ALCESTIS.
3
Apollo.
Mine heart is heavy for my friend's mischance.
Death.
What, wilt thou wrest from me this second corpse?
Apollo.
Nay, not that other did I take by force.
Death.
Not?—why on earth then?—why not underground?45
Apollo.
She was his ransom, she for whom thou comest.
Death.
Yea, and will hale her deep beneath the earth.
Apollo.
Take her and go: I trow I shall not bend thee—
Death.
To slay the victim due?—mine office this.
Apollo.
Nay, but to smite with death the ripe for death.50
Death.
Ay, I discern thy plea,—thy zeal, good sooth!
Apollo.
And may Alcestis never see old age?
