Dionysus.
Now nay—the shrines of Nymphs destroy not thou,
And haunts of Pan that with his piping ring.
Pentheus.
True—true: we must not overcome by force
The women. I will hide me midst the pines.
Dionysus.
Such hiding shall be thine as fate ordains,[1] 955
Who com'st with guile, a spy on Bacchanals.
Pentheus.
Methinks I see them mid the copses caught,
Like birds, in toils of their sweet dalliance.
Dionysus.
To this end then art thou appointed watchman:
Perchance shalt catch them—if they catch not thee. 960
Pentheus.
On through the midst of Thebes' town usher me,
For I, I only of them, dare such deed.
Dionysus.
Alone for Thebes thou travailest, thou alone;
Wherefore for thee wait tug and strain foredoomed.
Follow: all safely will I usher thee. 965
Another thence shall bring thee,—
- ↑ Henceforth the dialogue is all Tragic Irony, the words of Dionysus bearing one meaning for Pentheus, and another for the audience.
