23
That not by strength, and not by who was bold,
But by their crafts must the victors overcome.
When I set forth all this to them in words
They deigned not to regard me in the least.
Then, as things fared, it seemed to me the best 240 (224)
To take my mother with me in my plans,
And willingly range sides with willing Zeus.
And through my counsels is it the murk deeps
Of Tartarus conceal with his allies
The ancient Kronos. Such the debt to me 245 (229)
Owed by the despot of the gods, and this
The evil price in which he quits the debt.
For somehow despotism is ever sick
Of this disease, to have no faith in friends.
Howbeit that you ask me, on what charge 250 (234)
He persecutes me, now will I make clear.
So soon as on his father's throne he sat
He ruled their several honours to the gods,
And ordered his dominion; but no thought
Took he for toil-worn mortals, but desired 255 (240)
To sweep the whole race off and plant a new.
And none withstood his wish save only me.
But I was venturous, I saved mankind
