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130 130 AESCHYLUS

Prometheus. I would not barter — learn thou soothly that ! — U45

My suffering for thy service. I maintain It is a nobler thing to serve these rocks Than live a faithful slave to father Zeus. Thus upon scorners I retort their scorn.

Hermes. It seems that thou dost glory in thy de- spair.^ U50

Prometheus. I glory ? Would my foes did glory so, And I stood by to see them ! — naming whom, Thou art not unremembered.

Hermes. Dost thou charge

Me also with the blame of thy mischance ?

Prometheus. I tell thee I loathe the universal

gods,^ 1155

Who, for the good I gave them, rendered back The ill of their injustice.

Hermes. Thou art mad.

Thou art raving. Titan, at the fever-height.

Prometheus. If it be madness to abhor my foes, May I be mad !

Hermes. If thou wert prosperous, ueo

Thou wouldst be unendurable.

Prometheus. Alas !

Hermes. Zeus knows not that word.

Prometheus. But maturing Time

Teaches all things.

Hermes. Howbeit, thou hast not learnt

The wisdom yet, thou needest.

Prometheus. If I had,

I should not talk thus with a slave like thee. ii65

1 Better, " in thy sufPerings."

2 Better, " all the gods,"