Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/233

203 ALCESTIS 203

Close on us of a sudden ! who, pale priest 45

Of the mute people, means to bear his prey To the house of Hades. The symmetric step ! How he treads true to time and place and thing. Dogging day, hour and minute, for death's-due ! "

And we obsei'ved another Deity ^ so

Half in, half out the j)ortal, — watch and ward^ — Eyeing his fellow : formidahly fixed. Yet faltering too at icho affronted him, 53

So, each antagonist Silently faced his fellow andforhore. η

Till Death shrilled, hard and quick, in spite and fear :

" Ha ha, and what may'st thou do at the domes,^

Why hauntest here, thou Phoibos ? Here again

At the old injustice, limiting our rights, 75

Balking of honor due us Gods o' the grave ?

Was 't not enough for thee to have delayed

Death from Admetos, — with thy crafty art

Cheating the very Fates, — but thou must arm

The bow-hand and take station, press 'twixt me so

And Pelias' daughter,^ who then saved her spouse, —

Did just that, now thou comest to undo, —

Taking his place to die, Alkestis here ? "

But the God sighed, " Have courage ! All my arms. This time, are simple justice and fair words." as

Then each plied each with rapid interchange : •

" What need of bow, were justice arms enough ? " " Ever it is my wont to bear the bow."

^ I. e., at this house. Cf. lines 9, 421. ^ Alcestis.