Drinking the death-draught hard beside the tomb.
... I doubt not I shall lead
Alcestis up, and give to mine host’s hands,
Who to his halls received, nor drave me thence,
Albeit smitten with affliction sore,
But did it, like a prince, respecting me.“[[29]]
HERCULES’ STRUGGLE WITH DEATH FOR ALCESTIS
Lord Leighton
By permission of the Fine Art Society, Ltd.
As Heracles departs in search of Alcestis’ tomb, the mourners are seen approaching, led by Admetus, alone. A profound change has come upon the king. His ignoble anger has vanished: no word more is heard of the petulant reproach of his parents: nothing of the old arrogant claim on life which had blinded his soul and hardened his heart. Humbled now, and remorseful, he sees that death were infinitely preferable to life at the price that he has paid. Something had given him sight as he stood beside Alcestis’ tomb. He had tried to cast himself down to die beside her; but friends had restrained him, and now as he stands before the home that he dare not enter, he makes a pitiful confession—
“Friends, I account the fortune of my wife