Page:Prometheus bound - Browning (1833).djvu/54

But thou possessest wisdom, nor dost need
My teaching: by thy knowledge save thyself.
For me, I quaff this cup of present fate,
Until the soul of Jove take breath from vengeance.
Ocea. Therefore, Prometheus, art thou ignorant
That words do med'cine the disease of wrath?
Pro. Yea; if the heart they opportunely soothe,
And do not sear the tumours of the soul.
Ocea. For him who wisely thinks and nobly acts,
Seest thou inherent punishment? Instruct me.
Pro. Labour superfluous—foolishness inane!
Ocea. Yet, suffer me to faint 'neath this disease
Of folly, since it profits that the wise
Appear unwise.
Pro.This will appear my sin.
Ocea. In sooth, thy counsel drives me to mine home.
Pro. Lest my bewailing drive thee into wrath.
Ocea. His wrath, who newly sitteth on the seat
Omnipotent?