Prometheus.I discern
Vain aspiration, unresultive work.
Oceanus. Then suffer me to bear the brunt of this!
Since it is profitable that one who is wise
Should seem not wise at all.
Prometheus.And such would seem
My very crime.
Oceanus.In truth thine argument
Sends me back home.
Prometheus.Lest any lament for me
Should cast thee down to hate.
Oceanus.The hate of him
Who sits a new king on the absolute throne?
Prometheus. Beware of him, lest thine heart grieve by him.
Oceanus. Thy doom, Prometheus, be my teacher!
Prometheus.Go.
Depart—beware—and keep the mind thou hast.
Oceanus. Thy words drive after, as I rush before.
Lo! my four-footed bird sweeps smooth and wide
The flats of air with balanced pinions, glad
To bend his knee at home in the ocean-stall.