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PROMETHEUS BOUND
Chorus
Nay, aid not mortal men beyond their due,
Holding too light a reckoning of thyself
And of thine own distress: good hope have I
To see thee once again from fetters free
And matched with Zeus in parity of power.
Prometheus
Not yet nor thus hath Fate ordained the end—
Not until age-long pains and countless woes
Have bent and bowed me, shall my shackles fall;
Art strives too feebly against destiny.
Chorus
But what hand rules the helm of destiny?
Prometheus
The triform Fates, and Furies unforgiving.
Chorus
Then is the power of Zeus more weak than theirs?
Prometheus
He may not shun the fate ordained for him.
Chorus
What is ordained for him, save endless rule?
Prometheus
Seek not for answer: this thou may'st not learn.
