No More Learning

_ For 't is no remedy to bewail this one;
Cherish not vainly troubles which avail naught.

_Heph. _ O much hated handicraft!

_Kr. _ Why hatest it? for in simple truth, for these misfortunes
Which are present now Art's not to blame.

_Heph. _ Yet I would 't had fallen to another's lot.

_Kr. _ All things were done but to rule the gods,
For none is free but Zeus.

_Heph. _ I knew it, and have naught to say against these things.

_Kr. _ Will you not haste, then, to put the bonds about him,
That the Father may not observe you loitering?

_Heph.
_ Already at hand the shackles you may see.

_Kr. _ Taking them, about his hands with firm strength
Strike with the hammer, and nail him to the rocks.

_Heph. _ 'T is done, and not in vain this work.

_Kr. _ Strike harder, tighten, nowhere relax,
For he is skillful to find out ways e'en from the impracticable.

_Heph. _ Ay, but this arm is fixed inextricably.

_Kr. _ And this now clasp securely, that
He may learn he is a duller schemer than is Zeus.

_Heph. _ Except him would none justly blame me.

_Kr. _ Now with an adamantine wedge's stubborn fang
Through the breasts nail strongly.

_Heph.