Book 1

Prometheus: Release me, Zeus; I have suffered enough.

Zeus: Release you? you? Why, by rights your irons should be heavier, you should have the whole weight of Caucasus upon you, and instead of one, a dozen vultures, not just pecking at — your liver, but scratching out your eyes. You made these: abominable human creatures to vex us, you stole our fire, you invented women. I need not remind you how you overreached me about the meat-offerings; my portion, bones disguised in fat: yours, all the good.

Prometheus: And have I not been punished enough—riveted to the Caucasus all these years, feeding your bird (on which all worst curses light!) with my liver?

Zeus: "Tis not a tithe of your deserts,

Prometheus: Consider, I do not ask you to release me for nothing. I offer you information which is invaluable.

Zeus: Promethean wiles!

Prometheus: Wiles? to what end? you can find the Caucasus another time; and there are chains to be had, if you catch me cheating.

Zeus: Tell me first the nature of yout ‘invaluable’ offer.

Prometheus: If I tell you your present errand right, will that convince you that I can prophesy too?

Zeus: Of course it will.

Prometheus: You are bound on a little visit to Thetis.

Zeus: Right so far. And the sequel? I trust you now.

Prometheus: Have no dealings with her, Zeus. As sure as Neteus’s daughter conceives by you, your child shall mete you the measure you meted to—

Zeus: I shall lose my kingdom, you would say?

Prometheus: Avert it, Fate! I say only, that union portends this issue.

Zeus: Thetis, farewell! and for this Hephaestus shall set you free.

Henry Watson Fowler