Chained to his rugged rock, Prometheus fumes. He brought the gift of fire to mankind. Now He must pay. The gods are not amused. His is an act of defiance unbowed By the threat of retribution. Unsoothed, He faces his fate: to have ravens scour His liver each day, then start up anew. Like Sisyphus, punishment is his shroud. He wears it regally: His will only hews To its task; it cannot break; he stays proud. His gift spreads across the globe. Only few Turn it down. Man is equal to the crowd Of gods on Olympus. They will strew Their anger. But naught keeps this mortal cowed.