Epeisodion 2
Chorus
Lo! I too will share with thee thy mourning for her, friend with friend;
for this is but her due.
370
Alcestis
My children, ye with your own ears have heard your father’s promise, that he will never wed another wife to set her over you, nor e’er dishonour me.
Admetus
Yea, so I promise now, and accomplish it I will.
Alcestis
On these conditions receive the children from my hand.
375
Admetus
I receive them, dear pledges by a dear hapd given.
Alcestis
Take thou my place and be a mother to these babes.
Admetus
Sore will be their need when they are reft of thee.
Alcestis
O my children, I am passing to that world below, when my life was needed most.
Admetus
Ah me, what can I do bereft of thee?
380
Alcestis
Thy sorrow Time will soothe; ’tis the dead who are as naught.
Admetus
Take me, O take me, I beseech, with thee ’neath the earth.
Alcestis
Enough that I in thy stead am dying.
Admetus
O Destiny! of what a wife art thou despoiling me!
Alcestis
Lo! the darkness deepens on my drooping eyes.
385
Admetus
Lost indeed am I, if thou, dear wife, wilt really leave me.
Alcestis
Thou mayst speak of me as naught, as one whose life is o’er.
Admetus
Lift up thy face, leave not thy children.
Alcestis
’Tis not my own free will; O my babes, farewell!
Admetus
Look, look on them but once.
390
