joy and gratitude, Admetus set out in his chariot for the kingdom of
Pelias, and there he wooed and won Alcestis, the most loving wife that
was ever heard of.

It was well for Admetus that he came home with such a comrade, for the
year was at an end, and he was to lose his shepherd. The strange man
came to take leave of the king and queen whom he had befriended.

"Blessed be your flocks, Admetus," he said, smiling. "They shall
prosper even though I leave them. And, because you can discern the gods
that come to you in the guise of wayfarers, happiness shall never go
far from your home, but ever return to be your guest. No man may live
on earth forever, but this one gift have I obtained for you. When your
last hour draws near, if any one shall be willing to meet it in your
stead, he shall die, and you shall live on, more than the mortal length
of days. Such kings deserve long life."

So ended the happy year when Apollo tended sheep.




ALCESTIS.


For many years the remembrance of Apollo's service kept Thessaly full
of sunlight. Where a god could work, the people took heart to work
also. Flocks and herds throve, travellers were befriended, and men were
happy under the rule of a happy king and queen.