Chorus.
Assuredly: if Athens own his sway
All Hellas must before his footstool bend.
Queen.
Is't a great people? Can this Athens send
'Gainst him a numerous armament?
Chorus.
We Medes
Have cause to know their army by its deeds.
Queen.
Are they great archers then?
Chorus.
Princess, not so:
'Tis not the arrow's point, the sinewy bow,
That makes them to be feared: stand they or charge
They are close fighters with the spear and targe.
Queen.
What more of mark? Have they much wealth laid by?
Chorus.
A vein of silver is their treasury.
Queen.
Who is the ruler of this people? Who
Lord of their levies and their revenue?
Chorus.
Subject they are not unto any man:
They say 'slave' sorts not with 'Athenian.'
Queen.
Have they no master? The less likely they
To stand their ground against invaders.
