Darius.
Woe for our levies vainly made, and many-nationed army!
Atossa.
Perished hath Bactria's martial strength, and not her elders only.
Darius.
O hapless son, of our allies the youth how hath he ruined?
Atossa.
Alone, abandoned, so they say, Xerxes, with but few others— 730
Darius.
How hath he met his end, and where? or is there hope of safety?
Atossa.
Was fain to reach the bridge that links two continents together.
Darius.
And hath he to this mainland come in safety? Is this certain?
Atossa.
Ay, so prevaileth the report; in that is no dissension.
Darius.
Alas! full speedily hath come the oracles' fulfilment,
Upon my son hath Zeus hurled down the end of the predictions;
I hoped it would be long indeed, ere Heaven these ills accomplished;
