Alcestis Part 12

[_The veiled Woman begins dimly, as though in a dream, to hear the words spoken._]

ADMETUS.

Time? Yes, if time be death.

HERACLES.

Nay, wait; and some Woman, some new desire of love, will come.

ADMETUS (_indignantly_).

Peace!

How canst thou? Shame upon thee!

HERACLES.

Thou wilt stay Unwed for ever, lonely night and day?

ADMETUS.

No other bride in these void arms shall lie.

HERACLES.

What profit will thy dead wife gain thereby?

ADMETUS.

Honour; which finds her wheresoe'er she lies.

HERACLES.

Most honourable in thee: but scarcely wise!

ADMETUS.

G.o.d curse me, if I betray her in her tomb!

HERACLES.

So be it!...

And this good damsel, thou wilt take her home?

ADMETUS.

No, in the name of Zeus, thy father! No!

HERACLES.

I swear, 'tis not well to reject her so.

ADMETUS.

'Twould tear my heart to accept her.

HERACLES.

Grant me, friend, This one boon! It may help thee in the end.

ADMETUS.

Woe's me!

Would G.o.d thou hadst never won those victories!

HERACLES.

Thou sharest both the victory and the prize.

ADMETUS.

Thou art generous.... But now let her go.

HERACLES.

She shall, If go she must. Look first, and judge withal.

[_He takes the veil off_ ALCESTIS.]

ADMETUS (_steadily refusing to look_).

She must.--And thou, forgive me!

HERACLES.

Friend, there is A secret reason why I pray for this.

ADMETUS (_surprised, then reluctantly yielding_).

I grant thy boon then--though it likes me ill.

HERACLES.

'Twill like thee later. Now ... but do my will.

ADMETUS (_beckoning to an Attendant_).

Take her; find her some lodging in my hall.

HERACLES.

I will not yield this maid to any thrall.

ADMETUS.

Take her thyself and lead her in.

HERACLES.

I stand Beside her; take her; lead her to thy hand.

[_He brings the Woman close to_ ADMETUS, _who looks determinedly away. She reaches out her arms._]

ADMETUS.

I touch her not.--Let her go in!

HERACLES.

I am loth To trust her save to thy pledged hand and oath.

[_He lays his hand on_ ADMETUS'S _shoulder_.]

ADMETUS (_desperately_).

Lord, this is violence ... wrong ...

HERACLES.