Page:Writings of Henry David Thoreau (1906) v5.djvu/381

Rh Kr. For 't is no remedy to bewail this one;

Cherish not vainly troubles which avail naught.

Heph. O much hated handicraft!

Kr. Why hatest it? for in simple truth, for these misfortunes

Which are present now Art's not to blame.

Heph. Yet I would 't had fallen to another's lot.

Kr. All things were done but to rule the gods,

For none is free but Zeus.

Heph. I knew it, and have naught to say against these things.

Kr. Will you not haste, then, to put the bonds about him,

That the Father may not observe you loitering?

Heph. Already at hand the shackles you may see.

Kr. Taking them, about his hands with firm strength

Strike with the hammer, and nail him to the rocks.

Heph. 'T is done, and not in vain this work.

Kr. Strike harder, tighten, nowhere relax,

For he is skillful to find out ways e'en from the impracticable.

Heph. Ay, but this arm is fixed inextricably.

Kr. And this now clasp securely, that

He may learn he is a duller schemer than is Zeus.

Heph. Except him would none justly blame me.

Kr. Now with an adamantine wedge's stubborn fang

Through the breasts nail strongly.

Heph. Alas! alas! Prometheus, I groan for thy afflictions.

Kr. And do you hesitate? for Zeus' enemies

Do you groan? Beware lest one day you yourself will pity.