Inachus.

That but a small and easy thing now seems, Which from my house when I came forth at noon A dream was and beyond the reach of man. 'Tis now a fancy of the will, a word, Liberty's lightest prize. Yet still as one Who loiters on the threshold of delight, Delaying pleasure for the love of pleasure, I dally--Come, Argeia, and share my triumph! And set our daughter by thee; though her eyes Are young, there are no eyes this day so young As shall forget this day--while one thing more I ask of thee; this evil, will it light On me or on my house or on mankind?

PR. Scarce on mankind, O Inachus, for Zeus A second time failing will not again Measure his spite against their better fate. And now the terror, which awhile o'er Earth Its black wings spread, shall up to Heaven ascend And gnaw the tyrant's heart: for there is whispered A word gone forth to scare the mighty gods; How one must soon be born, and born of men, Who shall drive out their impious host from heaven, And from their skyey dwellings rule mankind In truth and love. So scarce on man will fall This evil, nay, nor on thyself, O king; Thy name shall live an honoured name in Greece.

IN. Then on my house 'twill be. Know'st thou no more?

PR. Know I no more? Ay, if my purpose fail 'Tis not for lack of knowing: if I suffer, 'Tis not that poisonous fear hath slurred her task, Or let brave resolution walk unarmed. My ears are callous to the threats of Zeus, The direful penalties his oath hath laid On every good that I in heart and hand Am sworn to accomplish, and for all his threats, Lest their accomplishment should outrun mine, Am bound the more. Nay, nor his evil minions, Nor force, nor strength, shall bend me to his will.