ATOSSA.
The froward Xerxes, leaving all our realm to disarray.
GHOST OF DARIUS.
Was it with army or with fleet on folly’s quest he went?
ATOSSA.
With both alike, a twofold front of double armament.
GHOST OF DARIUS.
And how then did so large a host on foot pass o’er the sea?
ATOSSA.
He bridged the ford of Helle’s strait by artful carpentry.
GHOST OF DARIUS.
How? could his craft avail to span the torrent of that tide?
ATOSSA.
’Tis sooth I say—some unknown power did fatal help provide!
GHOST OF DARIUS.
Alas, that power in malice came, to his bewilderment!
ATOSSA.
Alas, we see the end of all, the ruin on us sent.
GHOST OF DARIUS.
Speak, tell me how they fared therein, that thus ye mourn and weep?