No More Learning

I needs must worship her
And keep her will.

[_During the last few lines_ ADMETUS _has been looking at the
veiled Woman and, though he does not consciously recognize her,
feels a strange emotion overmastering him. He draws back. _]


Aye. I must walk with care. . . .
O woman, whosoe'er thou art, thou hast
The shape of my Alcestis; thou art cast
In mould like hers. . . . Oh, take her from mine eyes!
In God's name!

[HERACLES _signs to the Attendants to take_ ALCESTIS _away again.
She stays veiled and unnoticing in the background. _]

I was fallen, and in this wise
Thou wilt make me deeper fall. . . . Meseems, meseems,
There in her face the loved one of my dreams
Looked forth. --My heart is made a turbid thing,
Craving I know not what, and my tears spring
Unbidden. --Grief I knew 'twould be; but how
Fiery a grief I never knew till now.

LEADER.
Thy fate I praise not. Yet, what gift soe'er
God giveth, man must steel himself and bear.

HERACLES (_drawing_ ADMETUS _on_).
Would God, I had the power, 'mid all this might
Of arm, to break the dungeons of the night,
And free thy wife, and make thee glad again!

ADMETUS.
Where is such power? I know thy heart were fain;
But so 'tis writ.