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THE PERSIANS
107
Xerxes
O, bitter is this adverse fate!
Chorus
I voice the moan with thee!
Xerxes
Smite, smite thy bosom, groan aloud for my calamity!
Chorus
I mourn and am dissolved in tears!
Xerxes
Cry, beat thy breast amain!
Chorus
O king, my heart is in thy woe!
Xerxes
Shriek, wail, and shriek again!
Chorus
O agony!
Xerxes
A blackening blow—
Chorus
A grievous stripe shall fall!