Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/158

128 128 AESCHYLUS

Doth shake the shores around it. Ay, and Zeus, Precipitated thus, shall learn at length uoo

The difference betwixt rule and servitude.

Chorus. Thou makest threats for Zeus of thy de- sires.

Prometheus. I tell you all these things shall be fulfilled Even so as I desire them.

Chorus. Must we, then,

Look out for one shall come to master Zeus ? uos

Prometheus. These chains weigh lighter than his sorrows shall.

Chorus. How art thou not afraid to utter such words ?

Prometheus. What should / fear, who cannot die ?

Chorus. But he

Can visit thee with dreader woe than death's.

Prometheus. Why, let him do it ! I am here, pre- pared mo For all things and their pangs.

Chorus. The wise are they

Who reverence Adrasteia.^

Prometheus. Reverence thou,

Adore thou, flatter thou, whomever reigns, Whenever reigning ! But for me, your Zeus Is less than nothing. Let him act and reign ms

His brief hour out according to his will : He will not, therefore, rule the gods too long. But lo ! I see that courier-god of Zeus, That new-made menial of the new-crowned king : He, doubtless, comes to announce to us something new. U2o

1 Adrasteia (Nemesis) humbled the proud. Those reverence her who are humble.