Part 25 (1/2)

HEPHAESTUS

This arm is fast, inextricably bound.

STRENGTH

Then shackle safe the other, that he know His utmost craft is weaker far than Zeus.

HEPHAESTUS

He, but none other, can accuse mine art!

STRENGTH

Now, strong and sheer, drive thro' from breast to back The adamantine wedge's stubborn fang.

HEPHAESTUS

Alas, Prometheus! I lament thy pain.

STRENGTH

Thou, faltering and weeping sore for those Whom Zeus abhors! 'ware, lest thou rue thy tears!

HEPHAESTUS

Thou gazest on a scene that poisons sight.

STRENGTH

I gaze on one who suffers his desert.

Now between rib and shoulder shackle him- HEPHAESTUS

Do it I must-hush thy superfluous charge!

STRENGTH

Urge thee I will-ay, hound thee to the prey.

Step downward now, enring his legs amain!

HEPHAESTUS

Lo, it is done-'twas but a moment's toil.

STRENGTH

Now, strongly strike, drive in the piercing gyves- Stern is the power that oversees thy task!

HEPHAESTUS

Brutish thy form, thy speech brutality!

STRENGTH

Be gentle, an thou wilt, but blame not me For this my stubbornness and anger fell!

HEPHAESTUS

Let us go hence; his legs are firmly chained.

STRENGTH (To PROMETHEUS)

Aha! there play the insolent, and steal, For creatures of a day, the rights of G.o.ds!

O deep delusion of the powers that named thee Prometheus, the Fore-thinker! thou hast need Of others' forethought and device, whereby Thou may'st elude this handicraft of ours!

[Exeunt HEPHAESTUS, STRENGTH, and FORCE.-A pause.

PROMETHEUS