Part 12 (1/2)

[_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!