ALCESTIS 209
Without a tear, without a groan, — no change
At all to that skin's nature, fair to see, 235
Caused by the imminent evil. But this done —
Reaching her chamber, falling on her bed,
There, truly, burst she into tears and spoke :
' Ο bride-bed, where I loosened from my life
Virginity for that same husband's sake 240
Because of whom I die now — fare thee well !
Since nowise do I hate thee : me alone
Hast thou destroyed ; for, shrinking to betray
Thee and my spouse, I die : but thee, Ο bed,
Some other woman shall possess as wife — 245
Truer, no ! but of better fortune, say ! '
— So falls on, kisses it till all the couch
Is moistened with the eyes' sad overflow.
But, when of many tears she had her fill.
She flings from off the couch, goes headlong forth, 250
Yet — forth the chamber — still keeps turning back
And casts her on the couch again once more.
Her children, clinging to their mother's robe,
Wept meanwhile : but she took them in her arms,
And, as a dying woman might, embraced 255
Now one and now the other : 'neath the roof,
All of the household servants wept as well,
Moved to compassion for their mistress ; she
Extended her right hand to all and each,
And there was no one of such low degree 260
She spoke not to nor had an answer from.
Such are the evils in Admetos' house.
Dying, — why, he had died ; but, living, gains
Such grief as this he never will forget ! "
And when they questioned of Admetos^ " Well — 2$5 Holding his dear wife in his hands, he weeps ;
