Page:Prometheus bound - Browning (1833).djvu/33

But ever shall the present sense of woe
Gnaw at thy heart; for no deliv'rer comes!
Such fruit thou cullest from thy love of man!
For thou a god, denying fear to gods,
Gavest to mortals honor unbefit.
For which things thou shalt guard this joyless rock,
Erect, unslumb'ring, bending not the knee,
And many wailings and unfruitful groans
Shalt utter. For Jove's mind is obdurate,
And ever cruel is a new-made king.
Strength. Amen!—Why laggest thou with vain compassion?
Why hat'st thou not a god who hateth gods—
Who yielded up thy glory unto men?
Vul. Strong is the tie of kindred and of friendship!³
Strength. I grant it. But how canst thou disobey
The father? Doth not this affright thee more?
Vul. Aye wert thou stern and full of hardihood.
Strength. Because it booteth not, bewailing him;