And he forced Admetus to take her by the hand.
"Now I know that thou wilt treat her honourably, thou mayst look upon her face," he said, and lifted up the veil which shrouded her.
When Admetus saw her face, he fell back terrified, for, pale and beautiful, scarce looking as though she breathed, Alcestis stood before him.
"Ye gods!" he gasped; "the spirit of my wife!"
"Nay," said Heracles, "but her very self."
"Thou mockest; it cannot be."
"It is no mockery, as who should know better than I who won her?" said Heracles. "By Zeus, I have wrestled many a tough match, but never a one so tough as this, the gods be praised! I have met Death face to face, and I hope I may never have to stand up against him more."
She answered him never a word, but held out both her hands and raised him from his knees.