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Chorus: Then Zeus really have a master?

Prometheus: And burdens heavier than mine.

Chorus: Do you not fear to speak these threats?
Prometheus: What should I fear, who fear not death?
Chorus: He could inflict more painful woes.
Prometheus: Then let him, I await his worst.

Chorus: Wise they are who bow to Fate.

Prometheus: Beseech, cajole and supplicate whoever lords
it over you! But Zeus I care for less than naught. So let him
do his will and wield all power the little time allotted, since
not for long he rules the gods. But over I seem to see that me-
nial of our new king, Zeus’ messenger, who doubtless bears
some news for my enlightening. (Hermes enters above.)
Hermes: I speak to you, the clever and shrewd, whose bit-
terness bites back at you; the rifler of flame—the wrong-
doer—who furnished creatures-of-a-day with gods’ jewel. The
father bids that you reveal the marriage compact, by which,
as you boast so loudly now, he will be tossed from highest
power. Explain, then recapitulate, Prometheus, leave nothing
riddling, do not inflict a double journey on me, for you per-
ceive that Zeus is not remiss with such as you.

Prometheus: A sanctimonious speech it is and swollen up
with impudence, in diction suitable for minions. Young you
are and young your rule and you believe you dwell in grief-
less citadels, but have I not beheld two tyrants thrown from
those? A third one I shall look upon, the present lord, dethron-
ed, flung down, most swift and shamefully, so how could I
ever cringe and cower in fear of these juvenile deities? Not a
bit, not at all! So hasten back the road you trod, for you shall
glean nothing for an your spying.

Hermes: That is the self-same arrogance which anchored
you jn this djstress.

Prometheus: Assure yourself I would not trade my hard
ot for your slavery.