[25]. The words point to the silver mines of Laureion, which had been worked under Peisistratos, and of which this is the first mention in Greek literature.
[26]. Once more the contrast between the Greek hoplite and the light-armed archers of the invaders is dwelt upon. The next answer of the Chorus dwells upon the deeper contrast, then prominent in the minds of all Athenians, between their democratic freedom and the despotism of Persia. Comp. Herod. v. 78.
[27]. The system of postal communications by means of couriers which Dareios had organised had made their speed in running proverbial (Herod. vii. 97).
[28]. With the characteristic contempt of a Greek for other races, Æschylos makes the Persians speak of themselves throughout as 'barbarians,' 'barbaric.'
[29].
Perhaps— “On planks that floated onward,”
or— “On land and sea far spreading.”
[30]. Possibly Salamis itself, as famed for the doves which were reared there as sacred to Aphrodite, but possibly also one of the smaller islands in the Saronic gulf, which the epithet would be enough to designate for an Athenian audience. The “coasts of the Sileni” in v. 305 are identified by scholiasts with Salamis.
[31]. Perhaps—“And ten of these selected as reserve.”
[32]. As regards the number of the Persian ships, 1000 of average, and 207 of special swiftness. Æschylos agrees with Herodotos, who gives the total of 1207. The latter, however, reckons the Greek ships not at 310, but 378 (vii. 89, viii. 48).