Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/134

104 104 AESCHYLUS

Since it is profitable that one who is wise Should seem not wise at all.

JPronietheus. And such would seem

My very crime.

Oceanus. In truth thine argument 450

Sends me back home.

Prometheus. Lest any lament for me

Should cast thee down to hate.

Oceanus. The hate of him

Who sits a new king on the absolute throne ?

Prometheus. Beware of him, lest thine heart grieve by him.^

Oceanus. Thy doom, Prometheus, be my teacher !

Prometheus. Go ! 45.5

Depart ! Beware ! And keep the mind thou hast.

Oceanus. Thy words drive after, as I rush before. Lo, my four-footed bird sweeps smooth and wide The fiats of air with balanced pinions, glad To bend his knee ^ at home in the ocean-stall. 46o

[Oceanus departs.

Chorus. First strophe.

I moan thy fate, I moan for thee,

Prometheus ! From my eyes too tender Drop after drop incessantly

The tears of my heart's pity render My cheeks wet from their fountains free ; 465

Because that Zeus, the stern and cold.

Whose law is taken from his breast,

Uplifts his sceptre manifest Over the gods of old.

1 Perhaps more literally, " lest his heart be offended." ^ I. e., rest. Compare verse 36.