His friends, his father, e'en the aged dame {19}
That gave him birth were asked in vain: not one
Was found, his wife except.
The dreadful day has come, and Alcestis is at this moment breathing her
last in the arms of her husband: and he himself must leave his loved
friend, for Deity may not abide in the neighborhood of death's
pollution. {27}
_Suddenly, the hideous Phantom of Death becomes visible, ascending the
Steps of the Dead [from below the Orchestra on to the Stage]: his pace
never flags, yet he cowers, like all things of darkness, before the Bow
of Apollo._
_Death_ reproaches Apollo with haunting the dwellings of mortals, and
with seeking by that Bow of his to defraud the Infernal Powers of their
due. _Apollo_ defends himself: he is but visiting friends he loves: he
has no thought of using force. But would he could persuade Death to
choose his victims according to the law of nature, and slay ripe
lingering age instead of youth!
_Death._ Greater my glory when the youthful die! {58}
_Apollo_ appeals to self-interest: more sumptuous obsequies await the
aged dead.
Pages:
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130