For Até deludes and allures, till round him the meshes are laid,
For Até deludes and allures, till round him the meshes are laid,
Persians. Aeschylus. Edmund Doidge Anderson Morshead (Translator). . .
Table of Contents
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English (E. D. A. Morshead, 1908) (OCR draft) (English) (Aeschylus, Persians — Morshead translation. Wikisource transcription; speech corresp and card milestones aligned to Smyth perseus-grc2.)
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Editions (7)
Πέρσαι First1KGreek (Aeschyli Tragoediae. Sidgwick, Arthur, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1902.) — 65-158 focus
str.
1
Χορός
πεπέρακεν
1
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
πεπέρακεν
1
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.
ant.
1
Χορός
πολυάνδρου δ᾽ Ἀσίας θούριος ἄρχων
ἐπὶ πᾶσαν χθόνα ποιμα-
νόριον θεῖον ἐλαύνει
75
διχόθεν, πεζονόμον
2
τ᾽ ἔκ
τε θαλάσσας,
ἐχυροῖσι πεποιθὼς
στυφελοῖς ἐφέταις, χρυ-
81
πολυάνδρου δ᾽ Ἀσίας θούριος ἄρχων
ἐπὶ πᾶσαν χθόνα ποιμα-
νόριον θεῖον ἐλαύνει
75
διχόθεν, πεζονόμον
2
τ᾽ ἔκ
τε θαλάσσας,
ἐχυροῖσι πεποιθὼς
στυφελοῖς ἐφέταις, χρυ-
str.
2
Χορός
κυανοῦν
5
δ᾽ ὄμμασι λεύσσων
πολύχειρ καὶ πολυναύτας,
Σύριόν θ᾽ ἅρμα διώκων,
ἐπάγει δουρικλύτοις ἀν-
85
δράσι τοξόδαμνον Ἄρη.
87
κυανοῦν
5
δ᾽ ὄμμασι λεύσσων
πολύχειρ καὶ πολυναύτας,
Σύριόν θ᾽ ἅρμα διώκων,
ἐπάγει δουρικλύτοις ἀν-
85
δράσι τοξόδαμνον Ἄρη.
ant.
2
Χορός
δόκιμος δ᾽ οὔτις ὑποστὰς
μεγάλῳ ῥεύματι φωτῶν
ἐχυροῖς ἕρκεσιν εἴργειν
ἄμαχον κῦμα θαλάσσας:
90
ἀπρόσοιστος γὰρ ὁ Περσᾶν
8
στρατὸς ἀλκίφρων τε λαός.
93
δόκιμος δ᾽ οὔτις ὑποστὰς
μεγάλῳ ῥεύματι φωτῶν
ἐχυροῖς ἕρκεσιν εἴργειν
ἄμαχον κῦμα θαλάσσας:
90
ἀπρόσοιστος γὰρ ὁ Περσᾶν
8
στρατὸς ἀλκίφρων τε λαός.
str.
3
Χορός
δολόμητιν δ᾽ ἀπάταν θεοῦ
τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει;
τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδὶ πήδη-
95
97
δολόμητιν δ᾽ ἀπάταν θεοῦ
τίς ἀνὴρ θνατὸς ἀλύξει;
τίς ὁ κραιπνῷ ποδὶ πήδη-
95
ant.
4
Χορός
φιλόφρων γὰρ παρασαίνει
12
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
φιλόφρων γὰρ παρασαίνει
12
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.
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
ἔμαθον δ᾽
15
εὐρυπόροι-
ο θαλάσσας πολιαι-
νομένας πνεύματι λάβρῳ
110
ἐσορᾶν πόντιον ἄλσος,
πίσυνοι λεπτοδόμοις πεί-
σμασι λα-
οπόροις τε μαχαναῖς.
str.
5
Χορός
ταῦτά μοι
16
μελαγχίτων
115
φρὴν ἀμύσσεται φόβῳ,
ὀᾶ, Περσικοῦ στρατεύματος
τοῦδε, μὴ πόλις
17
πύθη-
ται κένανδρον μέγ᾽ ἄστυ Σουσίδος,
120
ταῦτά μοι
16
μελαγχίτων
115
φρὴν ἀμύσσεται φόβῳ,
ὀᾶ, Περσικοῦ στρατεύματος
τοῦδε, μὴ πόλις
17
πύθη-
ται κένανδρον μέγ᾽ ἄστυ Σουσίδος,
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
καὶ τὸ Κισσίων πόλισμ᾽
120
ἀντίδουπον ᾄσεται,
18
ὀᾶ, τοῦτ᾽ ἔπος γυναικοπλη-
θὴς ὅμιλος ἀπύων,
βυσσίνοις δ᾽ ἐν πέπλοις πέσῃ λακίς.
19
125
str.
6
Χορός
πᾶς γὰρ ἱππηλάτας
καὶ πεδοστιβὴς λεὼς
σμῆνος ὣς ἐκλέλοιπεν μελισ-
σᾶν
20
σὺν ὀρχάμῳ στρατοῦ,
τὸν ἀμφίζευκτον ἐξαμείψας
130
ἀμφοτέρας ἅλιον
πρῶνα κοινὸν αἴας.
133
πᾶς γὰρ ἱππηλάτας
καὶ πεδοστιβὴς λεὼς
σμῆνος ὣς ἐκλέλοιπεν μελισ-
σᾶν
20
σὺν ὀρχάμῳ στρατοῦ,
τὸν ἀμφίζευκτον ἐξαμείψας
130
ἀμφοτέρας ἅλιον
πρῶνα κοινὸν αἴας.
ant.
6
Χορός
λέκτρα δ᾽ ἀνδρῶν πόθῳ
21
πίμπλαται δακρύμασιν:
Περσίδες δ᾽ ἁβροπενθεῖς
22
ἑκά-
135
στα
23
πόθῳ φιλάνορι
τὸν αἰχμάεντα θοῦρον εὐνα-
τῆρ᾽ ἀποπεμψαμένα
24
λείπεται μονόζυξ.
140
λέκτρα δ᾽ ἀνδρῶν πόθῳ
21
πίμπλαται δακρύμασιν:
Περσίδες δ᾽ ἁβροπενθεῖς
22
ἑκά-
135
στα
23
πόθῳ φιλάνορι
τὸν αἰχμάεντα θοῦρον εὐνα-
τῆρ᾽ ἀποπεμψαμένα
24
λείπεται μονόζυξ.
Χορός
ἀλλ᾽ ἄγε, Πέρσαι, τόδ᾽ ἐνεζόμενοι
140
στέγος
25
ἀρχαῖον,
φροντίδα κεδνὴν καὶ βαθύβουλον
θώμεθα, χρεία δὲ προσήκει,
πῶς ἄρα
26
πράσσει Ξέρξης βασιλεὺς
Δαρειογενής,
145
τὸ πατρωνύμιον γένος ἡμέτερον:
πότερον τόξου ῥῦμα τὸ νικῶν,
ἢ δορικράνου
27
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
ἀλλ᾽ ἄγε, Πέρσαι, τόδ᾽ ἐνεζόμενοι
140
στέγος
25
ἀρχαῖον,
φροντίδα κεδνὴν καὶ βαθύβουλον
θώμεθα, χρεία δὲ προσήκει,
πῶς ἄρα
26
πράσσει Ξέρξης βασιλεὺς
Δαρειογενής,
145
τὸ πατρωνύμιον γένος ἡμέτερον:
πότερον τόξου ῥῦμα τὸ νικῶν,
ἢ δορικράνου
27
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.
Χορός
ὦ βαθυζώνων ἄνασσα Περσίδων ὑπερτάτη,
155
μῆτερ ἡ Ξέρξου γεραιά, χαῖρε, Δαρείου γύναι:
θεοῦ μὲν εὐνάτειρα
29
Περσῶν, θεοῦ δὲ καὶ μήτηρ ἔφυς,
εἴ τι μὴ δαίμων παλαιὸς νῦν μεθέστηκε στρατῷ.
159
ὦ βαθυζώνων ἄνασσα Περσίδων ὑπερτάτη,
155
μῆτερ ἡ Ξέρξου γεραιά, χαῖρε, Δαρείου γύναι:
θεοῦ μὲν εὐνάτειρα
29
Περσῶν, θεοῦ δὲ καὶ μήτηρ ἔφυς,
εἴ τι μὴ δαίμων παλαιὸς νῦν μεθέστηκε στρατῷ.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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,
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
καὶ τὸ Κισσίων πόλισμʼ
120
ἀντίδουπον ᾄσεται,
ὀᾶ, τοῦτʼ ἔπος γυναικοπλη-
θὴς ὅμιλος ἀπύων,
βυσσίνοις δʼ ἐν πέπλοις πέσῃ λακίς.
125
Χορός
πᾶς γὰρ ἱππηλάτας
καὶ πεδοστιβὴς λεὼς
σμῆνος ὣς ἐκλέλοιπεν μελισ-
σᾶν σὺν ὀρχάμῳ στρατοῦ,
τὸν ἀμφίζευκτον ἐξαμείψας
130
ἀμφοτέρας ἅλιον
πρῶνα κοινὸν αἴας.
πᾶς γὰρ ἱππηλάτας
καὶ πεδοστιβὴς λεὼς
σμῆνος ὣς ἐκλέλοιπεν μελισ-
σᾶν σὺν ὀρχάμῳ στρατοῦ,
τὸν ἀμφίζευκτον ἐξαμείψας
130
ἀμφοτέρας ἅλιον
πρῶνα κοινὸν αἴας.
Χορός
λέκτρα δʼ ἀνδρῶν πόθῳ
πίμπλαται δακρύμασιν·
Περσίδες δʼ ἁβροπενθεῖς ἑκά-
135
στα πόθῳ φιλάνορι
τὸν αἰχμάεντα θοῦρον εὐνα-
τῆρʼ ἀποπεμψαμένα
λείπεται μονόζυξ.
λέκτρα δʼ ἀνδρῶν πόθῳ
πίμπλαται δακρύμασιν·
Περσίδες δʼ ἁβροπενθεῖς ἑκά-
135
στα πόθῳ φιλάνορι
τὸν αἰχμάεντα θοῦρον εὐνα-
τῆρʼ ἀποπεμψαμένα
λείπεται μονόζυξ.
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.
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.
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.
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.) — 111 focus
Πέρσαι (OCR draft) Experimental (Πέρσαι. Gottfried Hermann, 1852.) — 111 focus
ΠΕΡΣΑΙ (OCR draft) Experimental (ΠΕΡΣΑΙ. Paul Mazon, 1920-1925.) — 111 focus
Πέρσαι (OCR draft) Experimental (Πέρσαι. N. Wecklein, 1885.) — 111 focus
φιλόφρων γὰρ σαίνου-
σα τὸ πρῶτον παράγει
βροτὸν εἰς ἄρκυας ἄτας,
100
τόθεν οὐκ ἔστιν ὑπὲρ θνα-
τὸν ἀλύξαντα φυγείν.
4
Aeschyli Persae (OCR draft) Experimental (Aeschyli Persae. Ulrich von Wilamowitz-Moellendorff, 1914.) — 111 focus
φιλόφρων γὰρ (παρα)σαίνου-
σα τὸ πρῶτον παράγει
βροτὸν εἰς ἄρκυας ἄτα,
τόθεν οὐκ ἔστιν ὑπέκ θνα-
100
τὸν ἀλύξαντα φυγεῖν. –
Translations (8)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.) — 111 focus
For fawning on him at first with kindly disposition it lures a man on within the densest toils, whence it is not possible for mortal to struggle out and make his escape.
LES PERSES (OCR draft) Experimental (LES PERSES. Paul Mazon, 1920-1925.) — 111 focus
The Persians (OCR draft) Experimental (The Persians. Robert Potter, 1779.) — 111 focus
Gentle at firſt with flatt'ring ſmiles
She ſpreads her ſoft enchanting wiles,
So to her toils allures her deſtin'd prey,
Whence man ne'er breaks unhurt away.
110
So to her toils allures her deſtin'd prey,
Whence man ne'er breaks unhurt away.
110
Eschilo, I Persiani: traduzione italiana di Ettore Romagnoli (OCR draft) Experimental (Eschilo, I Persiani: traduzione italiana di Ettore Romagnoli. Ettore Romagnoli, 1922.) — 111 focus
Con benevola parvenza Ate gli efimeri
ne le reti attira e adesca.
Né veruno evvi fra gli uomini
105
che a fuggir quindi riesca.
3
3
5
CORO
Ché la Parca sovra noi dai prischi secoli
per volere dei Celesti ebbe dominio,
ed impose che i Persiani prevalessero
a espugnar torri, negli impeti
110
turbinosi dei cavalli,
a fiaccar muniti valli.
3
Ché la Parca sovra noi dai prischi secoli
per volere dei Celesti ebbe dominio,
ed impose che i Persiani prevalessero
a espugnar torri, negli impeti
110
turbinosi dei cavalli,
a fiaccar muniti valli.
CORO
Indi appresero a mirar con ciglio impavido
la gran selva dei marosi farsi candida
sotto raffiche rapaci; e s'avventurano
115
su gli ordigni ben costrutti
onde l'uom valica i flutti.
5
Indi appresero a mirar con ciglio impavido
la gran selva dei marosi farsi candida
sotto raffiche rapaci; e s'avventurano
115
su gli ordigni ben costrutti
onde l'uom valica i flutti.
CORO
Aeschylus, Persae: versio Latina Ioannis Sanravii (OCR draft) Experimental (Aeschylus, Persae: versio Latina Ioannis Sanravii. Ioannes Sanravius, 1555.) — 111 focus
Vacuam effe uiris urbem magnam ſubſidis.
Et Cißinum oppidum obstrepens erit.
Heu caterua plena mulierum uociferantium,
In byßinos peplos cadet ruptura.
Heu caterua plena mulierum uociferantium,
In byßinos peplos cadet ruptura.
The Persians (OCR draft) Experimental (The Persians. Anna Swanwick, 1886.) — 111 focus
XERXES
STROPHE III.
Ah me! Alas! Woe! Woe!
They saw the city hoar,
Athenè’s hated wall,
And with convulsive struggle, one and all,
Poor wretches, were laid gasping on the shore.
STROPHE III.
Ah me! Alas! Woe! Woe!
They saw the city hoar,
Athenè’s hated wall,
And with convulsive struggle, one and all,
Poor wretches, were laid gasping on the shore.
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.) — 111 focus
Denn so huldreich sie zuerst auch ihm geliebkost,
1
Sie verlockt in die Schlingen des Fanggarns,
90
Und es mag Keiner daraus, den es umstrickt, wieder entflieh'n.
Dritte Strophe.
Denn so huldreich sie zuerst auch ihm geliebkost,
1
Sie verlockt in die Schlingen des Fanggarns,
90
Und es mag Keiner daraus, den es umstrickt, wieder entflieh'n.
Commentary
Critical apparatus to The Persians (OCR draft) (Latin and Greek critical apparatus to Gottfried Hermann's 1852 edition of The Persians.) focus
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
α litterae usque ad praegressum
ς 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
93-101.
mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg002-teuffel-wecklein1886-com-ger1-16
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.