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In this way the queen gains some notion of her son's danger, while, by the way, the Greek spear is again contrasted with the Persian arrow, and the Athenian freedom with the despotic rule of Xerxes. Atossa is made to wonder that a free people can resist nations who are driven into battle with whips and goads, in order that the Athenian may be led to reflect that he owes his independence to his free constitution.

But forebodings are now to be converted into actual lamentation. A messenger arrives with cries of "Woe to Persia!" and briefly tells his tale—"The whole barbaric host has fallen."