As usual in such
Chorus-Entries their chanting is accompanied with music and
gesture-dance to a rhythm traditionally associated with marching. But
by a very unusual effect they enter in disordered ranks, moving in two
loosely-formed bodies towards the Central Altar._ {82}
_1st Semichorus._ What a silence encloses the Palace!
What a hush in the house of Admetus!
_2nd Semichorus._ Not a soul is at hand of the household
To answer our friendly enquiry--
Is it over, all over but weeping?
Or sees she the light awhile longer,
Our Queen, brightest pattern of women
The wide world through,
Most devoted of wives, our Alcestis?
_Arriving at the Altar they fall for a time into compact order, and
exchange their marching rhythm for the elaborate Choral ritual, the
evolutions taking them to the Right of the Orchestra._ {89}
_Strophe_
_Full Chorus._ Listen for the heavy groan,
Smitten breast and piercing moan,
Ringing out that life is gone.
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