And freely poured libations to the gods, E'en in the house of mourning: 'twas not well- But should I meet mischance (which Heaven forbid !) It chanced I came upon a ring was set For public games, in which, as worth my pains, And not by theft; you will perchance, hereafter, Yourself commend me for the pains I took. Adm. Neither from slight, nor thinking you no friend, Did I conceal my wife's unhappy fate ; But to my grief I had but added grief, If you had gone to any other host: ('Mong the Phereans you have many friends,) Chor. I cannot praise thy lot; but all must bear, Her. How gladly would I bring, had I the power, Thy wife from the under-world to thee and light! Adm. I doubt it not: but how can such thing be? It is impossible to raise the dead! Her. Grieve not too much; endure the stroke with patience. Adm. To preach is easier than to practise it. Her. Can groaning help you, though you groan for ever? Adm. Ay, 'tis no help; yet I've a liking for't. Her. Grief for a buried love makes the tear flow. Adm. Lost sense of joy, and relish of my life. And with her Her. Time will compose the swelling grief yet new. Her. Will comfort you. Another wife Adm. Hush, hush! how can you speak so? Her. Take now this noble dame into the house. Her. [To his Attendants. Adm. I will not touch her-but she may go in. Then hold her fast; Hereafter will you call me generous guest. But look on her—(he lifts her veil)—and see if she resembles Thy lost Alcestis-and from sorrow cease. Adm. Ye gods! what shall I say? a miracle! Is it my wife I see, my very wife? Or else do the gods in derision mock me With a false joy, a pleasant madness only? Her. It is no false presentment, but your wife. Yes! it is she; I do not wonder at your unbelief. Yes! speak to her; You have indeed all that you most desired. Adm. Sweet face and person of my dearest wife! When I did think to see thee never more, Beyond all hope do I possess thee now? Her. You do; all envy of the gods keep hence! Adm. Adm. Why is she silent? Wherefore speaks she not? Adm. Remain with us, and be our honoured guest. Adm. Good luck go with thee, and return in safety! [Exit HERCULES. But I command through all the tetrarchy, That choirs, in memory of this blest event, Be duly set, and blood of victims flow To the best gods from whom these blessings come. Now is my present state flowering with joy, And my condition better than before. [Exit ADMETUS, leading ALCESTIs into the Palace. Chor. Through many a shape, and many a change The gods oft bring about events, Edinburgh: Printed by Ballantyne and Company, Paul's Work. ON CATHOLICISM, PROTESTANTISM, AND PHILOSOPHY IN FRANCE. WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SOns, 45, george Street, EDINBURGH: AND T. CADELL, STRAND, LONDON. To whom Communications (post paid) may be addressed. SOLD ALSO BY ALL THE BOOKSELLERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. PRINTED BY BALLANTYNE AND CO. EDINBURGH. |