Page:Prometheus bound - Browning (1833).djvu/87

From empire's seat: and thus shall Saturn's curse
In every tittle be consummated,
Which cursed he, falling from his ancient throne.
To Jove no refuge from adversity
Can any god reveal, excepting me:
I know the refuge, and the means. And now
Let him reign on with boldness, confident
In the supernal roar, and brandishing
In both his hands the dart of fiery breath.
Naught shall avail him that he should not fall—
Fall shamëd, an intolerable fall.
For he himself against himself prepares
A foe, a portent irresistible—
Devising lire t' outflash the lightning fire,
And mighty sound the thunder to outroar,
And shatt'ring old Neptunius' trident spear,
That oceanic plague, which shaketh earth!
Yea! stricken by this evil, Jove shall learn
What diff'rence lies between a king and slave.