Page:Four Plays of Aeschylus (Cookson).djvu/178

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166
AESCHYLUS

Kratos.

'Words,' quotha? Aye, and shout 'em if need be.
Come down and cast a ring-bolt round his legs.


Hephaestus.

The thing is featly done;—and 'twas quick work.


Kratos.

Now with a sound rap knock the bolt-pins home!
For heavy handed is thy task-master.


Hephaestus.

So villainous a form vile tongue befits.


Kratos.

Be thou the heart of wax, but chide not me
That I am gruffish, stubborn and stiff-willed.


Hephaestus.

Oh, come away! The tackle holds him fast.


Kratos.

Now, where thou hang'st, insult! Plunder the Gods
For creatures of a day! To thee what gift
Will mortals tender to requite thy pains?
The destinies were out miscalling thee
Designer: a designer thou wilt need
From trap so well contrived to twist thee free.

[Exeunt.


Prometheus.

O divine air! Breezes on swift bird-wings,
Ye river fountains, and of ocean-waves
The multitudinous laughter! Mother Earth!
And thou all-seeing circle of the sun,
Behold what I, a God, from Gods endure!