Alcestis [2] -

The play opens with the god Apollo telling the audience how he has negotiated with the underworld to spare Admetus' life if someone else will die in his place. The only volunteer is his beautiful and loyal young wife, Alcestis. His father and mother, who Apollo expected to volunteer for this service, both have refused. Thanetos, death's messenger from Hades, collects Alcestis. She dresses herself in mourning garb and says her goodbyes to her husband and children with her handmaidens.see less