Prometheus Bound

Aeschylus

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

  1. You would rejoice, I think, to see that happen.
Io
  1. Why not, since it is at the hand of Zeus that I suffer?
Prometheus
  1. Then you may assure yourself that these things are true.
Io
  1. By whom shall he be despoiled of the sceptre of his sovereignty?
Prometheus
  1. By himself and his own empty-headed purposes.
Io
  1. In what way? Oh tell me, if there be no harm in telling.
Prometheus
  1. He shall make a marriage that shall one day cause him distress.
Io
  1. With a divinity or with a mortal? If it may be told, speak out.
Prometheus
  1. Why ask with whom? I may not speak of this.
Io
  1. Is it by his consort that he shall be dethroned?
Prometheus
  1. Yes, since she shall bear a son mightier than his father.
Io
  1. And has he no means to avert this doom?
Prometheus
  1. No, none—except me, if I were released from bondage.