20
It is not an easy matter, Prometheus, to rival such an accomplished sophist. You are lucky, however, that Zeus did not hear you say all this, for I am very sure he would have set sixteen vultures upon you to pull out your vitals, so eloquently did you accuse him in seeming to defend yourself. But I am surprised that as you are a prophet you did not know in advance that you would be punished for all this.
20
I did know it, Hermes, and I also know that I shall be set free again; before long someone will come from Thebes, a brother of yours,Heracles. to shoot down the eagle which you say will fly to me.
20
I hope so, Prometheus, and I hope to see you at large, feasting with us all—but not serving our meat!
21
Never fear, I shall feast with you, and Zeus will set me free in return for a considerable favour.
21
What favour? Don’t hesitate to tell us.
21
You know Thetis, Hermes?—but I must not tell. It is best to keep the secret, so that I may be rewarded and set free instead of being sentenced.The secret is told in Dialogues of the Gods, 5.
21
Why, keep it, Titan, if it is best that way. Let’s be going, Hephaestus, for here is the eagle close by. (To Prometheus.) Well, hold out stubbornly. I hope the Theban archer you speak of, will soon disclose himself to you, to stop you from being dissected by the bird.
