CHORUS

Daughter of Pelias, fare thee well
in the house that never sees the sun.
May Hades, the black-haired god of death,
and ancient Charon, who pilots the dead,
recognize that you are the best
and bravest woman in all the world
ever to make the trip you're making.

 You shall become the subject of song
in lands both near and far away,
even in Athens, blessed and rich,
when the seasons are spent and the hour returns,
at the rising of each new festival moon,
the myth of Alcestis will come to life
in the voices and tunes that remember your death.

 If only I had power enough to sail to Hell,
to redeem you from Hades, as you redeemed him!
For you alone, most beloved lady,
were willing to trade your life for your husband's.
The children and I will hate any women he takes to bed.
His parents declined, who first gave him life,
and are now close to death. Oh, if I could but marry
a lady like you, I'd protect her forever!