Behind them follows a throng of luxurious Lydians and those1 who hold in subjection all the people of the mainland, whom Metrogathes and brave Arcteus, their regal commanders, [45] and Sardis rich in gold sent forth, riding in many a chariot, in ranks with three and four steeds abreast, a spectacle terrible to behold. They too who live by sacred Tmolus pledge themselves [50] to cast the yoke of slavery upon HellasMardon, Tharybis, anvils of the lance, and the Mysians, hurlers of the javelin. Babylon, also, teeming with gold, sends a mixed host arrayed in a long line, both mariners borne in galleys [55] and those who rely on their skill in archery. The nation too which wears the sabre follows from every part of Asia in the fearful procession of the King.
Such are the warriors, the flower of the Persian land, [60] who have departed, and in fierce longing for them the whole land of Asia, their foster-nurse, laments, while parents and wives, as they count the days, shudder at the lengthening delay.
