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106
THE PERSIANS
Xerxes
Ah woe to us, ah joy to them who stood against our pride!
Chorus
And all our strength is minishèd and sundered from our side!
Xerxes
No escort have I!
Chorus
Nay, thy friends are whelmed beneath the tide!
Xerxes
Wail, wail the miserable doom, and to the palace hie!
Chorus
Alas, alas, and woe again!
Xerxes
Shriek, smite the breast, as I!
Chorus
An evil gift, a sad exchange, of tears poured out in vain!
Xerxes
Shrill out your simultaneous wail!
Chorus
Alas the woe and pain!
