No More Learning

_Strength. _ Seize him: strike amain:
Strike with the hammer on each side his hands--
Rivet him to the rock.

_Hephaestus. _ 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.

_Hephaestus. _ 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.

_Hephaestus. _ Oh, none but he
Accuse me justly.

_Strength.
_ Now, straight through the chest,
Take him and bite him with the clenching tooth
Of the adamantine wedge, and rivet him.

_Hephaestus. _ Alas, Prometheus, what thou sufferest here
I sorrow over.

_Strength. _ Dost thou flinch again
And breathe groans for the enemies of Zeus?
Beware lest thine own pity find thee out.

_Hephaestus. _ Thou dost behold a spectacle that turns
The sight o' the eyes to pity.

_Strength. _ I behold
A sinner suffer his sin's penalty.
But lash the thongs about his sides.

_Hephaestus. _ So much,
I must do. Urge no farther than I must.

_Strength. _ Ay, but I _will_ urge!