee awes me; 690
To speak before thee awes me:
By ancient fear subdued.
Darius.
But since from Hades I have come, by thy complaints persuaded,
Give to mine ear no long discourse, but tell thy tale concisely;
Laying aside thine awe of me, reveal the whole full quickly.
Chorus.
I tremble to obey thee,
Tremble to speak before thee
Things harsh for friends to hear.
Darius.
Well, since thine ancient reverence thy spirit thus impedeth,
Hoar partner of my royal couch, do thou, much honoured lady, 700
These cries and lamentations leave, and somewhat tell distinctly.
That upon mortal men should come afflictions, is but human.
Many calamities by sea, many by land still happen
To mortals, if to wider scope their life should be extended.
