from Strength which, though not so intended, is quite in the spirit of that indignation against the tyranny of Zeus which runs through the whole play. "Every lot," he says, "has some trouble in it, except the throne of heaven; none is free but Zeus." Vulcan proceeds reluctantly to his task; and now the spectators are horrified by the actual sight of the impaling and enchaining of Prometheus; and the sound of the iron hammer rings through the theatre. Strength meantime urges on the work:—
"In thine hands take him. Then with all thy might
Strike with thine hammer; nail him to the rocks.
Vul. The work goes on, I ween, and not in vain.
Str. Strike harder, rivet, give no whit of ease:
A wondrous knack has he to find resource
Even where all might seem to baffle him.
Vul. Lo this his arm is fixed inextricably.
Str. Now rivet thou this other fast. . . . .
Now drive the stern jaw of the adamant wedge
Right through his chest with all the strength thou hast.
Vul. Ah me, Prometheus, for thy woes I groan!
Str. Again, thou'rt loath, and for the foes of Zeus
Thou groanest: take good heed to it, lest thou
Ere long with cause thyself commiserate."
Vulcan begs to be spared these constant exhortations, and is moved angrily to say that the cruel words of Strength are only what might be expected from his savage face. Strength answers,—
"Choose thou the melting mood; but chide not me
For my self-will and wrath and ruthlessness."
