The tragedy of the crucifixion of Prometheus, written by Æschylus, was acted in Athens five hundred years before the Christian Era, and is by many considered to be the most ancient dramatic poem now in existence. The plot was derived from materials even at that time of an infinitely remote antiquity. Nothing was ever so exquisitely calculated to work upon the feelings of the spectators. No author ever displayed greater powers of poetry, with equal strength of judgment, in supporting through the piece the august character of the _Divine Sufferer_. The spectators themselves were unconsciously made a party to the interest of the scene: its hero was their friend, their benefactor, their creator, and their _Saviour_; his wrongs were incurred in their quarrel--_his sorrows were endured for their salvation_; "he was wounded for their transgressions, and bruised for their iniquities; the chastisement of their peace was upon him, and by his stripes they were healed;" "he was oppressed and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth." The majesty of his silence, whilst the ministers of an offended god were _nailing him by the hands and feet to Mount Caucasus_,[192:2] could be only equaled by the modesty with which he relates, _while hanging with arms extended in the form of a cross_, his services to the human race, which had brought on him that horrible crucifixion.[192:3] "None, save myself," says he, "opposed his (Jove's) will," "I dared; And boldly pleading saved them from destruction, Saved them from sinking to the realms of night. For this offense I bend beneath these pains, Dreadful to suffer, piteous to behold: For mercy to mankind I am not deem'd Worthy of mercy; but with ruthless hate In this uncouth appointment am fix'd here A spectacle dishonorable to Jove."[192:4] In the catastrophe of the plot, his especially professed friend, Oceanus, _the Fisherman_--as his name _Petræus_ indicates,[193:1]--being unable to prevail on him to make his peace with Jupiter, by throwing the cause of human redemption out of his hands,[193:2] forsook him and fled. None remained to be witness of his dying agonies but the chorus of ever-amiable and ever-faithful which also bewailed and lamented him,[193:3] but were unable to subdue his inflexible philanthropy.[193:4] In the words of Justin Martyr: "Suffering was common to all the sons of Jove." They were called the "Slain Ones," "Saviours," "Redeemers," &c.