HERACLES.
I deceive
Thee not; nor wonder thou canst scarce believe.
ADMETUS.
And dare I touch her, greet her, as mine own
Wife living?
HERACLES.
Greet her. Thy desire is won.
ADMETUS (approaching with awe),
Beloved eyes; beloved form; O thou
Gone beyond hope, I have thee, I hold thee now?
HERACLES.
Thou hast her: may no god begrudge your joy.
ADMETUS (turning to HERACLES).
O lordly conqueror, Child of Zeus on high,
Be blessèd! And may He, thy sire above,
Save thee, as thou alone hast saved my love!
[He kneels to HERACLES, who raises him.]
But how … how didst thou win her to the light?
HERACLES.
I fought for life with Him I needs must fight.
ADMETUS.
With Death thou hast fought! But where?