PROMETHEUS. Most likely. But one thing I can tell you for certain, namely, that Zeus and the celestial Triballi are going to send deputies here to sue for peace. Now don't you treat, unless Zeus restores the sceptre to the birds and gives you Basileia[351] in marriage.
PISTHETAERUS. Who is this Basileia?
PROMETHEUS. A very fine young damsel, who makes the lightning for Zeus; all things come from her, wisdom, good laws, virtue, the fleet, calumnies, the public paymaster and the triobolus.
PISTHETAERUS. Ah! then she is a sort of general manageress to the god.
PROMETHEUS. Yes, precisely. If he gives you her for your wife, yours will be the almighty power. That is what I have come to tell you; for you know my constant and habitual goodwill towards men.
PISTHETAERUS. Oh, yes! 'tis thanks to you that we roast our meat.[352]
PROMETHEUS. I hate the gods, as you know.
PISTHETAERUS. Aye, by Zeus, you have always detested them.
[351] i.e. the supremacy of Greece, the real object of the war.
[352] Prometheus had stolen the fire from the gods to gratify mankind.
Studies
