No gladness of heart, when thou hearest

The voice of our mirth?

2nd Semi-Chorus.—

Lo, robes for the bridal thou wearest,

Though a shroud was thy robe of late;

And home, O Beloved and fairest,

Thou comest, redeemed from Fate.

(A pause. Alcestis makes no response.)

1st Semi-Chorus.—

Ye say that the world is old: