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 850 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; 860 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, 870 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. _ARGEIA._ Alas, alas, what heavy words are these, That in the place of joy forbid your tongue, 880 That cloud and change his face, while desperate sorrow Sighs in his heart? I came to share a triumph: All is dismay and terror. What is this? IN. True, wife, I spake of triumph, and I told thee The winter-withering hope of my whole life Has flower'd to-day in amaranth: what the hope Thou knowest, who hast shared; but the condition I told thee not and thou hast heard: this prophet, Who comes to bring us fire, hath said that Zeus Wills not the gift he brings, and will be wroth 890 With us that take it.