Is as Alcestis, and thy form as hers.
Ah me!—lead, for the Gods’ sake, from my sight
This woman!—Take not my captivity captive.
For as I look on her, methinks I see
My wife. She stirs my heart with turmoil: fountains
Of tears burst from mine eyes. O wretched I!
Now taste I first this grief’s full bitterness.“[[29]]
It is Alcestis’ very self, won back from death as Apollo had promised; but with the awful silence of the tomb still upon her. Heracles places her hand in that of the reluctant and incredulous king, while he draws aside her veil:
“Yea, guard her. Thou shalt call
The child of Zeus one day a noble guest.