But would you see gladly what is grievous to you? Pentheus To be sure, sitting quietly under the pines. Dionysus But they will track you down, even if you go in secret. Pentheus You are right: I will go openly. Dionysus Shall I guide you? Will you attempt the journey? Pentheus Lead me as quickly as possible. I grudge you the time. Dionysus Put linen clothes on your body then. Pentheus What is this? Shall I then, instead of a man, be reckoned among the women? Dionysus Lest they kill you if you are seen there as a man. Pentheus Again you speak correctly: how wise you have been all along! Dionysus Dionysus taught me these things fully. Pentheus How can your advice to me be well carried out? Dionysus I will go inside and dress you. Pentheus In what clothing? Female? But shame holds me back. Dionysus Are you no longer eager to view the maenads? Pentheus What clothing do you bid me to put on my body? Dionysus I will spread out hair at length on your head. Pentheus What is the second part of my outfit? Dionysus A robe down to your feet. And you will wear a headband. Pentheus And what else will you add to this for me? Dionysus A thyrsos in your hand, and a dappled fawn-skin. Pentheus I could not put on a woman’s dress. Dionysus But you will shed blood if you join battle with the Bacchae. Pentheus True. We must go first and spy. Dionysus This is at any rate wiser than hunting trouble with trouble. Pentheus And how will I go through the city without being seen by the Thebans? Dionysus We will go on deserted roads. I will lead you. Pentheus Anything is better than to be mocked by the Bacchae. We two will go into the house . . . and I will consider what seems best. Dionysus It will be so; in any case I am ready. Pentheus I will go in. For either I will go bearing arms, or I will obey your counsels.