Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/271

241 t ALCESTIS 241

Admetos raised hi» face and eyed the pair : 1820

Then, hoUoiuly and vjith snb7iiission, spoke. And spoke again, and spoL• time afier time. When he perceived the silence of his friend Would no^ he broken by consenting word. As a tired slave goes adding stone to stone 1825

Until he stop sojne current that molests. So poor Admetos piled up argument Vainly against the purpose all too plain In that great brow acquainted vnth command.

" Nowise dishonoring, nor amid my foes isso

Ranking thee, did I hide my wife's ill fate ;

But it were grief superimposed on grief,

Shouldst thou have hastened• to another home.

My own woe was enough for me to weep !

But, for this woman, — if it so may be, — 1835

Bid some Thessalian, — I entreat thee, king ! —

Keep her, — who has not suffered like myself !

Many of the Pheraioi ^ welcome thee.

Be no reminder to me of my ills !

I could not, if I saw her come to live, i84o

Restrain the tear 1 Inflict on me diseased

No new disease : woe bends me down enough !

Then, where could she be sheltered in my house,

Female and young too ? For that she is young.

The vesture and adornment prove. Reflect ! 1845

Should such an one inhabit the same roof

With men ? And how, mixed up, a girl, with youths.

Shall she keep pure, in that case ? No light task

To curb the ]Iay-day youngster, Herakles !

I only speak because of care for thee. is5o

Or must I, in avoidance of such harm,

^ People of Pherao.