LEADER.

What profit hast thou in such manslaying?

HERACLES.

I shall bring back the horses to my King.

LEADER.

'Twere none such easy work to bridle them.

HERACLES.

Not easy? Have they nostrils breathing flame?

LEADER.

They tear men's flesh; their jaws are swift with blood.

HERACLES.

Men's flesh! 'Tis mountain wolves', not horses' food!

LEADER.

Thou wilt see their mangers clogged with blood, like mire.

HERACLES.

And he who feeds such beasts, who was his sire?

LEADER.

Ares, the war-lord of the Golden Targe.

HERACLES.

Enough!--This labour fitteth well my large Fortune, still upward, still against the wind.

How often with these kings of Ares' kind Must I do battle? First the dark wolf-man, Lycaon; then 'twas he men called The Swan; And now this man of steeds!... Well, none shall see Alcmena's son turn from his enemy.

LEADER.

Lo, as we speak, this land's high governor, Admetus, cometh from his castle door.

_Enter_ ADMETUS _from the Castle_.

ADMETUS.

Zeus-born of Perseid line, all joy to thee!

HERACLES.

Joy to Admetus, Lord of Thessaly!

ADMETUS.

Right welcome were she!--But thy love I know.

HERACLES.

But why this mourning hair, this garb of woe?

ADMETUS (_in a comparatively light tone_).

There is a burial I must make to-day.

HERACLES.

G.o.d keep all evil from thy children!

ADMETUS.

Nay, My children live.

HERACLES.

Thy father, if 'tis he, Is ripe in years.

ADMETUS.

He liveth, friend, and she Who bore me.

HERACLES.

Surely not thy wife? 'Tis not Alcestis?

ADMETUS (_his composure a little shaken_).

Ah; two answers share my thought, Questioned of her.

HERACLES.

Is she alive or dead?

ADMETUS.

She is, and is not; and my heart hath bled Long years for her.

HERACLES.

I understand no more.

Thy words are riddles.

ADMETUS.

Heard'st thou not of yore The doom that she must meet?

HERACLES.

I know thy wife Has sworn to die for thee.

ADMETUS.

And is it life, To live with such an oath hung o'er her head?

HERACLES (_relieved_).

Ah, Weep not too soon, friend. Wait till she be dead.

ADMETUS.

He dies who is doomed to die; he is dead who dies.

HERACLES.

The two are different things in most men's eyes.

ADMETUS.

Decide thy way, lord, and let me decide The other way.