AP. How sayest thou? what? hast thou been clever without my perceiving it?
DEA. Those who have means would purchase to die old.
AP. Doth it not then seem good to thee to grant me this favor?
DEA. No in truth; and thou knowest my ways.
AP. Yes, hostile to mortals, and detested by the Gods.
DEA. Thou canst not have all things, which thou oughtest not.
AP. Nevertheless, thou wilt stop, though thou art over-fierce; such a man will come to the house of Pheres, whom Eurystheus hath sent after the chariot and its horses,[[7]] to bring them from the wintry regions of Thrace, who in sooth, being welcomed in the mansions of Admetus, shall take away by force this woman from thee; and there will be no obligation to thee at my hands, but still thou wilt do this, and wilt be hated by me.
DEA. Much though thou talkest, thou wilt gain nothing. This woman then shall descend to the house of Pluto; and I am advancing upon her, that I may begin the rites on her with my sword; for sacred is he to the Gods beneath the earth, the hair of whose head this sword hath consecrated.[[8]]
CHORUS.
SEMICH. Wherefore in heaven's name is this stillness before the palace? why is the house of Admetus hushed in silence?