Admetus ’Twas not because of any slight or unkind thought of thee that I concealed my wife’s sad fate; but this were adding grief to grief if thou hadst gone from hence to the halls of some other friend; and it sufficed that I should mourn my sorrow. But I do beseech thee, prince, if ’tis possible, bid some other Thessalian, one who hath not suffered as I have, keep the maiden for thee,—and thou hast many friends in Pherae; remind me not of my misfortune. For I could not see her in my house and stay my tears. Oh! add not new affliction to my stricken heart, for sure by sorrow am I bowed enough. And where within my halls could a tender maiden live? for such she is, as her dress and vesture show. Is she to dwell where men consort? Then how shall she retain her maiden purity, if ’mid our youths she come and go? O Heracles, it is no easy task to check a young man’s fancy, and I am anxious for thy sake. Or am I to take her to my dead wife’s bower and care for her? How can I bring her there to fill the other’s bed? Twofold reproach I fear; first, some fellow-townsman may taunt me with betraying my benefactress in eagerness to wed a new young bride; next, there is my dead wife, whom I should much regard, for she doth merit all my reverence. Thou too, lady, whosoe’er thou art, believe me, art the very counterfeit presentment of Alcestis, the picture of her form, ah me! O take this maiden, I conjure thee, from my sight; slay me not already slain. For in her I seem once more to see my wife; and my heart is darkly troubled, and the fountains of my eyes are loosed. Ah, woe is me! Now do I taste the bitterness of this my grief.
Chorus Indeed I cannot call thy fortune blest, yet heaven’s gift must thou endure, whoe’er the god that comes to bring it.
Heracles Would I had the power to bring thy wife up to the light from the halls of death, and confer this kindness on thee!
Admetus Right well I know thou wouldst. But what of that? The dead can never come to life again.
Heracles Do not exceed the mark, but bear thy grief with moderation.
Admetus ’Tis easier to advise than to suffer and endure.
Heracles Yet what thy gain, if thou for aye wilt mourn?
Admetus I too know that myself, but some strange yearning leads me on.
Heracles Love for the dead compels a tear.
Admetus Her death was mine, more than any words of mine can tell.
Heracles Thou hast lost a noble wife; who shall gainsay it?
Admetus Life henceforth hath lost all charm for me.
Heracles Time will soothe the smart; as yet thy grief is young.
Admetus Time! use that word, if death and time are one.
Heracles A new wife and a longing for a fresh marriage will stay thy sorrow.
Admetus Peace! What words are thine? I ne’er of thee had thought it.
Heracles What! wilt never wed, but preserve thy widowed state?
Admetus There is no woman living that shall share my couch.
Heracles Dost think that this will help the dead at all?
Admetus My reverence she deserves, where’er she is.
Heracles I praise thee, yes; but still thou bringest on thyself the charge of folly.
Admetus So that thou never call’st me bridegroom, praise me if thou wilt.
Heracles I praise thee for thy loyalty to thy wife.
Admetus Come death! if ever I betray her, dead though she be.
Heracles Well, take this maiden to the shelter of thy noble house.
Admetus Spare me, I entreat thee by Zeus, thy sire.
Heracles Be sure, if thou refuse, ’twill be a sad mistake.
Admetus If I comply, remorse will gnaw my heart.
Heracles Yield; for in god’s good time maybe thou wilt give me thanks.
Admetus Ah! would thou hadst never won her in the games!
Heracles Yet thou too sharest in my victory.
Admetus True; still let this maiden go away.
Heracles Go she shall, if go she must; but first see if this is needful.
Admetus I needs must, else wilt thou be wroth with me.
Heracles I have a reason good to press the matter thus.
Admetus Have thy way then. Yet know well thy deed I disapprove.
Heracles A day will come that thou wilt praise me; only yield.
Admetus Take her in, if I needs must give her welcome in my house.
Heracles To thy servants will I not hand her over.
Admetus Conduct her then thyself within, if so thou thinkest good.
Heracles Nay, but into thy hands shall mine consign her.
Admetus I will not touch her, though she is free to go within my halls.
Heracles To thy hand, and thine alone I her entrust.
Admetus Prince, against my will thou dost constrain me to this deed.
Heracles Boldly stretch out thy hand and touch the stranger maid.
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