Why do you bring these rites to Hellas?DionysusDionysus, the child of Zeus, sent me.PentheusIs there a Zeus who breeds new gods there?DionysusNo, but the one who married Semele here.PentheusDid he compel you at night, or in your sight?DionysusSeeing me just as I saw him, he gave me sacred rites.PentheusWhat appearance do your rites have?DionysusThey can not be told to mortals uninitiated in Bacchic revelry.PentheusAnd do they have any profit to those who sacrifice?DionysusIt is not lawful for you to hear, but they are worth knowing.PentheusYou have counterfeited this well, so that I desire to hear.DionysusThe rites are hostile to whoever practices impiety.PentheusAre you saying that you saw clearly what the god was like?DionysusHe was as he chose; I did not order this.PentheusAgain you diverted my question well, speaking mere nonsense.DionysusOne will seem to be foolish if he speaks wisely to an ignorant man.PentheusDid you come here first, bringing the god?DionysusAll the barbarians celebrate these rites.PentheusYes, for they are far more foolish than Hellenes.DionysusIn this at any rate they are wiser; but their laws are different.PentheusDo you perform the rites by night or by day?DionysusMostly by night; darkness conveys awe.PentheusThis is treacherous towards women, and unsound.DionysusEven during the day someone may devise what is shameful.PentheusYou must pay the penalty for your evil contrivances.DionysusAnd you for your ignorance and impiety toward the god.PentheusHow bold the Bacchant is, and not unpracticed in speaking!DionysusTell me what I must suffer; what harm will you do to me?PentheusFirst I will cut off your delicate hair.DionysusMy hair is sacred. I am growing it for the god.