But it is clear that the Euripidean story contained an element which Browning could not assimilate--Admetos' acceptance of Alkestis' sacrifice.

To the Greek the action seemed quite in order; the persons who really incurred his reproof were Admetos' parents, who in spite of their advanced years refused to anticipate their approaching death in their son's favour.

Browning cannot away with an Admetos who, from sheer reluctance to die, allowed his wife to suffer death in his place; and he characteristically suggests a version of the story in which its issues are determined from first to last, and on both sides, by self-sacrificing love.

Admetos is now the large-minded king who grieves to be called away before his work for his people is done.

Alkestis seeks, with Apollo's leave, to take his place, so that her lord may live and carry out the purposes of his soul,-- "Nor let Zeus lose the monarch meant in thee." But Admetos will not allow this; for Alkestis is as spirit to his flesh, and his life without her would be but a passive death.