58
AESCHYLUS
The Persians
Scene: An open place before the Tomb of Darius.
Chorus.
We are the faithful ministers
Of Persia's absent sons,
That marched away to Hellas;
Their golden mansions,
Rich with all wealth and splendour,
Are in our trust and care,
For the great king, King Xerxes,
Darius' son and heir,
Chose us as wise men well in years
The realm for him to hold;
But for his homeward progress
His host a-gleam with gold,
The boding- heart is harried
With auguries of ill:
Asia is stripped of manhood;
A young king hath his will:
But to this metropolitan
Proud siege of Persia's kings
No runner comes, no rider
Good news or bad news brings.
To Susa and Ecbatana
