The Persians
A Historical Cantata
“Why should calamity be full of words?
Windy attorneys to their client woes,
Airy succeeders of intestate joys,
Poor breathing orators of miseries!
Let them have scope; though what they do in part
Help nothing else, yet they do ease the heart.”
Shakespere.
Ὦ θείη Σαλαμὶς. ἀπολεῖς δὲ σὺ τέκνα γυναικῶν.
Delphic Oracle.
Persons
Chorus of Persian Elders.
Atossa, Mother of Xerxes.
Messenger.
Shade of Darius, Father of Xerxes.
Xerxes, King of Persia.
Scene—Before the Palace at Susa. Tomb of Darius in the background.