But be thou calm nor over-rash of speech;
Knowest thou not, being exceeding wise,
That to the froward tongue cleaves chastisement.
Prometheus.
Much joy I give thee scatheless as thou art,
Though in all plots and daring leagued with me.
But now let be; forbear thy toil: for Him 340
Persuade thou canst not: Him no suasion moves;
Nay, lest the journey breed thee harm, beware.
Oceanos.
More cunning art thou others to advise
Than thine own self. By deed I judge, not word;
But, fixed is my resolve, hold me not back;
For sure I am, yea, sure, that Zeus to me
Will grant this boon, and loose thee from these pains.
Prometheus.
For this I praise thee, nor will cease to praise;
For nought of kindly zeal thou lackest; yet,
Toil not, for vain, nor helpful unto me, 350
Thy toil will prove,—if toil indeed thou wilt;—
But hold thee quiet rather, keep aloof;
For I, though in mishap, not therefore wish
Wide-spreading fellowship of woe to see.
No truly, for my brother Atlas' doom
Grieves me, who, stationed on the western verge,
The pillars on his shoulders beareth up
Of heaven and earth; burthen of painful grasp.
So, in Cilician caves with ruth I saw
