Eksodos
Prometheus
Young you are, as young your power, and you think indeed that you inhabit heights beyond the reach of grief. Have I not seen two sovereigns cast out from these heights? A third, the present lord, I shall live to see cast out in ruin most shameful and most swift. Do you think
955
I quail, perhaps, and cower before these upstart gods? Far from it—no, not at all. But scurry back the way you came; for you shall learn nothing about which you question me.
960
Hermes
Yet it was by such proud wilfulness before, too,
that you brought yourself to this harbor of distress.
965
Prometheus
For your servitude, rest assured, I’d not barter my hard lot, not I.
Hermes
Better, no doubt, to serve this rock than be the trusted messenger of Father Zeus!
Prometheus
Such is the proper style for the insolent to offer insult.
970
Hermes
I think you revel in your present plight.
Prometheus
I revel? Oh, I wish that I might see my enemies revelling in this way! And you, too, I count among them.
Hermes
What! You blame me in some way for your calamities?
Prometheus
In one word, I hate all the gods that received good at my hands and with ill requite me wrongfully.
975
Hermes
Your words declare you stricken with no slight madness.
Prometheus
Mad I may be—if it is madness to loathe one’s enemies.
Hermes
You would be unbearable if you were prosperous.
Hermes
Alas? That is a word unknown to Zeus.
980
Prometheus
But ever-ageing Time teaches all things.
Hermes
Yes, but you at least have not yet learned to keep a sober mind.
Prometheus
Or else I would not have addressed you, an underling.
Hermes
It seems you will answer nothing that the Father demands.
