Page:Writings of Henry David Thoreau (1906) v5.djvu/411

Rh

He prepares to make, which from sovereignty

And the throne will cast him down obscure; and Father Kronos'

Curse will then be all fulfilled,

Which falling from the ancient seats he imprecated.

And refuge from such ills none of the gods

But I can show him clearly.

I know these things, and in what manner. Now, therefore,

Being bold, let him sit trusting to lofty

Sounds, and brandishing with both hands his fire-breathing weapon,

For naught will these avail him, not

To fall disgracefully intolerable falls;

Such wrestler does he now prepare,

Himself against himself, a prodigy most hard to be withstood;

Who, indeed, will invent a better flame than lightning,

And a loud sound surpassing thunder;

And shiver the trident, Neptune's weapon,

The marine earth-shaking ail.

Stumbling upon this ill he'll learn

How different to govern and to serve. Ch. Ay, as you hope you vent this against Zeus.

Pr. What will be done, and also what I hope, I say.

Ch. And are we to expect that any will rule Zeus?

Pr. Even than these more grievous ills he'll have.

Ch. How fear'st thou not, hurling such words?

Pr. What should I fear, to whom to die has not been fated?

Ch. But suffering more grievous still than this he may inflict.