Prometheus Bound

Aeschylus

Aeschylus, Volume 1. Smyth, Herbert Weir, translator. London; New York: William Heinemann; G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1922.

  1. I caused blind hopes to dwell within their breasts.
Chorus
  1. A great benefit was this you gave to mortals.
Prometheus
  1. In addition, I gave them fire.
Chorus
  1. What! Do creatures of a day now have flame-eyed fire?
Prometheus
  1. Yes, and from it they shall learn many arts.
Chorus
  1. Then it was on a charge like this that Zeus—
Prometheus
  1. Torments me and in no way gives me respite from pain.
Chorus
  1. And is there no end assigned to your ordeal?
Prometheus
  1. No, none except when it seems good to him.
Chorus
  1. But how will it seem good to him? What hope is there? Do you not see that you have wronged? And yet it is not pleasant for me to talk about how you have wronged, and for you it is pain. So, let us quit this theme; and may you seek some release from your ordeal.
Prometheus
  1. It is easy for him who keeps his foot free from harm to counsel and admonish him who is in misery. I have known this all the while. Of my own will, yes, of my own will I erred—I will not deny it. By helping mortals I found suffering for myself;
  2. nevertheless I did not think I would be punished in this way—wasting away upon cliffs in mid-air, my portion this desolate and dreary crag. And now, bewail no more my present woes; alight on the ground and listen to my
  3. oncoming fortunes so that you may be told them from end to end. Consent, I beg you, oh consent. Take part in the trouble of him who is now in sore distress. In truth, affliction wanders impartially abroad and alights upon all in turn.