The Persian Version

Truth-loving Persians do not dwell upon
The trivial skirmish fought near Marathon.
As for the Greek theatrical tradition
Which represents that summer's expedition
Not as a mere reconnaisance in force
By three brigades of foot and one of horse
(Their left flank covered by some obsolete
Light craft detached from the main Persian fleet)
But as a grandiose, ill-starred attempt
To conquer Greece - they treat it with contempt;
And only incidentally refute
Major Greek claims, by stressing what repute
The Persian monarch and the Persian nation
Won by this salutary demonstration:
Despite a strong defence and adverse weather
All arms combined magnificently together.

 -- Robert Graves

波斯觀點

愛好真理的波斯子民們不會老是惦記

馬拉松附近無關緊要的小戰役；

至於希臘，因自身的戲劇傳統，

重現了當年夏日的征戰：

不僅是一次大規模的探勘──

以步兵三旅及騎兵一團

（左翼幫忙掩護的是幾艘老舊、

駛離了主艦隊的輕舟），

而是一次浮誇又運氣不佳的嘗試──

為併吞希臘。他們蔑視此說，

並不時駁斥

這種希臘式的論調，堅稱有莫大美名

由波斯王室及全體人民

贏得自此不悅的經歷：

無視堅固的防禦及惡劣的天氣，

所有的軍隊、武器壯麗地融為一體。

                                                      ---Trans. Rob Chen

圖："The Calm Sea" by Courbet