APOLLO. I never robbed thee, neither then nor now. THANATOS. Why is Admetus here then, not below? APOLLO. He gave for ransom his own wife, for whom ... THANATOS (_interrupting_). I am come; and straight will bear her to the tomb. APOLLO. Go, take her.--I can never move thine heart. THANATOS (_mocking_). To slay the doomed?--Nay; I will do my part. APOLLO. No. To keep death for them that linger late. THANATOS (_still mocking_). 'Twould please thee, so?... I owe thee homage great. APOLLO. Ah, then she may yet ... she may yet grow old? THANATOS (_with a laugh_). No!... I too have my rights, and them I hold. APOLLO. 'Tis but one life thou gainest either-wise. THANATOS. When young souls die, the richer is my prize. APOLLO. Old, with great riches they will bury her. THANATOS. Fie on thee, fie! Thou rich-man's lawgiver! APOLLO. How? Is there wit in Death, who seemed so blind? THANATOS. The rich would buy long life for all their kind. APOLLO. Thou will not grant me, then, this boon? 'Tis so? THANATOS. Thou knowest me, what I am: I tell thee, no! APOLLO. I know gods sicken at thee and men pine. THANATOS. Begone! Too many things not meant for thine Thy greed hath conquered; but not all, not all! APOLLO. I swear, for all thy bitter pride, a fall Awaits thee. One even now comes conquering Towards this house, sent by a southland king To fetch him four wild coursers, of the race Which rend men's bodies in the winds of Thrace. This house shall give him welcome good, and he Shall wrest this woman from thy worms and thee. So thou shalt give me all, and thereby win But hatred, not the grace that might have been. [_Exit_ APOLLO.] THANATOS. Talk on, talk on! Thy threats shall win no bride From me.--This woman, whatsoe'er betide, Shall lie in Hades' house. Even at the word I go to lay upon her hair my sword. For all whose head this grey sword visiteth To death are hallowed and the Lords of death. [THANATOS _goes into the house. Presently, as the day grows lighter, the_ CHORUS _enters: it consists of Citizens of Pherae, who speak severally._] CHORUS. LEADER. Quiet, quiet, above, beneath! SECOND ELDER. The house of Admetus holds its breath. THIRD ELDER. And never a King's friend near, To tell us either of tears to shed For Pelias' daughter, crowned and dead; Or joy, that her eyes are clear. Bravest, truest of wives is she That I have seen or the world shall see. DIVERS CITIZENS, _conversing_. (The dash -- indicates a new speaker.) --Hear ye no sob, or noise of hands Beating the breast? No mourners' cries For one they cannot save? --Nothing: and at the door there stands No handmaid.--Help, O Paian; rise, O star beyond the wave! --Dead, and this quiet? No, it cannot be. --Dead, dead!--Not gone to burial secretly! --Why? I still fear: what makes your speech so brave? --Admetus cast that dear wife to the grave Alone, with none to see?