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PROMETHEUS BOUND
167
Hephaestus
Ruthless as ever, brutal to the full!
Strength
Tears can avail him nothing: strive not thou,
Nor waste thine efforts thus unaidingly.
Hephaestus
Out on my cursèd mastery of steel!
Strength
Why curse it thus? In sooth that craft of thine
Standeth assoiled of all that here is wrought.
Hephaestus
Would that some other were endowed therewith!
Strength
All hath its burden, save the rule of Heaven,
And freedom is for Zeus, and Zeus alone.
Hephaestus
I know it; I gainsay no word hereof.
Strength
Up, then, and hasten to do on his bonds,
Lest Zeus behold thee indolent of will!
Hephaestus
Ah well—behold the armlets ready now!
