Page:Miscellanies - With a biographical sketch by Ralph Waldo Emerson and a general index to the writings. -- by Thoreau, Henry David.djvu/325

Rh With hot discharges of insatiable fire-breathing tempest,

Though by the bolt of Zeus burnt to a coal. Pr. Thou art not inexperienced, nor dost want

My counsel; secure thyself as thou know'st how;

And I against the present fortune will bear up,

Until the thought of Zeus may cease from wrath.

Oc. Know'st thou not this, Prometheus, that

Words are healers of distempered wrath?

Pr. If any seasonably soothe the heart,

And swelling passion check not rudely.

Oc. In the consulting and the daring

What harm seest thou existing? Teach me.

Pr. Trouble superfluous, and light-minded folly.

Oc. Be this my ail then, since it is

Most profitable, being wise, not to seem wise.

Pr. This will seem to be my error.

Oc. Plainly homeward thy words remand me.

Pr. Aye, let not grief for me into hostility cast thee.

Oc. To the new occupant of the all-powerful seats?

Pr. Beware lest ever his heart be angered.

Oc. Thy fate, Prometheus, is my teacher.