Happen to men if life be far prolongèd.

Atoss. O thou, who in the fate of fair good fortune

Excelled'st all men, who, while yet thou sawest

The sun's bright rays, did'st lead a life all blessed,

Admired, yea, worshipped as a God by Persians,

Now, too, I count thee blest in that thou died'st

Before thou saw'st the depth of these our evils.

For now, Dareios, thou shalt hear a story

Full, yet in briefest moment. Utter ruin,

To sum up all, is come upon the Persians.