Leading barbaric hordes, Zeus' oracle saith, 1335
And many a city with thy countless host
Shalt sack: but when they plunder Loxias' shrine,
Then shall they get them bitter home-return.
Thee and Harmonia shall Ares save,
And stablish in the Blessèd Land your lives. 1340
This say I, of no mortal father born,
Dionysus, but of Zeus. Had ye but learnt
Wisdom, what time ye would not, ye had been
Blest now, with Zeus' son for your champion gained.
Agave.
Dionysus, we beseech thee!—we have sinned. 1345
Dionysus.
Too late ye know me, who knew not in your hour.
Agave.
We know it: but thy vengeance passeth bounds.
Dionysus.
I am a God: ye did despite to me.
Agave.
It fits not that in wrath Gods be as men.
Dionysus.
Long since my father Zeus ordained this so. 1350
Agave.
Alas! our woeful exile's doom is sealed!
