He was at this time gaunt and grey, careworn and morose, and he was as ugly as a vulture.--Gentlemen, look at him now and understand why I tell you this; why I asked you to come here; why I entreat you to listen to me. It is because I have discovered this: the eagle can become very beautiful. Now, every one of us has an eagle; as I have just most earnestly asserted. An eagle?--Alas, a vulture perhaps! no, no, not a vulture, gentlemen!--Gentlemen, you must have an eagle.... * * * * * And now I touch the most serious question:--Why an eagle?... Ah! Why?--let him say why. Here is mine, gentlemen; I bring him to you.... Eagle! Will you reply now? Anxiously Prometheus turned towards his eagle. The eagle was motionless and remained silent.... Prometheus continued in a distressed voice: --Gentlemen, gentlemen, I have vainly questioned my eagle.... Eagle! speak now: every one listens to you.... Who sends you? Why have you chosen me? Where do you come from? Where do you go to? Speak: What is your nature? (The eagle remained silent.) No, nothing! Not a word! Not a cry!--I hoped he would speak to you at any rate; that is why I brought him with me.... Must I speak alone here?--All is silence!--All is silence! What does it mean?... I have questioned in vain. Then turning towards the audience: Oh! I hoped, gentlemen, that you would love my eagle, that your love would affirm his beauty.--That is why I gave myself up to him, that is why I filled him with the blood of my soul.... But I see I am alone in admiring him. Is it not enough for you that he is beautiful? Or do you not admit his beauty? Look at him at least. I have lived only for him--and now I bring him to you: There he is! As for me I live for him--but he ... but he, why does he live? Eagle that I have nourished with the blood of my soul, whom with all my love I have caressed ... (here Prometheus was interrupted by sobs)--must I then leave the earth without knowing why I loved you, nor what you will do, nor what you will be, after me on the earth ... on the earth? I have ... asked in vain ... in vain.... The words choked in his throat--his voice could not be heard through his tears.--Pardon me, gentlemen,--he continued a little calmer; pardon me for saying such serious things, but if I knew more serious ones I would say them.... Perspiring, Prometheus wiped his face, drank some water, and added: THE END OF PROMETHEUS’ LECTURE --I have only prepared my lecture up to this point.... ... At these words there was a rustling among the audience; several, feeling bored, wished to go out.