(Two Attendants enter with torches. They draw back the curtains from the doors, and stand to right and left of the bed. Enter the Nurse from doorway to right, carrying a cup. Then from the left comes in the bridal procession. In rigid silence the women walk two and two, dropping sprays of myrtle from folded napkins which they carry between them. The movement is sad and full of solemnity, sacrificial in character. They pass from left to right across the stage, descend and pass out. Alcestis, veiled, comes last, supported by two women; as she halts at left-center they fall back leaving her alone.)
Admetus.—
Therefore bid all go forth! Close and make dumb
These doors.
Leader.—
And may the eyes of Heaven look down
And bless this bridal! Hail to thee, thou crown
Of womanhood. Honour is thine this day,
And fame for ever!
(The Men’s Chorus lift their hands in salutation to Alcestis as they pass out. Exeunt. The Nurse brings the cup to Admetus; he takes it and drinks. She brings the cup to Alcestis. The two Attendants lift up and lay back her veil. The Nurse offers the cup; her hands do not take hold; with shut eyes she drinks. The Nurse goes out, followed by the two Attendants, who draw the curtains after them.)