Of my despairing lord. With life’s last powers,

Oh! let me strive to soothe him still. Approach,

My handmaids, raise me, and support my steps

To the distracted mourner. Bear me hence,

That he may hear and see me.

Adm. Is it thou?

And do I see thee still? and com’st thou thus

To comfort me, Alcestis? Must I hear

The dying accents thus? Alas! return

To thy sad couch—return! ’tis meet for me