Power
Well, why delay and excite pity in vain? Why do you not detest a god most hateful to the gods, since he has betrayed your prerogative to mortals?
Hephaestus
A strangely potent tie is kinship, and companionship as well.
Power
[40]
I agree; yet to refuse to obey the commands of the Father; is this possible? Do you not fear that more?
Hephaestus
Yes, you are ever pitiless and steeped in insolence.
Power
Yes, for it does not good to bemoan this fellow. Stop wasting your labor at an unprofitable task.
Hephaestus
[45]
Oh handicraft that I hate so much!
Power
Why hate it? Since in truth your craft is in no way to blame for these present troubles.
Hephaestus
Nevertheless, i wish it had fallen to another's lot!
Power
Every job is troublesome except to be the commander of gods;
[50]
no one is free except Zeus.
Hephaestus
I know it by this task; I cannot deny it.
Power
Hurry then to cast the fetters about him, so that the Father does not see you loitering.
Hephaestus
Well, there then! The bands are ready, as you may see.
Power
[55]
Cast them about his wrists and with might strike with your hammer; rivet him to the rocks.
Hephaestus
There! The work is getting done and not improperly.
Power
Strike harder, clamp him tight, leave nothing loose; for he is wondrously clever at finding a way even out of desperate straits.
Hephaestus
[60]
This arm, at least, is fixed permanently.
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Aeschylus. Aeschylus, with an English translation by Herbert Weir Smyth, Ph. D. in two volumes. 1. Prometheus Bound. Herbert Weir Smyth, Ph. D. Cambridge, MA. Harvard University Press. 1926.
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