Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound and the Seven Against Thebes
to the gods, the various happy formations of the gall and liver, and the limbs enveloped in fat: and having roasted the long chine I pointed out to mortals the way into an abstruse art; and I brought to light the fiery symbols42 that were aforetime wrapt in darkness. Such indeed were these boons; and the gains to mankind that were hidden under ground, brass, iron, silver, and gold—who could assert that he had discovered before me? No one, I well know, who does not mean to idly babble. And in one brief sentence learn the whole at once—All arts among the human race are from Prometheus.

Pr.

31

Ch. Do not now serve the human race beyond what is profitable, nor disregard thyself in thy distress: since I have good hopes that thou shalt yet be liberated from these shackles, and be not one whit less powerful than Jove.

Ch.

Pr. Not at all in this way is Fate, that brings events to their consummation ordained to accomplish these things: but 32after having been bent by countless sufferings and calamities, thus am I to escape from my shackles. And art is far less powerful than necessity.

Pr.

32

Ch. Who then is the pilot of necessity?

Ch.

Pr. The triform Fates and the remembering Furies.

Pr.

Ch. Is Jupiter then less powerful than these?

Ch.

Pr. Most certainly he can not at any rate escape his doom.43

Pr.

Ch. Why, what is doomed for Jupiter but to reign for evermore?

Ch.


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