Page:The Dramas of Aeschylus (Swanwick).djvu/280

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Now have they learned firm gaze to cast

On the vext sea, what time the blast

Makes hoary its broad-furrowed plain.

Confide they now in naval craft,

Cables fine-wove, device to waft

Armies across the main.

Hence, swartly robed, my heart by fear

Is tortured, lest ere long the State—

Woe for the Persian army! hear

That Susa's mighty fort is desolate.

And Kissia's stronghold shall reply

Beat unto beat on doleful breast,

While crowds of women raise the cry,

Woe! woe! and rend their flaxen-tissued vest.

For all the troops that draw the rein,

And all who tread the dusty plain,

Like swarming bees, with him who led

Their martial host, abroad have sped,

The jutting boat-way crossing o'er,

Sea-washed, and common to each adverse shore.

And yearning love with many a tear

The couch bedeweth, lone and drear;