I claim death." "No," answered Alkestis; "the active power to rule and weld the people into good is in the man.

Thou art the acknowledged power.

And as to the power which, thou sayest, I give thee, as to the soul of me--take it, I pour it into thee.

Look at me." And as he looks, she dies, and the king is left--still twofold as before, with the soul of Alkestis in him--himself and her.

So is Fate cheated, and Alkestis in Admetos is not dead.