ALCESTIS.
29
Admetus.
A stranger born; yet near and dear to us.
Herakles.
How died a stranger then in house of thine?
Admetus.
An orphan here she dwelt, her father dead. 535
Herakles.
Would we had found thee mourning not, Admetus.
Admetus.
Ay so?—what purpose lurketh 'neath thy word?
Herakles.
On will I to another host's hearth-welcome.
Admetus.
It cannot be: may no such evil come!
Herakles.
A burden unto mourners comes the guest. 540
Admetus.
Dead are the dead:—but enter thou mine house.
Herakles.
'Twere shame to banquet in the house of weeping.
Admetus.
Aloof the guest-bowers are where we will lodge thee.
