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δόκιμος δ᾽ οὔτις υποστὰς

μεγάλῳ δεύματι φωτῶν

ἐχυροῖς ἕρκεσιν εἴργειν

ἄμαχον κῦμα θαλάσσης.

ἀπρόςοιστος γὰρ ὁ Περσῶν

στρατὸς ἀλκίφρων τε λαός.

δολόμητιν δ᾽ ἀπάταν θεοῦ

τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει;
95

τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδι πήδημ

ἅλις εὐπετῶς ἀνάσσων;

Persians. Aeschylus. Gottfried Hermann (Editor). Lipsiae. 1852.

Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.

Funding provided by The Annenberg CPB/Project.

Current edition Experimental

Πέρσαι (OCR draft) (Greek) (Πέρσαι. Gottfried Hermann, 1852.)

Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.

Editions (6)

Πέρσαι First1KGreek (Aeschyli Tragoediae. Sidgwick, Arthur, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1902.) — 65-158 focus

str. 1

Χορός

πεπέρακεν¹ μὲν ὁ περσέπτολις ἤδη
65

βασίλειος στρατὸς εἰς ἀν-

τίπορον γείτονα χώραν,

λινοδέσμῳ σχεδίᾳ πορ-

θμὸν ἀμείψας

Ἀθαμαντίδος Ἕλλας,
70

πολύγομφον ὅδισμα

ζυγὸν ἀμφιβαλὼν αὐχένι πόντου.

73

ant. 1

Χορός

πολυάνδρου δ᾽ Ἀσίας θούριος ἄρχων

ἐπὶ πᾶσαν χθόνα ποιμα-

νόριον θεῖον ἐλαύνει
75

διχόθεν, πεζονόμον² τ᾽ ἔκ

τε θαλάσσας,

ἐχυροῖσι πεποιθὼς

στυφελοῖς ἐφέταις, χρυ-

σογόνου³ γενεᾶς ἰσόθεος⁴ φώς.
80
81

str. 2

Χορός

κυανοῦν⁵ δ᾽ ὄμμασι λεύσσων

φονίου⁶ δέργμα⁷ δράκοντος,

πολύχειρ καὶ πολυναύτας,

Σύριόν θ᾽ ἅρμα διώκων,

ἐπάγει δουρικλύτοις ἀν-
85

δράσι τοξόδαμνον Ἄρη.

87

ant. 2

Χορός

δόκιμος δ᾽ οὔτις ὑποστὰς

μεγάλῳ ῥεύματι φωτῶν

ἐχυροῖς ἕρκεσιν εἴργειν

ἄμαχον κῦμα θαλάσσας:
90

ἀπρόσοιστος γὰρ ὁ Περσᾶν⁸

στρατὸς ἀλκίφρων τε λαός.

93

str. 3

Χορός

δολόμητιν δ᾽ ἀπάταν θεοῦ

τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει;

τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδὶ πήδη-
95

μα⁹ τόδ᾽ εὐπετῶς¹⁰ ἀνᾴσσων;¹¹

97

ant. 4

Χορός

φιλόφρων γὰρ παρασαίνει¹²

βροτὸν εἰς ἄρκυας Ἄτα,¹³

τόθεν οὐκ ἔστιν ὕπερθέν

νιν ἄνατον ἐξαλύξαι.¹⁴
100

θεόθεν γὰρ κατὰ Μοῖρ᾽

ἐκράτησεν τὸ παλαι-

όν, ἐπέσκηψε δὲ Πέρσαις

πολέμους πυργοδαΐκτους

διέπειν ἱππιοχάρμας
105

τε κλόνους

πόλεών τ᾽ ἀναστάσεις.

108

ant. 3

Χορός

ἔμαθον δ᾽¹⁵ εὐρυπόροι-

ο θαλάσσας πολιαι-

νομένας πνεύματι λάβρῳ
110

ἐσορᾶν πόντιον ἄλσος,

πίσυνοι λεπτοδόμοις πεί-

σμασι λα-

οπόροις τε μαχαναῖς.

115

str. 5

Χορός

ταῦτά μοι¹⁶ μελαγχίτων
115

φρὴν ἀμύσσεται φόβῳ,

ὀᾶ, Περσικοῦ στρατεύματος

τοῦδε, μὴ πόλις¹⁷ πύθη-

ται κένανδρον μέγ᾽ ἄστυ Σουσίδος,

120

ant. 5

Χορός

καὶ τὸ Κισσίων πόλισμ᾽
120

ἀντίδουπον ᾄσεται,¹⁸

ὀᾶ, τοῦτ᾽ ἔπος γυναικοπλη-

θὴς ὅμιλος ἀπύων,

βυσσίνοις δ᾽ ἐν πέπλοις πέσῃ λακίς.¹⁹
125
126

str. 6

Χορός

πᾶς γὰρ ἱππηλάτας

καὶ πεδοστιβὴς λεὼς

σμῆνος ὣς ἐκλέλοιπεν μελισ-

σᾶν²⁰ σὺν ὀρχάμῳ στρατοῦ,

τὸν ἀμφίζευκτον ἐξαμείψας
130

ἀμφοτέρας ἅλιον

πρῶνα κοινὸν αἴας.

133

ant. 6

Χορός

λέκτρα δ᾽ ἀνδρῶν πόθῳ²¹

πίμπλαται δακρύμασιν:

Περσίδες δ᾽ ἁβροπενθεῖς²² ἑκά-
135

στα²³ πόθῳ φιλάνορι

τὸν αἰχμάεντα θοῦρον εὐνα-

τῆρ᾽ ἀποπεμψαμένα²⁴

λείπεται μονόζυξ.

140

Χορός

ἀλλ᾽ ἄγε, Πέρσαι, τόδ᾽ ἐνεζόμενοι
140

στέγος²⁵ ἀρχαῖον,

φροντίδα κεδνὴν καὶ βαθύβουλον

θώμεθα, χρεία δὲ προσήκει,

πῶς ἄρα²⁶ πράσσει Ξέρξης βασιλεὺς

Δαρειογενής,
145

τὸ πατρωνύμιον γένος ἡμέτερον:

πότερον τόξου ῥῦμα τὸ νικῶν,

ἢ δορικράνου²⁷

λόγχης ἰσχὺς κεκράτηκεν.

ἀλλ᾽ ἥδε θεῶν ἴσον ὀφθαλμοῖς
150

φάος ὁρμᾶται μήτηρ βασιλέως,

βασίλεια δ᾽ ἐμή, προσπίτνω:²⁸

καὶ προσφθόγγοις δὲ χρεὼν αὐτὴν

πάντας μύθοισι προσαυδᾶν.

155

Χορός

ὦ βαθυζώνων ἄνασσα Περσίδων ὑπερτάτη,
155

μῆτερ ἡ Ξέρξου γεραιά, χαῖρε, Δαρείου γύναι:

θεοῦ μὲν εὐνάτειρα²⁹ Περσῶν, θεοῦ δὲ καὶ μήτηρ ἔφυς,

εἴ τι μὴ δαίμων παλαιὸς νῦν μεθέστηκε στρατῷ.

159

Πέρσαι Perseus (Aeschylus, Volume 1. Smyth, Herbert Weir, editor. London; New York: William Heinemann; G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1922.) — 65-158 focus

Χορός

πεπέρακεν μὲν ὁ περσέπτολις ἤδη
65

βασίλειος στρατὸς εἰς ἀν-

τίπορον γείτονα χώραν,

λινοδέσμῳ σχεδίᾳ πορθ-

μὸν ἀμείψας

Ἀθαμαντίδος Ἕλλας,
70

πολύγομφον ὅδισμα

ζυγὸν ἀμφιβαλὼν αὐχένι πόντου.

Χορός

πολυάνδρου δʼ Ἀσίας θούριος ἄρχων

ἐπὶ πᾶσαν χθόνα ποιμα-

νόριον θεῖον ἐλαύνει
75

διχόθεν, πεζονόμον τʼ ἔκ

τε θαλάσσας,

ἐχυροῖσι πεποιθὼς

στυφελοῖς ἐφέταις, χρυ-

σογόνου γενεᾶς ἰσόθεος φώς.
80

Χορός

κυάνεον δʼ ὄμμασι λεύσσων

φονίου δέργμα δράκοντος,

πολύχειρ καὶ πολυναύτας,

Σύριόν θʼ ἅρμα διώκων,

ἐπάγει δουρικλύτοις ἀν-
85

δράσι τοξόδαμνον Ἄρη.

Χορός

δόκιμος δʼ οὔτις ὑποστὰς

μεγάλῳ ῥεύματι φωτῶν

ἐχυροῖς ἕρκεσιν εἴργειν

ἄμαχον κῦμα θαλάσσας·
90

ἀπρόσοιστος γὰρ ὁ Περσᾶν

στρατὸς ἀλκίφρων τε λαός.

Χορός

θεόθεν γὰρ κατὰ Μοῖρʼ

ἐκράτησεν τὸ παλαι-

όν, ἐπέσκηψε δὲ Πέρσαις
95

πολέμους πυργοδαΐκτους

διέπειν ἱππιοχάρμας

τε κλόνους

πόλεών τʼ ἀναστάσεις.

100

Χορός

ἔμαθον δʼ εὐρυπόροι-
100

ο θαλάσσας πολιαι-

νομένας πνεύματι λάβρῳ

ἐσορᾶν πόντιον ἄλσος,

πίσυνοι λεπτοδόμοις πεί-

σμασι λα-
105

οπόροις τε μαχαναῖς.

107

Χορός

δολόμητιν δʼ ἀπάταν θεοῦ

τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει;

τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδὶ πήδη-

μα τόδʼ εὐπετῶς ἀνᾴσσων;
110

111

Χορός

φιλόφρων γὰρ παρασαίνει

βροτὸν εἰς ἄρκυας Ἄτα,

τόθεν οὐκ ἔστιν ὕπερθέν

νιν ἄνατον ἐξαλύξαι.

115

Χορός

ταῦτά μοι μελαγχίτων
115

φρὴν ἀμύσσεται φόβῳ,

ὀᾶ, Περσικοῦ στρατεύματος

τοῦδε, μὴ πόλις πύθη-

ται κένανδρον μέγʼ ἄστυ Σουσίδος,

120

Χορός

καὶ τὸ Κισσίων πόλισμʼ
120

ἀντίδουπον ᾄσεται,

ὀᾶ, τοῦτʼ ἔπος γυναικοπλη-

θὴς ὅμιλος ἀπύων,

βυσσίνοις δʼ ἐν πέπλοις πέσῃ λακίς.
125

126

Χορός

πᾶς γὰρ ἱππηλάτας

καὶ πεδοστιβὴς λεὼς

σμῆνος ὣς ἐκλέλοιπεν μελισ-

σᾶν σὺν ὀρχάμῳ στρατοῦ,

τὸν ἀμφίζευκτον ἐξαμείψας
130

ἀμφοτέρας ἅλιον

πρῶνα κοινὸν αἴας.

133

Χορός

λέκτρα δʼ ἀνδρῶν πόθῳ

πίμπλαται δακρύμασιν·

Περσίδες δʼ ἁβροπενθεῖς ἑκά-
135

στα πόθῳ φιλάνορι

τὸν αἰχμάεντα θοῦρον εὐνα-

τῆρʼ ἀποπεμψαμένα

λείπεται μονόζυξ.

140

Χορός

ἀλλʼ ἄγε, Πέρσαι, τόδʼ ἐνεζόμενοι
140

στέγος ἀρχαῖον,

φροντίδα κεδνὴν καὶ βαθύβουλον

θώμεθα, χρεία δὲ προσήκει,

πῶς ἄρα πράσσει Ξέρξης βασιλεὺς

Δαρειογενής,
145

τὸ πατρωνύμιον γένος ἡμέτερον·

πότερον τόξου ῥῦμα τὸ νικῶν,

ἢ δορικράνου

λόγχης ἰσχὺς κεκράτηκεν.

ἀλλʼ ἥδε θεῶν ἴσον ὀφθαλμοῖς
150

φάος ὁρμᾶται μήτηρ βασιλέως,

βασίλεια δʼ ἐμή· προσπίτνω·

καὶ προσφθόγγοις δὲ χρεὼν αὐτὴν

πάντας μύθοισι προσαυδᾶν.

155

Χορός

ὦ βαθυζώνων ἄνασσα Περσίδων ὑπερτάτη,
155

μῆτερ ἡ Ξέρξου γεραιά, χαῖρε, Δαρείου γύναι·

θεοῦ μὲν εὐνάτειρα Περσῶν, θεοῦ δὲ καὶ μήτηρ ἔφυς,

εἴ τι μὴ δαίμων παλαιὸς νῦν μεθέστηκε στρατῷ.

Πέρσαι (OCR draft) Experimental (Πέρσαι. Guilielmus Dindorfius, 1882.) — 87 focus

δόκιμος δ᾽ οὔτις ὑποστὰς μεγάλῳ ῥεύματι φωτῶν

ἐχυροῖς ἕρκεσιν είργειν ἄμαχον κύμα θαλάσσας·

ἀπρόσοιστος γὰρ ὁ Περσᾶν στρατὸς ἀλκίφρων τε

λαός.

δολόμητιν δ᾽ ἀπάταν θεοῦ τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει;

τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδὶ πηδήματος εὐπετοῦς ἀνάσ-

σων;

ΠΕΡΣΑΙ (OCR draft) Experimental (ΠΕΡΣΑΙ. Paul Mazon, 1920-1925.) — 87 focus

ΧΟΡΟΣ

δόκιμος δ' οὔτις ὑποστὰς

Ant. 2.

μεγάλῳ ῥεύματι φωτῶν

ὀχυροῖς ἐχυροῖς ἕρκεσιν εἴργειν
85

ἄμαχον κῦμα θαλάσσης·

ἀπρόσοιστος γὰρ ὁ Περσῶν

στρατὸς ἀλκίφρων τε λαός.

Δολόμητιν δ' ἀπάταν θεοῦ

Str. 3.

τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει ;
90

τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδὶ πηδή-

ματος εὐπετέος ἀνάσσων ἀνᾴσσων ;

Πέρσαι (OCR draft) Experimental (Πέρσαι. N. Wecklein, 1885.) — 87 focus

δόκιμος δ᾽ οὔτις ὑποστὰς

μεγάλῳ ῥεύματι φωτῶν

ἐχυροῖς ἕρκεσιν εἴργειν

ἄμαχον κῦμα θαλάσσης·

ἀπρόσοιστος γὰρ ὁ Περσῶν

στρατὸς ἀλκίφρων τε λαός.

Aeschyli Persae (OCR draft) Experimental (Aeschyli Persae. Ulrich von Wilamowitz-Moellendorff, 1914.) — 87 focus

δόκιμος δ᾽ οὔτις ὑποστὰς

μεγάλωι ῥεύματι φωτῶν

ἐχυροῖς ἕρκεσιν εἴργειν

ἄμαχον κύμα θαλάσσης·

ἀπρόσοιστος γὰρ ὁ Περσῶν

στρατὸς ἀλκίφρων τε λαός. –

Testim.:

79 Hesych. ἐφέτας· τοὺς ἡγεμόνας τῶν Περσῶν καταχρηστικώς

91 Hesych. ἀπρόσοιστος· ἀνυπομένητος.

$81-86=87-92$ periodus ionica (12); ultima duo metra anaclasi reciproca distincti.

Apparatus Criticus

χώραν χώρας et -ραν χώρον Ἕλλας ἔλλης ὅδισμα ἔρεισμα πολυάνδρου οὐχ ἑνí cum signo scholii non scripti ᾿Ασίας ἀσίης χθόνα χώραν ἐχυροῖσι ἐχυροῖσι ὀχυρ. στυφέλοις στυφέλοισιν γρ. ἀφέταις ἤγουν ἀγεμῶσι χρυσογόνου χρυσονόμου χρυσογόνου . 1. in schol. ἰσόθεος ἰσσόθεος ἰσόθεον φονίου φονίου φοινίου δέργμα δέρμα πολυναύτης πολυναύτας Σύριόν σύριον σύριον sic ἀσύριον ἀσσ. δουρικλύτοις δορικλ. δορυκλ. τοξόδαμνον τοξόδαμον ῎Αρη ἄρην δόκιμος ἐπιστάς ἕρκεσιν¹ ἐχυροῖς ἐχυροῖσιν ὀχυροῖς λαός λεώς

Translations (9)

Persians Perseus (Aeschylus, Volume 1. Smyth, Herbert Weir, translator. London; New York: William Heinemann; G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1922. (Modernized by Perseus.)) — 65-155 focus

Chorus

The royal army, dealing destruction to cities, has already passed to the neighboring land upon the facing shore, and this they did by crossing the Hellespont ,
65

named for the daughter of Athamas, on a bridge of boats made fast with cables, thereby casting a tightly constructed roadway as a yoke upon the neck of the sea.
70

Chorus

The fiery lord of populous Asia

is leading his wondrous warrior-flock against the whole earth in two divisions, on foot and by the sea, putting his trust in his stalwart and stern commanders; he himself,
75

a god-like hero whose race is sprung from gold.¹
80

Chorus

With eyes flashing with the dark glare of a deadly dragon, attended by soldiers and mariners in great numbers, and speeding his Syrian chariot,

he leads against a people renowned for the spear a warlike host of archers.
85

Chorus

And there is no man skilled to withstand the mighty stream of men, and with strong barriers keep out the sea’s invincible surge;

for Persia ’s host cannot be withstood, and her men are courageous.
90

Chorus

For by the will of the gods Fate has held sway

since ancient time, and has ordained for the Persians the pursuit of rampart-destroying war, the turmoil of fighting horsemen, and the storming of cities.
95

100

Chorus

And they have learned to look upon the precinct of the deep when the broad-wayed sea whitens to foam beneath the tempest’s blast, trusting in their finely wrought
100

cables and their devices which give passage to their army.
105

107

Chorus

Yet the insidious guile of god—what mortal man can escape it? Who with agile foot can lightly overleap

and escape its toils?
110

111

Chorus

For Delusion, with her fair appearance, lures men astray into her snares, from which it is not possible to escape without meeting with disaster.

115

Chorus

Therefore my heart is wrapped in gloom and is racked with fear for the Persian army lest the state learn that the mighty capital of Susa is empty of men.
115

120

Chorus

Fearful I am too that as bands of women cry aloud woe, the Cissian stronghold will raise a resounding shout responsive to the beating of breasts,
120

and that there will be a tearing of fine linen robes.
125

126

Chorus

For all the men-at-arms, those who urge on steeds and those who march along the plain, have left the city and gone forth, like bees in a swarm, together with the captain of the host.

They have crossed the headland, projecting into the sea and common to either continent, through which both shores are bridged.
130

133

Chorus

And marriage-beds are filled with tears through longing for husbands;

each Persian woman has sent to the field her warlike and fiery consort, and now in grief and longing for her beloved lord, is left forsaken by her mate.
135

140

Chorus

But come, Persians, let us take our place on the steps of this ancient palace and devise some wise and deeply-pondered counsel—for need of this has come upon us—as to how Xerxes our King,
140

Darius’ son, scion of our own race as his forefather’s name declares, is faring. Is it the drawing of the bow that has triumphed, or is it the might of the sharp spear-head which has prevailed? Enter Atossa, richly dressed, on a chariot and attended by a numerous retinue
145

But look, here is a light like the eyes of the god, the mother of our king, my Queen. I bow low before her. It is fitting also that we all address her with words of salutation. The elders prostrate themselves and then rise to their feet. Their leader continues
150

155

Chorus

O Queen, most exalted of Persia ’s deep-girdled women, venerable mother of Xerxes, wife of Darius, all hail! You were the consort of the Persian’s god, and of another god the mother, that is, unless its former good fortune has now forsaken our host.
155

The Persians. (OCR draft) Experimental (The Persians.. Theodore Alois Buckley, 1849.) — 87 focus

And no one is of such approved prowess as that, having made stand against a mighty torrent of men, he can repulse, by mighty bulwarks, the irresistible billow of the sea. For terrible to approach is the army of Persians, and valiant of soul the host.

LES PERSES (OCR draft) Experimental (LES PERSES. Paul Mazon, 1920-1925.) — 87 focus

et mille vaisseaux, et, pressant son attelage
assyrien ¹, il conduit à l'attaque des héros qu'illustra la lance l'Arès à l'arc triomphant.

LES PERSES

LE CHŒUR

Qui serait donc capable de tenir tête à ce large flux humain ? Autant vouloir, par de puissantes digues, contenir
l'invincible houle des mers ! Irrésistible est l'armée de la Perse et son peuple au cœur vaillant.

The Persians (OCR draft) Experimental (The Persians. Robert Potter, 1779.) — 87 focus

Bids the wing'd arrows' iron ſtorm advance,

Againſt the ſlow and cumbrous lance.

What ſhall withſtand the torrent of his ſway,

When dreadful o'er the yielding ſhores

Th' impetuous tide of battle roars,

And ſweeps the weak-oppoſing mounds away?
100

So Perſia with reſiſtleſs might

Rolls her unnumber'd hoſts of heroes to the fight.

STROPHE 2.

Eschilo, I Persiani: traduzione italiana di Ettore Romagnoli (OCR draft) Experimental (Eschilo, I Persiani: traduzione italiana di Ettore Romagnoli. Ettore Romagnoli, 1922.) — 87 focus

Niun v'ha tanto valoroso

che, opponendosi di tanti uomini al flutto,

frenar possa con saldi argini

l'invincibile maroso.

Niun potrebbe troppo è valido l'esercito

persïano, e il popol tutto.

CORO

Aeschylus, Persae: versio Latina Ioannis Sanravii (OCR draft) Experimental (Aeschylus, Persae: versio Latina Ioannis Sanravii. Ioannes Sanravius, 1555.) — 87 focus

Vt arceat inexpugnabilem fluctum maris.

Inacceffus enim est Perſarum

Exercitus, fortis populus.

The Persians (OCR draft) Experimental (The Persians. Anna Swanwick, 1886.) — 87 focus

DARIUS

Alas! full speedily hath come the oracles' fulfilment,

Upon my son hath Zeus hurled down the end of the predictions;

I hoped it would be long indeed, ere Heaven these ills accomplished;

But when in haste man presses on, the god still keeps beside him.

A fount of ills for all my friends seems now to be discovered;

All this my son through ignorance hath wrought and youthful daring,
740

Who Hellè's sacred tide, forsooth, as it had been his vassal,

And Bosporos, the stream of god, did hope to curb with fetters;

The current fashioned he anew, and hammer-beaten shackles

Casting around, for mighty host achieved a mighty causeway.

Though mortal, all the gods he thought, infatuate, to master,

Ay, e'en Poseidon; was not this sheer frenesy of spirit

That held my son? In fear I am lest all the ample treasure

My toil amassed, become to men the spoil of the first comer.

English (E. D. A. Morshead, 1908) (OCR draft) Experimental (Aeschylus, Persians — Morshead translation. Wikisource transcription; speech corresp and card milestones aligned to Smyth perseus-grc2.) — 87 focus

Can any make head and resist him, when he comes with the roll of a wave?

No barrier nor phalanx of might, no chief, be he ever so brave!

For stern is the onset of Persia, and gallant her children in fight.

German (J. J. C. Donner, 1854; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (Aeschylos. Deutsch in den Versmaßen der Urschrift. Stuttgart: Hoffmann, 1854. Native Donner line citations, Smyth card correspondence, selected textual readings and metrical facsimiles. Remaining OCR differences and unattributed reading notes are documented in the linked review inventory.) — 87 focus

Es vermag Keiner zu steh'n wider den stolzflutenden Heerstrom,

Und ein Bollwerk vor die unzwingbare Meerwoge zu thürmen.

Denn unnahbar in der Schlacht steht,
85

Ungebeugt das Volk der Perser.

Nachgesang.

Commentary

Critical apparatus to The Persians (OCR draft) (Latin and Greek critical apparatus to Gottfried Hermann's 1852 edition of The Persians.) focus

88. mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg002-hermann1852-appcrit-lat1-72

ὑποστὰς:

ὑποστάς. γρ. ἐπιστὰς ἤγουν ἐναντιαθεὶς μαχεσάμενος

(sic apud Faehsium)

ὑποστάς

Par. B. Sensus est nemo adeo probatus est, ut, si id in se recipiat, magna multitudine virorum ut valido munimento arcere possit invictum maris fluctum. Audacter

κῦμα θαλάσσης

dicit copias navales, quas Graeci quamvis magno virorum numero non possint ab se propellere.

89. mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg002-hermann1852-appcrit-lat1-73

φωτῶν: Post

φωτῶν

Vit. addit

τάξεσιν οὐδ᾽ ἄρα ἔρη ἴσχει

, quorum ea quae post

τάξιν

leguntur, expuncta sunt. Colb. 1. addit

νάρεσι, οὐδ᾽ ἄρα ἕρκεα ἴσχει

. Quae ex notissimo Homeri versu sumpta esse vidit Vauvillersius. Eadem vero verba, sic scripta

τάξεσιν οὐτ᾽ ἄρα ἕρκει ἴσχει

, ut scholion adscripta sunt in M.

90. mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg002-hermann1852-appcrit-lat1-74

ἐχυροῖς:

ἐχυροῖς

M. G. aliique et Rob.

ἐχυροῖσιν

Ven. B.

ὀχυροῖς

Vit. Lips. Ven. A. aliique et Ald. Turn. ἕρκεσιν:

ἕρκοισιν

Ven. B. εἴργειν:

εἴργεις

Lips.

93. mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg002-hermann1852-appcrit-lat1-75

λαός:

λαός

M. G. Vit. Lips. aliique et Ald.

λεὼς

Rob. Turn.

94. mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg002-hermann1852-appcrit-lat1-76

δολόμητιν δ᾽ ἀπάταν:

δολόμητιν δ᾽ ἀπάτην

G. et

ἀπάτην

etiam Vit.

ἀπάταν

, ultimo

superscripto

, Lips.

95. mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg002-hermann1852-appcrit-lat1-77

θνατὸς:

θνητὸς

Vit.

θνατὸς

, superscripto

, Lips.

96-97. mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg002-hermann1852-appcrit-lat1-78

πήδημἅλις εὐπετῶς ἀνάσσων:

πηδήματος

libri omnes. Tum, post hoc ipsum vocabulum,

εὐπετέος

M. G. Vit. aliique et Ald. Rob. Turn.

εὐπατέος

Lips.

εὐπετέως

Mosc. Par. L.

Εὐπετοῦς

Porsonus. In Vit. post hanc vocem

εὐπετέος

, qua in eo libro versus finitur, a sec. manu additum est

τῆς

, superne quidem hoc modo

εὐπετέος ἄτης

sed initiali ductu

litterae usque ad praegressum

descendente, ut non videatur dubitandum esse quin, qui adscripsit

ἄτης

, id Aeschyli verbum esse putaverit, praesertim quum in versu qui infra hunc scriptus est simile quid factum sit in vocabulo

ἀρκύστατα

, cuius primae quattuor litterae ab antiqua manu sunt, '

στατα

autem ab eadem illa manu, quae

ἄτης

scripsit, adiecta. Non deerit fortasse qui suspicetur scriptum alicubi fuisse

πήματος

, eiusque vocabuli explicationem esse

ἄτης

. Sed scholiastes in Vit. coniunxit

πηδήματος τῆς ἄτης ἀνάσσων καὶ κρατῶν

. Porro

ἀνάσσων

M. G. Vit. Lips. ceterique, ut videtur, codd. omnes et Ald. Rob.

ἀναίσσων

Turn.

ἀναΐσσων

Vict. unde Brunckius et qui eum secuti sunt

ἀνάσσων

dederunt. Scholiastae

ἀνάσσων

sequuntur, genitivo

πηδήματος

moti. Sed haud dubie verum est

ἀνάσσων

. Brunckius genitivum illum

ποδί

constructum esse putavit. Nimirum, ut dubium illud

εὐπετέος

mittamus,

ποὺς κραιπνὸς πηδήματος

esset

ποὺς κραιπνῶς πηδῶν

. Verum tamen ista loquendi ratio a gravi simplicitate Aeschyli alienior est quam ut videatur probari posse. Scripsit ille, nisi fallor,

τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδὶ πήδημ᾽ ἅλις εὐπετῶς ἀνάσσων;

Sic infra v. 300.

πήδημα κοῦφον ἐκ νεὼς ἀφήλατο.

Et in Agam. v. 792.

ἵππου νεοσσός, ἀσπιδηφόρος λεώς, πήδημ᾽ ὀρούσας ἀμφὶ Πλειάδων δύσιν.

Apud Euripidem Iph. Taur. v. 315 (308.).

ἔμφρων δ᾽ ἀνάξας ὁ ξένος πεσήματος.

Commentary (W. S. Teuffel; revised by N. Wecklein, 1886; German; OCR draft) (Persians, explanatory commentary pp. 43–97. Single-witness OCR; source readings and all reference placements require scan review.) focus

87-92. mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg002-teuffel-wecklein1886-com-ger1-15

Unaufhaltsam ist das Heer der Perser und nach mensch- licher Berechnung kann ihm nie- mand widerstehen, wie man nie- manden zutrauen kann, daſs er durch starke Dämme die unbe- zwingliche Hochflut des Meeres zurückhalte. Der Dichter hat Gleich- nis und eigentlichen Ausdruck ohne Vermittlung verbunden.

93-101. mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg002-teuffel-wecklein1886-com-ger1-16

⁴

Aber dem Truge der Götter kann niemand entrinnen; durch Vorspiegelung von Glück und Macht lockt er den Menschen ins Netz des Verderbens, aus dem dieser ohne Schaden zu nehmen nicht entkommt. Die Schuld, die ὕβρις, welche den Neid der Götter weckt, giebt der Dichter 742ff., 782, 808 an.

Aeschylus Persians 87

Gottfried Hermann (Editor)

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

δολόμητιν δ᾽ ἀπάταν θεοῦ

τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει;
95

τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδι πήδημ

ἅλις εὐπετῶς ἀνάσσων;

Current edition Experimental

Χορός

δολόμητιν δ᾽ ἀπάταν θεοῦ

τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει;

τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδὶ πήδη-
95

μα⁹ τόδ᾽ εὐπετῶς¹⁰ ἀνᾴσσων;¹¹

97

Χορός

ἔμαθον δ᾽¹⁵ εὐρυπόροι-

ο θαλάσσας πολιαι-

νομένας πνεύματι λάβρῳ
110

ἐσορᾶν πόντιον ἄλσος,

πίσυνοι λεπτοδόμοις πεί-

σμασι λα-

οπόροις τε μαχαναῖς.

115

Χορός

ταῦτά μοι¹⁶ μελαγχίτων
115

φρὴν ἀμύσσεται φόβῳ,

ὀᾶ, Περσικοῦ στρατεύματος

τοῦδε, μὴ πόλις¹⁷ πύθη-

ται κένανδρον μέγ᾽ ἄστυ Σουσίδος,

120

Χορός

καὶ τὸ Κισσίων πόλισμ᾽
120

ἀντίδουπον ᾄσεται,¹⁸

ὀᾶ, τοῦτ᾽ ἔπος γυναικοπλη-

θὴς ὅμιλος ἀπύων,

βυσσίνοις δ᾽ ἐν πέπλοις πέσῃ λακίς.¹⁹
125
126

Χορός

κυάνεον δʼ ὄμμασι λεύσσων

φονίου δέργμα δράκοντος,

πολύχειρ καὶ πολυναύτας,

Σύριόν θʼ ἅρμα διώκων,

ἐπάγει δουρικλύτοις ἀν-
85

δράσι τοξόδαμνον Ἄρη.

Χορός

θεόθεν γὰρ κατὰ Μοῖρʼ

ἐκράτησεν τὸ παλαι-

όν, ἐπέσκηψε δὲ Πέρσαις
95

πολέμους πυργοδαΐκτους

διέπειν ἱππιοχάρμας

τε κλόνους

πόλεών τʼ ἀναστάσεις.

Χορός

ἔμαθον δʼ εὐρυπόροι-
100

ο θαλάσσας πολιαι-

νομένας πνεύματι λάβρῳ

ἐσορᾶν πόντιον ἄλσος,

πίσυνοι λεπτοδόμοις πεί-

σμασι λα-
105

οπόροις τε μαχαναῖς.

Χορός

δολόμητιν δʼ ἀπάταν θεοῦ

τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει;

τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδὶ πήδη-

μα τόδʼ εὐπετῶς ἀνᾴσσων;
110

Χορός

φιλόφρων γὰρ παρασαίνει

βροτὸν εἰς ἄρκυας Ἄτα,

τόθεν οὐκ ἔστιν ὕπερθέν

νιν ἄνατον ἐξαλύξαι.

Χορός

ταῦτά μοι μελαγχίτων
115

φρὴν ἀμύσσεται φόβῳ,

ὀᾶ, Περσικοῦ στρατεύματος

τοῦδε, μὴ πόλις πύθη-

ται κένανδρον μέγʼ ἄστυ Σουσίδος,

Χορός

καὶ τὸ Κισσίων πόλισμʼ
120

ἀντίδουπον ᾄσεται,

ὀᾶ, τοῦτʼ ἔπος γυναικοπλη-

θὴς ὅμιλος ἀπύων,

βυσσίνοις δʼ ἐν πέπλοις πέσῃ λακίς.
125

Testim.:

Apparatus Criticus

Chorus

The fiery lord of populous Asia

is leading his wondrous warrior-flock against the whole earth in two divisions, on foot and by the sea, putting his trust in his stalwart and stern commanders; he himself,
75

a god-like hero whose race is sprung from gold.¹
80

Chorus

With eyes flashing with the dark glare of a deadly dragon, attended by soldiers and mariners in great numbers, and speeding his Syrian chariot,

he leads against a people renowned for the spear a warlike host of archers.
85

Chorus

And there is no man skilled to withstand the mighty stream of men, and with strong barriers keep out the sea’s invincible surge;

for Persia ’s host cannot be withstood, and her men are courageous.
90

Chorus

For by the will of the gods Fate has held sway

since ancient time, and has ordained for the Persians the pursuit of rampart-destroying war, the turmoil of fighting horsemen, and the storming of cities.
95

Chorus

And they have learned to look upon the precinct of the deep when the broad-wayed sea whitens to foam beneath the tempest’s blast, trusting in their finely wrought
100

cables and their devices which give passage to their army.
105

Chorus

Yet the insidious guile of god—what mortal man can escape it? Who with agile foot can lightly overleap

and escape its toils?
110

Chorus

For Delusion, with her fair appearance, lures men astray into her snares, from which it is not possible to escape without meeting with disaster.

Chorus

Therefore my heart is wrapped in gloom and is racked with fear for the Persian army lest the state learn that the mighty capital of Susa is empty of men.
115

Chorus

Fearful I am too that as bands of women cry aloud woe, the Cissian stronghold will raise a resounding shout responsive to the beating of breasts,
120

and that there will be a tearing of fine linen robes.
125

Chorus

And marriage-beds are filled with tears through longing for husbands;

each Persian woman has sent to the field her warlike and fiery consort, and now in grief and longing for her beloved lord, is left forsaken by her mate.
135

Chorus

O Queen, most exalted of Persia ’s deep-girdled women, venerable mother of Xerxes, wife of Darius, all hail! You were the consort of the Persian’s god, and of another god the mother, that is, unless its former good fortune has now forsaken our host.
155

LE CHŒUR

Qui serait donc capable de tenir tête à ce large flux humain ? Autant vouloir, par de puissantes digues, contenir
l'invincible houle des mers ! Irrésistible est l'armée de la Perse et son peuple au cœur vaillant.

What ſhall withſtand the torrent of his ſway,

When dreadful o'er the yielding ſhores

Th' impetuous tide of battle roars,

And ſweeps the weak-oppoſing mounds away?
100

So Perſia with reſiſtleſs might

Rolls her unnumber'd hoſts of heroes to the fight.

STROPHE 2.

CORO

Inacceffus enim est Perſarum

Exercitus, fortis populus.

Can any make head and resist him, when he comes with the roll of a wave?

No barrier nor phalanx of might, no chief, be he ever so brave!

For stern is the onset of Persia, and gallant her children in fight.

Es vermag Keiner zu steh'n wider den stolzflutenden Heerstrom,

Und ein Bollwerk vor die unzwingbare Meerwoge zu thürmen.

Denn unnahbar in der Schlacht steht,
85

Ungebeugt das Volk der Perser.

Nachgesang.

Commentary

Stable identifiers

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

δολόμητιν δ᾽ ἀπάταν θεοῦ τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει; 95 τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδι πήδημ ἅλις εὐπετῶς ἀνάσσων;

Current edition Experimental

Χορός κυανοῦν 5 δ᾽ ὄμμασι λεύσσων φονίου 6 δέργμα 7 δράκοντος, πολύχειρ καὶ πολυναύτας, Σύριόν θ᾽ ἅρμα διώκων, ἐπάγει δουρικλύτοις ἀν- 85 δράσι τοξόδαμνον Ἄρη. 87

Χορός δολόμητιν δ᾽ ἀπάταν θεοῦ τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει; τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδὶ πήδη- 95 μα 9 τόδ᾽ εὐπετῶς 10 ἀνᾴσσων; 11 97

Χορός ἔμαθον δ᾽ 15 εὐρυπόροι- ο θαλάσσας πολιαι- νομένας πνεύματι λάβρῳ 110 ἐσορᾶν πόντιον ἄλσος, πίσυνοι λεπτοδόμοις πεί- σμασι λα- οπόροις τε μαχαναῖς. 115

Χορός ταῦτά μοι 16 μελαγχίτων 115 φρὴν ἀμύσσεται φόβῳ, ὀᾶ, Περσικοῦ στρατεύματος τοῦδε, μὴ πόλις 17 πύθη- ται κένανδρον μέγ᾽ ἄστυ Σουσίδος, 120

Χορός καὶ τὸ Κισσίων πόλισμ᾽ 120 ἀντίδουπον ᾄσεται, 18 ὀᾶ, τοῦτ᾽ ἔπος γυναικοπλη- θὴς ὅμιλος ἀπύων, βυσσίνοις δ᾽ ἐν πέπλοις πέσῃ λακίς. 19 125 126

Χορός κυάνεον δʼ ὄμμασι λεύσσων φονίου δέργμα δράκοντος, πολύχειρ καὶ πολυναύτας, Σύριόν θʼ ἅρμα διώκων, ἐπάγει δουρικλύτοις ἀν- 85 δράσι τοξόδαμνον Ἄρη.

Χορός δόκιμος δʼ οὔτις ὑποστὰς μεγάλῳ ῥεύματι φωτῶν ἐχυροῖς ἕρκεσιν εἴργειν ἄμαχον κῦμα θαλάσσας· 90 ἀπρόσοιστος γὰρ ὁ Περσᾶν στρατὸς ἀλκίφρων τε λαός.

Χορός θεόθεν γὰρ κατὰ Μοῖρʼ ἐκράτησεν τὸ παλαι- όν, ἐπέσκηψε δὲ Πέρσαις 95 πολέμους πυργοδαΐκτους διέπειν ἱππιοχάρμας τε κλόνους πόλεών τʼ ἀναστάσεις.

Χορός ἔμαθον δʼ εὐρυπόροι- 100 ο θαλάσσας πολιαι- νομένας πνεύματι λάβρῳ ἐσορᾶν πόντιον ἄλσος, πίσυνοι λεπτοδόμοις πεί- σμασι λα- 105 οπόροις τε μαχαναῖς.

Χορός δολόμητιν δʼ ἀπάταν θεοῦ τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει; τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδὶ πήδη- μα τόδʼ εὐπετῶς ἀνᾴσσων; 110

Χορός φιλόφρων γὰρ παρασαίνει βροτὸν εἰς ἄρκυας Ἄτα, τόθεν οὐκ ἔστιν ὕπερθέν νιν ἄνατον ἐξαλύξαι.

Χορός ταῦτά μοι μελαγχίτων 115 φρὴν ἀμύσσεται φόβῳ, ὀᾶ, Περσικοῦ στρατεύματος τοῦδε, μὴ πόλις πύθη- ται κένανδρον μέγʼ ἄστυ Σουσίδος,

Χορός καὶ τὸ Κισσίων πόλισμʼ 120 ἀντίδουπον ᾄσεται, ὀᾶ, τοῦτʼ ἔπος γυναικοπλη- θὴς ὅμιλος ἀπύων, βυσσίνοις δʼ ἐν πέπλοις πέσῃ λακίς. 125

Testim.:

Apparatus Criticus

Chorus The fiery lord of populous Asia is leading his wondrous warrior-flock against the whole earth in two divisions, on foot and by the sea, putting his trust in his stalwart and stern commanders; he himself, 75 a god-like hero whose race is sprung from gold. 1 80

Chorus With eyes flashing with the dark glare of a deadly dragon, attended by soldiers and mariners in great numbers, and speeding his Syrian chariot, he leads against a people renowned for the spear a warlike host of archers. 85

Chorus And there is no man skilled to withstand the mighty stream of men, and with strong barriers keep out the sea’s invincible surge; for Persia ’s host cannot be withstood, and her men are courageous. 90

Chorus For by the will of the gods Fate has held sway since ancient time, and has ordained for the Persians the pursuit of rampart-destroying war, the turmoil of fighting horsemen, and the storming of cities. 95

Chorus And they have learned to look upon the precinct of the deep when the broad-wayed sea whitens to foam beneath the tempest’s blast, trusting in their finely wrought 100 cables and their devices which give passage to their army. 105

Chorus Yet the insidious guile of god—what mortal man can escape it? Who with agile foot can lightly overleap and escape its toils? 110

Chorus For Delusion, with her fair appearance, lures men astray into her snares, from which it is not possible to escape without meeting with disaster.

Chorus Therefore my heart is wrapped in gloom and is racked with fear for the Persian army lest the state learn that the mighty capital of Susa is empty of men. 115

Chorus Fearful I am too that as bands of women cry aloud woe, the Cissian stronghold will raise a resounding shout responsive to the beating of breasts, 120 and that there will be a tearing of fine linen robes. 125

Chorus And marriage-beds are filled with tears through longing for husbands; each Persian woman has sent to the field her warlike and fiery consort, and now in grief and longing for her beloved lord, is left forsaken by her mate. 135

Chorus O Queen, most exalted of Persia ’s deep-girdled women, venerable mother of Xerxes, wife of Darius, all hail! You were the consort of the Persian’s god, and of another god the mother, that is, unless its former good fortune has now forsaken our host. 155

LE CHŒUR Qui serait donc capable de tenir tête à ce large flux humain ? Autant vouloir, par de puissantes digues, contenir l'invincible houle des mers ! Irrésistible est l'armée de la Perse et son peuple au cœur vaillant.

What ſhall withſtand the torrent of his ſway, When dreadful o'er the yielding ſhores Th' impetuous tide of battle roars, And ſweeps the weak-oppoſing mounds away? 100 So Perſia with reſiſtleſs might Rolls her unnumber'd hoſts of heroes to the fight.

STROPHE 2.

CORO

Inacceffus enim est Perſarum Exercitus, fortis populus.

Can any make head and resist him, when he comes with the roll of a wave? No barrier nor phalanx of might, no chief, be he ever so brave! For stern is the onset of Persia, and gallant her children in fight.

Es vermag Keiner zu steh'n wider den stolzflutenden Heerstrom, Und ein Bollwerk vor die unzwingbare Meerwoge zu thürmen. Denn unnahbar in der Schlacht steht, 85 Ungebeugt das Volk der Perser. Nachgesang.

Commentary

Stable identifiers

δολόμητιν δ᾽ ἀπάταν θεοῦ

τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει;
95

τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδι πήδημ

ἅλις εὐπετῶς ἀνάσσων;

Χορός

δολόμητιν δ᾽ ἀπάταν θεοῦ

τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει;

τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδὶ πήδη-
95

μα⁹ τόδ᾽ εὐπετῶς¹⁰ ἀνᾴσσων;¹¹

97

Χορός

ἔμαθον δ᾽¹⁵ εὐρυπόροι-

ο θαλάσσας πολιαι-

νομένας πνεύματι λάβρῳ
110

ἐσορᾶν πόντιον ἄλσος,

πίσυνοι λεπτοδόμοις πεί-

σμασι λα-

οπόροις τε μαχαναῖς.

115

Χορός

ταῦτά μοι¹⁶ μελαγχίτων
115

φρὴν ἀμύσσεται φόβῳ,

ὀᾶ, Περσικοῦ στρατεύματος

τοῦδε, μὴ πόλις¹⁷ πύθη-

ται κένανδρον μέγ᾽ ἄστυ Σουσίδος,

120

Χορός

καὶ τὸ Κισσίων πόλισμ᾽
120

ἀντίδουπον ᾄσεται,¹⁸

ὀᾶ, τοῦτ᾽ ἔπος γυναικοπλη-

θὴς ὅμιλος ἀπύων,

βυσσίνοις δ᾽ ἐν πέπλοις πέσῃ λακίς.¹⁹
125
126

Χορός

κυάνεον δʼ ὄμμασι λεύσσων

φονίου δέργμα δράκοντος,

πολύχειρ καὶ πολυναύτας,

Σύριόν θʼ ἅρμα διώκων,

ἐπάγει δουρικλύτοις ἀν-
85

δράσι τοξόδαμνον Ἄρη.

Χορός

θεόθεν γὰρ κατὰ Μοῖρʼ

ἐκράτησεν τὸ παλαι-

όν, ἐπέσκηψε δὲ Πέρσαις
95

πολέμους πυργοδαΐκτους

διέπειν ἱππιοχάρμας

τε κλόνους

πόλεών τʼ ἀναστάσεις.

Χορός

ἔμαθον δʼ εὐρυπόροι-
100

ο θαλάσσας πολιαι-

νομένας πνεύματι λάβρῳ

ἐσορᾶν πόντιον ἄλσος,

πίσυνοι λεπτοδόμοις πεί-

σμασι λα-
105

οπόροις τε μαχαναῖς.

Χορός

δολόμητιν δʼ ἀπάταν θεοῦ

τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει;

τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδὶ πήδη-

μα τόδʼ εὐπετῶς ἀνᾴσσων;
110

Χορός

φιλόφρων γὰρ παρασαίνει

βροτὸν εἰς ἄρκυας Ἄτα,

τόθεν οὐκ ἔστιν ὕπερθέν

νιν ἄνατον ἐξαλύξαι.

Χορός

ταῦτά μοι μελαγχίτων
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φρὴν ἀμύσσεται φόβῳ,

ὀᾶ, Περσικοῦ στρατεύματος

τοῦδε, μὴ πόλις πύθη-

ται κένανδρον μέγʼ ἄστυ Σουσίδος,

Χορός

καὶ τὸ Κισσίων πόλισμʼ
120

ἀντίδουπον ᾄσεται,

ὀᾶ, τοῦτʼ ἔπος γυναικοπλη-

θὴς ὅμιλος ἀπύων,

βυσσίνοις δʼ ἐν πέπλοις πέσῃ λακίς.
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Chorus

The fiery lord of populous Asia

is leading his wondrous warrior-flock against the whole earth in two divisions, on foot and by the sea, putting his trust in his stalwart and stern commanders; he himself,
75

a god-like hero whose race is sprung from gold.¹
80

Chorus

With eyes flashing with the dark glare of a deadly dragon, attended by soldiers and mariners in great numbers, and speeding his Syrian chariot,

he leads against a people renowned for the spear a warlike host of archers.
85

Chorus

And there is no man skilled to withstand the mighty stream of men, and with strong barriers keep out the sea’s invincible surge;

for Persia ’s host cannot be withstood, and her men are courageous.
90

Chorus

For by the will of the gods Fate has held sway

since ancient time, and has ordained for the Persians the pursuit of rampart-destroying war, the turmoil of fighting horsemen, and the storming of cities.
95

Chorus

And they have learned to look upon the precinct of the deep when the broad-wayed sea whitens to foam beneath the tempest’s blast, trusting in their finely wrought
100

cables and their devices which give passage to their army.
105

Chorus

Yet the insidious guile of god—what mortal man can escape it? Who with agile foot can lightly overleap

and escape its toils?
110

Chorus

For Delusion, with her fair appearance, lures men astray into her snares, from which it is not possible to escape without meeting with disaster.

Chorus

Therefore my heart is wrapped in gloom and is racked with fear for the Persian army lest the state learn that the mighty capital of Susa is empty of men.
115

Chorus

Fearful I am too that as bands of women cry aloud woe, the Cissian stronghold will raise a resounding shout responsive to the beating of breasts,
120

and that there will be a tearing of fine linen robes.
125

Chorus

And marriage-beds are filled with tears through longing for husbands;

each Persian woman has sent to the field her warlike and fiery consort, and now in grief and longing for her beloved lord, is left forsaken by her mate.
135

Chorus

O Queen, most exalted of Persia ’s deep-girdled women, venerable mother of Xerxes, wife of Darius, all hail! You were the consort of the Persian’s god, and of another god the mother, that is, unless its former good fortune has now forsaken our host.
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LE CHŒUR

Qui serait donc capable de tenir tête à ce large flux humain ? Autant vouloir, par de puissantes digues, contenir
l'invincible houle des mers ! Irrésistible est l'armée de la Perse et son peuple au cœur vaillant.

What ſhall withſtand the torrent of his ſway,

When dreadful o'er the yielding ſhores

Th' impetuous tide of battle roars,

And ſweeps the weak-oppoſing mounds away?
100

So Perſia with reſiſtleſs might

Rolls her unnumber'd hoſts of heroes to the fight.

Inacceffus enim est Perſarum

Exercitus, fortis populus.

Can any make head and resist him, when he comes with the roll of a wave?

No barrier nor phalanx of might, no chief, be he ever so brave!

For stern is the onset of Persia, and gallant her children in fight.

Es vermag Keiner zu steh'n wider den stolzflutenden Heerstrom,

Und ein Bollwerk vor die unzwingbare Meerwoge zu thürmen.

Denn unnahbar in der Schlacht steht,
85

Ungebeugt das Volk der Perser.

Nachgesang.