Prometheus
Lucian of Samosata
The Works of Lucian of Samosata, complete, with exceptions specified in thepreface, Vol. 1. Fowler, H. W. and Fowlere, F.G., translators. Oxford at the Clarendon Press, 1905.
That the cause of the Gods suffered nothing at my hands is evident; show me the slightest instance to the contrary, and I will-say no more; I have but my deserts. But for the positive benefits I have conferred, use: the evidence of your eyes. The earth, no longer barren and untilled, is decked with cities and farms and the fruits of cultivation; the sea has its ships, theislands their inhabitants. Everywhere are altars and temples, everywhere festivals and sacrifices:
v.1.p.59
Had I created mankind for my own private convenience, it might perhaps have denoted a grasping spirit: but I made them common property; they are at the service of every God of you. Nay more: temples of Zeus, and Apollo, and Hera, temples of Hermes, are everywhere to be seen; but who ever saw a temple of Prometheus? You may judge from this, how far I have sacrificed the common cause ta my private ambition.