No More Learning

_Her. _ This word Zeus does not know.

_Pr. _ But time growing old teaches all things.

_Her. _ And still thou know'st not yet how to be prudent.

_Pr. _ For I should not converse with thee a servant.

_Her. _ Thou seem'st to say naught which the Father wishes.

_Pr. _ And yet his debtor I'd requite the favor.

_Her. _ Thou mock'st me verily as if I were a child.

_Pr.
_ And art thou not a child, and simpler still than this,
If thou expectest to learn aught from me?
There is not outrage nor expedient, by which
Zeus will induce me to declare these things,
Before he loose these grievous bonds.
Let there be hurled, then, flaming fire,
And the white-winged snows, and thunders
Of the earth, let him confound and mingle all.
For none of these will bend me till I tell
By whom 't is necessary he should fall from sovereignty.

_Her. _ Consider now if these things seem helpful.

_Pr. _ Long since these were considered and resolved.

_Her. _ Venture, O vain one, venture, at length,
In view of present sufferings to be wise.

_Pr. _ In vain you vex me, as a wave, exhorting.
Ne'er let it come into thy mind that I, fearing
Zeus' anger, shall become woman-minded,
And beg him, greatly hated,
With womanish upturnings of the hands,
To loose me from these bonds. I am far from it.

_Her. _ Though saying much I seem in vain to speak;
For thou art nothing softened nor appeased
By prayers; but champing at the bit like a new-yoked
Colt, thou strugglest and contend'st against the reins.