The Persian Version by Robert Graves

The Persian Version by Robert Graves
波斯版本
波斯之思？波斯本事？波斯若是？
波斯且釋？波斯見識？波斯破飾？
波斯如是說？

Truth-loving Persians do not dwell upon
波斯人重真相才不惦記
The trivial skirmish fought near Marathon.
馬拉松附近的小小戰役
As for the Greek theatrical tradition
希臘人戲劇性向來好勝
Which represents that summer's expedition
竟稱去夏那場所謂遠征
Not as a mere reconnaisance in force
並非波斯派兵刺探敵情
By three brigades of foot and one of horse
步軍三旅外加馬騎一行
(Their left flank covered by some obsolete
(左翼幾艘破船擔任掩護
Light craft detached from the main Persian fleet)
則是主艦派出輕艇任務)
But as a grandiose, ill-starred attempt
卻說成波斯國大舉進犯
To conquer Greece - they treat it with contempt;
又說它出師就註定完蛋　
And only incidentally refute
波斯人聽了只嗤之以鼻
Major Greek claims, by stressing what repute
並順便駁兩句自家道理
The Persian monarch and the Persian nation
它指出經過這有力展現
Won by this salutary demonstration:
波斯王與國都聲名大顯
Despite a strong defence and adverse weather
儘管守軍強悍天候不利
All arms combined magnificently together.
我軍集結耀武好不神氣