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CHORUS

To look upon thee awes me;
690

To speak before thee awes me:

By ancient fear subdued.

Persians. Aeschylus. Anna Swanwick (Translator). London. 1886.

Current edition Experimental

The Persians (OCR draft) (English) (The Persians. Anna Swanwick, 1886.)

Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.

Editions (7)

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.) — 65 focus

πεπέρακεν μὲν ὁ περσέπτολις ἤδη

βασίλειος στρατὸς εἰς ἀντίπορον γείτονα χώραν,

λινοδέσμῳ σχεδίᾳ πορθμὸν ἀμείψας

Ἀθαμαντίδος Ἕλλας,

πολύγομφον ὅδισμα ζυγὸν ἀμφιβαλεῖν αὐχένι

πόντου.

Πέρσαι (OCR draft) Experimental (Πέρσαι. Gottfried Hermann, 1852.) — 65 focus

πεπέρακεν μὲν ὁ περσέ-

πτολις ἤδη βασίλειος

στρατὸς εἰς ἀντίπορον γεί-

τονα χώραν, λινοδέσμῳ

σχεδίᾳ πορθμὸν ἀμείψας

Αθαμαντίδος Ἕλλας,

πολύγομφον ὅδισμα,

ζυγὸν ἀμφιβαλὼν αὐχένι πόντου.

ΠΕΡΣΑΙ (OCR draft) Experimental (ΠΕΡΣΑΙ. Paul Mazon, 1920-1925.) — 65 focus

Πεπέρακεν πεπέρακε μὲν ὁ περσέπτολις ἤδη
65
Str. 1.

βασίλειος στρατὸς εἰς ἀντίπορον γεί-

τονα χώραν, λινοδέσμῳ σχεδίᾳ πορθ-

μὸν ἀμείψας Ἀθαμαντίδος Ἕλλας,

πολύγομφον ὅδισμα ζυγὸν ἀμ-

φιβαλὼν αὐχένι πόντου·
70

Πέρσαι (OCR draft) Experimental (Πέρσαι. N. Wecklein, 1885.) — 65 focus

πεπέρακεν μὲν ὁ περσέπτολις ἤδη

βασίλειος στρατὸς εἰς ἀν-

τίπορον γείτονα χώραν,

λινοδέσμῳ σχεδίᾳ πορ-

θμὸν ἀμείψας

Ἀθαμαντίδος Ἕλλας,

πολύγομφον ὅδισμα

ζυγὸν ἀμφιβαλὼν αὐχένι πόντου.

Aeschyli Persae (OCR draft) Experimental (Aeschyli Persae. Ulrich von Wilamowitz-Moellendorff, 1914.) — 65 focus

πεπέρακεν μὲν ὁ περσέπτολις ἤδη
65

βασίλειος στρατὸς εἰς ἀν-

Numeri: carmen constat e duabus partibus, ionica, cuius tres sunt strophae cum epodo, et trochaica duarum stropharum. ionica a minore (17); metra 11. 13. 15. decurtata. $65-72=73-80$ periodus

Testim.:

Schol. 65 κωμωιδεῖ Εὔπολις Μαρικᾶι· πεπ. μ. δ. π. ἤ. Μαρικᾶς.

Apparatus Criticus

Μητρογαθής μιτρογ. μιτραγ. μητραγ. μιστρογ. βασιλῆς βασιλῆς -λῆες -λεῖς δίοποι δίοποι δίοπτοι¹ καὶ² τρίρρυμα τίρρυμα στεῦται στεῦται στεῦνται δούλιον δούλειον Μάρδων μάργων θάρυβις θάρβις θάρυμις λόγχης λόγχαις πάμμεικτον πάμμικτον σύρδην σύδην μαχαιροφόρον μαχαιροφόνον αἴας αΐης γαίης γαίας οὓς πέρι οὔσπερ μαλερῶι μαλερῶς ἡμερολεγδὸn ἡμερόλεγδον³ μὲn ... ἤδη om

ΧΟ.

τίπορον γείτονα χώραν,

λινοδέσμωι σχεδίαι πορθμὸν ἀμείψας

᾿Αθαμαντίδος Ἕλλας,

πολύγομφον ὅδισμα
70

Ζυγὸν ἀμφιβαλὼν αὐχένι πόντου.

πολυάνδρου δ᾽

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

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.) — 65 focus

The royal armament that makes havoc of cities, hath some time since passed over to the adjoining opposite region, having crossed the frith of Helle daughter of Athamas , on a cable-fastened raft, after flinging a many-rivetted causeway by way of yoke over the neck of Ocean.

LES PERSES (OCR draft) Experimental (LES PERSES. Paul Mazon, 1920-1925.) — 65 focus

doute, elle a atteint déjà, la royale armée dévastatrice, le rivage adverse du continent voisin et, sur sa passerelle aux câbles de lin, franchi le détroit d'Hellé
l'Athamantide ¹, en jetant sa route

The Persians (OCR draft) Experimental (The Persians. Robert Potter, 1779.) — 65 focus

the light lance

The Myſians ſhake. A mingled multitude

Swept from her wide dominions, ſkill'd to draw

Th' unerring bow, in ſhips Euphrates ſends

From golden Babylon.

With falchions arm'd

From all th' extent of Aſia move the hoſts
65

Obedient to their monarch's ſtern command.

Thus march'd the flow'r of Perſia, whoſe lov'd

youth

The world of Aſia nouriſh'd, and with ſighs

Laments their abſence;
70

Eschilo, I Persiani: traduzione italiana di Ettore Romagnoli (OCR draft) Experimental (Eschilo, I Persiani: traduzione italiana di Ettore Romagnoli. Ettore Romagnoli, 1922.) — 65 focus

A sterminio di città mosse l'esercito

del Gran Re, la terra invase che finitima

surge contro il suolo d'Asia:

su compagini di tronchi, su compagini di canapi,

superò d'Elle Atamàntide il tragitto,

poi che un giogo, un ponte tutto irto di cunei

del mar sopra la cervice ebbe confitto.

CORO

Aeschylus, Persae: versio Latina Ioannis Sanravii (OCR draft) Experimental (Aeschylus, Persae: versio Latina Ioannis Sanravii. Ioannes Sanravius, 1555.) — 65 focus

Pertranſiuit iam urbium euerfor

Regius exercitus in contraria

Vicinam regionem, funibus uinta,

Rate fretum traijciens
65

Athamatidis Helles, multis clauis adaptatum ſuſtenaculum

Iugum inijciens ceruice ponti.

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.) — 65 focus

Ere now they have passed o'er the sea, the manifold host of the king—

They have gone forth to sack and to burn; ashore on the Westland they spring!

With cordage and rope they have bridged the sea-way of Helle, to pass

O'er the strait that is named by thy name, O daughter of Athamas!
80

They have anchored their ships in the current, they have bridled the neck of the sea—

The Shepherd and Lord of the East hath bidden a roadway to be!

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.) — 65 focus

In die jenseitigen nachbarlichen Gau'n brachen die burg-

ftürmenden Heerschaaren des Großkönigs hindurch schon

In dem wohlfugenden Boot über den Sund der

Athamantischen Helle:
70

Um den Nacken der See

Schlang sich das Joch, schlang sich der dichtbalkige Heerpfad.

Erste Gegenstrophe.

Commentary

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

690. mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg002-hermann1852-appcrit-lat1-566

χοὶ:

9' of

Par. L.

690

690. mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg002-hermann1852-appcrit-lat1-567

κατὰ χθονὸς:

καταχθόνιοι

Ven. A. Ald.

690

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

686-693. mvp-aeschylus-tlg0085-tlg002-teuffel-wecklein1886-com-ger1-101

ὀρθιάζ. (389), Ag. 29. 1120. Cho. 271. Zu den all- gemeinen Schwierigkeiten kommt noch die besondere, in der Natur der Beherrscher liegende, hinzu. ἄλλως τε πάντως Prom. 636. Eum. 726. Plat. Apol. p. 35 D: ἄλλως τε μέντοι νὴ Δία πάντως καὶ ἀσεβείας φεύγοντα. Die selbständige Wen- dung nach ἄλλως τε καί ist selten. Auctoritate mea perfeci ut veni- rem, vgl. Xen. Hell. VIII 1,42: ἐνδυναστεύει ὁ Ἐπαμεινώνδας ώστε μὴ φυγαδεῦσαι τοὺς κρατίστους. — τάχυνε, vgl. 697 ff. Propert. V 7, 91 luce iubent leges Lethaea ad stagna reverti.

Aeschylus Persians 58

Anna Swanwick (Translator)

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

CHORUS

To look upon thee awes me;
690

To speak before thee awes me:

By ancient fear subdued.

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

πεπέρακεν μὲν ὁ περσέπτολις ἤδη
65

βασίλειος στρατὸς εἰς ἀν-

Testim.:

Apparatus Criticus

ΧΟ.

τίπορον γείτονα χώραν,

λινοδέσμωι σχεδίαι πορθμὸν ἀμείψας

᾿Αθαμαντίδος Ἕλλας,

πολύγομφον ὅδισμα
70

Ζυγὸν ἀμφιβαλὼν αὐχένι πόντου.

πολυάνδρου δ᾽

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

With falchions arm'd

From all th' extent of Aſia move the hoſts
65

Obedient to their monarch's ſtern command.

Thus march'd the flow'r of Perſia, whoſe lov'd

youth

The world of Aſia nouriſh'd, and with ſighs

Laments their abſence;
70

CORO

Rate fretum traijciens
65

Athamatidis Helles, multis clauis adaptatum ſuſtenaculum

Iugum inijciens ceruice ponti.

In die jenseitigen nachbarlichen Gau'n brachen die burg-

ftürmenden Heerschaaren des Großkönigs hindurch schon

In dem wohlfugenden Boot über den Sund der

Athamantischen Helle:
70

Um den Nacken der See

Schlang sich das Joch, schlang sich der dichtbalkige Heerpfad.

Erste Gegenstrophe.

Commentary

Stable identifiers

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

CHORUS To look upon thee awes me; 690 To speak before thee awes me: By ancient fear subdued.

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

πεπέρακεν μὲν ὁ περσέπτολις ἤδη 65 βασίλειος στρατὸς εἰς ἀν-

Testim.:

Apparatus Criticus

ΧΟ. τίπορον γείτονα χώραν, λινοδέσμωι σχεδίαι πορθμὸν ἀμείψας ᾿Αθαμαντίδος Ἕλλας, πολύγομφον ὅδισμα 70 Ζυγὸν ἀμφιβαλὼν αὐχένι πόντου. πολυάνδρου δ᾽

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

With falchions arm'd From all th' extent of Aſia move the hoſts 65 Obedient to their monarch's ſtern command. Thus march'd the flow'r of Perſia, whoſe lov'd youth The world of Aſia nouriſh'd, and with ſighs Laments their abſence; 70

CORO

Rate fretum traijciens 65 Athamatidis Helles, multis clauis adaptatum ſuſtenaculum Iugum inijciens ceruice ponti.

In die jenseitigen nachbarlichen Gau'n brachen die burg- ftürmenden Heerschaaren des Großkönigs hindurch schon In dem wohlfugenden Boot über den Sund der Athamantischen Helle: 70 Um den Nacken der See Schlang sich das Joch, schlang sich der dichtbalkige Heerpfad. Erste Gegenstrophe.

Commentary

Stable identifiers

CHORUS

To look upon thee awes me;
690

To speak before thee awes me:

By ancient fear subdued.

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

πεπέρακεν μὲν ὁ περσέπτολις ἤδη
65

βασίλειος στρατὸς εἰς ἀν-

ΧΟ.

τίπορον γείτονα χώραν,

λινοδέσμωι σχεδίαι πορθμὸν ἀμείψας

᾿Αθαμαντίδος Ἕλλας,

πολύγομφον ὅδισμα
70

Ζυγὸν ἀμφιβαλὼν αὐχένι πόντου.

πολυάνδρου δ᾽

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

With falchions arm'd

From all th' extent of Aſia move the hoſts
65

Obedient to their monarch's ſtern command.

Thus march'd the flow'r of Perſia, whoſe lov'd

youth

The world of Aſia nouriſh'd, and with ſighs

Laments their abſence;
70

Rate fretum traijciens
65

Athamatidis Helles, multis clauis adaptatum ſuſtenaculum

Iugum inijciens ceruice ponti.

In die jenseitigen nachbarlichen Gau'n brachen die burg-

ftürmenden Heerschaaren des Großkönigs hindurch schon

In dem wohlfugenden Boot über den Sund der

Athamantischen Helle:
70

Um den Nacken der See

Schlang sich das Joch, schlang sich der dichtbalkige Heerpfad.

Erste Gegenstrophe.