ALCESTIS
and hang himself. For this is 230
not only dear, but dearest of all,
this wife you will see dead
on this day before you.
(Alcestis is carried from the house on a litter,
supported by Admetus and followed by her
children and servants of the household.)
But see, see,
she is coming out of the house and her husband is with
her.
Cry out aloud, mourn, you land
of Pherae for the bravest 235
of wives fading in sickness and doomed
to the Death God of the world below.
I will never again say that marriage brings
more pleasure than pain. I judge by what
I have known in the past, and by seeing now 240
what happens to our king, who is losing a wife
brave beyond all others, and must liye a life
that will be no life for the rest of time.
Alcestis
Sun, and light of the day,
0 turning wheel of the sky, clouds that fly. 245
Admetus
The sun sees you and me, two people suffering,
who never hurt the gods so they should make you die.
Alcestis
My land, and palace arching my land,
and marriage chambers of lolcus, my own country.
Admetus
Raise yourself, my Alcestis, do not leave me now. 250
1 implore the gods to pity you. They have the power.