It is not an easy matter, Prometheus, to rival such an accomplished sophist. You are lucky, however, that Zeus did not hear you say all this, for I am very sure he would have set sixteen vultures upon you to pull out your vitals, so eloquently did you accuse him in seeming to defend yourself. But I am surprised that as you are a prophet you did not know in advance that you would be punished for all this.

I did know it, Hermes, and I also know that I shall be set free again; before long someone will come from Thebes, a brother of yours,Heracles. to shoot down the eagle which you say will fly to me.

I hope so, Prometheus, and I hope to see you at large, feasting with us all—but not serving our meat!