THE PERSIANS
89
Darius.
A giant's toil to shut with lock and key
The wrathful Bosphorus!
Queen.
The thing was done!
Methinks, an unseen power helped our son.
Darius.
A power of might indeed to send him mad!
Queen.
Ay, since the achievement evil issue had!
Darius.
What fate hath foiled our arms that ye make moan
For fallen men?
Queen.
The fleet is overthrown
And in its ruin whelmed the host on shore.
Darius.
Then hath my people perished? Hath grim war
Ta'en toll of all?
Queen.
Yea, Susa lieth bare,
And mourns her perished youth, her manhood fair.
Darius.
Oh, the lost levies! Oh, the bright array
Of proud confederate peoples!
Queen.
Bactria
Through all her clans and Egypt's commonalty
For children lost lift up a bitter cry.
