Prometheus Bound
Aeschylus
Aeschylus, Volume 1. Smyth, Herbert Weir, translator. London; New York: William Heinemann; G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1922.
- Ah, you would hardly bear my agonies to whom it is not foredoomed to die; for death would have freed me from my sufferings.
- But now no limit to my tribulations has been appointed until Zeus is hurled from his sovereignty.
- What! Shall Zeus one day be hurled from his dominion?
- You would rejoice, I think, to see that happen.
- Why not, since it is at the hand of Zeus that I suffer?
- Then you may assure yourself that these things are true.
- By whom shall he be despoiled of the sceptre of his sovereignty?
- By himself and his own empty-headed purposes.
- In what way? Oh tell me, if there be no harm in telling.
- He shall make a marriage that shall one day cause him distress.
- With a divinity or with a mortal? If it may be told, speak out.
- Why ask with whom? I may not speak of this.
- Is it by his consort that he shall be dethroned?
- Yes, since she shall bear a son mightier than his father.
- And has he no means to avert this doom?
- No, none—except me, if I were released from bondage.
- Who then is to release you against the will of Zeus?
- It is to be one of your own grandchildren.
- What did you say? A child of mine will release you from your misery?
- The third in descent after ten generations.