No More Learning

Griefs enough are on my head.
Where in my castle could so young a maid
Be lodged--her veil and raiment show her young:
Here, in the men's hall? I should fear some wrong.
'Tis not so easy, Prince, to keep controlled
My young men. And thy charge I fain would hold
Sacred. --If not, wouldst have me keep her in
The women's chambers . . . where my dead hath been?
How could I lay this woman where my bride
Once lay? It were dishonour double-dyed.
These streets would curse the man who so betrayed
The wife who saved him for some younger maid;
The dead herself . . . 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.