Far from here, to the west where the last rays of our Lord the Sun set. AtossaCan it then really be that my son had the keen desire to make this city his prey? ChorusYes, for then all Hellas would be subject to the King. AtossaDoes their army have such a multitude of men? ChorusYes, it is an army of such magnitude that it has caused great disaster for the Medes. AtossaAnd what else have they besides? Do they have sufficient wealth in their homes? ChorusOf silver they possess a veritable fountain, a treasure chest in their soil. AtossaIs the bow-stretching arrow particularly suited to their hands?ChorusFar from it; they have lances for close fight and shields that serve them for armor. AtossaAnd who is set over them as shepherd and is master of their host? ChorusOf no man are they called the slaves or vassals. AtossaHow then can they withstand the attack of an invading foe? ChorusSo well as to have destroyed Darius’ great and courageous host. AtossaIn truth, your words have given the fathers and mothers of those who are now on their way there dire food for thought. ChorusNo, rather I think that you will soon learn the truth of the matter. For here comes one who is beyond a doubt a Persian courier. He bears clear tidings of some issue, be it good or bad. MessengerO cities of all the land of Asia,O realm of Persia, and bounteous haven of wealth, at a single stroke all your plenteous prosperity has been shattered, and the flower of the Persians has fallen and perished! Ah, it is a terrible task to be the first to deliver news of disaster. And yet, Persians, I must relate the entirety of the calamity—the whole barbarian host is lost.

ChorusGrievous, grievous disaster, strange and cruel. Alas, Persians, weep now that you hear of this calamity. MessengerYes, weep, for you hear that the whole army is utterly destroyed; and I myself unexpectedly behold the day of my return.

ChorusThe life which has been given to us elders is too long, for we have now heardof this unexpected misery. MessengerSince I myself was present and did not merely hear what happened from the report of others, I can tell you exactly what kind of disaster was wrought.

ChorusAlas, alas! In vain did our vast and variously armed hostgo forth from the land of Asia against the hostile soil of Hellas. MessengerFull of the bodies of men who perished by a miserable fate are the shores of Salamis and all the neighboring coasts.

ChorusAlas, alas! You say that the bodies of our loved ones,battered by the brine and drenched, are tossing, washed back and forth among the reefs. MessengerOur bows were of no use, and the whole host has perished, overwhelmed when ship charged on ship.

ChorusRaise a doleful and mournful wail for the Persians, the wretched Persians, since they have met with complete and utter ruin. Alas for the destruction of our host!