but how can this
Be done? The dead return not to this light.
_Herc._ Check then thy swelling griefs; with reason rule them.
_Adm._ How easy to advise, but hard to bear!
_Herc._ What should it profit should'st thou always groan?
_Adm._ I know it; but I am in love with grief.
_Herc._ Love to the dead calls forth the ceaseless tear.
_Adm._ O, I am wretched more than words can speak.
_Herc._ A good wife hast thou lost, who can gainsay it?
_Adm._ Never can life be pleasant to me more.
_Herc._ Thy sorrow now is new; time will abate it.
_Adm._ Time say'st thou? Yes, the time that brings me death.
_Herc._ Some young and lovely bride will bid it cease.
_Adm._ No more: What say'st thou? Never could I think--
_Herc._ Will thou still lead a lonely widow'd life?
_Adm._ Never shall other women share my bed.
_Herc._ And think'st thou this will aught avail the dead?
_Adm._ This honor is her due, where'er she be.
_Herc._ This hath my praise, though near allied to frenzy.
_Adm._ Praise me or not, I ne'er will wed again.
_Herc._ I praise thee that thou'rt faithful to thy wife.
_Adm._ Though dead, if I betray her, may I die!
_Herc._ Well, take this noble lady to thy house. {1170}
_Adm._ No, by thy father Jove, let me entreat thee.
_Herc._ Not to do this would be the greatest wrong.
_Adm._ To do it would with anguish rend my heart.
_Herc._ Let me prevail; this grace may find its meed.
_Adm._ O that thou never had'st receiv'd this prize!
_Herc._ Yet in my victory thou art victor with me.
_Adm._ 'Tis nobly said: yet let this woman go.
_Herc._ If she must go, she shall! but must she go?
_Adm._ She must, if I incur not thy displeasure.
_Herc._ There is a cause that prompts my earnestness. {1180}
_Adm._ Thou hast prevailed, but much against my will.
_Herc._ The time will come when thou wilt thank me for it.
_Adm._ Well, if I must receive her, lead her in.
_Herc._ Charge servants with her! No, that must not be.
_Adm._ Lead her thyself, then, if thy will incline thee.
_Herc._ No, to thy hand alone will I commit her.
_Adm._ I touch her not; but she hath leave to enter.
_Herc._ I shall entrust her only to thy hand.
_Adm._ Thou dost constrain me, king, against my will.
_Herc._ Venture to stretch thy hand, and touch the stranger's. {1190}
_Adm._ I touch her, as I would the headless