Stasimon 3
[Lyric-Scene 1]
Is it the fall of day? Is it no later than that?
1500
Pisthetaerus
This is getting dull!
Prometheus
What is Zeus doing? Is he dispersing the clouds or gathering them?
Pisthetaerus
Watch out for yourself!
Prometheus
Come, I will raise my mask.
Pisthetaerus
Ah! my dear Prometheus!
Prometheus
Sh! Sh! speak lower!
Pisthetaerus
Why, what's the matter, Prometheus?
1505
Prometheus
Sh! sh! Don't call me by my name; you will be my ruin, if Zeus should see me here. But, if you want me to tell you how things are going in heaven, take this umbrella and shield me, so that the gods don't see me.
1505
Pisthetaerus
I can recognize Prometheus in this cunning trick. Come, quick then, and fear nothing; speak on.
1510
Pisthetaerus
I am listening, proceed!
Prometheus
Zeus is done for.
Pisthetaerus
Ah! and since when, pray?
Prometheus
Since you founded this city in the air. There is not a man who now sacrifices to the gods; the smoke of the victims no longer reaches us. Not the smallest offering comes! We fast as though it were the festival of Demeter.
1515
The barbarian gods, who are dying of hunger, are bawling like Illyrians and threaten to make an armed descent upon Zeus, if he does not open markets where joints of the victims are sold.
1520
Pisthetaerus
What! there are other gods besides you, barbarian gods who dwell above Olympus?
1525
Prometheus
If there were no barbarian gods, who would be the patron of Execestides?
Pisthetaerus
And what is the name of these gods?
Prometheus
Their name? Why, the Triballi.
