Why do you bring these rites to Hellas ? Dionysus Dionysus, the child of Zeus, sent me. Pentheus Is there a Zeus who breeds new gods there? Dionysus No, but the one who married Semele here. Pentheus Did he compel you at night, or in your sight? Dionysus Seeing me just as I saw him, he gave me sacred rites. Pentheus What appearance do your rites have? Dionysus They can not be told to mortals uninitiated in Bacchic revelry. Pentheus And do they have any profit to those who sacrifice? Dionysus It is not lawful for you to hear, but they are worth knowing. Pentheus You have counterfeited this well, so that I desire to hear. Dionysus The rites are hostile to whoever practices impiety. Pentheus Are you saying that you saw clearly what the god was like? Dionysus He was as he chose; I did not order this. Pentheus Again you diverted my question well, speaking mere nonsense. Dionysus One will seem to be foolish if he speaks wisely to an ignorant man. Pentheus Did you come here first, bringing the god? Dionysus All the barbarians celebrate these rites. Pentheus Yes, for they are far more foolish than Hellenes. Dionysus In this at any rate they are wiser; but their laws are different. Pentheus Do you perform the rites by night or by day? Dionysus Mostly by night; darkness conveys awe. Pentheus This is treacherous towards women, and unsound. Dionysus Even during the day someone may devise what is shameful. Pentheus You must pay the penalty for your evil contrivances. Dionysus And you for your ignorance and impiety toward the god. Pentheus How bold the Bacchant is, and not unpracticed in speaking! Dionysus Tell me what I must suffer; what harm will you do to me? Pentheus First I will cut off your delicate hair. Dionysus My hair is sacred. I am growing it for the god.