Prometheus

Lucian of Samosata

Lucian, Vol. 2. Harmon, A. M., editor. London: William Heinemann, Ltd.; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1915.

HERMES It is not an easy matter, Prometheus, to rival such an accomplished sophist. You are lucky, however,

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that Zeus did not hear you say all this, for I am very sure he would have set sixteen vultures upon you to pull out your vitals, so eloquently did you accuse him in seeming to defend yourself. But I am surprised that as you are a prophet you did not know in advance that you would be punished for all this.

PROMETHEUS I did know it, Hermes, and I also know that I shall be set free again; before long someone will come from Thebes, a brother of yours,[*](Heracles.) to shoot down the eagle which you say will fly to me.

HERMES I hope so, Prometheus, and I hope to see you at large, feasting with us all—but not serving our meat !