Part 13 (1/2)

Reach forth thine hand And touch this comer from a distant land.

ADMETUS (_holding out his hand without looking_).

Like Perseus when he touched the Gorgon, there!

HERACLES.

Thou hast touched her?

ADMETUS (_at last taking her hand_).

Touched her?... Yes.

HERACLES (_a hand on the shoulder of each_).

Then cling to her; And say if thou hast found a guest of grace In G.o.d's son, Heracles! Look in her face; Look; is she like...?

[ADMETUS _looks and stands amazed_.]

Go, and forget in bliss Thy sorrow!

ADMETUS.

O ye G.o.ds! What meaneth this?

A marvel beyond dreams! The face ... 'tis she; Mine, verily mine! Or doth G.o.d mock at me And blast my vision with some mad surmise?

HERACLES.

Not so. This is thy wife before thine eyes.

ADMETUS (_who has recoiled in his amazement_).

Beware! The dead have phantoms that they send...

HERACLES.

Nay; no ghost-raiser hast thou made thy friend.

ADMETUS.

My wife ... she whom I buried?

HERACLES.

I deceive Thee not; nor wonder thou canst scarce believe.

ADMETUS.

And dare I touch her, greet her, as mine own Wife living?

HERACLES.

Greet her. Thy desire is won.

ADMETUS (_approaching with awe_), Beloved eyes; beloved form; O thou Gone beyond hope, I have thee, I hold thee now?

HERACLES.

Thou hast her: may no G.o.d begrudge your joy.

ADMETUS (_turning to_ HERACLES).

O lordly conqueror, Child of Zeus on high, Be blessed! And may He, thy sire above, Save thee, as thou alone hast saved my love!