The Persians.
239
Darius.
But how could armament so vast on foot pass from the mainland?
Atossa.
O'er Hellè's strait he artful threw a bridge, and so found passage.
Darius.
Thus hath he wrought, and so hemm'd in the Bosphoros' strong current!
Atossa.
So was it, yet some demon-power did haply aid his purpose. 720
Darius.
Alas, some mighty demon came, and hath befool'd his judgment.
Atossa.
True, for the issue clearly shows what evil he accomplished.
Darius.
And what hath been the fate of those o'er whom ye groan, lamenting?
Atossa.
The naval army, worsted, drew the land force to de- struction.
Darius.
So utterly by hostile spear hath the whole army perished?
Atossa.
Ay, emptied of her warriors, moans all the town of Susa.
