when contrary to your expectation you see the Bacchae acting modestly.PentheusBut shall I be more like a maenad holding the thyrsos in my right hand, or in my left?DionysusYou must hold it in your right hand and raise your right foot in unison with it. I praise you for having changed your mind.PentheusCould I carry on my shoulders the glens of Kithairon, Bacchae and all?DionysusYou could if you were willing. The state of mind you had before was unsound, but now you think as you ought.PentheusShall we bring levers? Or shall I draw them up with my hands, putting a shoulder or arm under the mountain-tops?DionysusBut don’t destroy the seats of the Nymphs and the places where Pan plays his pipes.PentheusWell said. The women are not to be taken by force; I will hide in the pines.DionysusYou will hide yourself as you should be hidden, coming as a crafty spy on the Maenads.PentheusOh, yes! I imagine that like birds they are in the bushes held in the sweetest grips of love.DionysusYou have been sent as a guard against this very event. Perhaps you will catch them, if you yourself are not caught before.PentheusBring me through the midst of the Theban land. I am the only man of them who dares to perform this deed.DionysusYou alone bear the burden for this city, you alone. Therefore the labors which are proper await you. Follow me. I am your saving guide: another will lead you down from there.PentheusYes, my mother.DionysusAnd you will be remarkable to all.PentheusI am going for this reason.DionysusYou will return here being carried—PentheusYou talk of a delicacy for me.DionysusIn the arms of your mother.PentheusYou will force me to luxury.DionysusYes indeed, such luxury!PentheusI will get what I deserve.DionysusYou are terrible, terrible, and you go to terrible sufferings, so that you will find a renown reaching to heaven. Reach out your hands, Agave, and you too, her sisters, daughters of Kadmos. I lead this young man to a great contest, and Bromius and I will be the victors. The rest the matter itself will show.

ChorusGo to the mountain, go, fleet hounds of Madness, where the daughters of Kadmos hold their company, and drive them raving against the mad spy on the Maenads, the one dressed in women’s attire. His mother will be the first to see him from a smooth rock or crag, as he lies in ambush, and she will cry out to the maenads: Who is this seeker of the mountain-going Kadmeans who has come to the mountain, to the mountain, Bacchae? Who bore him? For he was not born from a woman’s blood, but is the offspring of some lioness