PROMETHEUS BOUND.
39
Weaving no secret meaning, but in words
Simple, as fits it to converse with friends.
Thou seest Prometheus, who gave fire to mortals.
Io. Oh universal help of mortal man—
Sad Titan! wherefore dost thou suffer thus?
Pro. I scarce have ceased bewailing o'er my woes.
Io. And therefore wilt not grant this boon to me?
Pro. Say what thou askest: thou mayst hear the whole.
Io. Declare who 'gainst this rock hath prison'd thee.
Pro. Jove's counsel, Vulcan's hand.16
Io.And for what crimes
Hast thou such chastisement?
Pro. Enough for thee
What now I have declared.
Io.Yea: besides,
To me, unhappy maiden, show what time
Shall be the limit of my wanderings.
Pro. Better to learn not, than to learn these things.
