THANATOS.
Talk on, talk on! Thy threats shall win no bride
From me.—This woman, whatsoe'er betide,
Shall lie in Hades' house. Even at the word
I go to lay upon her hair my sword.
For all whose head this grey sword visiteth
To death are hallowed and the Lords of death.
[THANATOS goes into the house. Presently, as the day grows lighter, the CHORUS enters: it consists of Citizens of Pherae, who speak severally.]
CHORUS.
LEADER.
Quiet, quiet, above, beneath!
SECOND ELDER.
The house of Admetus holds its breath.
THIRD ELDER.
And never a King's friend near,
To tell us either of tears to shed
For Pelias' daughter, crowned and dead;
Or joy, that her eyes are clear.
Bravest, truest of wives is she
That I have seen or the world shall see.
DIVERS CITIZENS, conversing.
(The dash — indicates a new speaker.)
—Hear ye no sob, or noise of hands
Beating the breast? No mourners' cries
For one they cannot save?
—Nothing: and at the door there stands
No handmaid.—Help, O Paian; rise,
O star beyond the wave!
—Dead, and this quiet? No, it cannot be.
—Dead, dead!—Not gone to burial secretly!
—Why? I still fear: what makes your speech so brave?
—Admetus cast that dear wife to the grave
Alone, with none to see?