Chorus.
What is ordain'd for Zeus, save aye to reign?
Prometheus.
No further may'st thou question; urge me not.
Chorus.
Deep mystery, methinks, thou keepest veil'd.
Prometheus.
Turn to some other theme; not meet it is 530
Now to discourse of this, but close to wrap
In strictest silence; for, this secret kept,
Unseemly bonds I 'scape and tortures keen.
Chorus. Strophe I.
Never may Zeus, who sole doth reign,
My will with adverse might oppose;
Nor I to serve the gods refrain,
With rites of slaughter'd kine, where flows
Father Oceanos' exhaustless tide; 540
Neither in word may I transgress!
Deep in my heart's recess,
Steadfast for aye may this resolve abide.
Antistrophe I.
'Tis sweet to run life's long career
By hopes attended strong and bold,
Feeding the heart in blithesome cheer;
But thee I shudder to behold
