Prometheus Bound Thoreau Translation - Aeschylus

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Part one of Prometheus Bound. This is the LibriVox recording.
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All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more
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information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. Recording
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by expatriate in Bangor, Maine. Prometheus Bound by Eschylus, translated
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by Henry David Thereaux eighteen seventeen to eighteen sixty two,
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Part one. Persons of the drama Kratos and Bia or
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Strength and Force, Hephestus or Vulcan Prometheus Chorus of ocean
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Nymphs Oceanus eo daughter of Chus and Hermes Cratos and
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Bia Hephestus and Prometheus Cratos. We are come to the
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far bounding plane of Earth, to the Scythian way, to
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the unapproached solitude. Dude Hephestus orders must have thy attention,
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which the father has enjoined on thee this bold one
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to the high hanging rocks, to bind in indissoluble fetters
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of Adamantine bonds for thy flower. The splendor of fire
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useful in all arts. Stealing he bestowed on mortals, and
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for such a crime tis fit he should give satisfaction
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to the gods that he may learn the tyranny of
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Zeus to love and cease from his man loving ways.
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Hephestus cratus and Bia. Your charge from Zeus already has
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its end, and nothing further in the way. But I
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cannot endure to bind a kindred God by force to
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oblique precipice. Yet absolutely there is necessity that I have
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courage for these things. For it is hard the father's
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words to banish high plotting. Son of the right counseling
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themis unwilling, thee unwilling in brazen fetters, hard to be loosed.
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I am about to nail to this inhuman hill, where
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neither voice you'll hear, nor form of any mortal sea.
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But scorched by the sun's clear flame will change your
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color's bloom, and to you glad the various robe night
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will conceal, the light and sun disperse, the morning frost again,
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and always the burden of the present ill will wear you.
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For he that will relieve you has not yet been born.
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Such fruits you've reaped from your man loving ways. For
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a God not shrinking from the wrath of gods, you
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have bestowed honors on mortals more than just, for which
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this pleasureless rocual sentinel, standing erect sleepless, not bending a knee,
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and many sighs and lamentations to no purpose will you utter?
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For the mind of Zeus is hard to be changed,
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and he is wholly rugged. Who may newly rule Kratos? Well?
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Why dost thou delay and pity in vain? Why not
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hate the god most hostile to gods, who has betrayed
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thy prize to mortals Hephestus. The affinity, indeed is appalling,
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and the familiarity Cratus. I agree, but to disobey the
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father's words? How is it possible? Fear you not this more? Ephestus?
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I you are always without pity and full of confidence, Cratus,
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for'tis no remedy to bewail this one cherish not vainly
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troubles which avail naught Ephestus. Oh much hated handicraft, Cratus,
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Why hateest it? For in simple truth, for these misfortunes
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which are present now arts not to blame Ephestus. Yet
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I would it had fallen to another's lot, Cratus, All
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things were done but to rule the gods. For none
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is free but Zeus. Ephestus, I knew it, and have
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nought to say against these things, Cratus, Well you not
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hate then to put the bonds about him, that the
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father may not observe you loitering. Ephestus already at hand
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the shackles. You may see Kratus taking them about his
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hands with firm strength, strike with a hammer and nail
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him to the rocks. Ephestus tis done, and not in
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vain this work, Kratos. Strike harder, tighten, nowhere relaxed, for
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he is skillful to find out ways, even from the
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impracticable Ephestus. Aye, but this arm is fixed inextricably, Kratos,
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and this now clasps securely that he may learn he
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is a duller schemer than his Zeus. Ephestus except him,
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would none justly blame me. Kratus, Now, with an adamantine
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wedge's stubborn fang through the breasts, nail strongly Hephestus alas
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alas Prometheus. I groan for thy affliction, Cratus. And do
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you hesitate for Zeus's enemies? Do you groan? Beware lest
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one day you yourself will pity Ephestus. You see a
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spectacle hard for eyes to behold, Cratus. I see him
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meeting his deserts around his sides put straps, Ephestus, to
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do this is necessity. Insist not much, Cratus, surely I
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will insist and urge beside, go downward, and the thighs
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surround with force. Hephestus, already it is done the work
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with no long labor. Kratus strongly, now drive the fetters
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through and through, For the critic of the works is difficult, Ephestus,
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like your form, your tongue speaks, Cratus, be thou softened,
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but for my stubbornness of temper and harshness, reproach me
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not Ephestus. Let us withdraw, for he has an about
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his limbs. Cratos, there now insult and the shares of
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God's plundering on Ephemerals. Bestow what thee can. Mortals in
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these ills relieve falsely thee. The divinities Prometheus call for
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you yourself need one foreseeing in what manner you will
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escape this fortune. Prometheus alone, O divine Ether, and ye
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swift winged winds, fountains of rivers, and countless smilings of
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the ocean, waves and Earth, mother of all, and thou
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all seeing orb of the Sun. I call, behold me
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what a god I suffer at the hands of gods.
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See by what outrages tormented the myriad yeared time I
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shall endure? Such a new ruler of the blessed has
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contrived for me unseemly bonds alas alas the present and
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the coming woe, I groan wherever of these sufferings must
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an end appear. But what say I I know beforehand
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all exactly what will be? Nor to me strange will
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any evil come the destined fate as easily as possible.
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It behooves to bear knowing necessities is of resistless strength.
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But neither to be silent nor unsilent about this lot
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is possible for me for a gift to Mortal's giving,
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I wretched have been yoked to these necessities within a
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hollow read by stealth, I carry off fires stolen source
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which seemed the teacher of all art to mortals, and
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a great resource for such crimes penalty I pay under
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the sky riveted in chains ah ah alas alas, what echo?
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What odor has flown to me? Obscure of God or
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Mortal or else mingled came it to this terminal hill
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a witness of my sufferings? Or wishing what behold bound me?
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An unhappy God, the enemy of Zeus, fallen under the
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ill will of all the gods, as many as enter
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into the whull of Zeus through too great love of
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mortals alas Alas, What fluttering do I hear? A birds near?
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Where the air rustles with a soft rippling of wings.
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Everything to me is fearful, which creeps this way? Prometheus
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and chorus chorus, fear nothing for friendly This band of wings,
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with swift contention, drew to this hill, hardly persuading the
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paternal mind. The swift carrying breezes sent me where the
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echo of beaten steel pierced the recesses of the caves,
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and struck out from me reserved modesty, and I rushed
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unsandaled in a winged chariot. Prometheus alas Alas alas Alas,
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offspring of the fruitful Tephus, and of him rolling around
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all the earth with sleepless stream, children of father Ocean. Behold,
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look on me by what bonds embraced on this cliff's
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topmost rocks. I shall maintain unenvied watch Chorus, I see Prometheus,
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But to my eyes a fearful mist has come, surcharged
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with tears, looking upon thy body shrunk to the rocks
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by these mischiefs of adamantine bonds. Indeed, new helmsmen rule Olympus,
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and with new laws, Zeus strengthens himself. An nulling the
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old and the before great now makes unknown. Prometheus would
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that under earth and below hades receptacle of dead to
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impassable Tartarus. He had sent me to bonds indissoluble, cruelly
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conducting that neither God nor any other had rejoiced at this.
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But now the sport of winds unhappy one, a source
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of pleasure to my foes. I suffer Chorus, who so
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hard hearted of the gods, to whom these things are pleasant,
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who does not sympathize with thy misfortunes, accepting Zeus, for he,
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in wrath, always fixing his stubborn mind, afflicts the heavenly race.
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Nor will he cease until his heart is sated, or
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with some palm someone may take the power hard to
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be taken Prometheus. Surely, Yet though in strong fetters, I
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am now maltreated, the ruler of the blessed will have
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need of me to show the new conspiracy by which
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he's robbed of scepter and of honors, and not at
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all me with persuasions, honey tongued charms. Will he appease,
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nor ever shrinking from his firm threats, Will I declare
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this till from cruel bonds he may release, and to
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do justice for this outrage be willing chorus. You are bold,
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and to bitter woes, do nothing yield, but too freely speak.
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But my mind piercing fear disturbs, for I'm concerned about
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thy fortunes. Where at length, arriving you may see an
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end to these afflictions. For manners inaccessible and a heart
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hard to be dissuaded, has the son of Cronos Prometheus.
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I know that Zeus is stern in having justice to himself,
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But after all gentle minded he will one day be
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when thus he's crushed, and his stubborn wrath allaying into
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agreement with me, and friendliness earnest to me, earnest he
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at length will come Chorus, the whole account, disclose and
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tell us plainly in what crime taking you? Zeus thus
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disgracefully and bitterly insults inform us if you are no
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wise hurt by the recital Prometheus painful, Indeed, it is
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to me to tell these things, and a pain to
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be silent, and every way unfortunate. When first the divinities
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began their strife and discord among themselves arose, some wishing
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to cast Chronos from his seat, that Zeus might reign forsooth,
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others the contrary, striving that Zeus might never rule the gods.
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Then I the best advising to persuade the Titans, son
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of Uranus and Cathan unable, was but crafty stratagems. Despising
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with rude minds, they thought, without trouble to rule by force,
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but to me, my mother, not once only Themis and Gaia,
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of many names. One form how the future should be accomplished,
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had foretold that not by power nor by strength would
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it be necessary, but by craft the victor should prevail.
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Such I in words expounding, they deign not to regard
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at all the best course. Therefore, of those occurring then
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appeared to be taking my mother to me of my
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own accord, to side with Zeus, glad to receive me,
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And by my counsel's tartarous black pitted depths, conceals the
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ancient Cronos with his allies in such things. By me
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the tyrant of the God, having been helped with base
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rewards like these, repays me. For there is somehow in
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kingship this disease not to trust its friends. What then,
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you ask for what cause he afflicts me? This will
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I now explain. As soon as on his father's throne
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he sat, he straightway to the God's distributes, honors some
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to one and to another sum and arrange the government.
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But of unhappy mortals account had none but blotting out
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the race entire wished to create another new And these
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things none oppose but I. But I adventured. I rescued
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mortals from going destroyed to hades. Therefore, indeed, with such
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afflictions am I bent to suffer, grievous and piteous to behold,
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and holding mortals up to pity myself am not thought
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worthy to obtain it. But without pity am I thus
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corrected a spectacle inglorious to Zeus chorus of iron Heart
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and made of stone. Who e'er Prometheus with thy sufferings
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does not grow? For I should not have wished to
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see these things, And having seen them, I am grieved
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at heart. Prometheus. Indeed, to friends, I'm piteous to behold Chorus,
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did you in no respect go beyond this? Prometheus? True,
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mortals I made cease foreseeing fate Chorus, having found what
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remedy for this? All Prometheus blind hopes in them I
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made to dwell chorus. A great advantage this you gave
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to men. Prometheus. Beside these two I bestowed on them
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fire Chorus, and have mortals flamey fire Prometheus, from which
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indeed they will learn many arts. Chorus upon such charges,
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then does Zeus maltreat you? And nowhere relax from ills?
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Is there no term of suffering lying before thee Prometheus? Nay,
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none at all? But when to him it may seem good? Chorus?
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And how will it seem good? What hope see you?
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Not that you have erred, but how you've erred? For
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me to tell not pleasant, and to you a pain?
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But these things let us omit and seek you some
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release from sufferings. Prometheus, easy, whoever out of trouble, holds
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his foot to admonish and remind those faring ill. But
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all these things I knew, willing, willing, I erred. I'll
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not deny mortals assisting I myself found trouble. Not indeed,
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with penalties like these thought I that I should pine
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on lofty rocks, gaining this drear unnighbored hill. But bewail
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not my present woes, but alighting the fortunes creeping on
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hear ye that ye may learn all to the end.
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Obey me, obey, sympathize with him now suffering. Thus indeed
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affliction wandering round sits now by one, then by another
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chorus not too unwilling ears, do you urge this Promethea?
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And now with light foot the swift rushing seat leaving
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and the pure ether path of birth to this peak ground.
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I come for thy misfortunes. I wish fully to hear
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Prometheus chorus and Oceanus, Oceanus. I come to the end
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of a long way, traveling to thee Prometheus by my will,
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without bits directing this wing swift bird. For at thy
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fortunes know I grieve, and I think affinity thus impels me.
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But apart from birth, there is not to whom a
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higher rank I would assign than THEE. And you will
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know these things as true, and not in vain. To
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flatter with the tongue is in me. Come, therefore, show
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how it is necessary to assist you, for never will
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you say, then, Ocean, there's a firmer friend to thee Prometheus. Alas,
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what now in you then? Of my sufferings? Come spectator?
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How didst thou dare leaving the stream which bears thy name,
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and rock roofed caves self built to the iron mother Earth?
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To go to behold my fate has come, and to
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compassionate my ills. Behold a spectacle, this the friend of Zeus,
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having with him stablished his tyranny with what afflictions by himself.
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I'm bent, Oceanus, I see Prometheus, and would admonish THEE
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the best, although of varied craft, know thyself and fit
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thy manners new, for knew also the king among the gods.
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For if thus rude and wedded words thou wilt hurl
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out quickly, may Zeus, though sitting far above, hear THEE,
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so that thy present wrath of troubles child's play will
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seem to be But o wretched one, dismiss the indignation
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which thou hast, and seek deliverance from these woes. Like
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an old man. Perhaps I seem to THEE to say
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these things such, However, are the wages of the too
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lofty speaking tongue, Prometheus. But thou art not yet humble,
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nor dost yield to ills, and beside the present wish
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to receive others still, But thou wouldst not, with my
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counsel against the pricks, extend your limbs, seeing that a
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stern monarch irresponsible reigns. And now I go and will
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endeavor if I can, to release THEE from these sufferings.
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But be thou quiet, nor too rudely speak, knowst thou
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not well with thy superior wisdom that on a vain
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tongue punishment is inflicted. Prometheus, I congratulate THEE that thou
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art without blame, having shared and dared all with me.
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And now leave off, and let it not concern THEE,
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for altogether thou wilt not persuade him, for he's not
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easily persuaded. But take heed yourself, lest you be injured
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by the way oceanus. Far better thou art to advise
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those nearer than thyself by deed and not by word,
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I judge, but me hastening by no means, may as
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thou detain, for I boast, I boast this favor, will
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Zeus grant me from these sufferings to release thee end
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of part one recording by Expatriot in Bangor, Maine. Part
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two of Prometheus, bound by Eschylus, translated by Henry David
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Thoreau eighteen seventeen to eighteen sixty two. This Librivax recording
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is in the public domain. Recording by Expatriot in Bangor Maine,
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Part two, Prometheus. So far I praise thee and will
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never cease forra zeal you nothing lack but strive, not
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for in vain, not helping me, thou strive. If ought
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to strive, you wish, but be thou quiet, holding thyself
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aloof for I would not, though I'm unfortunate that on
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this account evils should come to many Oceannus, surely not
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for me too. The fortunes of thy brother Atlas grieve,
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who towards the evening places stands the pillar of heaven
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and Earth upon his shoulder's bearing, a loade not easy
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to be borne, and the earth born inhabitant of the
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Silician caves. Seeing I pitied the savage monster with a
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hundred heads by force o'ercome Typhon impetuous, who stood against
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all the gods with frightful jaws hissing out slaughter, and
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from his eyes flashed a Gorgonian light, utterly to destroy
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by force the sovereignty of Zeus. But there came to
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him Zeus's sleepless bolt, descending thunder, breathing flame, which struck
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him out from lofty boastings, for struck to his very heart.
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His strength was scorched and thundered out, And now a
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useless and extended carcass lies he near a narrow passage
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of the sea, pressed down under the roots of Etna,
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and on the topmost summit. Seated Hephestus hammers the ignited mass,
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whence will burst out at length rivers of fire, devouring
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with wild jaws, fair fruited sicilys smooth fields. Such rage
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will Typhon make boil over with hot discharges of insatiable fire,
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breathing tempest. Though by the bolt of Zeus burnt to
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a coal Prometheus, thou art not inexperienced, nor dost want
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my counsel secure thyself, as thou know'st how and I
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against the present fortune, will bear up until the thought
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of Zeus may cease from wrath. Oceanus knowst thou not
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this Prometheus that words are healers of distempered wrath. Prometheus,
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if any seasonably soothe the heart and swelling passion, check
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not rudely, Oceanus, in the consulting, in the daring, what
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harm sees thou existing, teach me Prometheus troubles superfluous and
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light minded folly, Oceanus, be this my ale, then, since
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it is most profitable being wise, not to seem wise, Prometheus,
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this will seem to be my error. Oceanus, plainly homeward
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thy words, remand me Prometheus, I let not grief from
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me into hostility. Cast thee Oceanus to the new occupant
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of the all powerful seats, Prometheus, beware lest ever his
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heart be angered, Oceanus, thy fate, Prometheus is my teacher. Prometheus,
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go thou depart, preserve the present mind, Oceanus to me,
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rushing this word, you utter for the smooth path of
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the air, sweeps with his wings the four legged bird,
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and gladly would in the stalls at home, bend the knee,
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Prometheus and chorus chorus, I mourn for thee thy ruinous
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fate Prometheus, and teared distilling from my tender eyes, A
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stream has wet my cheeks, with flowing springs for these
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unenvied Zeus, by his own laws, enforcing haughty above the gods,
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that word displays his scepter in every region now with
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groans resounds, mourning the illustrious and ancient honor of thee
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and of thy kindred, as many mortals as a habitable
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seat of sacred Asia pasture with thy lamentable woes, have sympathy.
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And of the Colchian land virgin inhabitants in fight undaunted
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in Scythia's multitude, Who the last place of earth about
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Meotis Lake possessed and Arabia's martial flower, And who the
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high hung Citadels of Caucasus inhabit near a hostile army
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raging with sharp proud spears, only one other god before,
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in suffering subdued by injuries of adamantine bonds. I've seen
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Titanian Atlas, who always with superior strength, the huge and
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heavenly globe on his back bears and with a roar
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the sea waves, dashing groans, the deep and the dark
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depth of hades murmurs underneath the earth and fountains of
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pure running rivers. Heave a pitying sigh, Prometheus. Think not
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indeed through weakness or through pride, that I am silent,
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For with the consciousness I gnaw on my heart, seeing
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myself thus basely used. And yet to these new gods
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their shares who else than I wholly distributed. But of
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these things I am silent, for I should tell you
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what you know the sufferings of mortals too. You've heard
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how I made intelligent and possessed of sense them ignorant before.
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But I will speak, not bearing any grudge to men,
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but showing in what I gave the good intention at first. Indeed,
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seeing they saw in vain and hearing heard not, But
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like the forms of dreams. For that long time, rash
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confounded all nor brick woven dwellings knew they placed in
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the sun nor woodwork. But digging down they dwelt like
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puny ants in sunless nooks of caves. And there was
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naught to them, neither of winter sign nor of flower
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giving spring, nor fruitful summer. That was sure. But without
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knowledge did they all till I taught them the risings
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of the stars and goings down hard to determine, and
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numbers chief of inventions I found out for them, and
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the assemblages of letters and memory, muse, mother, doer of
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all things. And first I joined in pairs wild animals
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obedient to the yoke, and that they might be alternate
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workers with the bodies of men. In the severest toils.
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I harnessed the rain loving horses to the car the
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ornament of overwealthy luxury, And none else than I invented
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the sea wandering flaxen winged vehicles of sailors. Such inventions
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I wretched, having found out for men my self have
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not the ingenuity by which from the now present ill
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I may escape. Chorus. You suffer unseemly ill, deranged in mind,
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you err and as some bad physician falling sick, you
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are dejected and cannot find by what remedies you may
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be healed. Prometheus, hearing the rest from me more, will
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you wonder what arts and what expedients I planned that
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which was greatest. If any might fall sick, there was alleviation,
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none neither to eat, nor to anoint nor drink. But
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for the want of medicines, they were reduced to skeletons,
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till to them I showed the mingling of mild remedies,
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by which all ales they drive away, and many modes
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of prophecy. I settled and distinguished first of dreams, what
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a real vision is required to be, and omens hard
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to be determined. I made known to them and tokens
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by the way in flight of crooked talon birds, I
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accurately defined which lucky are and unlucky, and what mode
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of life have each and to one another, what hostilities,
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attachments and assemblings, the entrails smoothness, and what color having
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they would be to the divinities acceptable of the gall
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and liver, the various symmetry, and the limbs concealed in fat,
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and the long flank burning to an art hard to
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be guessed. I showed the way to mortals and flammious
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signs explained before obscure such indeed these and underground concealed
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the helps to men brass, iron, silver, gold, Who would
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affirm that he discovered before me? None, I well know,
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not wishing in vain to boast, but learn all in
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one word, all arts to mortals from Prometheus chorus, assist
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not mortals now unseasonably and neglect yourself unfortunate, For I
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am of good hope that from these bonds released you
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will yet have no less power than Zeus Prometheus. Never
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thus has fate the accomplisher decreed to fulfill these things,
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But by a myriad ills and woes subdued, Thus bonds
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I flee for arts far weaker than necessity Chorus, Who
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then is helmsman of necessity Prometheus? The fates three formed,
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and the remembering furies Chorus? Then these then is Zeus
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weaker Prometheus? I he could not escape what has been
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faded Chorus. But what to Zeus is fated except always
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to rule Prometheus? This thou wilt not learn, seek not
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to know, Chorus. Surely some awful thing it is which
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you withhold, Prometheus, remember other words for this by no
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means is it time to tell, but to be concealed
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as much as possible. For keeping this do I escape
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unseemly bonds and woes Chorus. Never may thee all ruling
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Zeus put into my mind force antagonists to him, Nor
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let me cease drawing near the gods with holy sacrifices
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of slain oxen by father Ocean's ceaseless passage, nor offend
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with words. But in me this remain, and ne'er be
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melted out. Tis something sweet with bold hopes, the long
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life to extend in bright cheerfulness, the cherishing spirit. But
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I shudder thee beholding by a myriad sufferings, tormented for
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not fearing Zeus in thy private mind. Thou dost regard
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mortals too much. Prometheus come, though a thankless favor friend, Say,
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where is any strength from ephemerals? Any help? Saw you? Not?
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The powerless inefficiency dream like in which the blind race
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of mortals are entangled. Never counsels of mortals may transgress
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the harmony of Zeus. I learned these things looking on
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thy destructive faith. Prometheus for different to me? Did this
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strain come? And that which round thy baths and couch?
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I hmmed with the design of marriage when my father
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child with bridal gifts persuading Thou didst lead Hazione the
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partner of thy bed Prometheus chorus and EO, EO, what earth?
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What race? What being? Shall I? Is this? I see
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in bridles of rock exposed by what crimes penalty? Dost
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thou perish? Show to what part of Earth? I miserable
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have wandered? Ah ah alas alas again some fly doth
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sting me wretched image of earth born argus cover it earth.
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I fear the myriad eyed herdsman beholding, for he goes,
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having a treacherous eye, who not e'n dead the earth conceals,
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but me wretched from the infernal's passing. He pursues and drives,
430
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fasting along the seaside sand, while low resounds, a wax
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compacted reed, uttering sleep, giving law alas alas o gods,
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where gods? Where lead me far wandering courses? In what sin, o,
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son of Cronos, in what sin? Ever? Having taken to
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these afflictions, hast thou yoked me alas alas with fly
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driven fear, A wretched, frenzied one. Dost thou afflict with
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fire burn, or with earth cover or to sea monsters?
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Give for food? Nor envy me my prayers. King, Enough
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much wandered wanderings have exercised me. Nor can I learn
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where I shall escape from sufferings. Chorus hear'st thou the
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address of the cow horned virgin Prometheus, And how not
441
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here the fly world virgin daughter of Chus, whom Zeus's
442
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heart warmed with love? And now the courses over long
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by Harry hated forcidly performs, EO, whence utterest thou my
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father's name? Tell me miserable? Who thou art that? To me? O?
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Suffering one me born to suffer? Thus true things dost
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address the gods sent ale Thou's namest, which waste me
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stinging with maddening goads alas alas with foodless and unseemly leaps,
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rushing headlong. I came by wrathful plots, subdued. Who of
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the wretched, who alas Alas suffers like me? But to me?
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Clearly show what me awaits to suffer? What not necessary?
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What remedy of ill? Teach? If indeed thou know'st speak out?
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Tell the ill wandering virgin Prometheus, how clearly tell thee
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all you wish to learn, not weaving in enigmas, but
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in simple speech, as it is just to open the
455
00:32:40.359 --> 00:32:46.759
mouth to friends. Thou seest the giver of fire to men? Prometheus, Eo, oh,
456
00:32:46.799 --> 00:32:50.119
thou who didst appear a common help to mortals? Wretched
457
00:32:50.160 --> 00:32:55.039
Prometheus to atone? For what do you endure this, Prometheus?
458
00:32:55.359 --> 00:33:00.160
I have scarce ceased my sufferings, lamenting EO, would not
459
00:33:00.240 --> 00:33:04.559
grant this favor to me, Prometheus, say what you ask for?
460
00:33:04.680 --> 00:33:08.839
You learn all from me? EO, Say who has bound
461
00:33:08.920 --> 00:33:12.720
THEE to the cliff? Prometheus? The will indeed of Zeus
462
00:33:13.079 --> 00:33:17.640
he festus hand EO, and penalty for what crimes dost
463
00:33:17.680 --> 00:33:23.440
thou pay? Prometheus? Thus much only can I show THEE EO.
464
00:33:23.720 --> 00:33:26.640
But beside this declare what time will be to me
465
00:33:26.839 --> 00:33:31.960
unfortunate the limit of my wandering Prometheus. Not to learn
466
00:33:32.319 --> 00:33:35.359
is better for THEE than to learn these things, EO.
467
00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:41.119
Conceal not from me what I am to suffer. Prometheus. Indeed,
468
00:33:41.519 --> 00:33:45.680
I grudge THEE not this favor, EO. Why then dost
469
00:33:45.680 --> 00:33:50.480
thou delay to tell the whole Prometheus? There's no unwillingness,
470
00:33:50.720 --> 00:33:54.680
but I hesitate to vex thy mind. EO, care not
471
00:33:54.799 --> 00:33:58.839
for me more than is pleasant to me, Prometheus, since
472
00:33:58.839 --> 00:34:04.119
you are earnest, who's to speak here? Then? Chorus? Not
473
00:34:04.319 --> 00:34:07.640
yet indeed, but a share of pleasure also give to me.
474
00:34:08.199 --> 00:34:11.480
First we'll learn the malady of this one herself, relating
475
00:34:11.519 --> 00:34:14.800
her destructive fortunes and the remainder of her trials. Let
476
00:34:14.840 --> 00:34:19.039
her learn from THEE. Prometheus, tis thy part EO to
477
00:34:19.079 --> 00:34:22.000
do THEE a favor as well? For every other reason,
478
00:34:22.320 --> 00:34:25.840
and as they are sisters of thy father. Since to
479
00:34:25.920 --> 00:34:29.440
weep and to lament misfortunes there where one will get
480
00:34:29.480 --> 00:34:32.760
a tear from those attending, is worthy the delay, EO,
481
00:34:33.400 --> 00:34:36.440
I know not that I need distrust you, But in
482
00:34:36.559 --> 00:34:39.400
plain speech you shall learn all that you ask for.
483
00:34:39.920 --> 00:34:43.039
And yet e'en telling I lament the God's scent, tempest
484
00:34:43.400 --> 00:34:46.880
and dissolution of my form. Whence to mean miserable it
485
00:34:46.960 --> 00:34:50.760
came for always visions in the night moving about my
486
00:34:50.960 --> 00:34:56.039
virgin chambers enticed me with smooth words, Oh, greatly happy virgin,
487
00:34:56.440 --> 00:34:59.440
Why be a virgin? Long is permitted to obtain the
488
00:34:59.480 --> 00:35:03.400
greatest marriage for Zeus with love's dart has been warmed
489
00:35:03.440 --> 00:35:07.199
by thee and wishes to unite in love. But do thou,
490
00:35:07.360 --> 00:35:10.800
o child, spurn not the couch of Zeus, but go
491
00:35:10.880 --> 00:35:13.360
out to learn as deep morass in stables of thy
492
00:35:13.400 --> 00:35:16.760
father's herds, that the divine eye may cease from desire.
493
00:35:17.519 --> 00:35:21.440
With such dreams every night was I unfortunate distress till
494
00:35:21.480 --> 00:35:24.400
I dared tell my father of the night wandering visions.
495
00:35:24.920 --> 00:35:28.920
And he to Pitho and Dodana frequent prophet scent, that
496
00:35:28.960 --> 00:35:31.199
he might learn what it was necessary he should say
497
00:35:31.320 --> 00:35:34.960
or do to do agreeably to the gods. And they came,
498
00:35:35.039 --> 00:35:40.559
bringing ambiguous oracles, darkly and indistinctly uttered. But finally a
499
00:35:40.599 --> 00:35:44.119
plain report came to Enochus, clearly in joining him and
500
00:35:44.159 --> 00:35:46.679
telling out of my home and country to expel me
501
00:35:47.400 --> 00:35:50.840
discharged to wander to the earth's last bounds, and if
502
00:35:50.880 --> 00:35:53.719
he was not willing, from Zeus would come a fiery
503
00:35:53.800 --> 00:35:58.239
thunderbolt which would annihilate all his race. Induced by such
504
00:35:58.320 --> 00:36:02.000
predictions of the Loxian, against his will, he drove me
505
00:36:02.079 --> 00:36:05.599
out and shut me from the houses. But Zeus's reign
506
00:36:05.719 --> 00:36:09.639
compelled him by force to do these things. Immediately, my
507
00:36:09.800 --> 00:36:13.159
form and mind were changed and horned, as you behold.
508
00:36:13.320 --> 00:36:17.079
Stung by a sharp mouthed fly, with frantic leaping, rushed
509
00:36:17.119 --> 00:36:21.480
I to Cancrea's palatable stream and Learner's source. But a
510
00:36:21.599 --> 00:36:25.840
herdsman born of earth, a violent temper Argus, accompanied with
511
00:36:26.000 --> 00:36:30.079
numerous eyes my steps observing, But unexpectedly a sudden fate
512
00:36:30.159 --> 00:36:33.960
robbed him of life, and I fly, stung by lash
513
00:36:34.039 --> 00:36:37.480
divine am driven from land to land. You hear what
514
00:36:37.599 --> 00:36:40.280
has been done, and if you have to say, aught,
515
00:36:40.360 --> 00:36:43.920
what's left of labor, speak nor pitying me comfort with
516
00:36:44.079 --> 00:36:46.880
false words for an ill. The worst of all I
517
00:36:46.960 --> 00:36:52.840
say are made up words. Chorus, ah ah enough, alas
518
00:36:53.320 --> 00:36:56.440
ne'er ne'er did I presume such cruel words would reach
519
00:36:56.519 --> 00:37:02.079
my ears? Nor thus unsightly and intolerable hurts, sufferings, fears
520
00:37:02.079 --> 00:37:05.800
with a two edged goad would chill my soul. Alas
521
00:37:05.920 --> 00:37:10.840
alas fate fate, I shudder, seeing the state of Eo
522
00:37:11.079 --> 00:37:16.199
Prometheus beforehand, sighest thou and art full of fears, hold
523
00:37:16.280 --> 00:37:21.079
till the rest also thou learnest chorus Tell teach, for
524
00:37:21.199 --> 00:37:26.559
to the sick tis sweet to know the remaining pain beforehand. Clearly, Prometheus,
525
00:37:26.840 --> 00:37:29.880
your former wish ye got from me with ease. For
526
00:37:30.039 --> 00:37:33.480
first ye ask to learn from her relating her own trials.
527
00:37:33.920 --> 00:37:37.480
The rest now here, what sufferings tis necessary, This young
528
00:37:37.519 --> 00:37:41.960
woman should endure from here. But do thou, offspring of Enochus,
529
00:37:41.960 --> 00:37:44.960
my words cast in thy mind, that thou mayst learn
530
00:37:45.000 --> 00:37:48.920
the boundaries of the way first. Indeed, hence towards the
531
00:37:49.039 --> 00:37:53.880
rising of the sun, turning thyself travel uncultivated lands, and
532
00:37:53.920 --> 00:37:57.559
to the Scythian nomads, thou wilt come, who woven roofs
533
00:37:57.599 --> 00:38:02.159
on high inhabit on well wheeled carts with far casting bows,
534
00:38:02.239 --> 00:38:05.639
equipped whom go not near but to the sea, resounding
535
00:38:05.639 --> 00:38:08.800
cliffs bending thy feet pass from the region on the
536
00:38:08.880 --> 00:38:13.039
left hand the iron working Calabis inhabit, whom thou must
537
00:38:13.039 --> 00:38:17.119
needs beware, for they are rude and inaccessible to strangers.
538
00:38:17.760 --> 00:38:20.599
And thou wilt come to the high Bristes river, not
539
00:38:20.800 --> 00:38:24.239
ill named, which pass not, for not easy is it
540
00:38:24.320 --> 00:38:28.280
to pass. Before ye get to Caucasus itself, highest of mountains,
541
00:38:28.599 --> 00:38:31.559
where the stream spurts out its tide from the very temples.
542
00:38:32.159 --> 00:38:35.559
In passing over the star neighbored Summits, tis necessary to
543
00:38:35.599 --> 00:38:38.119
go the southern way, where thou wilt come to the
544
00:38:38.159 --> 00:38:42.039
man hating army of the Amazons, who Themoiskira one day
545
00:38:42.079 --> 00:38:46.960
will inhabit by the Thermidon, where Salmydesia, rough jaw of
546
00:38:47.039 --> 00:38:51.840
the sea, inhospitable to sailors, stepmother of ships. They will
547
00:38:51.880 --> 00:38:55.239
conduct thee on thy way and very cheerfully, and to
548
00:38:55.320 --> 00:38:58.599
the sumerian Isthmus, thou wilt come just on the narrow
549
00:38:58.639 --> 00:39:01.559
portals of the lake, which, leaving it behooves thee with
550
00:39:01.679 --> 00:39:05.079
stout heart to pass the meiotic straits, and there will
551
00:39:05.079 --> 00:39:08.039
be to mortals ever a great fame of thy passage,
552
00:39:08.400 --> 00:39:12.079
and Bosphorus, from thy name twill be called. And leaving
553
00:39:12.199 --> 00:39:16.239
Europe's plane the continent of Asia, thou wilt reach seemeth
554
00:39:16.320 --> 00:39:19.320
to thee forsooth the tyrant of the gods in everything
555
00:39:19.360 --> 00:39:22.800
to be thus violent, For he a god with this
556
00:39:22.920 --> 00:39:26.400
mortal wishing to unite, drove her to these wanderings. A
557
00:39:26.440 --> 00:39:29.760
bitter woord? Didst thou find o virgin for thy marriage?
558
00:39:30.039 --> 00:39:32.960
For the words you now have heard, think not yet
559
00:39:33.000 --> 00:39:39.639
to be the prelude? EO, ah me me alas alas
560
00:39:40.159 --> 00:39:44.360
Prometheus again dost shriek and heave a sigh? What wilt
561
00:39:44.400 --> 00:39:48.440
thou do when the remaining ills thou learnest chorus? And
562
00:39:48.519 --> 00:39:52.559
hast thou any further suffering to tell her Prometheus, I
563
00:39:53.199 --> 00:39:58.639
a tempestuous see a baleful woe? EO, what Prophet then
564
00:39:58.719 --> 00:40:01.880
for me to live? And not in haste to cast
565
00:40:01.920 --> 00:40:05.519
myself from this rough rock that rushing down upon the plane.
566
00:40:05.559 --> 00:40:08.800
I may be released from every trouble, for better once
567
00:40:08.840 --> 00:40:12.599
for all to die, than all my days to suffer evillly.
568
00:40:14.719 --> 00:40:24.800
End of Part two recording by ex Patriot in Bangor, Maine,
569
00:40:25.519 --> 00:40:30.199
Part three of Prometheus, Bound by Eschylus, translated by Henry
570
00:40:30.280 --> 00:40:35.679
David Thoreau eighteen seventeen to eighteen sixty two. This Librivax
571
00:40:35.679 --> 00:40:39.599
recording is in the public domain. Recording by ex Patriot
572
00:40:39.679 --> 00:40:47.280
in Bangor Maine, Part three, Prometheus, unhappily my trials, wouldst
573
00:40:47.320 --> 00:40:50.599
thou here to whom to die has not been fated?
574
00:40:51.039 --> 00:40:54.039
For this would be released from sufferings. But now there
575
00:40:54.119 --> 00:40:57.480
is no end of ills lying before me until Zeus
576
00:40:57.519 --> 00:41:02.039
falls from sovereignty. E And is Zeus ever to fall
577
00:41:02.079 --> 00:41:06.199
from power? Prometheus, Thou wouldst be pleased? I think to
578
00:41:06.199 --> 00:41:10.320
see this accident. EO, how should I not, who suffer
579
00:41:10.360 --> 00:41:14.480
ill from Zeus Prometheus? That these things then are so?
580
00:41:14.559 --> 00:41:18.920
Be thou assured? EO by what one will the tyrant's
581
00:41:19.000 --> 00:41:25.880
power be robbed Prometheus himself by his own senseless counsels? EO?
582
00:41:26.280 --> 00:41:30.440
In what way? Show if there's no harm Prometheus, he
583
00:41:30.480 --> 00:41:32.920
will make such a marriage as one day he'll repent
584
00:41:33.760 --> 00:41:37.480
EO of God or mortal? If to be spoken, tell
585
00:41:38.280 --> 00:41:42.159
Prometheus what matters which? For these things are not to
586
00:41:42.199 --> 00:41:46.239
be told? EO by a wife? Will he be driven
587
00:41:46.320 --> 00:41:50.760
from the throne, Prometheus. I she will bring forth a
588
00:41:50.880 --> 00:41:55.559
son superior to his father. EO, is there no refuge
589
00:41:55.639 --> 00:42:00.039
for him from this fate? Prometheus? None, surely till I
590
00:42:00.239 --> 00:42:04.039
may be released from bonds. EO, Who then is to
591
00:42:04.119 --> 00:42:09.079
release thee zeus unwilling Prometheus? He must be someone of
592
00:42:09.159 --> 00:42:14.400
thy descendants. EO, How sayest thou that my child would
593
00:42:14.440 --> 00:42:19.159
deliver thee from ills, Prometheus, third of thy race after
594
00:42:19.239 --> 00:42:24.000
ten other births. EO, this oracle is not yet easy
595
00:42:24.039 --> 00:42:28.199
to be guessed, Prometheus. But do not seek to understand
596
00:42:28.199 --> 00:42:33.039
thy sufferings. EO. First proffering gain to me, do not
597
00:42:33.159 --> 00:42:39.000
then withhold it, Prometheus. I'll grant thee one of two relations. EO,
598
00:42:39.760 --> 00:42:43.760
what to propose and give to me my choice? Prometheus,
599
00:42:44.000 --> 00:42:47.639
I give choose whether thy remaining troubles. I shall tell
600
00:42:47.679 --> 00:42:52.400
thee clearly or him that will release me Chorus consent
601
00:42:52.480 --> 00:42:55.519
to do her the one favor me the other, nor
602
00:42:55.559 --> 00:42:59.199
deem Us undeserving of thy words. To her, indeed, tell
603
00:42:59.199 --> 00:43:02.599
what remains of wandering? And to me who will release?
604
00:43:02.679 --> 00:43:07.360
For I desire this Prometheus. Since you are earnest, I
605
00:43:07.400 --> 00:43:10.079
will not resist to tell the whole as much as
606
00:43:10.159 --> 00:43:14.480
ye ask for to thee first eo vexatious wandering, I
607
00:43:14.559 --> 00:43:18.320
will tell which engrave on the remembering tablets of the mind.
608
00:43:18.800 --> 00:43:22.360
When thou hast passed the flood boundary of continents towards
609
00:43:22.360 --> 00:43:26.239
the flaming orient sun traveled, passing through the tumult of
610
00:43:26.280 --> 00:43:29.880
the sea, until you reach the Gorgonian plains of Cisthene,
611
00:43:30.320 --> 00:43:34.519
where the four kiddies dwell old virgins, three swan shaped
612
00:43:34.760 --> 00:43:38.400
having a common eye, one tooth, whom neither the sun
613
00:43:38.480 --> 00:43:42.360
looks on with his beams, nor nightly moon ever, and
614
00:43:42.480 --> 00:43:47.719
near their winged sisters, three dragons scaled gorgons odious to men,
615
00:43:48.039 --> 00:43:51.599
whom no mortal beholding will have breath such danger, do
616
00:43:51.679 --> 00:43:55.000
I tell THEE, but hear another odious sight be where
617
00:43:55.079 --> 00:43:59.119
the griffins, sharp mouthed dogs of Zeus, which bark not,
618
00:43:59.599 --> 00:44:03.239
and the one night Aramaspian host going on horseback, who
619
00:44:03.320 --> 00:44:07.280
dwell about the golden flowing flood of Pluto's channel. These
620
00:44:07.360 --> 00:44:10.559
go not near, but to a distant land. Thou come
621
00:44:10.639 --> 00:44:13.559
a dusky race, who near the fountains of the sun
622
00:44:13.639 --> 00:44:18.000
inhabit where is the Ethiopian River, creep down the banks
623
00:44:18.000 --> 00:44:21.400
of this until thou comest to a descent where from
624
00:44:21.440 --> 00:44:25.840
Bibylnian mounts the Nile sends down its sacred palatable stream.
625
00:44:26.119 --> 00:44:29.679
This will conduct THEE to the triangled land Nilian, where
626
00:44:29.719 --> 00:44:33.159
EO tis decreed Thou in thy progeny, shall form the
627
00:44:33.199 --> 00:44:37.360
distant colony. If aught of this is unintelligible to THEE
628
00:44:37.719 --> 00:44:41.000
and hard to be found out, repeat thy questions and
629
00:44:41.119 --> 00:44:46.239
learn clearly, for more leisure than I want is granted me. Chorus.
630
00:44:46.760 --> 00:44:49.960
If to her aught remaining or omitted, thou hast to
631
00:44:50.000 --> 00:44:53.639
tell of her pernicious wandering speak, But if thou hast said,
632
00:44:53.719 --> 00:44:56.519
all give us the favor which we ask for, surely
633
00:44:56.519 --> 00:45:01.519
thou rememberest Prometheus. The whole term of her traveling has
634
00:45:01.559 --> 00:45:04.199
she heard, but that she may know that not in
635
00:45:04.320 --> 00:45:07.639
vain she hears me. I'll tell what before coming hither
636
00:45:07.760 --> 00:45:11.920
she endured, giving this as proof of my relations, the
637
00:45:11.960 --> 00:45:15.559
great multitude of words, I will omit and proceed unto
638
00:45:15.559 --> 00:45:19.119
the very limit of thy wanderings. When then you came
639
00:45:19.159 --> 00:45:22.760
to the Melosian ground, and near the high ridge Dodina,
640
00:45:23.039 --> 00:45:27.559
where Oracle and seit is of thrustpotan Zeus and Prodigy,
641
00:45:27.719 --> 00:45:32.559
incredible the speaking oaks, by whom you clearly and not enigmatically,
642
00:45:32.599 --> 00:45:35.760
were called the illustrious wife of Zeus, about to be
643
00:45:35.920 --> 00:45:39.599
if aught of these things soothes THEE. Thence, driven by
644
00:45:39.599 --> 00:45:42.239
the fly, you came the sea side way to the
645
00:45:42.280 --> 00:45:45.920
great Gulf of Rhea, from which by courses retrograde you
646
00:45:45.960 --> 00:45:48.920
are now tempest tossed. But for time to come the
647
00:45:49.039 --> 00:45:53.320
sea gulf, clearly know will be called Ionian memorial of
648
00:45:53.360 --> 00:45:56.880
thy passage to all mortals. Proofs to THEE are these
649
00:45:56.920 --> 00:46:00.679
of my intelligence, that it sees somewhat more than the apparent.
650
00:46:01.199 --> 00:46:03.800
But the rest to you and her in common I
651
00:46:03.840 --> 00:46:07.880
will tell, having come upon the very track of former words,
652
00:46:08.119 --> 00:46:11.400
there is a city Cannopas, last of the land by
653
00:46:11.519 --> 00:46:15.239
Nile's very mouth and bank. There At length Zeus makes
654
00:46:15.280 --> 00:46:20.159
thee sane, stroking with gentle hand and touching only, and
655
00:46:20.719 --> 00:46:24.880
named from Zeus's begetting, Thou wilt bear dark Epaphus, who
656
00:46:24.920 --> 00:46:28.360
will reap as much land as broad flowing Nile doth water,
657
00:46:29.039 --> 00:46:32.599
and fifth from him a band of fifty children again
658
00:46:32.679 --> 00:46:37.239
to Argos, shall unwilling come a female sex, avoiding kindred
659
00:46:37.320 --> 00:46:41.760
marriage of their cousins. But they with minds inflamed hawks
660
00:46:41.800 --> 00:46:45.679
by doves not far left behind, will come pursuing marriages
661
00:46:45.719 --> 00:46:48.760
not to be pursued, but Heaven will take vengeance on
662
00:46:48.840 --> 00:46:53.639
their bodies for them. Palasgias shall receive by mars subdued
663
00:46:53.679 --> 00:46:57.280
with woman's hand, with night watching boldness, For each wife
664
00:46:57.320 --> 00:47:00.880
shall take her husband's life, staining a tune edged dagger
665
00:47:00.920 --> 00:47:04.559
in his throat. Such gainst my foes may keepris come,
666
00:47:05.119 --> 00:47:07.519
but one of the daughters shall love soften, not to
667
00:47:07.559 --> 00:47:10.719
slay her bed fellow, but she will waver in her mind,
668
00:47:11.119 --> 00:47:14.360
and one of two things will prefer to hear herself
669
00:47:14.440 --> 00:47:18.440
called timid rather than stained with blood. She shall in
670
00:47:18.639 --> 00:47:21.920
argos bear a royal race of a long speech as
671
00:47:22.039 --> 00:47:25.440
needs as clearly to discuss. From this seed, however, shall
672
00:47:25.480 --> 00:47:28.559
be borne a brave famed for his beau, who will
673
00:47:28.599 --> 00:47:32.480
release me from these sufferings. Such oracle my ancient mother
674
00:47:32.599 --> 00:47:37.199
told me Titanian themis. But how and by what means?
675
00:47:37.519 --> 00:47:41.119
This needs long speech to tell, and nothing learning. Wilt
676
00:47:41.119 --> 00:47:47.840
thou gain eo ah me ah wretched me spasms again
677
00:47:47.960 --> 00:47:51.760
and brains struck, madness burn me within, and a fli's
678
00:47:51.880 --> 00:47:55.800
dart stings me not wrought by fire. My heart with
679
00:47:55.920 --> 00:47:59.519
fear knocks at my breast, and my eyes whirl round
680
00:47:59.519 --> 00:48:03.039
and round. And from my course, I'm borne by madness,
681
00:48:03.039 --> 00:48:07.679
furious breath, unable to control my tongue, while confused words
682
00:48:07.800 --> 00:48:13.320
dash idly against the waves of horrid woe. Chorus. Wise, Wise,
683
00:48:13.519 --> 00:48:17.519
indeed was he who first in mind this way, and
684
00:48:17.599 --> 00:48:20.639
with the tongue expressed. To marry according to one's degree
685
00:48:20.760 --> 00:48:23.679
is best by far, nor being a laborer with the
686
00:48:23.760 --> 00:48:27.760
hens to woo those who are by wealth corrupted, nor
687
00:48:27.920 --> 00:48:32.880
those by birth made great. Never, never me fates. May
688
00:48:32.920 --> 00:48:36.320
you behold the sharer of Zeus's couch, Nor may I
689
00:48:36.360 --> 00:48:39.000
be brought near to any husband from those from heaven.
690
00:48:39.559 --> 00:48:43.760
For I fear seeing the virginhood of Eo, not content
691
00:48:43.840 --> 00:48:48.159
with men through marriage, vexed with these distressful wanderings by heray,
692
00:48:49.039 --> 00:48:52.280
But for myself, since an equal marriage is without fear,
693
00:48:52.760 --> 00:48:55.280
I am not concerned lest the love of the almighty
694
00:48:55.320 --> 00:48:59.719
gods cast its inevitable eye on me without war, indeed
695
00:48:59.800 --> 00:49:03.079
the war producing troubles. Nor do I know what would
696
00:49:03.119 --> 00:49:05.719
become of me, For I see not how I should
697
00:49:05.800 --> 00:49:11.599
escape the subtlety of Zeus Frommetheus surely shall Zeus, though haughty,
698
00:49:11.679 --> 00:49:15.280
now yet be humble such marriage he prepares to make,
699
00:49:15.599 --> 00:49:18.960
which from sovereignty in the throne will cast him down obscure,
700
00:49:19.559 --> 00:49:23.079
and father cronos curse will then be all fulfilled, which,
701
00:49:23.119 --> 00:49:27.280
falling from the ancient seats, he imprecated, and refuge from
702
00:49:27.360 --> 00:49:30.079
such ills None of the gods, but I can show
703
00:49:30.159 --> 00:49:33.920
him clearly I know these things, and in what manner?
704
00:49:34.440 --> 00:49:38.559
Now therefore, being bold, let him sit, trusting to lofty
705
00:49:38.639 --> 00:49:42.480
sounds and brandishing with both hands his fire breathing weapon.
706
00:49:42.840 --> 00:49:46.519
For naught will these avail him not to fall disgracefully
707
00:49:46.559 --> 00:49:51.280
in tolerable falls? Such wrestler, does he now prepare himself
708
00:49:51.320 --> 00:49:55.960
against himself, a prodigy most hard to be withstood, who
709
00:49:55.960 --> 00:49:59.199
indeed will invent a better flame than lightning, and a
710
00:49:59.280 --> 00:50:04.480
loud sound surpassing thunder and shiver the trident Neptune's weapon,
711
00:50:05.000 --> 00:50:09.360
the marine earth shaking ale. Stumbling upon this ill, he'll
712
00:50:09.440 --> 00:50:14.719
learn how different to governant to serve Chorus, I as
713
00:50:14.760 --> 00:50:18.960
you hope you vent this against Zeus Prometheus, what will
714
00:50:19.000 --> 00:50:22.719
be done? And also what I hope? I say? Chorus?
715
00:50:23.079 --> 00:50:27.559
And are we to expect that any will rule? Zeus Prometheus.
716
00:50:27.599 --> 00:50:31.960
Even then these more grievous ills he'll have Chorus, How
717
00:50:32.039 --> 00:50:36.960
fierce thou not hurling such words, Prometheus, What should I
718
00:50:37.119 --> 00:50:41.159
fear to whom to die has not been faded? Chorus?
719
00:50:41.559 --> 00:50:46.320
But suffering more grievous still than this, he may inflict Prometheus.
720
00:50:46.599 --> 00:50:50.880
Then let him do it. All is expected by me. Chorus.
721
00:50:51.199 --> 00:50:57.840
Those reverencing Adrastea are wise. Prometheus revere prey flatter, Each
722
00:50:57.920 --> 00:51:02.800
successive ruler me less than nothing Zeus concerns. Let him do.
723
00:51:03.480 --> 00:51:06.960
Let him prevail this short time as he will for long.
724
00:51:07.079 --> 00:51:10.079
He will not rule the gods. But I see here
725
00:51:10.119 --> 00:51:14.800
indeed Zeus's runner, the new Tyrant's drudge. Doubtless he brings
726
00:51:14.800 --> 00:51:20.440
some new message Prometheus Chorus and Hermes Hermes to Thee,
727
00:51:20.480 --> 00:51:24.119
the sophist, the bitterly bitter, the sinner against gods, the
728
00:51:24.159 --> 00:51:28.000
giver of honors to ephemerals, the thief of fire. I speak.
729
00:51:28.400 --> 00:51:31.360
The Father commands THEE to tell the marriage which thou boast,
730
00:51:31.559 --> 00:51:35.639
by which he falls from power, And that too, not enigmatically,
731
00:51:36.000 --> 00:51:40.480
but each particular declare nor cause me double journeys Prometheus,
732
00:51:40.800 --> 00:51:46.400
for thou seest that Zeus is not appeased by such Prometheus. Solemn, mouthed,
733
00:51:46.440 --> 00:51:49.119
and full of wisdom is thy speech as of the
734
00:51:49.159 --> 00:51:53.199
servant of the gods. Ye newly rule and think forsooth
735
00:51:53.280 --> 00:51:56.599
to dwell in griefless citadels. Have I not seen two
736
00:51:56.679 --> 00:52:00.199
tyrants fallen from these? And third I shall behold him
737
00:52:00.280 --> 00:52:04.360
ruling now basest and speediest. Do I seem to thee
738
00:52:04.400 --> 00:52:08.039
to fear and shrink from the new gods? Nay, much
739
00:52:08.119 --> 00:52:11.039
and holy, I fall short of this the way thou
740
00:52:11.079 --> 00:52:14.000
camest go through the dust again, for thou wilt learn
741
00:52:14.079 --> 00:52:18.920
naught which thou ask'st of me. Hermes, I, by such
742
00:52:19.039 --> 00:52:24.599
insolence before you brought yourself into these woes, Prometheus. Plainly, no,
743
00:52:25.119 --> 00:52:28.320
I would not change my ill fortune for thy servitude.
744
00:52:28.800 --> 00:52:31.880
For better I think to serve this rock than be
745
00:52:31.960 --> 00:52:35.519
the faithful messenger of Father Zeus. Thus to insult the
746
00:52:35.599 --> 00:52:39.840
insulting it is fit. Hermes thus seems to enjoy thy
747
00:52:39.880 --> 00:52:45.480
present state, Prometheus, I enjoy enjoying thus my enemies would
748
00:52:45.480 --> 00:52:49.840
I see, and THEE among them I count, Hermes, dost
749
00:52:49.880 --> 00:52:54.199
thou blame me for aught of thy misfortunes? Prometheus? In
750
00:52:54.280 --> 00:52:57.639
plain words, all gods I hate as many as well
751
00:52:57.719 --> 00:53:02.719
treated wrong me unjustly. Hermes. I hear THEE raving no
752
00:53:02.960 --> 00:53:08.320
slight ale Prometheus. I I should ale if ale one's
753
00:53:08.360 --> 00:53:12.880
foes to hate Hermes, if prosperous thou couldst not be
754
00:53:13.000 --> 00:53:18.719
born Prometheus. Ah Me, Hermes, this word Zeus does not
755
00:53:18.880 --> 00:53:24.599
know Prometheus. But time growing old teaches all things, Hermes.
756
00:53:25.079 --> 00:53:29.159
And still thou know'st not yet how to be prudent Prometheus.
757
00:53:29.400 --> 00:53:32.679
For I should not converse with thee a servant, Hermes.
758
00:53:33.039 --> 00:53:37.039
Thou seemst to say not which the father wishes Prometheus,
759
00:53:37.360 --> 00:53:41.679
and yet his debtor, I'd require the favor, Hermes. Thou
760
00:53:41.760 --> 00:53:45.559
mockst me verily as if I were a child Prometheus.
761
00:53:45.960 --> 00:53:49.360
And art thou not a child? And simpler still than this,
762
00:53:50.039 --> 00:53:53.159
if thou expectest to learn aught from me. There is
763
00:53:53.199 --> 00:53:56.719
not outrage nor expedient by which Zeus will induce me
764
00:53:56.800 --> 00:54:00.880
to declare these things. Before he loosed these green vs bonds.
765
00:54:01.320 --> 00:54:04.840
Let there be hurled then flaming fire, and the white
766
00:54:04.840 --> 00:54:08.639
winged snows and thunders of the earth. Let him confound
767
00:54:08.679 --> 00:54:11.320
and mingle all. For none of these will bend me
768
00:54:11.440 --> 00:54:14.519
till I tell by whom tis necessary he should fall
769
00:54:14.559 --> 00:54:21.199
from sovereignty. Hermes, consider now if these things seem helpful, Prometheus,
770
00:54:21.599 --> 00:54:27.079
long since these were considered and resolved, Hermes, venture o vain,
771
00:54:27.199 --> 00:54:30.960
one venture at length in view of present sufferings to
772
00:54:31.000 --> 00:54:35.239
be wise, Prometheus, in vain, you vex me as a
773
00:54:35.280 --> 00:54:38.840
wave exhorting ne'er let it come into thy mind that I,
774
00:54:38.960 --> 00:54:43.440
fearing Zeus's anger, shall become woman minded and beg him
775
00:54:43.559 --> 00:54:47.559
greatly hated, with womanish upturnings of the hands, to loose
776
00:54:47.639 --> 00:54:51.000
me from these bonds. I am far from it, Hermes,
777
00:54:51.360 --> 00:54:54.360
though saying much, I seem in vain to speak, for
778
00:54:54.440 --> 00:54:58.119
thou art nothing softened nor appeased by prayers, but champing
779
00:54:58.159 --> 00:55:01.239
at the bit like a new yoke. Cold, Thou strugglest
780
00:55:01.239 --> 00:55:04.719
and contentst against the reins. But thou art violent with
781
00:55:04.800 --> 00:55:08.679
feeble wisdom, For stubbornness to him who is not wise
782
00:55:09.039 --> 00:55:13.400
itself alone is less than nothing strong. But consider, if
783
00:55:13.400 --> 00:55:17.079
thou art not persuaded by my words, what storm and
784
00:55:17.159 --> 00:55:20.320
triple surge of ills will come upon thee not to
785
00:55:20.360 --> 00:55:23.800
be avoided. For first this rugged cliff, with thunder and
786
00:55:23.960 --> 00:55:27.519
lightning flame, the father will rend and hide thy body,
787
00:55:27.840 --> 00:55:30.800
and a strong arm will bury thee. But thou hast
788
00:55:30.800 --> 00:55:33.639
spent a long length of time, thou wilt come back
789
00:55:33.679 --> 00:55:38.760
to light, and Zeus's winged dog, a bloodthirsty eagle ravenously
790
00:55:38.800 --> 00:55:42.000
shall tear the great rag of thy body, creeping an
791
00:55:42.079 --> 00:55:45.880
uninvited guest all day, and banquet on thy liver black
792
00:55:45.960 --> 00:55:49.920
by eating of such suffering, expect not any end before
793
00:55:49.960 --> 00:55:53.719
some god appear, succeeding to thy labors, and wish to
794
00:55:53.719 --> 00:55:57.440
go to rayless Hades and the dark depths of Tartarus.
795
00:55:57.679 --> 00:56:01.559
Therefore deliberate, since this is not made boasting, but in
796
00:56:01.639 --> 00:56:05.199
earnest spoken, For to speak falsely does not know the
797
00:56:05.239 --> 00:56:08.480
mouth of Zeus, but every word he does. So look
798
00:56:08.519 --> 00:56:12.880
about thee and consider, nor ever think obstinacy better than prudence.
799
00:56:13.400 --> 00:56:18.320
Chorus to us. Indeed, Hermes appears to say not unseasonable things,
800
00:56:18.760 --> 00:56:22.119
for he directs thee, leaving off self will to seek
801
00:56:22.159 --> 00:56:26.000
prudent counsel. Obey, for it is base to er for
802
00:56:26.079 --> 00:56:31.360
a wise man Prometheus to me, for knowing these messages
803
00:56:31.400 --> 00:56:34.239
he has uttered. But for a foe to suffer ill
804
00:56:34.320 --> 00:56:38.920
from foes is not unseemly. Therefore against me, let there
805
00:56:38.920 --> 00:56:43.000
be hurled Fire's double pointed curl and air be provoked
806
00:56:43.000 --> 00:56:46.719
with thunder and a tumult of wild winds and earth
807
00:56:46.760 --> 00:56:50.159
from its foundations. Let a wind rock in its very roots,
808
00:56:50.440 --> 00:56:53.079
and with a rough surge, mingle the sea waves with
809
00:56:53.119 --> 00:56:57.079
the passages of the heavenly stars, and to black tartarus.
810
00:56:57.199 --> 00:57:01.239
Let him quite cast down my body by necessity's strong eddies.
811
00:57:01.760 --> 00:57:05.800
Yet after all he will not kill me, Hermes, such
812
00:57:05.840 --> 00:57:09.000
words and counsels you may hear from the brain struck.
813
00:57:09.480 --> 00:57:12.960
For what LAXI of being mad? And if prosperous, what
814
00:57:13.079 --> 00:57:17.480
does he cease from madness? Do you, therefore, who sympathize
815
00:57:17.519 --> 00:57:21.639
with this one's suffering? From these places? Quick withdraw somewhere,
816
00:57:22.119 --> 00:57:27.039
lest the harsh billowing thunder stupefy your minds, Chorus, say
817
00:57:27.079 --> 00:57:30.559
something else, and exhort me to some purpose. For surely
818
00:57:30.599 --> 00:57:34.639
thou hast intolerably abused this word? How direct me to
819
00:57:34.719 --> 00:57:38.000
perform a baseness I wish to suffer with him? What
820
00:57:38.159 --> 00:57:41.599
err is necessary? For I have learned to hate betrayers.
821
00:57:42.079 --> 00:57:46.000
Nor is the pest which I abominate more than this, Hermes,
822
00:57:46.480 --> 00:57:51.440
Remember then what I foretell, Nor by calamity pursued blame, fortune,
823
00:57:51.800 --> 00:57:56.840
nor er say that Zeus into unforeseen ill has cast you, surely,
824
00:57:56.920 --> 00:58:01.440
not but yourselves, you yourselves for knowing, and not suddenly
825
00:58:01.519 --> 00:58:05.719
nor clandestinely, you'll be entangled through your folly in an
826
00:58:05.800 --> 00:58:12.039
impassable net of woe. Prometheus, surely indeed, and no more
827
00:58:12.159 --> 00:58:15.480
in word, Earth is shaken, and a hoarse sound of
828
00:58:15.599 --> 00:58:20.960
thunder bellows near, and wreaths of lightning flash out fiercely blazing,
829
00:58:21.480 --> 00:58:25.360
and whirlwind's dust whirl up and leap. The blasts of
830
00:58:25.440 --> 00:58:29.719
all winds gainst one another, blowing in opposite array, and
831
00:58:29.840 --> 00:58:34.079
air with sea is mingled. Such impulse against me from Zeus,
832
00:58:34.400 --> 00:58:39.079
producing fear, doth plainly come, oh revered Mother, oh ether,
833
00:58:39.639 --> 00:58:44.199
revolving common light to all you see me, how unjust
834
00:58:44.280 --> 00:58:51.119
things I endure? End of Part three recording by expatriate
835
00:58:51.199 --> 00:58:56.599
in Bangor, Maine. End of Prometheus, bound by Eschylus, translated
836
00:58:56.639 --> 00:59:06.360
by Henry David Thoreau eighteen seventeen to eighteen sixty two,