All this time, the three Fates were waiting to cut the thread of life,
and they could not wait longer.
Then, seeing that even the old and wretched clung to their gift of
life, who should offer herself but the young and lovely queen,
Alcestis? Sorrowful but resolute, she determined to be the victim, and
made ready to die for the sake of her husband.
She took leave of her children and commended them to the care of
Admetus. All his pleading could not change the decree of the Fates.
Alcestis prepared for death as for some consecration. She bathed and
anointed her body, and, as a mortal illness seized her, she lay down to
die, robed in fair raiment, and bade her kindred farewell. The
household was filled with mourning, but it was too late. She waned
before the eyes of the king, like daylight that must be gone.
At this grievous moment Heracles, mightiest of all men, who was
journeying on his way to new adventures, begged admittance to the
palace, and inquired the cause of such grief in that hospitable place.
He was told of the misfortune that had befallen Admetus, and, struck
with pity, he resolved to try what his strength might do for this man
who had been a friend of gods.
Already Death had come out of Hades for Alcestis, and as Heracles stood
at the door of her chamber he saw that awful form leading away the
lovely spirit of the queen, for the breath had just departed from her
body.
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