Persians (210-243)

yielded its body to his foe. These are the terrors I beheld, terrors too for you to hear. Be assured that if my son should suceeed, he would prove to be remarkable indeed, but if he fails, he does not have to answer to the state; if he returns safely, he will hold sway in this land as he did before.

Mother, we would neither alarm you unduly by our words nor raise your hopes too high. If, however, it is something inauspicious that you have seen, visit the gods with supplication and entreat them to avert the evil and to bring to pass what will be beneficial to you, your children, the kingdom, and all else that you hold dear. Next, it is appropriate that you should

offer libations to Earth and the dead; and use auspicious words to address your husband Darius, whom you say you have seen in the night, and ask him to send into the light of day from beneath the earth blessings for you and your son; ask too that the reverse of this may be held in bondage beneath the earth and fade away in gloom. Such is the advice I, relying on my instincts, offer you with kind intent.

According to our interpretation of these portents, the issue will in all respects prove prosperous to you.

You, its first interpreter, have indeed read the meaning of my dream with goodwill, at least, toward my son and house. May the outcome then prove beneficial! When I return to the palace, I will perform for the gods and my dear ones beneath the earth all those rites which you recommend. Meanwhile, my friends, I would like to learn

where Athens is located.

Far from here, to the west where the last rays of our Lord the Sun set.

Can it then really be that my son had the keen desire to make this city his prey?

Yes, for then all Hellas would be subject to the King.

Does their army have such a multitude of men?

Yes, it is an army of such magnitude that it has caused great disaster for the Medes.

And what else have they besides? Do they have sufficient wealth in their homes?

Of silver they possess a veritable fountain, a treasure chest in their soil.

Is the bow-stretching arrow particularly suited to their hands?

Far from it; they have lances for close fight and shields that serve them for armor.

And who is set over them as shepherd and is master of their host?

Of no man are they called the slaves or vassals.

How then can they withstand the attack of an invading foe?