67

*

Chorus: Wise he was, wise, who first pondered this truth in
his mind, whose tongue first sounded this utterance profound:
that marriage with one’s own kind is better—far best all
around—and he who labors with his hands should never seek
alliance with the proudly rich, or princely grand.

Never, never, ever, O Fates so reverend, may you see me Zeus’
beloved, and never from above may my bridegroom come
to me; for Io’s loveless love shudders me, as I behold that
virgin harried hard by Hera’s goad and hear her toilings told.
Yet neither do I dread nor scorn to wed with one my equal
born; but may none of the gods on high regard me with a long-
ing eye, resistless fighting it would be—resourceless source
of woe—and what would then become of me I do not know;
I would despair of fleeing from Zeus’ wily snare.
Prometheus: Yet though Zeus’ soul be stormy now it shalt
yieid to humility, for he prepares a marriage match which from
his throne and tyranny witt hurl him headlong into darkness,
and thus the curse will be accomplished which his father
Cronus, falling from his ancient throme had called upon him,
and none of the gods but I can clearly show him how he may
deter destruction coming near; this I know and the means
whereby. So let him sit there stern and trusting to his thunder
sounding high, and let him brandish in his hand the bolts
which breathe forth fire; yet these will not prevent his falling
into ruin and dishonor scathing to think on; for such a rival
he 1s fostering—a wonder yet untold—unconquerable, one
who will discover flame more cogent than the thunderbolt,
a crash exceeding thunder’s roar, the power to rive the three-
pronged spear Poseidon wieids to quiver earth and quake the
seas. Then in this evil fallen, Zeus will ponder over the gulf
dividing slave from lord.

Chorus: You merely speak with your desires.
Prometheus: I speak the truth and my wish bestdes.