Fanning his cheek with breath of the sea waves,
The daughters of Oceanus approach,”—
introduce the opening chorus of sea-nymphs (“Prometheus, Woe to thee”), for female voices, arranged in double parts, and set to a restless, agitated accompaniment, expressive of fear and despair. The second prologue, reciting the wrath of Oceanus “on his swift-winged ocean steed,” that mortals should have dared to vex his peaceful waters, and the reply of Prometheus that “on the broad earth each place is free to all,” introduces the choruses of Tritons and Oceanides. The first is a mixed chorus full of brightness and spirit (“Freedom! afar from Land upon the open Sea”). Their exultant song is followed by a fascinating melody (“Hail! O Prometheus, hail!”) for female chorus, with short but expressive solos for soprano and alto (“When to our Waters the golden Time shall come”), the number closing with double chorus in full rich harmony (“Holy and grand and free is the Gift of Heaven”). Thereupon follows the third prologue:—
“Scarcely has ceased the Ocean’s song of joy,
Which, breathing peace unto Prometheus’ soul,
Wakens within his breast long-buried hope,
When once again the sound of lamentation
Bursts on his ear and fills the air with sighs.
Seated within a lion-drawn chariot comes
The founder of his race—Gæa herself—