God keep all evil from thy
children!
Euripides - Alcestis
LEADER.
Lo, as we speak, this land's high governor,
Admetus, cometh from his castle door.
_Enter_ ADMETUS _from the Castle_.
ADMETUS.
Zeus-born of Perseid line, all joy to thee!
HERACLES.
Joy to Admetus, Lord of Thessaly!
ADMETUS.
Right welcome were she! --But thy love I know.
HERACLES.
But why this mourning hair, this garb of woe?
ADMETUS (_in a comparatively light tone_).
There is a burial I must make to-day.
HERACLES.
God keep all evil from thy children!
ADMETUS.
Nay,
My children live.
HERACLES.
Thy father, if 'tis he,
Is ripe in years.
ADMETUS.
He liveth, friend, and she
Who bore me.
HERACLES.
Surely not thy wife? 'Tis not
Alcestis?
ADMETUS (_his composure a little shaken_).
Ah; two answers share my thought,
Questioned of her.
HERACLES.
Is she alive or dead?
ADMETUS.
She is, and is not; and my heart hath bled
Long years for her.
