_Adm._ But wherefore doth my wife thus speechless stand?
_Herc._ It is not yet permitted[3] that thou hear
Her voice addressing thee, till from the Gods {1220}
That rule beneath she be unsanctified
With hallow'd rites, and the third morn return.
But lead her in; and as thou'rt just in all
Besides, Admetus, see thou reverence strangers.
Farewell: I go t' achieve the destined toil
For the imperial son of Sthenelus.
_Adm._ Abide with us, and share my friendly hearth.
_Herc._ That time will come again; this demands speed.
_Adm._ Success attend thee: safe may'st thou return.
Now to my citizens I give in charge, {1230}
And to each chief, that for this blest event
They institute the dance; let the steer bleed,
And the rich altars, as they pay their vows,
Breathe incense to the gods; for now I rise
To better life, and grateful own the blessing.
THE CHORUS, RETIRING:
Our fates the Gods in various shapes dispose: {1236}
Heaven sets the crown on many a hopeless cause:
That which is looked for
Fails in the issue.
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