THE PERSIANS
107
Chorus.
O grief the heaviest of all
To hear my lord the King's voice wailing his downfall!
Xerxes.
Weep on, weep on for the King's sake;
Thy woeful service neither stint nor spare!
Chorus.
Eyes must be wet or hearts will break.
Xerxes.
Anon with me the burthen bear.
Chorus.
Lord, I am ready to obey.
Xerxes.
Wail and weep with wellaway!
Chorus.
Wellaway! And wellaway!
Xerxes and Chorus.
Woe! Woe! Woe!
Chorus.
This mingled cup is mine and thine,
Foamed with the ferment of a black and bitter wine.
Xerxes.
Beat thy breast and wail
The Mysian wail!
Chorus.
Oh, wail!
Xerxes.
Spare not thy silvery hairs;
Pluck out the reverend beard upon thy chin!
