Strength.All work hath its pain,
Except to rule the gods. There is none free
Except King Zeus.
Hephæstus.I know it very well:
I argue not against it.
Strength.Why not, then,
Make haste and lock the fetters over him
Lest Zeus behold thee lagging?
Hephæstus.Here be chains.
Zeus may behold these.
Strength.Seize him: strike amain:
Strike with the hammer on each side his hands—
Rivet him to the rock.
Hephæstus.The work is done,
And thoroughly done.
Strength.Still faster grapple him;
Wedge him in deeper: leave no inch to stir.
He's terrible for finding a way out
From the irremediable.
Hephæstus.Here's an arm, at least,
Grappled past freeing.
Strength.Now then, buckle me
The other securely. Let this wise one learn
He's duller than our Zeus.
Hephæstus.Oh, none but he
Accuse me justly.