Most
honourable
in thee: but scarcely wise!
Euripides - Alcestis
HERACLES.
Nay, wait; and some
Woman, some new desire of love, will come.
ADMETUS (_indignantly_).
Peace!
How canst thou? Shame upon thee!
HERACLES.
Thou wilt stay
Unwed for ever, lonely night and day?
ADMETUS.
No other bride in these void arms shall lie.
HERACLES.
What profit will thy dead wife gain thereby?
ADMETUS.
Honour; which finds her wheresoe'er she lies.
HERACLES.
Most honourable in thee: but scarcely wise!
ADMETUS.
God curse me, if I betray her in her tomb!
HERACLES.
So be it! . . .
And this good damsel, thou wilt take her home?
ADMETUS.
No, in the name of Zeus, thy father! No!
HERACLES.
I swear, 'tis not well to reject her so.
ADMETUS.
'Twould tear my heart to accept her.