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THE PERSIANS
71
Atossa
Is it in skill of bow and shaft that Athens' men excel?
Chorus
Nay, they bear bucklers in the fight, and thrust the spear-point well.
Atossa
And who is shepherd of their host and holds them in command?
Chorus
To no man do they bow as slaves, nor own a master's hand.
Atossa
How should they bide our brunt of war, the East upon the West?
Chorus
That could Darius' valiant horde in days of yore attest!
Atossa
A boding word, to us who bore the men now far away!
Chorus
Nay—as I deem, the very truth will dawn on us to-day.
A Persian by his garb and speed, a courier draws anear—
He bringeth news, of good or ill, for Persia's land to hear.
[Enter a Messenger.
