Lord, this is
violence
.
Euripides - Alcestis
HERACLES.
I will not yield this maid to any thrall.
ADMETUS.
Take her thyself and lead her in.
HERACLES.
I stand
Beside her; take her; lead her to thy hand.
[_He brings the Woman close to_ ADMETUS, _who looks determinedly
away. She reaches out her arms. _]
ADMETUS.
I touch her not. --Let her go in!
HERACLES.
I am loth
To trust her save to thy pledged hand and oath.
[_He lays his hand on_ ADMETUS'S _shoulder_. ]
ADMETUS (_desperately_).
Lord, this is violence . . . wrong . . .
HERACLES.
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? . .
