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209 ALCESTIS 209

Without a tear, without a groan, — no change

At all to that skin's nature, fair to see, 235

Caused by the imminent evil. But this done —

Reaching her chamber, falling on her bed,

There, truly, burst she into tears and spoke :

' Ο bride-bed, where I loosened from my life

Virginity for that same husband's sake 240

Because of whom I die now — fare thee well !

Since nowise do I hate thee : me alone

Hast thou destroyed ; for, shrinking to betray

Thee and my spouse, I die : but thee, Ο bed,

Some other woman shall possess as wife — 245

Truer, no ! but of better fortune, say ! '

— So falls on, kisses it till all the couch

Is moistened with the eyes' sad overflow.

But, when of many tears she had her fill.

She flings from off the couch, goes headlong forth, 250

Yet — forth the chamber — still keeps turning back

And casts her on the couch again once more.

Her children, clinging to their mother's robe,

Wept meanwhile : but she took them in her arms,

And, as a dying woman might, embraced 255

Now one and now the other : 'neath the roof,

All of the household servants wept as well,

Moved to compassion for their mistress ; she

Extended her right hand to all and each,

And there was no one of such low degree 260

She spoke not to nor had an answer from.

Such are the evils in Admetos' house.

Dying, — why, he had died ; but, living, gains

Such grief as this he never will forget ! "

And when they questioned of Admetos^ " Well — 2$5 Holding his dear wife in his hands, he weeps ;