Page:Prometheus Bound (Webster 1866).djvu/12

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10

But I am scant of courage to bind down
A like-born god on this storm-beaten peak. 15 (15)
But yet I needs must nerve myself to do it.—
For to slight Zeus's words is a grave thing.
Oh high-souled son of justice-teaching Themis,
I, most unwilling, even as thou thyself
Art most unwilling, now must rivet thee, 20 (19)
In brazen bonds 'twill pass thee to unloose,
Upon this desolate rock, where never voice
Nor form of man shall pass into thy ken,
But shrivelled by the living glow of the sun
Thy bloom shall wither up, and welcoming 25 (23)
Wilt thou perceive the twinkling-vestured night
Veiling the light, and welcoming perceive
The sun once more disperse the morning rimes.
And always shall the burden of an ill
Present upon thee wear thee down: for he 30 (26)
Who shall release thee waits yet for the birth.
Such thy reward for thy man-helping wont.
For thou, a god, brunting the wrath of gods,
Hast given a wrongful honour to mankind.
So on this joyless rock shalt thou keep watch, 35 (31)
Standing erect and sleepless, not so much