Context
Heracles learned that the wife of his friend Admetus has died. He is embarrassed for his reckless and rude behavior towards the servants in a house of mourning; however, he does defend himself by stating that no one told him Alcestis had died. To make up for his behavior, Heracles wrestled Death to save Alcestis from the Underworld. Now, he presents Admetus with a veiled woman (Alcestis), whom he claims he won as a prize, and attempts to give her to Admetus. In doing do, he tests Admetus’
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HERACLES Oh, that I might bring your wife back into the light of day from the dwelling of the Under-Gods, as a gift of grace to you!
ADMETUS I know you would wish this-but to what end? The dead cannot return to the light of day.
HERACLES Do not exaggerate, but bear this with decorum.
ADMETUS Easier to advise than bear the test.
HERACLES How will it aid
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Links
The full-text of Alcestis from MIT Classics: http://classics.mit.edu/Euripides/alcestis.html
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