But how was it that so vast a land force won a passage to the farther shore?
 Atossa By a clever device he yoked the Hellespont so as to gain a passage.
 Darius What! Did he succeed in closing the mighty Bosporus ?
 Atossa Yes indeed. One of the divine powers must have assisted him in his purpose.
 Darius Alas! Some mighty power came upon him so that he was not able to think clearly.
 Atossa Yes, since we can see the outcome, what ruin he wrought.
 Darius And how then did they fare that you now lament them?
 Atossa Disaster to the naval force brought ruin to the force on land.
 Darius And did the whole army utterly perish by the spear?
 Atossa Yes, and it is for this reason that the whole city of Susa groans at its desolation.
 Darius Alas for the loss of our warriors’ valiant force and defence!
 Atossa And the host of the Bactrians is lost, wholly destroyed: not even an old man is left.
 Darius Unhappy man, since he has brought to ruin the youth of our allies.
 Atossa But Xerxes, alone and forlorn, with scanty train, they say—
 Darius Met his end, how, tell me, and where? Of his safety is there any hope?
 Atossa To his joy he reached the bridge yoking the two continents.
 Darius And reached our continent in safety? Is this certain?
 Atossa Yes, a proven report establishes this. Doubt there is none.