ydon Admetus went back to
his own land. There he wed that fair and loving woman, Alcestis. He
might not wed her until he had yoked lions and leopards to the chariot
that drew her. This was a feat that no hero had been able to
accomplish. With Apollo's aid he accomplished it. Thereafter Admetus,
having the love of Alcestis, was even more happy than he had been
before.

One day as he walked by fold and through pasture field he saw a figure
standing beside his herd of black cattle. A radiant figure it was, and
Admetus knew that this was Apollo come to him again. He went toward the
god and he made reverence and began to speak to him. But Apollo turned
to Admetus a face that was without joy.

"What years of happiness have been mine, O Apollo, through your
friendship for me," said Admetus. "Ah, as I walked my pasture land
today it came into my mind how much I loved this green earth and the
blue sky! And all that I know of love and happiness has come to me
through you."

But still Apollo stood before him with a face that was without joy. He
spoke and his voice was not that clear and vibrant voice that he had
once in speaking to Admetus. "Admetus, Admetus," he said, "it is for me
to tell you that you may no more look on the blue sky nor walk upon the
green earth. It is for me to tell you that the god of the Underworld
will have you come to him. Admetus, Admetus, know that even now the god
of the Underworld is sending Death for you."

Then the light of the world went out for Admetus, and he heard himself
speaking to Apollo in a shaking voice: "O Apollo, Apollo, thou art a
god, and surely thou canst save me! Save me now from this Death that
the god of the Underworld is sending for me!"

But Apollo said, "Long ago, Admetus, I made a bargain with the god of
the Underworld on thy behalf. Thou hast been given a chance more than
any mortal man. If one will go willingly in thy place with Death, thou
canst still live on. Go, Admetus. Thou art well loved, and it may be
that thou wilt find one to take thy place."

Then Apollo went up unto the mountaintop and Admetus stayed for a while
beside the cattle. It seemed to him that a little of the darkness had
lifted from the world. He would go to his palace. There were aged men
and women there, servants and slaves, and one of them would surely be
willing to take the king's place and go with Death down to the
Underworld.

So Admetus thought as he went toward the palace. And then he came