world. Wert thou not content to hinder the death of Admetus, by thy knavish cunning baulking Destiny? but now again hast thou armed thee with thy bow and art keeping guard o'er her, this daughter of Pelias, who undertook, of her free will, to die for her lord and set him free.
Apo. Never fear; I have, be sure, justice and fair pleas to urge.
Dea. What has that bow to do, if thou hast justice on thy side?
Apo. 'Tis my habit ever to carry it.
Dea. Ay, and to help this house more than is right.
Apo. The reason is, I cannot bear a friend's distress.
Dea. Wilt rob me of this second corpse likewise?
Apo. Come! I did not take the other from thee by violence.
Dea. Then how is it he lives above the earth and not beneath?
Apo. He gave his wife instead, her whom now thou art come to fetch.
Dea. Yea, and I will bear her hence to the nether world.
Apo. Take her and go, for I do not suppose I can persuade thee.
Dea. To slay my rightful victim? Why, that is my appointed task.
Apo. Nay, but to lay thy deadly hand on those who soon would die.
Dea. I see thy drift, thy eager plea.
Apo. Is it then possible that Alcestis should attain old age?
Dea. It is not possible; I too, methinks, find a pleasure in my rights.
Thou canst not anyhow take more than one life.
Dea. When young lives die I reap a higher honour.
Apo. Should she die old, a sumptuous funeral will she have.
