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Prometheus Bound.
As meet it is with friends to ope the lips.
Prometheus seest thou, giver of fire to mortals, 630
Io.
As mortals' common benefactor known,
Hapless Prometheus, why art suffering thus?
Prometheus.
Scarce have I ceased singing my dirge of woe.
Io.
To me then wilt thou not vouchsafe this boon?
Prometheus.
Say what thy quest, all shalt thou learn from me.
Io.
Reveal, in this ravine who fastened thee?
Prometheus.
The will of Zeus, but 'twas Hephæstos' hand.
Io.
And of what crimes dost thou the forfeit pay?
Prometheus.
Thus much alone to tell thee may suffice.
Io.
Then further of my roamings tell the goal. 640
What time to me, poor outcast, yet must run?
Prometheus.
This not to learn were better than to learn.
