ATOSSA.
Disaster to the army came, through ruin on the deep!
GHOST OF DARIUS.
Is all undone? hath all the folk gone down before the foe?
ATOSSA.
Yea, hark to Susa’s mourning cry for warriors laid low!
GHOST OF DARIUS.
Alas for all our gallant aids, our Persia’s help and pride!
ATOSSA.
Ay! old with young, the Bactrian force hath perished at our side!
GHOST OF DARIUS.
Alas, my son! what gallant youths hath he sent down to death!
ATOSSA.
Alone, or with a scanty guard—for so the rumour saith—
GHOST OF DARIUS.
He came—but how, and to what end? doth aught of hope remain?
ATOSSA.
With joy he reached the bridge that spanned the Hellespontine main.
GHOST OF DARIUS.
How? is he safe, in Persian land? speak soothly, yea or nay!