How true it is. In the loss of so great an army I have indeed been dealt a blow, wretched as I am.
 Chorus What that belonged to Persia , unfortunate one, has not been destroyed?
 Xerxes Do you see this remnant of my royal robe?
 Chorus Yes, I do indeed.
 Xerxes And this quiver—
 Chorus What is this you say has been saved?
 Xerxes Treasury for shafts?
 Chorus Truly a small remnant from an ample store.
 Xerxes We have been deprived of defenders.
 Chorus Ionia ’s people shrink not from the spear.
 Xerxes They are a war-like people. I have lived to behold a calamity I never expected.
 Chorus Are you speaking of the routed multitude which manned your ships?
 Xerxes And I rent my robe at the disastrous event.
 Chorus Alas, alas!
 Xerxes No, far worse than alas.
 Chorus Yes, for twofold and threefold—
 Xerxes Pain to us, but exultation to our enemies
 Chorus Yes, and our strength has been maimed.