The Bacchae of Euripides Part 8

Verily, That is my compact, plighted with my Lord!

PENTHEUS (_turning from him_).

Ho, armourers! Bring forth my s.h.i.+eld and sword!-- And thou, be silent!

DIONYSUS (_after regarding him fixedly, speaks with resignation_).

Ah!--Have then thy will!

[_He fixes his eyes upon_ PENTHEUS _again, while the armourers bring out his armour; then speaks in a tone of command_.

Man, thou wouldst fain behold them on the hill Praying!

PENTHEUS (_who during the rest of this scene, with a few exceptions, simply speaks the thoughts that_ DIONYSUS _puts into him, losing power over his own mind_).

That would I, though it cost me all The gold of Thebes!

DIONYSUS.

So much? Thou art quick to fall To such great longing.

PENTHEUS (_somewhat bewildered at what he has said_).

Aye; 'twould grieve me much To see them flown with wine.

DIONYSUS.

Yet cravest thou such A sight as would much grieve thee?

PENTHEUS.

Yes; I fain Would watch, ambushed among the pines.

DIONYSUS.

'Twere vain To hide. They soon will track thee out.

PENTHEUS.

Well said!

'Twere best done openly.

DIONYSUS.

Wilt thou be led By me, and try the venture?

PENTHEUS.

Aye, indeed!

Lead on. Why should we tarry?

DIONYSUS.

First we need A rich and trailing robe of fine-linen To gird thee.

PENTHEUS.

Nay; am I a woman, then, And no man more?

DIONYSUS.

Wouldst have them slay thee dead?

No man may see their mysteries.

PENTHEUS.

Well said!-- I marked thy subtle temper long ere now.

DIONYSUS.

'Tis Dionyse that prompteth me.

PENTHEUS.

And how Mean'st thou the further plan?

DIONYSUS.

First take thy way Within. I will array thee.

PENTHEUS.

What array?

The woman's? Nay, I will not.

DIONYSUS.

Doth it change So soon, all thy desire to see this strange Adoring?

PENTHEUS.

Wait! What garb wilt thou bestow About me?

DIONYSUS.

First a long tress dangling low Beneath thy shoulders.

PENTHEUS.