Herakles.
Yea, guard her. Thou shalt call
The child of Zeus one day a noble guest. 1120
[Raises the veil, and discloses Alcestis.
Look on her, if in aught she seems to thee
Like to thy wife. Step forth from grief to bliss.
Admetus.
What shall 1 say?—Gods! Marvel this unhoped for!
My wife do I behold in very sooth,
Or doth some god-sent mockery-joy distract me? 1125
Herakles.
Not so; but this thou seest is thy wife.
Admetus.
What if this be some phantom from the shades?
Herakles.
No ghost-upraiser hast thou ta'en for guest.
Admetus.
How?—whom I buried do I see—my wife?
Herakles.
Doubt not: yet might'st thou well mistrust thy fortune. 1130
Admetus.
As wife, as living, may I touch, address her?
Herakles.
Speak to her: all thou didst desire thou hast.
