ANTISTROPHE V. Wives bedew with many a tear The couches where the partner dear Hath been, and is not; Persian wives Fret with desire their lives. Far, far, he roams from land to land, Her restless lord with lance in hand; She in unmated grief to moan Is left alone. But come, ye Persian elders all, Let us seat us beside this ancient hall; Wise counsel to-day let us honestly frame, Touching the fate of the kingly one, Race of our race, and name of our name, Darius' godlike son: For much it concerns us to know Whether the winged shaft shot from the bow, Or the strength of the pointed spear hath won. But lo! where she comes, a moving light, {306} Like the eyes of the god so bright, The mother of Xerxes, my queen. Let us fall down before her with humble prostration,[n7] And greet her to-day with a fair salutation, The mother of Xerxes, my queen. [_To_ ATOSSA, _entering_.] Mistress of the low-zoned women, queen of Persia's daughters, hail! Aged mother of King Xerxes, wife of great Darius, hail! Spouse of him who was a god, and of a present god the mother, If the ancient bliss that crowned it hath not left the Persian host. [_Enter_ ATOSSA, _drawn with royal pomp in a chariot._ ATOSSA. Even this hath moved me, leaving these proud golden-garnished halls, And the common sleeping chamber of Darius and myself, Here to come. Sharp fear within me pricks my heart; I will declare All the thoughts that deep perplex me to my friends; the secret fear Lest our pride of ramping riches kick our sober weal in the dust, Scattering wide what wealth Darius gathered, not without a god. Twofold apprehension moves me, when I ponder this old truth; Without men much riches profit little; without wealth the state, Though in numbers much abounding, may not look on joyous light. Riches are a thing not evil; but I tremble for the eye, And the eye I call the presence of the master in the house.[f17] Ye have heard my sorrows; make me sharer of your counsel now, In what matter I shall tell you, ancient, trusty Persian men; For with you my whole of wisdom, all my healthy counsels dwell. CHORUS. Mistress of this land, believe it, never shalt thou ask a kindness, Be it word from us or action, twice, while power shall aid the will; We are willing to advise thee in this matter, what we may. {307}