Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/139

109 PROMETHEUS BOUND 109

Chorus. Is Zeus less absolute than these are ?

Promethexis. Yea,

And therefore cannot fly what is ordained. ssa

Chonis. What is ordained for Zeus, except to be A king forever ?

Prometheus. 'T is too early yet For thee to learn it : ask no more.

Chonis. Perhaps

Thy secret may be something holy ?

Prometheus. Turn

To another matter : this, it is not time sm

To speak abroad, but utterly to veil In silence. For by that same secret kept, I 'scape this chain's dishonor, and its woe.

Chorus. First strophe.

Never, oh never.

May Zeus, the all-giver, sss

Wrestle down from his throne

In that might of his own

To antagonize mine !

Nor let me delay

As I bend on my way 600

Toward the gods of the shrine

Where the altar is full

Of the blood of the bull,

Near the tossing brine

Of Ocean my father. 605

May no sin be sped in the word that is said,

But ray vow be rather Consummated, Nor evermore fail, nor evermore pine.^

^ The prayer is suggested by the Titan's snfFerings : — "May I never offend in thought, word, or deed."