-Written by Franc Rodríguez

(Contents)

Dramatis Personae ix

ACT I

ACT II

ACT III

ACT IV

ACT V

(Dramatis Personae)

PROMETHEUS-A poet

DEMOTIMOS-A poet

PERSEPHONE-A philosopher and teacher

NICHOMACHOS-A student of Persephone

HEDISTE-A student of Persephone

ARISTION-An artisan

MIKRION-A politician

POLYKRATES-A money changer

SOPHOKLES-A student of Persephone

PHILLIPPOS-An astronomer

XANTHOS-A soldier

CEBES-A friend and student of Socrates.

SIMMIAS-A friend and student of Socrates.

Scene in the year 389 BCE of Athens, Greece.

ACT 1

SCENE I.

At the centre of the Agora in Athens, Greece.

Prometheus, a poet from Thebes arrives to Athens and reunites with his good friend Demotimos ten years, after the death of Socrates.

PROMOTHEUS.

Demotimos, thou hast not changed in thine appearance in ten years, whilst I have aged ten years more than mine age.

DEMOTIMOS.

Indeed! Prometheus, what has befallen upon thee that thine eyes are full of gloom and thy countenance and guise are haggard?

PROMETHEUS.

I have been troubled by the inescapable gloom of my failure to find the one thing that has eluded me for ten years.

DEMOTIMOS.

Exactly, what is that one thing that haunteth thy soul, with such an embedded passion?

PROMETHEUS.

My quest for knowledge to fully understand the meaning of mine existence, the universal truth, and what is my destiny?

DEMOTIMOS.

Wherefore? Thou must learn to live, like me a genuine voluptuary and a lover of life.

PROMETHEUS.

The thought of the enjoyment of the sybarites doth not please me, in the absolute fulfillment of that deportment. Besides, I do not fancy to the extent that thou dost, the immense gratification of sensual appetites and faineance.

DEMOTIMOS.

What art thou implying? Why dost thou speak, in such vague words that are condescending? We all have sensual appetites. Why must mine be any different than thine?

PROMETHEUS.

Forgive me my friend for my patrocination, but what I mean by my words is that I feel my purpose in life is much more than to please my vagaries and desires willingly.

DEMOTIMOS.

Dost thou imply that because I willingly indulge myself, with pleasure and enjoyment that I am wrong in my selection of entertainment?

PROMETHEUS

Thou hast said those words, not I.

DEMOTIMOS.

Then stop speaking in queer riddles and tell me what thou professest, so that I may understand.

PROMETHEUS.

That is the thing my dear friend I do not know what I want, but 'tis not mere pleasure I desire.

DEMOTIMOS.

But thou knowest that pleasure and enjoyment is something that all men desire and need always. By Zeus, 'tis a gift from the mighty Gods. O the talent of the poets, the writers of tragedies and dithyrambs, the passion of the politicians, the foresight of the seers, the brilliance of the artisans, the wonder of the artists are all a part of the historicity of ideas, practices, or institutions.

PROMETHEUS.

Perhaps, but 'tis, not a gift that I seek at all. What I seek is mine ultimate destiny. As for the Gods, wherefore must I depend on them for anything that I need? Have I not worshipped them enough, as a common man in this world?

DEMOTIMOS.

If I did not know, thee well Prometheus, I would assume thee to be irreverent to the Gods of Athens, with thy blatant words of admission. Thou speakest in the rhetoric of Socrates and Gorgias. Thou shouldst, instead speak to the Gods at the oracle of Delphi than to seek such foolishness elsewhere. Thou canst speak to the Pythians, about the universal truth and thy destiny!

PROMETHEUS.

'Tis, not mine intention to display irreverence to the Gods. However, is it wrong to truly want to seek knowledge, with the truth and thus my destiny?

DEMOTIMOS.

What truth art thou seeking? And what destiny dost thou want, the destiny that the Gods have given thee or thine own destiny that thou shalt prefer to believe?

PROMETHEUS.

The universal truth that is beholden to all men. As for my destiny, I shall discover my destiny, with my thorough examination and subjectivity.

DEMOTIMOS.

I must warn thee my friend that Socrates was condemned and executed, for this same universal truth thou hast mentioned and thou knowest what was his terrible fate. Sometimes, I do not understand the idiosyncrasies of men with such intrusive minds. If thou art interested, then go to the south of the marketplace tomorrow.

PROMETHEUS.

Wherefore? What shall I discover, if I present myself thither?

DEMOTIMOS.

Thitherto, I shall present thee the wise philosopher Persephone. A sanguine man adept, in the Atticism of Greek philosophy. He is also a man that knew Socrates well in person and respected his philosophical teachings. Perhaps thou shalt find Echecrates and Apollodorus there. They were the devoted students of Socrates. Now, I grow weary of this colloquy and must tend to another pertinent matter that I have left unfinished.

SCENE II.

At the phrontistery of the paidea of philosophy in Athens, Greece.

Demotimos escorts Prometheus to meet the intellectual sage. After the formal exchange of introductions and the departure of Demotimos, the philosopher who is accompanied by his student Sophoklos addresses Prometheus.

PERSEPHONE.

I have been told by thy friend that thou art on an especial quest for knowledge and to discover thy destiny also.

PROMETHEUS.

And I have been told that thou art a wise philosopher that is respected amongst thy students, sir.

PERSEPHONE.

Then 'tis true that thou seekest knowledge and thy destiny?

PROMETHEUS.

Indeed!

SOPHOKLOS.

Thou hast come to the right place, but I must enquire my friend. What type of knowledge dost thou seek and how canst thou foresee, such an impossible thing as destiny?

PROMETHEUS.

What I seek is the one thing that has eluded me for decades, the knowledge of the universal truth that corresponds to my destiny.

PERSEPHONE.

The universal truth? Dost thou know, what is the universal truth?

PROMETHEUS.

Is it not knowledge itself, I query?

SOPHOKLOS.

I have not heard about this universal truth before. Indeed, I am fascinated to know, about its relevance to the faculty of human knowledge and wisdom.

PERSEPHONE.

The universal truth, my young enquirers is a knowledge that only a few have obtained its actual significance and understanding.

SOPHOKLOS.

Why the mystery? And why is there so few persons that have obtained this particular knowledge?

PERSEPHONE.

A truth is thus considered to be universal if it is logically valid and as well, beyond all times and places. Hence, a universal truth is considered logical to transcend the state of the physical universe, whose order is derived from such truth. In this case, such a truth that I mention is seen, as eternal or as absolute.

PROMETHEUS.

What I want to know teacher is what is it and how do I obtain it to realise the potential of my destiny?

PERSEPHONE.

Those are wise questions that a sophos like me can only answer, with a certain supposition and opinion expounded.

PROMETHEUS.

Is this, not the same truth that Socrates, Plato and Aristotle spoke of before, in their philosophical intercourses?

PERSEPHONE.

It all dependeth on what thou art seeking in that universal truth that correspondeth to the fulfilment of thy destiny.

PROMETHEUS.

What I seek is the ultimate knowledge that shall permit me to know, my destiny.

PERSEPHONE.

I ask consequently, what shall this ultimate knowledge revealeth to thee, and shall it be any less or more than what thou wantest it to be in the end?

PROMETHEUS.

I am afraid, that I do not know at the present moment!

PERSEPHONE.

Then to obtain knowledge, thou must first comprehend the significant meaning of wisdom.

SOPHOKLOS.

Is not wisdom gained, from practical experience teacher?

PERSEPHONE.

Wisdom can be obtained, from trial or by memory. This is called rote or ordalium, young man.

PROMETHEUS.

Where do I obtain this wisdom that thou speakest of?

PERSEPHONE.

Go and speak to the money changer, the poet, the politician, the artisan, the astronomer, the soldier and ask them about knowledge before thou shalt return to me the philosopher to know thy destiny. Thou shalt experience the contrast, in the interpretative forms of human knowledge.

SCENE III.

At the Agora in Athens, Greece.

Prometheus speaks to a money changer, by the name of Polykrates from the marketplace, in search for the universal truth to his destiny.

PROMETHEUS.

Art thou a money changer, if I may query?

POLYKRATES.

Aye! I am a money changer. How much money dost thou need to exchange?

PROMETHEUS.

I do not need to exchange any money?

POLYKRATES.

Thou dost not want to exchange money? No drachmas or minae?

PROMETHEUS.

Nay! I do not wish to exchange any money, as I have mentioned to thee ere.

POLYKRATES.

Then what dost thou want from me that I am a busy man?

PROMETHEUS.

I merely came to ascertain what is called knowledge from thee. That is all!

POLYKRATES.

Come now, I do not have time to waste, with this senseless conversation that shall lead to nowhere!

PROMETHEUS.

Then am I to think that a money changer such as thyself hath no real knowledge whatsoever?

POLYKRATES.

Knowledge, I have a lot of knowledge, but little time and patience to spare.

PROMETHEUS.

What is thy knowledge?

POLYKRATES.

I have the great knowledge to count money and remember numerals effectively.

PROMETHEUS.

Nay! That is not knowledge, instead it is a talent.

POLYKRATES.

I know how the economy and the market functions well in Athens.

PROMETHEUS.

Then tell me, what is the universal truth to thee?

POLYKRATES.

The universal truth? I have not heard of it mentioned. But if thou must know to me, 'tis the truth found only in these drachmas and minae I hold in mine hands that reveal the ways of quotidian commerce. That is mine universal truth.

PROMETHEUS.

But is that all that the universal truth signifieth to thee?

POLYKRATES.

Is it not sufficient enough for thee? Because for me 'tis the only truth that is important in this society and world.

PROMETHEUS.

That is thy truth only? Is it not?

POLYKRATES.

The truth is without money a poor man shall remain poor, whilst a rich man shall become rich every time.

PROMETHEUS.

If I may interject, my good money changer. If I understand the premise of that truth, then I shall be condemned to abstract poverty than thee, who shall be an opulent man.

POLYKRATES.

I believe that shall be the case!

PROMETHEUS.

However, thou hast failed to reveal the fact that I may become poor compared to thee, yet, when we both die, our flesh shall rot and our bones decay into ashes eventually. Now tell me my good money changer. What good is it to have money and opulence, if that money thou hast in thine hands shall not accompanied thee beyond thy death? Dost thou not see the contradiction in thy words?

POLYKRATES.

True, but I shall prefer to die rich than poor strange fellow. Anyways, 'tis thou that asked me about this universal truth in the first place?

PROMETHEUS.

Indeed! I go now, knowing the universal truth to a money changer. Thereafter, I must seek the universal truth from a poet.

SCENE IV.

At the Lyceum in Athens, Greece.

Prometheus has come to converse with his dear friend Demotimos, about the universal truth.

DEMOTIMOS.

Prometheus, I was not expecting to see thee so soon. Art thou still in search of that universal truth to thy destiny? Did not the sage Persephone apprise thee of its introduction and illusive nature?

PROMETHEUS.

He told me that I must ask men of distinctive occupations, what they believe to be the universal truth. I have enquired the money changer, but his universal truth is about the greed of money.

DEMOTIMOS.

What exactly dost thou want to know from me that shall serve thy purpose?

PROMETHEUS.

What kind of knowledge dost thou have that is relevant?

DEMOTIMOS.

I am a marvellous poet, with a unique knowledge that few persons possess in our society.

PROMETHEUS.

What is that particular knowledge, my friend?

DEMOTIMOS.

I was born with the extraordinary gift of language and the masterful eloquence of poetry that few men can declare.

PROMETHEUS.

However, that is not knowledge. That is a talent!

DEMOTIMOS.

Talent 'tis, but, we as poets have the knowledge of the quill that hath captivated men for centuries.

PROMETHEUS.

Then, what is the universal truth to thee?

DEMOTIMOS.

The universal truth, if thou must know, is found in the eloquent stanzas of the poetry I write and recite. That is mine universal truth, my friend.

PROMETHEUS.

Surely, thou must know that poetry is an expression of mere words. What truth could be discovered, in the stanzas of a poem that define knowledge, my good friend?

DEMOTIMOS.

Thou art a poet and know that poetry is the essence of the beauty of our dialogues. I would prefer to recite a thousand poems than to die an ignoramus in this world.

PROMETHEUS.

But the words of poetry shall not serve thee, when thou art death, besides, what good is to be a poet, if poetry is but words that carry no substance of the truth? I mean, why do we recite poetry that is no more the reflection of our own selfish desires and sorrows only?

DEMOTIMOS.

No substance? That is not accurate. I would not call my desires and sorrows as selfish, and my words bear memorable substance to mine audience.

PROMETHEUS.

Do they carry more weight than the words of the philosophers or the politicians? I have not met a ruler who is a poet. Therefore, thy knowledge is not the universal truth I seek, my friend!

DEMOTIMOS.

Then, wherefore did thou waste my time, with thine enquiry knowing the nature of my character?

PROMETHEUS.

Forgive me my friend, but I was told by the philosopher Persephone to ask men of distinction, what is the universal truth, so that I may find my fate?

DEMOTIMOS.

I have revealed to thee, what mine universal truth is. Now, I must continue with the recital of my poetry. Therefore, thou shalt have to be content with what I have disclosed to thee already.

PROMETHEUS.

Ye poets are always lost in thy vision of a utopian world in the universe. I shall go forthwith and speak to the artisan about the matter. Surely, he must know something of knowledge that would be germane to my search.

SCENE V.

At the corner of one of the main streets of Athens.

Prometheus addresses a local artisan, who is constructing a wooden chest. The name of the artisan is Aristion.

PROMETHEUS.

Forgive me kind sir. Thou art an artisan, if I am not mistaken in my description?

ARISTION.

I am an artisan! What can I make for thee? Dost thou want a wooden chest to be made?

PROMETHEUS.

Nay! I do not need a wooden chest to be made.

ARISTION.

Then, what dost thou seek at the moment that I can be of service to thee?

PROMETHEUS.

What I merely seek is the universal truth. But I came to know of thy knowledge in particular.

ARISTION.

What universal truth? I have never heard before, any utterance or mention of such odd thing.

PROMETHEUS.

I do not quite know, what is its actual meaning? But I was told by a wise man that I could find it, by enquiring the knowledge of others.

ARISTION.

Knowledge? Thou wantest to know, what an artisan like myself would know?

PROMETHEUS.

Indeed! I am here, because thou must obviously have some worthy knowledge to reveal to me that I could learn and ponder its pertinence.

ARISTION.

I do not know, if what I have as knowledge is that worthy. But, if thou must know, I know how to build things from nothing and create wonderful art from them that I profit afterwards. I am a sculptor, carpenter, coin maker, etc. All that is built by hand, I master with my prowess.

PROMETHEUS.

I am afraid that is not knowledge, but talent. Dost thou not possess any knowledge of these things?

ARISTION.

Of course! I have the knowledge that a man needeth to build anything from nothing. Is that not sufficient knowledge?

PROMETHEUS.

Then, what is the universal truth for thee?

ARISTION.

The only truth that is important to me is the usage of mine hands to build and the objects I create that people reward me for, in the way of money.

PROMETHEUS.

Dost thou not believe that the world is more than building and creating things and being handsomely rewarded?

ARISTION.

Perhaps! However, for me 'tis what rewardeth the constant needs of my family.

PROMETHEUS.

Life must be more than building and creating things that only men can profit from its toil.

ARISTION.

'Tis enough for me! I can think of no better thing than to toil for profit.

PROMETHEUS.

But what of the plight of knowledge? Dost thou not wish to know more of life and the world, beyond thy trade or travail?

ARISTION.

Since I am not a politician, poet or philosopher, wherefore should I indulge myself, in the knowledge of others that doth not serve my purpose or need much?

PROMETHEUS.

Because there is still so much of this world and the universe unknown to discover and reveal that we have barely begun to understand its salient function.

ACT 2.

SCENE I.

At the oracle in Athens, Greece.

Prometheus visits the oracle and speaks to an astronomer, by the name of Phillippos.

PROMETHEUS.

Thou art an astronomer?

PHILLIPPOS.

Indeed! Who art thou that I do not recognise thy countenance?

PROMETHEUS.

I am Prometheus from Thebes.

PHILLIPPOS.

Is there something that is occupying thy thoughts?

PROMETHEUS.

I seem to be on a quest for the universal truth to discover my fate. That is the main reason that I must know the relevant knowledge of others.

PHILLIPPOS.

What dost thou mean, the universal truth?

PROMETHEUS.

The truth that is universal and understood by all, I suppose in its definition.

PHILLIPPOS.

If thou art asking me, what knowledge I possess, then I shall profess that I know how to detect the countless stars in the sky and know the difference, between the distance of the moon and the sun. I can as well predict the correlation of the planets of the universe.

PROMETHEUS.

That may appear to be knowledge, but 'tis more of a proficient skill.

PHILLIPPOS.

True, but I know of these things, because I can see or surmise these things plainly.

PROMETHEUS.

If thou art knowledgeable of these things, then what is the universal truth?

PHILLIPPOS.

To me the only truth that is relevant is the vast universe that is existential.

PROMETHEUS.

If the universe is indeed vast, then what canst thou tell me about mine existence?

PHILLIPPOS.

I can tell thee young man that thine existence is related to the relativity to the cosmos and its continuous evolution.

PROMETHEUS.

Let us say for the sake of the argument that this is true, then what knowledge can I benefit from that truth?

PHILLIPPOS.

Perhaps, the question should be, what is the main difference, between good and bad knowledge?

PROMETHEUS.

Or substantial and superficial knowledge?

PHILLIPPOS.

True!

PROMETHEUS.

Thus, what can be learnt from thy knowledge?

PHILLIPPOS.

Only thou shalt know that answer in the end Theban, but know that any established truth must always be universal and associated to the relevance of the cosmos that is boundless and eternal in its form or composition.

SCENE II.

At the Agora in Athens, Greece.

Prometheus approaches a soldier, whose name is Xanthos and converses with him.

PROMETHEUS.

Excuse me! Thou art a soldier? Is that not so, judging from thine accoutrements?

XANTHOS.

Aye! And who art thou that askest?

PROMETHEUS.

I am a poet and am interested in knowing about thy knowledge.

XANTHOS.

A poet! My knowledge? For what practical reason?

PROMETHEUS.

I do not mean to interpose with my questions. If thou must know, I am on a quest for the universal truth to understand better my destiny.

XANTHOS.

Universal truth? I have no knowledge of what is this universal truth or what it consists of in its entirety.

PROMETHEUS.

Surely, thou must have some knowledge that is very important.

XANTHOS.

I have only the necessary knowledge of a mere soldier.

PROMETHEUS.

What knowledge is that, my good man?

XANTHOS.

I know the art of warfare and how to use a sword properly and a spear to defeat my foes on the battlefield.

PROMETHEUS.

But that is talent and bravery. Still, 'tis, not knowledge.

XANTHOS.

Whatever thou choosest to call it, 'tis what a soldier must know to fight and defend himself.

PROMETHEUS.

I agree, but what other knowledge dost thou possess that is universal?

XANTHOS.

To me what is universal are the battles I fight and conquer. That is the only thing that mattereth in the end to me.

PROMETHEUS.

There must be more to knowledge that could lead me to discover the universal truth.

XANTHOS.

If there is, then thou shalt not find it here with me.

PROMETHEUS.

Perhaps, the politician could reveal to me the signification of the universal truth.

XANTHOS.

Thou shalt not like, what the politician saith.

PROMETHEUS.

Wherefore?

XANTHOS.

Because his truth is the most corrupted of all genuine truth of man. Hark my words, when I say that here in Athens power is a mighty thing to possess, if thou hast its superior control.

PROMETHEUS.

And what of democracy?

XANTHOS.

Democracy is the ideal vision and aspiration of the philosophers and poets, but few politicians would admit to its value, when power corrupteth them so blindly.

SCENE III.

At the Symposium in Athens, Greece.

Prometheus meets a politician outside of the Symposium. He confronts him about his certain knowledge, without realising the parlous nature of his colloquial intercourse. The politician's name is Mikrion. Unbeknownst to Prometheus, he is a powerful politician.

PROMETHEUS.

I do not mean to interpose with my presence sir, but I must settle my curiosity. Art thou a politician?

MIKRION.

A politician or a statesman, but I prefer to address mine appellation, as a Senator. Who art thou?

PROMETHEUS.

I am a poet and my name is Prometheus.

MIKRION.

Where art thou from? Judging from thy parlance, thou art, not an Athenian.

PROMETHEUS.

If thou must know, I am from Thebes.

MIKRION.

Thou art a poet and Theban. A Theban, the worse kind of enemy. Tell me, wherefore must I trust thee in anything that thou sayest?

PROMETHEUS.

Indeed, I am! I have nothing to hide from thee!

MIKRION.

What hath brought thee to Athens, Theban?

PROMETHEUS.

I am on a quest, but 'tis a unique quest sir.

MIKRION.

What type of quest Theban?

PROMETHEUS.

I am searching for the eternal universal truth.

MIKRION.

And what is that universal truth thou seekest?

PROMETHEUS.

This is the reason I came to ask thee, the politician. Surely, a politician as thyself should have the distinct knowledge to know more than, a money changer, an artisan, an astronomer, a soldier and a poet.

MIKRION.

'Tis true, but the knowledge I possess is more than any mere knowledge of those inferior individuals.

PROMETHEUS.

Then, tell me my good politician, what is thy knowledge?

MIKRION.

Thou art referring to what do I know?

PROMETHEUS.

Indeed!

MIKRION.

Well, I know how to govern with authority and with words that only men of power can dictate and command exceptionally.

PROMETHEUS.

That is not real knowledge, but an imposing talent.

MIKRION.

Thou canst name it talent or knowledge. The only thing that is pertinent is the power I have in the Senate.

PROMETHEUS.

Then tell me, my good Senator, what is the universal truth to thee?

MIKRION.

The universal truth is the power I control and possess, in the Senate and city. That is the universal truth for me inquisitive poet. Art thou a follower of Socrates?

PROMETHEUS.

I have heard of him, but unfortunately, I never met him.

MIKRION.

Then I warn thee with discretion, do not follow in the footsteps of Socrates. The Gods shall not be lenient. Beware of their judgement and dictation.

PROMETHEUS.

I do not mean to agitate the Gods, but until I discover the universal truth, I shall have to defer to the notion of the interpellation of the Gods.

MIKRION.

Remember, they are the divine holders of all knowledge. Do not dare to defame them, with thine insolence!

PROMETHEUS.

I have no intention to defame anyone, lest the Gods!

SCENE IV.

At the phrontistery in Athens, Greece.

Prometheus returns to the phrontistery, where the philosopher Persephone is imparting his philosophy, to disclose what he has discovered, after he has spoken to the men.

PERSEPHONE.

Prometheus, thou hast returned.

PROMETHEUS.

I have anxiously returned teacher.

PERSEPHONE.

What hast thou discovered, with thine inquisition?

PROMETHEUS.

I believe I have discovered several things, but I am somewhat baffled by these candid admissions of knowledge.

PERSEPHONE.

What art thou implying?

PROMETHEUS.

Perhaps, 'tis better that I explain in words that thou canst understand.

PERSEPHONE.

Do proceed to tell me! I am very eager to know, what thou hast discovered.

PROMETHEUS.

I have discovered that to the money changer, the universal truth is the ways of quotidian commerce. To the poet, the universal truth is found in the eloquent stanzas of poetry. To the artisan, the universal truth is the profit of creating an object. To the astronomer, the universal truth is the vast cosmos that is existential. To the soldier, the universal truth is the battle fought and conquered. And to the politician, the universal truth is power and control.

PERSEPHONE.

Then, what hast thou learnt from their universal truth?

PROMETHEUS.

Not much I doubt, because I have learnt about their talents and not their knowledge. Surely, there must be something that I have failed to decipher in their revelations.

PERSEPHONE.

Such as what revelations to be precise?

PROMETHEUS.

Frankly, I am afraid that I do not know!

PERSEPHONE.

If thou hast not found the universal truth in those men, then may I suggest thou followest my teachings, as a student of philosophy?

PROMETHEUS.

If 'tis the manner that I can achieve the knowledge to the universal truth, I shall gladly be thy student.

PERSEPHONE.

I must forewarn thee that thou shalt have to endure a heavy burthen to find this truth. But know that without knowledge, thou shalt not ascertain a minimum of this truth.

PROMETHEUS.

What dost thou mean by a heavy burthen?

PERSEPHONE.

What I mean is that it shall not be facile to obtain.

PROMETHEUS.

If that is so, then I am ready and able to entertain that challenge.

PERSEPHONE.

Now that thou hast chosen the path of knowledge, thou must prepare thyself for this arduous endeavour.

PROMETHEUS.

What must I do to prepare myself?

PERSEPHONE.

Thou must search, for the path of enlightenment.

PROMETHEUS.

How do I take that path? Where do I begin to find enlightenment?

PERSEPHONE.

Thou shalt commence this journey, from this point on in time.

SCENE V.

At the centre of the Agora in Athens, Greece.

Prometheus is with his friend Demotimos, discussing his quest for knowledge.

DEMOTIMOS.

Prometheus, what hast thou discovered, in thy quest for knowledge?

PROMETHEUS.

What I know is that I have discovered practically nothing!

DEMOTIMOS.

Why dost thou say that, my good friend?

PROMETHEUS.

I have not learnt anything, and moreover, the universal truth that I seek hath still eluded my comprehension.

DEMOTIMOS.

As a fellow poet, may I suggest that thou usest the acumen of an intellect?

PROMETHEUS.

Indeed! Perhaps, there is more to be developed from within me, such as in my mind.

DEMOTIMOS.

The intellectual mind is always relevant to knowledge, but it would depend on what that knowledge is. Is that not true?

PROMETHEUS.

True! I wonder if I shall ever find this universal truth here in Athens or anywhere else for that matter.

DEMOTIMOS.

I wonder myself is it not better to remain a poet than attempt to find something that only a true philosopher would discover in time? I would find my time wasted on such a tedious task.

PROMETHEUS.

Art thou suggesting that I remain a poet and abandon my philosophical pursuit, for the universal truth and my destiny?

DEMOTIMOS.

I know that it would be better to be a sage than a mere poet, but thou art searching for a certain knowledge that only a true philosopher can answer thy questions, with such scholarly ability?

PROMETHEUS.

But how would I know that knowledge would be truthful?

DEMOTIMOS.

I suppose that only thou canst answer that question, in the comfort of thy rumination?

PROMETHEUS.

If I became a philosopher, what would be mine expectation?

DEMOTIMOS.

Surely, thou art aware of the unique world of the philosophers?

PROMETHEUS.

I am to a certain degree!

DEMOTIMOS.

I believe that thou wouldst enjoy an intellectual discourse, with some of my philosophical friends that are students of the great scholar Persephone.

PROMETHEUS.

The thought of an intellectual intercourse is fascinating.

DEMOTIMOS.

Then wherefore dost thou not join me tonight at mine home.

PROMETHEUS.

I shall be lief to join thee and the others tonight.

ACT 3

SCENE I.

At the home of Demotimos in Athens, Greece.

Prometheus then arrives at the home of his good friend Demotimos, where he is joined by other guests that are students of philosophy, such as Nichomachos, Sophoklos and Hedist.

DEMOTIMOS.

Welcome to mine home Prometheus. I am glad that thou accepted my kind invitation.

PROMETHEUS.

I could not reject thy cordial conviviality. Besides, I am very eager to speak to thy fellow guests.

DEMOTIMOS.

Naturally, then allow me to introduce thee to them. These are my friends Nichomachos, Sophoklos and the lovely Hediste.

NICHOMACHOS.

Thou art from Thebes and a poet I am told.

PROMETHEUS.

Aye!

SOPHOKLOS.

I have not met a poet, who is a Theban. Art thou related to any families of the aristocracy of Thebes?

PROMETHEUS.

Nay! Of my good appellation I shall attest that my father was an established poet and my mother the daughter of a worthy merchant.

HEDIST.

I have heard that thou art on a quest for the knowledge that is called the universal truth. Is that an accurate assumption?

PROMETHEUS.

If I must be very candid my lovely lady, then mine answer shall be yes!

HEDIST.

Wherefore? And what is this universal truth that thou seekest?

DEMOTIMOS.

I have asked my good friend that same question.

PROMETHEUS.

I wished I had that answer, but presently, I do not.

HEDIST.

If thou art interested in finding this universal truth, thou must first determine its essence.

PROMETHEUS.

That is indeed a logical conclusion!

NICHOMACHOS.

I was once told by a philosopher that in order to understand something thou must first discover thine own identity.

SOPHOKLOS.

I too have heard that saying before.

DEMOTIMOS.

I can think of nothing more to discover oneself than to discover the leisure of pleasure.

PROMETHEUS.

But what knowledge can I learn from leisure?

DEMOTIMOS.

Pleasure is a natural gift given by the Gods Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite, Cronus, Uranus, Hephaestus. We Athenians, unlike ye the Thebans recite poetry and are great orators. I much prefer the marvel of Anacreon to the boredom of Homer. Moreover, we eat plenty of fruit, raisins, pomegranates, roasted hare and drink wine, during the hours of our leisure time. What more can an Athenian want?

NICHOMACHOS.

Surely, thou art aware that not all Athenians are fortunate as us to enjoy mere leisure.

DEMOTIMOS.

If thou art referring to the poor slave than save thy words of piety.

NICHOMACHOS.

Of course I meant the slave, but also, the other unprivileged people of Athens.

PROMETHEUS.

But what good is this pleasure, if there is no semblance of knowledge to be ascertained from it?

HEDIST.

First, thou must realise that one is obtained, whilst the other is a benefit.

DEMOTIMOS.

I would not necessarily exaggerate, since Socrates and Plato frolicked in the fruits of pleasure and company.

SCENE II.

At the phrontistery in Athens, Greece.

Prometheus revisits the philosopher Persephone to converse, about his failure to find the universal truth.

PERSEPHONE.

Prometheus! Why hast thou returned so suddenly? Hast thou found the universal truth?

PROMETHEUS.

Nay! I have not yet found the universal truth.

PERSEPHONE.

There is much to learn about philosophy Prometheus.

PROMETHEUS.

That is why I am here in Athens to acquire knowledge from ye the Athenians, but I have found few of them that possess any knowledge that I can benefit from its application.

PERSEPHONE.

Manifold men of philosophy have been on a quest for knowledge before, such as Prodicus of Ceos, Gorgias of Leontini, Evenus of Paros, Hippias of Elis and Socrates of Athens.

PROMETHEUS.

But were they able to discover the universal truth?

PERSEPHONE.

That only they knew, but know that philosophy is knowledge.

PROMETHEUS.

Hitherto, I am troubled by the fact that I have not still found the universal truth.

PERSEPHONE.

As I mentioned to thee before, thy search hath only commenced.

PROMETHEUS.

I have been all over this city and have not yet known, where to ascertain the necessary knowledge to locate the universal truth or the course of my destiny.

PERSEPHONE.

Perhaps, thou hast not been seeking in the right place.

PROMETHEUS.

Wherefore, dost thou say that?

PERSEPHONE.

Philosophy teacheth us that human beings must first discover, the oneness in themselves or the ipseity.

PROMETHEUS.

How do I find the oneness or the ipseity?

PERSEPHONE.

In philosophy, we learn the actual meaning of the oneness or ipseity, with the practice of virtue.

PROMETHEUS.

What is the meaning of virtue?

PERSEPHONE.

'Tis a fascinating thing that few men have understood its value.

PROMETHEUS.

Where do I find the significance of virtue?

PERSEPHONE.

To find virtue, thou must look elsewhere. Be extremely careful Prometheus, there are countless men in this world that proclaim to know virtue and do not practise its principles.

PROMETHEUS.

Who are these men thou mentionest that I may know their names?

PERSEPHONE.

I can only reveal the possibility of that occurrence and warn thee of them.

SCENE III.

At the centre of the Agora in Athens, Greece.

Prometheus is walking with Demotimos, when he is confronted by the politician Mikrion.

MIKRION.

I see that thou hast returned to the Agora Theban. Hast thou come to corrupt the citizens, with thy foolishness?

PROMETHEUS.

By Zeus! What corruption dost thou accuse me of that I have committed?

MIKRION.

The same crime that Socrates was accused and was executed.

PROMETHEUS.

I fail to see the point of thine argument.

MIKRION.

Perhaps I should accentuate my point to thee, in order to be more convincing in mine argument.

DEMOTIMOS.

Forgive him Senator! He is not an Athenian, thereby he doth not know the laws of the city and how they function.

MIKRION.

Naturally, but this doth not excuse his poor behaviour in the public domain.

PROMETHEUS.

I beg to differ! What crime have I committed that is deserving of this false accusation?

MIKRION.

I warn thee of the consequence of thine actions. I see that thou hast not heeded, my direct warning.

PROMETHEUS.

If I have done no corruption of the sort, then wherefore must I defend myself? Once more, I have committed no crime. Who have I corrupted?

MIKRION.

The citizens of Athens, who do not need any senseless philosophers to influence their beliefs and destroy their traditions.

DEMOTIMOS.

Surely, thou must take into strong consideration the fact that my noble friend is not that accustomed to our Athenian ways and laws.

MIKRION.

If that is the case, then am I to suspect that thy friend shall cease his activity and admit his naivety?

PROMETHEUS.

Art thou to admit equally thine ignorance?

MIKRION.

Brash and daring art thou that thou imposest thy foolish hubris. Hast thou forgotten that I am a very powerful politician of Athenian Society?

DEMOTIMOS.

Senator, allow me to escort my friend to mine home. I guarantee thee that his stay in the city shall be brief, and he shall not infringe upon the law any more.

MIKRION.

If he agreeth that he shall cease his corrupted way and activity.

PROMETHEUS.

If I shall concede to that notion, I shall indeed have to acknowledge my supposed naivety.

MIKRION.

'Tis not better Theban to do that than to face the rigidity of Athenian justice? Thou choosest! Which shall be thy selection?

PROMETHEUS.

What I choose is solely of my determination and when I determine that I shall consider the consequence.

MIKRION.

Do not be foolish like Socrates! Thou art young! Do not allow thy vulgar youth to display thine ignorance and bad judgement.

SCENE IV.

At the home of Demotimos in Athens, Greece.

Demotimos urges his Theban friend to leave Athens or disengage, in his search for the universal truth and course of destiny.

DEMOTIMOS.

Truly, I implore Prometheus that thou returnest to Thebes, before thou art then apprehended.

PROMETHEUS.

I do not fear apprehension and have not finished my quest.

DEMOTIMOS.

Thou art aware of the immediate consequence of that decision?

PROMETHEUS.

Indeed, I am!

DEMOTIMOS.

Then, what is thy position or decision?

PROMETHEUS.

I shall leave Athens forthwith, but not on mine accord. Instead, I do not wish to bring upon thee and others, any difficulty or unnecessary predicament, due to my affinity with ye.

DEMOTIMOS.

'Tis regretful that thou must be forced to depart in this manner, but 'tis for the best, at least until the tyranny against the philosophers hath passed.

PROMETHEUS.

True! Nevertheless, 'tis not of mine expressed conviction, since I committed no unbearable crime on my part.

DEMOTIMOS.

Is it not preferable to be a poet in our Greek Society than to be a wise philosopher or sage?

PROMETHEUS.

Nay! 'Tis cruel to fathom the thought of losing thy principle.

DEMOTIMOS.

I would have warned thee myself about the tyranny of the preeminent politicians, but I did not consider thy persistence in the matter.

PROMETHEUS.

And I did not consider the consequence of a mere enquiry on my part.

DEMOTIMOS.

I am afraid that thy quest for the universal truth is today a controversy in our Athenian Society. Unfortunately, we have only Socrates and Plato to blame for this propounding propagation of philosophy.

PROMETHEUS.

I detest such a prosaic notion of humanity to interpose their propositions over the majority of citizens, who have no expressive voice in the matter.

DEMOTIMOS.

I admire thy perspective Prometheus, but what good is it to apply an analysis on something that is embedded in our Athenian ways?

PROMETHEUS.

Is not change a good thing, when 'tis a benefit to the betterment of a society, including thine?

DEMOTIMOS.

Our society is clearly an ideological society that we have chosen over the decades.

PROMETHEUS.

But what advanced knowledge hath been gained from this system of governance?

DEMOTIMOS.

I suppose thou art accurate in thy presumption, yet 'tis the only society that I know well.

PROMETHEUS.

Then I sympathise for ye the proud Athenians. I cannot fathom, such a society based on erroneous principles.

SCENE V.

At the home of Persephone the philosopher in Athens, Greece.

Prometheus visits the sage to announce his immediate departure. But he has learnt that Persephone has been arrested by the politician Mikrion, on the charge of corrupting the youth. He then approaches Mikrion, who is in the Agora alone.

PROMETHEUS.

Mikrion, wherefore hast thou arrested the philosopher Persephone?

MIKRION.

Theban, I thought thou had departed the city of Athens.

PROMETHEUS.

I had planned my departure, but that was before I had been informed, about the swift apprehension of the philosopher.

MIKRION.

What troubling concern is this for thee Theban, since it doth not concern thee in the first place?

PROMETHEUS.

To see an innocent man arrested is a grave travesty of injustice.

MIKRION.

Thou art cognisant of thy poignant words?

PROMETHEUS.

I am, and I shall not retract those words!

MIKRION.

A feisty man art thou not Theban, or am I wrong in mine assumption?

PROMETHEUS.

I am a feisty man, but is that an actual crime under Athenian law?

MIKRION.

Nay! 'Tis not a crime at all. However corrupting the youth is!

PROMETHEUS.

What dost thou mean, by corrupting the youth?

MIKRION.

Simple, anyone who is influencing the youth, with non-Athenian ways of thinking and behaviour is guilty of this intolerable crime.

PROMETHEUS.

Who hath made these false accusations?

MIKRION.

There is no need for a claim to be made to justify the accusation.

PROMETHEUS.

Then according to thee the old philosopher is a threat to Athenian Society and hath violated the law, yet no one hath accused him of any crime whatsoever.

MIKRION.

And what of that?

PROMETHEUS.

Is he not an Athenian and member of Athenian Society?

MIKRION.

Yes, he is!

PROMETHEUS.

Do I not speak unfairly, when I say that under Athenian Law, he being an Athenian hath the right to defend himself?

MIKRION.

True! But thou art, not a politician. May I strongly suggest that thou do not doubt mine authority?

PROMETHEUS.

I do not doubt thine authority. I am merely enquiring Senator!

MIKRION.

Remember thy place Theban, for I shall not be that merciful to thee any longer.

PROMETHEUS.

Art thou going to arrest me? And if so, under what charge?

MIKRION.

Art thou daring me to arrest thee, Theban?

PROMETHEUS.

Nay! All that I request is an act of thine humility and compassion. Is that too much to ask, from a powerful Senator?

MIKRION.

Humility and compassion in this world Theban doth not get one far. Remember that there is a clear distinction, between a powerful man and a powerless man. Now, which of us is the powerful and the powerless man at the moment?

ACT 4.

SCENE I.

At a prison outside of Athens, Greece.

Prometheus has been arrested and will then be exiled with Persephone, from the city. For the moment, Prometheus and Persephone are placed in the same cell.

PROMETHEUS.

Teacher, if I can query, where shall thee go next, after thine exile? I am going to return to Thebes. Dost thou wish to join me on my journey?

PERSEPHONE.

I believe that I shall join the community of exiles of the Pythagoreans in Elis.

PROMETHEUS.

'Tis a great pleasure to have thee by my side. I regret that thou hast had to be exiled.

PERSEPHONE.

I regret that thou had to be exiled as well. What I have been charged is only of my doing, but thou hast done nothing to defame the Athenian Gods.

PROMETHEUS.

I was exiled from Athens, because I was charged with corrupting the youth. According to the law, I am guilty of that crime.

PERSEPHONE.

Corrupting the youth in what manner?

PROMETHEUS.

I was apprised by a very powerful politician or Senator whose name is Mikrion that I had committed the serious crime of corrupting the youth.

PERSEPHONE.

I know if his insupportable arrogance. How wert thou corrupting the youth?

PROMETHEUS.

According to the politician I was, when mine only true objective as thou knowest was to discover the universal truth and my destiny.

PERSEPHONE.

The universal truth that few men truly know of its essence and find it after so many years of searching.

PROMETHEUS.

Wherefore have so many men failed to find this universal truth?

PERSEPHONE.

If I told thee that I believe I have, what would thou sayest?

PROMETHEUS.

What art thou implying?

PERSEPHONE.

We have the power in our hands to discover the universal truth.

PROMETHEUS.

What is this power?

PERSEPHONE.

'Tis called our will.

PROMETHEUS.

Will? What dost thou mean?

PERSEPHONE.

I cannot tell thee much more. 'Tis for thou to discover that.

PROMETHEUS.

Please tell me teacher, I must know!

PERSEPHONE.

Let us rest now, for the trip shall be tiresome in the morning.

PROMETHEUS.

But I must know of this power of the will that thou speakest of!

PERSEPHONE.

Thou must reach the highest state of consciousness, in order to understand this power of the will.

SCENE II.

At the grotto outside of Athens, Greece.

The next evening, Prometheus and Persephone were released. They spend the night at a lone grotto. Prometheus begins to experience an unusual dream, where he is travelling through the universe. He then finds himself in the grotto anew, but a mysterious voice appears to him unannouncedly as a stranger.

STRANGER.

Prometheus...

PROMETHEUS.

Who art thou stranger that speakest to me?

STRANGER.

I am thine inner self.

PROMETHEUS.

Am I dreaming? And what dost thou mean by mine inner self?

STRANGER.

I am thy consciousness.

PROMETHEUS.

I fail to understand. Who art thou? Why cannot I see thee?

STRANGER.

Behold, I am thee! Go to the river nearby and see thy reflection.

PROMETHEUS.

What shall I find in my reflection?

STRANGER.

Thy truth!

PROMETHEUS.

The universal truth?

STRANGER.

Do what I ask!

PROMETHEUS.

I admit that I know not everything and perhaps that is to be called ignorance, but I must know this truth.

STRANGER.

Correct! And ignorance is not what thou doth not know, but 'tis the idleness of the will to learn.

PROMETHEUS.

I think I fully understand thine argument. Then if I am ignorant 'tis because I do not wish to learn that beyond my limited knowledge?

STRANGER.

True!

PROMETHEUS.

Where do I find this knowledge?

STRANGER.

Thou art in search of the universal truth. Is that not so?

PROMETHEUS.

Indeed, I am! Tell me stranger, dost thou know, where I can find the universal truth and my destiny?

STRANGER.

If I disclosed the universal truth, what wouldst thou do with it? And would it cause thee to change thy life?

PROMETHEUS.

That I do not know! Strangely, I have not conceived of that thought completely in my mind.

STRANGER.

Go to the river! Then, go and find the universal truth afterwards.

PROMETHEUS.

Whither shall I go? I am exiled and do not really wish to return to Thebes, without discovering the universal truth.

STRANGER.

Go to Elis first, there thou shalt meet a group called the Pythagoreans.

PROMETHEUS.

Wherefore? Who are these men called the Pythagoreans?

STRANGER.

Thou shalt know soon, what to do!

Prometheus reaches the nearby river and sees his own reflection. He is baffled by the encounter and the episode, with the unknown stranger.

SCENE III.

At the grove outside of Athens, Greece.

The following morning, Prometheus awakens to tell Persephone, about the unusual nature of his dream.

PROMETHEUS.

Teacher, thou wouldst not believe me, if I told thee about a strange dream I had last night.

PERSEPHONE.

What was this extraordinary dream, young man?

PROMETHEUS.

I was sharing a fascinating conversation, with a voice who was a stranger.

PERSEPHONE.

And what is so unique about that dream?

PROMETHEUS.

The voice had told me that I would find at last, the universal truth.

PERSEPHONE.

A voice? What did the stranger look like in appearance?

PROMETHEUS.

That I do not know! I only heard his voice. 'Tis a mystery that hath eluded my mind, ever since I have awakened.

PERSEPHONE.

Well then, my young man, what exactly did this stranger revealeth to thee.

PROMETHEUS.

That I cannot reveal plainly, because he spoke in the way of riddles and the only thing that I remember was his mention of the universal truth.

PERSEPHONE.

I suppose that there must be some untold and unknown purpose for this dream.

PROMETHEUS.

Whatever 'tis, I am at a loss to know what was exactly meant by the words of this godlike voice.

PERSEPHONE.

There is much in this world and the universe that remaineth unsolved to us today.

PROMETHEUS.

But thou art a great philosopher and knew Socrates. What am I to do teacher?

PERSEPHONE.

Indeed, I knew Socrates, and he was a wise man of philosophy, but even he struggled to discover his own truth.

PROMETHEUS.

There must be a universal truth that correspondeth to the order of the universe.

PERSEPHONE.

There is a universal truth, but few men have found and understood its relevance.

PROMETHEUS.

I have travelled from Thebes to Athens to acquire knowledge. However, I was exiled from the city not on my own accord. I must go to Elis and speak to the Pythagoreans about the matter.

PERSEPHONE.

We shall speak to them and hear their opinions.

PROMETHEUS.

I know it may seem mad, but I must know of my fate. I do not know how to explain it in the simplicity of words.

PERSEPHONE.

I warn thee, beware of the enemies that await thee hither or thither! Knowledge and sapience are tools, for the deceivers to apply.

SCENE IV.

At the entrance to the city of Elis in Greece.

Prometheus and Persephone have reached the city of Elis. There Persephone shall remain. They wish to speak to the Pythagoreans in privacy.

PROMETHEUS.

I shall hope that thou shalt find Elis to be satisfactory, wise teacher.

PERSEPHONE.

Do not worry, young man, I shall be safe here!

PROMETHEUS.

It still doth not comfort me much, but I am content to see thee released, from that horrific confinement.

PERSEPHONE.

I cannot imagine no drear and melancholic place to be than in confinement.

PROMETHEUS.

No man is deserving of such punishment. Not even the haughty Mikrion.

PERSEPHONE.

All politicians are the same, they think not with wisdom, but act with ignorance and impiety.

PROMETHEUS.

I must agree with that asseveration; although it seemeth that man was not destined for any great measure of power and grandeur.

PERSEPHONE.

Power was not bequeathed to man, instead only for the divine Gods.

PROMETHEUS.

Then, when shall man learn to not act like the Gods?

PERSEPHONE.

When they realise their infallibility. That remaineth to be seen, young man.

PROMETHEUS.

There must be something that is worthy than power for man.

PERSEPHONE.

Indeed! The question is when shall man realise that?

PROMETHEUS.

I am a man and certainly, there must be more men that think like me and share that thought.

PERSEPHONE.

There are, and thou must search for them.

PROMETHEUS.

Search for them! Where do I begin to find them? In what city or town, are they at that I may speak to them?

PERSEPHONE.

Here, thou canst begin in Elis! I cannot reveal anything else, except thou must go alone on this journey, and when we see each other anew, thou shalt have the answers to all thy questions, including the universal truth.

PROMETHEUS.

Canst thou assure me of that possibility, teacher?

PERSEPHONE.

I can only assure thee that thou shalt have to suffer, in order to understand the universal truth.

PROMETHEUS.

In what way or capacity shall I suffer? Shall my suffering be mental or physical?

PERSEPHONE.

Thou shalt feel and know of this suffering, when it manifesteth to thee.

SCENE V.

At the oracle in Elis, Greece.

Before he returns to Athens, Prometheus decides to accompany Persephone to the oracle. There he has an encounter, with two prominent members of the Pythagoreans, whose names are Simmias and Cebes.

SIMMIAS.

Persephone, we heard that thou had been exiled from Athens.

PERSEPHONE.

I see that the tidings of mine exile have reached Elis.

CEBES.

Naturally, since we are apprised of the tidings in Athens, through our few acquaintances there.

PROMETHEUS.

Then, thou art aware of the terrible injustices committed, by the ruthless politicians of the city?

SIMMIAS.

Ruthless? The politicians are all the same. Thou art a Theban. I am acquainted with the accent of Thebes. Cebes is from Thebes.

PROMETHEUS.

I am a Theban. That is true!

CEBES.

I am a Theban also. Wherefore hast thou come to Elis?

PERSEPHONE.

I was told to come to speak to thee, the Pythagoreans.

SIMMIAS.

Who told thee to come to speak to us?

PROMETHEUS.

If ye must know the answer to that particular question, a voice of a stranger told me to come.

CEBES.

A stranger? What stranger? Thou art a student of Persephone? Since when?

PROMETHEUS.

For some time now and I admit that there is none wiser than him.

CEBES.

That what was said of the poor Socrates, and he was poisoned to death. I wonder if Plato shall meet the same fate, as his mentor! As for this stranger, what canst thou tell me of this stranger?

PROMETHEUS.

I do not know, but perhaps I shall know in time!

PERSEPHONE.

Plato is wise and as for Socrates, he is now amongst the immortal ones of the universe.

SIMMIAS.

Thou knowest Persephone of the affinity we shared with Socrates. Although, we did not agree with everything he opined, his philosophy is to be commended.

CEBES.

Tell me young man, what dost thou think of philosophy?

PROMETHEUS.

I do not know if I can define philosophy, until I have found the universal truth.

CEBES.

Thy student remindeth me of Anaxagoras, a young man that spent his life in search of the nature and truth of philosophy.

SIMMIAS.

What universal truth?

PROMETHEUS.

The universal truth that corresponds to the reason for everything that is universal I suppose. I repeat, until I find this truth, I am at a loss and disadvantage.

SIMMIAS.

Persephone, thou hast brought to our city, a wishful student that is on a quest for knowledge and his destiny. And he speaketh of a stranger that he only heard speaking. That is very interesting, but at the same time, not prudent. It is dangerous to speak about things in public that are not completely Greek in knowledge.

PERSEPHONE.

That is so! Nevertheless, this young man shall find his truth. Do not worry, for there is much he must learn, before he can become a wise philosopher.

PROMETHEUS.

Tell me wise Pythagoreans, where shall I go next to find this universal truth and my destiny?

SIMMIAS.

I am no soothsayer, but if thou art convinced that thou hast spoken to a voice, then go and find this universal truth of thine? Perhaps this episode of thine could resolve thy mystery.

ACT 5.

SCENE I.

At the Agora in Athens, Greece.

Prometheus has returned to Athens to find his universal truth. He knows that he could be executed, if discovered by Mikrion. He is sheltered by the students of Persephone, Nichomachos and Sophoklos.

SOPHOKLOS.

We were sent by a messenger, the tidings of thine and Persephone's exile.

PROMETHEUS.

I could not afford to risk the safety of Persephone.

NICHOMACHOS.

But wherefore did thou returnest, knowing that thou wert exiled?

PROMETHEUS.

I had to return. I was compelled to return.

NICHOMACHOS.

Thou dost not fear thine immediate apprehension.

SOPHOKLOS.

Thou sayest that thou had to return, yet thou hast not told us of the reason.

PROMETHEUS.

Thou would not understand me, if I explicated.

NICHOMACHOS.

Do proceed to apprise us that we are most definitely curious to know of thy reason.

PROMETHEUS.

I came back to Athens, because I had a unusual dream-none that I have ever experimented before.

SOPHOKLOS.

What sort of dream Prometheus?

PROMETHEUS.

I was in a grotto asleep, when I awoke to hear a strange voice speak to me.

NICHOMACHOS.

A voice? What did this voice soundeth like? What was the message?

PROMETHEUS.

I do not know and as for his message, he told me to go to Elis and speak to the Pythagoreans and I did. I repeat, I heard only his voice.

NICHOMACHOS.

Certainly, thou must have seen something that represented his appearance than his vague voice.

PROMETHEUS.

I swear that he did not have an appearance.

SOPHOKLOS.

Then, what dost thou recall of him in thy recollection?

PROMETHEUS.

Once more, all that I fully remember was that he was a voice and that he told me that I had to go to Elis to speak to the Pythagoreans.

NICHOMACHOS.

Wherefore did thou hast to return?

PROMETHEUS.

To discover the universal truth that I seek and my destiny.

SOPHOKLOS.

The universal truth?

PROMETHEUS.

Indeed!

SOPHOKLOS.

Wherefore dost thou believe that thou canst discover that in Athens?

NICHOMACHOS.

What is the universal truth?

PROMETHEUS.

I cannot answer those questions, except that mine instinct compelleth me.

NICHOMACHOS.

I commend thy philosophical desire and plight. However, the city of Athens is tightly controlled, by Mikrion and the other tyrannical politicians that are our senators. Ever since the death of Socrates, the situation of the philosophers hath worsened. Socrates' students such as Apollodorus and Echecrates are in hiding. Let us go to mine home. There thou shalt be safe!

PROMETHEUS.

I do not fear the brashness of Mikrion or his devoted allies and entourage.

SCENE II.

At the home of Nichomachos in Athens, Greece.

Outside of the home of the student of Persephone, a pair of his guards have come to arrest Prometheus and escort him to Mikrion. Sophoklos and Hediste are present.

MIKRION.

Thou durst to defy the authority of Athens! And thy friends are thine accomplices I see.

PROMETHEUS.

'Tis I, who thou wantest, not them! Let them be, for they are not guilty of any crime!

MIKRION.

For the moment, I shall not arrest them, but as for thee, thou shalt be arrested and be executed.

NICHOMACHOS.

Under what charge? He could not have corrupted the youth, since he barely arrived to the city.

MIKRION.

Under the same charge! I warned him to not return, but he did and now he must pay the price.

HEDISTE.

Shalt thou poison him, like Socrates?

MIKRION.

His punishment shall be in accordance to the laws that governed woman.

PROMETHEUS.

Do I not have the right to a trial?

MIKRION.

Under Athenian Law, thou dost not! That privilege is only granted to the citizens of Athens.

PROMETHEUS.

What shalt become of me then? I have the right to know!

MIKRION.

There is where thou art mistaken Theban. Here in Athens, thou hast no right, since thou art not a citizen!

NICHOMACHOS.

And his immediate punishment shall be death?

MIKRION.

Nay! Death would be too easy of an outcome to witness. Instead, I have planned something worse than any mortal punishment.

PROMETHEUS.

And what is that punishment?

MIKRION.

Thou shalt become a slave and drudge as one for my whims and entertainment.

HEDISTE.

By Zeus, he is no slave! He is a proud Theban.

MIKRION.

Take him from here!

PROMETHEUS.

To whither am I to be taken?

MIKRION.

To the cell of a prison, where all the common prisoners meet their fate.

NICHOMACHOS.

He is no common criminal and thou knowest this for a fact!

PROMETHEUS.

There is no need, I shall go willingly with thee!

MIKRION.

Let us be gone!

HEDISTE.

We shall not abandon thee. We shall do everything in our power to free thee Prometheus!

The guards escort Prometheus to a prison cell, outside of the city of Athens.

SCENE III.

At a field outside of Athens, Greece.

Prometheus has become the slave of Mikrion. After a month has passed, Prometheus escapes but is captured. His punishment is to have his face burnt and disfigured. He is then thrown into a dark and solitary dungeon to be humiliated.

MIKRION.

Thou seemest to bear pain well, but let us see how thou bearest the confinement of darkness and solitude.

PROMETHEUS.

Wherefore hast thou burnt my face and shamed me with such scorn?

MIKRION.

So that thou couldst learn from thy mistakes and to never commit the same mistake anew. Thou art my slave and do not forget that reality!

PROMETHEUS.

Thou canst scar me, but thou shalt not break my will! Kill me now, before I become a senticous thorn that shall prick thee, until the day of thy death.

MIKRION.

That day shall not befall soon and thou shalt not be alive to see the occurrence of that finality Theban.

PROMETHEUS.

Thou art mistaken Mikrion. I shall be there and shall make thee pay mightily, for this wretched scar.

MIKRION.

How, if I may query?

PROMETHEUS.

Thou shalt know, when the time is right.

MIKRION.

Is that a threat Theban?

PROMETHEUS.

Understand it, as what is!

MIKRION.

If I did think otherwise and I was not standing before thee as the master and thee the slave, I would consider that foolish remark to be a very serious threat on thy part.

PROMETHEUS.

I am only a slave in body, but not in my soul. Thou canst inflict mental and physical pain. However, thou shalt not destroy me!

MIKRION.

Whatever words that thou sayest shall not concern me one bit.

PROMETHEUS.

Fear me not, but fear my wrath, for it shall not be that merciful with thee! I am a formidable opponent!

MIKRION.

I shall leave thee alone, in this hideous dungeon to realise thine inescapable truth.

PROMETHEUS.

Thou canst abandon me to the wretchedness of this solitary place, but I swear that my time here shall be finished.

MIKRION.

I go now, but shall return within a day to see how thou hast suffered more.

PROMETHEUS.

And I shall be here, when thou returnest. I shall not remain forever in this dungeon.

MIKRION.

Where else shalt thou be? Really, how dost thou plan exactly to leave this place one day?

PROMETHEUS.

Thou shalt find out, when thou hast returned!

MIKRION.

Who shalt accept thee Theban, with that terrible scar that covereth thy face completely? Thou art a monster!

PROMETHEUS.

Worry not about me, but about thyself.

SCENE IV.

At the dungeon outside of Athens, Greece. Mikrion is away from Athens, and Prometheus is secretly visited by Hediste, who has come to free him. Prometheus speaks to Hediste.

HEDISTE.

Prometheus, art thou there, my friend?

PROMETHEUS.

I am here, amidst the dull darkness that surroundeth me daily.

HEDISTE.

Where art thou? Come closer, so I may see thee in person standing in front of me. I see only the presence of thy shadow.

PROMETHEUS.

I dare not! Mine ugliness preventeth me to go forth. Begone!

HEDISTE.

Wherefore, dost thou utter such a hideous thing?

PROMETHEUS.

Because my countenance is hideous to be seen by thine beautiful green eyes!

HEDISTE.

Come before me! I have come to free thee from thy bondage, my dear Prometheus.

PROMETHEUS.

Go and forget about me. I am better off dead and forgotten by society.

HEDISTE.

I beg thee to come out of the shadow of darkness. I urge thee, for time is precious as life.

Prometheus finally emerges as a shadowy figure, from the darkness, until he is seen clearly by Hediste.

PROMETHEUS.

Behold the disfigured Prometheus, a former man now monster, whose beareth the scar of such deformity I know not how to escape. Canst thou bare to look at mine horrible guise?

Cant thou feel the vacivity of mine heart?

HEDISTE.

All that I see is a man of probity, who I call a good friend. And of thine heart, there is few men that possess the mansuetude of thine heart.

PROMETHEUS.

Art thou too blind to not see the obvious scar that hath burnt my face, my beloved Hediste?

HEDISTE.

I see thy scar, but I know thee Prometheus. Thou shalt not allow thyself to be remain a slave to Mikrion or any man for that matter.

PROMETHEUS.

Thou speakest the truth. I shall exact my vengeance, upon him unmercifully, as he hath been unmerciful to me.

HEDISTE.

Quickly! Let us go now without any delay, for the guards shall be returning.

PROMETHEUS.

Go through the exit behind me. The guards shall not spot you leaving so easily.

HEDISTE.

Sophoklos and Nichomachos await us outside. Come with me!

PROMETHEUS.

I shall not go before I murder that fiendish Mikrion!

HEDISTE.

What good doth that do to thee, if thou shalt be captured by the guards? Let us go instead! We shall go to a hiding place outside of the city. Beneath an abandoned temple, there is a hidden entrance to an abandoned cavern.

PROMETHEUS.

I cannot! Go and wait for me there with the others! Go now, before the guards see thee!

HEDISTE.

Until then! Be safe, my beloved friend!

SCENE V.

At the dungeon outside of Athens, Greece.

Mikrion has returned, and Prometheus is awaiting him, with an eager disdain for him. What Mikrion does not know is that Prometheus has a plan, for his immediate escape and that means the death of Mikrion. Mikrion enters the drear dungeon with a comical smirk on his face, unaware that his fate has been sealed.

MIKRION.

Theban, where art thou? Come out of the shadow of darkness forthwith. I command thee slave! There is nowhere to go!

Prometheus emerges from the shadow of darkness and holds a dagger to the neck of Mikrion.

PROMETHEUS.

There is nowhere to go from here thou greedy swine!

MIKRION.

Art thou going to kill me?

PROMETHEUS.

I shall!

MIKRION.

Do not I beg of thee, my good fellow!

PROMETHEUS.

I told thee that I would be waiting eagerly for thy return, and I have!

MIKRION.

Who gave thee the dagger and freed thee?

PROMETHEUS.

Who gave me the dagger is not important or who freed me, but the fact that I press it against thy neck is.

MIKRION.

Be rational? If thou killest me, thou shalt still be a slave or a renegade of the law.

PROMETHEUS.

I do not care, whether I am deemed one or the other by thy society. All that mattereth to me is to be rid of thee, my vile oppressor.

MIKRION.

Think hard, about the pelf and prominent status thou couldst be bestowed by me, if thou allowest me to live.

PROMETHEUS.

Dost thou think I can trust thee, after all thou hast done to me willingly? I cannot forget thine humiliation and epicaricacy!

MIKRION.

Thou canst! I give thee my solemn word, as an Athenian!

PROMETHEUS.

Dost thou take me for a fool! I know that the minute thou art free, thou shalt punish me!

MIKRION.

What shalt thou gainest from my death, except thy death?

PROMETHEUS.

I shall gain my freedom, but my vengeance as well!

MIKRION.

What shall the purpose of that vengeance serve truly, if thou shalt die afterwards? It shall serve thee nothing!

PROMETHEUS.

Perhaps! Nevertheless, 'tis my life. I have been thy slave, but now before thou perishest under the blade of my dagger, thou shalt die a worse death than of a slave, a coward's death!

MIKRION.

If I am to die today at the hands of a slave, then I shall leave this world saying, thou art Theban inferior to me. I shall die a powerful man and thou a wretched slave!

Mikrion begins to laugh at Prometheus, taunting him.

PROMETHEUS.

Perhaps! But 'tis a wretched slave that hath slayed a powerful man, whose power cannot save him. Where is thy power now, Athenian? Behold the power of this dagger!

Prometheus stabs Mikrion in the heart several times, before he falls to the ground and dies a dishonorable death. Prometheus escapes the prison, through the back entrance and joins the others at the abandoned cave.

SCENE V.

At the city of Megara in Greece.

Prometheus is informed that Demotimos his good friend, who betrayed him is hiding in the city.

He discovers him walking towards a temple at night alone. There he waits for him to encounter him, unbeknownst to Demotimos wearing a mask.

PROMETHEUS.

How dastardly thou hast gone to avoid me, my dear friend!

DEMOTIMOS.

Prometheus, how did thou findest me here in Megara? Wherefore dost thou have thy face covered with a mask?

PROMETHEUS.

Thou shalt know truly that answer soon! But did thou thinkest I would never locate the man who caused my slavery?

DEMOTIMOS.

I can explain it all, my good friend! I was forced to comply, or I would have been executed by Mikrion.

PROMETHEUS.

I see that the Megarians have treated thee well! Thou wert always enamoured, with luxury and vanitarianism emerged in endless revelry or jollification, but I never thought thou wouldst betray me so cowardly!

DEMOTIMOS.

I tell thee that I had no other option!

PROMETHEUS.

I would call thee a hedonist with thine affectation, but thou art worse than the Epicureans. At least they value the virtue of a man. Thy debauchery or indulgence for pleasure and delectation hath made thee condemn thy soul to eternal Hades. Thou wouldst seek the wealth of Tantalus and the astuteness of Daedalus, before the nobility of Empedocles.

DEMOTIMOS.

Really Prometheus! Who dost thou think thou art to condemn me, an inept poet who fancieth himself to be on a quest for knowledge and destiny? Who is the idiot, from amongst us two?

PROMETHEUS.

Indeed, I may be the idiot or ignoramus that believeth in these things, but I rather be an idiot than an unscrupulous traitor.

DEMOTIMOS.

What dost thou plan on doing to me? Hast thou come to murder me?

PROMETHEUS.

Soon, thou shalt be aware of mine action!

DEMOTIMOS.

Surely, thou knowest that if thou murderest me, thou shalt become a criminal!

PROMETHEUS.

Perchance! However, I care little about what society shall deem me as. I do not care if I am named a criminal or an assassin, as long as I can revenge the wrongdoing that was perpetrated against me.

DEMOTIMOS.

Then, thou hast come to Megara to murder me? Is that not so?

PROMETHEUS.

What dost thou think I should do with a traitor, Demotimos?

DEMOTIMOS.

I do not know! Why dost thou not proceed to tell me?

PROMETHEUS.

If the situation was the opposite, would thou not seekest revenge?

DEMOTIMOS.

It would all depend!

PROMETHEUS.

It dependeth on what? How so?

DEMOTIMOS.

Whether or not, one of us was an actual murderer.

PROMETHEUS.

Thou wert never good at the art of lying Demotimos. I see that thou hast destroyed any goodness in thee and thou hast become a man of imbonity. We were once indiscerptible friends, but now all I see before me is a rapacious man that hath forsaken his loyal friend for the pelf of golden coins volitionally.

Prometheus throws the golden coins that he took from Mikrion on the floor. Demotimos picks up the coins and then utters.

DEMOTIMOS.

Thou art a foolish man that envisioneth himself a poet and a philosopher. If thou art to murder me, then be done with the deed now. Art thou not brave enough?

PROMETHEUS.

I shall do to thee, what thou did not do to me?

DEMOTIMOS.

And what is that?

PROMETHEUS.

I shall be merciful!

DEMOTIMOS.

Merciful! Look at thee, thou art a runaway slave that I could report to the authorities at once, if I desire to effectuate that intention.

PROMOTHEUS.

True, but before I go, I shall leave thee with a reminder of my misery. Thou asked me, why my face is covered. I shall show thee gladly!

Prometheus takes off the mask that covers his face and Demotimos stares, into his scarred face with the utmost disgust.

DEMOTIMOS.

Poor Devil, Mikrion hath scarred thy face forever and made thee a hideous monster. Thou art a monster!

PROMETHEUS.

Look at my face and scar for the last time, because thou shalt remember the man that left thy face scarred!

Prometheus pulls out his sharp dagger and cuts the flesh off of the lower countenance of Demotimos, leaving a heavy scar as evidence. Demotimos screams, as he falls to the ground and Prometheus abruptly flees the scene.

SCENE VI.

At the port of Athens, Greece.

Prometheus secretly returns to Athens to seek Hediste and the others. After that he departs the ancient city of Athens in boat, but not before he speaks to Hediste, for the last time.

HEDISTE.

Whither shalt thou go, my dear friend Prometheus?

PROMETHEUS.

That I do not know precisely! To Sparta, Crete, Thessaly, Rhodes or Peloponnesus, between the Ionian and Aegean Seas. I have heard about the lands of Peloponnese and the regions of Laconia in the southeast, Messenia in the southwest, Elis in the west, Achaia in the north, Korinthia in the northeast, Argolis in the east. I have also heard of the great cities of Macedon, Methone, Pyda, Potidaea and Stageira.

HEDISTE.

Shalt thou ever return to Athens anew?

PROMETHEUS.

Perhaps one day, I shall return!

HEDISTE.

Wherefore must thou leave?

PROMETHEUS.

I erred so selfishly in thinking that my destiny and quest for knowledge would be found in Athens. I know now more knowledge than I had before. And as for my destiny, I shall search for it from land to sea!

HEDISTE.

What dost thou mean by those words of thine?

PROMETHEUS.

I have found much knowledge in myself and in the words of Persephone. There are many more men like Persephone, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, etc. to learn from. But I ask thee, what good is the knowledge of the few than the wisdom of the many? Should I have fear or shame, when I possess neither, since I have nothing to fear or be shameful? I know now that the body is the obstacle to ascertaining the ultimate truth. We must escape the troubles and uncontrollable desires of the body. Death is the liberation of the body and the soul the eternal energy. We obtain justice and virtue, through the practice of our wisdom. Mine old friend that betrayed me Demotimos, never could understand that principle. Sadly enough, I must carry the scar of mine ugliness forever, wheresoever I may go.

HEDISTE.

Thy scar doth not change mine affection for thee. Socrates wondered whether virtue was taught or acquired by practice or by natural status. There are sages who say that the soul is immortal and that at birth we already possess all theoretical knowledge, so in moral enquiry, there is hope, that if we question ourselves correctly, our recollection can progressively ameliorate our comprehension of mortal truth and ultimately lead us to full knowledge of it.

PROMETHEUS.

Where there is piety there must be the forceful hand of justice to accompany it.

HEDISTE.

And the universal truth? Hast thou found it?

PROMETHEUS.

I remember Persephone once said to me that the universal truth is a truth that correspondeth to reality and if universal, it meaneth always and everywhere. Thus, a universal truth is a clear statement which corresponds to reality regardless of time and space. An example might be ten is greater than five-not exactly profound, but always true. But I believe that the universal truth for many people, is the only truth that they know of, through experience or knowledge.

HEDISTE.

Thou bespeakest of a daunting prospect if so! Then, what about thy destiny? Hast thou found thy destiny?

PROMETHEUS.

Time is not relevant, for I shall find it perhaps one day soon! Protogoras once said, "Man is the measure of all things." I have learnt that time is the undeniable force that human beings think that they can accelerate, when 'tis impossible to alter its course.

HEDISTE.

Socrates once said, "True wisdom comes to each of us when we realise how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us."

PROMETHEUS.

My philosophical journey hath only begun Hediste! I must learn from the tragedy and tribulation of the bane of mine existence.

HEDISTE.

But shalt thou forever wear that hideous mask, wherever thou goest?

PROMETHEUS.

That I do not know! 'Tis a shame that I cannot be with such a beautiful woman like thyself in public, without causing such a stir amongst the denizens.

HEDISTE.

And what about the stranger of thy dream?

PROMETHEUS.

That I cannot truly reply, because I do not know if he even existeth.

HEDISTE.

Return, for I shall be waiting thy return, with a yearning passion to see thee again my friend!

PROMETHEUS.

One day, we shall see each other and thou shalt know of mine incredible journeys and my passions!

HEDISTE.

Go with the Gods Prometheus!

PROMETHEUS.

Farewell, my beloved Hediste!