HERACLES
Yield-perhaps it will be a good thing for you.
ADMETUS
Ah! If only you had not won her in the contest!
HERACLES
But I conquered-and you conquered with me.
ADMETUS
It is true-but let the woman go hence.
HERACLES
She shall go, if she must. But first-ought she to go?
ADMETUS
She must-unless it would anger you.
HERACLES
There is good reason for my zeal.
ADMETUS
You have conquered then-but not for my pleasure.
HERACLES
One day you will praise me for it-be persuaded.
ADMETUS (to his attendants)
Lead her in, since she must be received in this house.
HERACLES
No, I cannot leave such a woman to servants.
ADMETUS
Then lead her in yourself, if you wish.
HERACLES
I must leave her in your hands.
ADMETUS
I must not touch her-let her go into the house.
HERACLES
I trust only in your right hand.
ADMETUS
O King, you force me to this against my will.
HERACLES
Put forth your hand and take this woman.
ADMETUS (turning aside his head)
It is held out.
HERACLES
As if you were cutting off a Gorgon's head! Do you hold her?
ADMETUS
Yes.
HERACLES
Then keep her. You shall not deny that the son of Zeus is a grateful guest. (Takes off the veil and shows ALCESTIS.) Look at her, and see if she is not like your wife. And may joy put an end to all your sorrow!
ADMETUS (drops her hand and starts back)
O Gods! What am I to say? Unhoped-for wonder! Do I really look upon my wife? Or I am snared in the mockery of a God?
HERACLES
No you look upon your wife indeed.
ADMETUS
Beware! May it not be some phantom from the Underworld?
HERACLES
Do not think your guest a sorcerer.
ADMETUS
But do I indeed look upon the wife I buried?