Book 1
1
Release me, Zeus; I have suffered enough.
1
Release you? you? Why, by rights your irons should be heavier, you should have the whole weight of Caucasus upon you, and instead of one, a dozen vultures, not just pecking at — your liver, but scratching out your eyes. You made these: abominable human creatures to vex us, you stole our fire, you invented women. I need not remind you how you overreached me about the meat-offerings; my portion, bones disguised in fat: yours, all the good.
1
And have I not been punished enough—riveted to the Caucasus all these years, feeding your bird (on which all worst curses light!) with my liver?
1
"Tis not a tithe of your deserts,
1
Consider, I do not ask you to release me for nothing. I offer you information which is invaluable.
2
Promethean wiles!
2
Wiles? to what end? you can find the Caucasus another time; and there are chains to be had, if you catch me cheating.
2
Tell me first the nature of yout ‘invaluable’ offer.
2
If I tell you your present errand right, will that convince you that I can prophesy too?
2
Of course it will.
2
You are bound on a little visit to Thetis.
2
Right so far. And the sequel? I trust you now.
2
Have no dealings with her, Zeus. As sure as Neteus’s daughter conceives by you, your child shall mete you the measure you meted to—
2
I shall lose my kingdom, you would say?
2
Avert it, Fate! I say only, that union portends this issue.
2
Thetis, farewell! and for this Hephaestus shall set you free.
