PENTHEUS Here it comes, Creeping on us like a spreading fire, This Bacchic outrage, a disgrace in the eyes of Greece. There's no time to waste. Run to the Electran Gate. Call up all the men who can carry a shield, Ride a fast horse, hurl a spear, Or make a bowstring sing, gather them all - We march against the Bacchae! It is too much to suffer this from women.

DIONYSUS You hear me, and yet you do not listen To my words, Pentheus. But though I suffered In your hands, once more I warn you: Do not Raise arms against a god, but submit quietly To life. Dionysus will not let you drive his Bacchae from their hills of joy.

PENTHEUS No more from you - you have escaped, you are free, Give thanks for that - or back you go to prison.

DIONYSUS I'd sacrifice to him, rather than kick Against the pricks - a mortal angry with a god.

PENTHEUS I'll sacrifice Women's blood as they deserve; My offering will flood the glens of Cithaeron

DIONYSUS You will all fly in great dishonor; Frail Thyrsus will rout your shields of beaten bronze.

PENTHEUS This stranger really is impossible He will not hold his tongue, free or in prison.

DIONYSUS Friend, There's still time to end all this happily.

PENTHEUS How? By submitting to my own slaves? Bring me my armor!

DIONYSUS I can lead these women back to Thebes Without weapons.

PENTHEUS Ha! This is a trap.

DIONYSUS Why? When I offer to use my power To save you all?

PENTHEUS It's a conspiracy with them; a truce Would you let go on with your unholy dancing.

DIONYSUS The only agreement is between my god and me.

PENTHEUS Where's my armor? And you, stop talking.

DIONYSUS Aah. Wouldn't you like to see those women Up in their mount'n?

PENTHEUS That I would. I would give anything for that. Any price in gold.

DIONYSUS And what throws you suddenly into this Great desire?

PENTHEUS It would be torture for me to see them drunk.

DIONYSUS And yet sweet to see that bitter sight?

PENTHEUS I must admit it. Yes. Sit silently behind the pine trees And just watch them.

DIONYSUS Even if you go secretly, they'll find you out.

PENTHEUS I'll go openly. You are right in that.

DIONYSUS Shall I, then, show you the way? Are you ready?

PENTHEUS Guide me there at once. I cannot wait.

DIONYSUS The time has come to dress yourself In a linen robe.

PENTHEUS What was this? I am no longer to be a man but Dress as a woman?

DIONYSUS They'll kill you if they catch you as a man.

PENTHEUS I think you are right You really thought of everything From the first moment.

DIONYSUS The god himself inspired me.

PENTHEUS And what's the best way to carry out Your advice?

DIONYSUS Let us go now inside the palace; And let me dress you.

PENTHEUS What kind of dress? You don't mean a woman's? I'd be ashamed.

DIONYSUS You've changed your mind? You yearn no longer to watch the maenads?

PENTHEUS What kind of dress? What did you say you will put on me?

DIONYSUS First on your head: long flowing hair.

PENTHEUS And then? What will my costume look like?

DIONYSUS A long flowing gown; and on top a veil.

PENTHEUS Anything more?

DIONYSUS Only a thyrsus and a fawnskin.

PENTHEUS I could never wear women's clothes.

DIONYSUS If you join battle with the Bacchae, There will be bloodshed.

PENTHEUS It's true. I should go first alone And spy on them.

DIONYSUS Better go alone than, using violence, ask for violence.

PENTHEUS But how can I cross the town Unseen by the people?

DIONYSUS You shall take lonely and deserted streets; I will lead you.

PENTHEUS Anything is better than being defied By the Bacchae. I want to go inside the palace And think about it.

DIONYSUS As you wish. My preparations are all made. I am ready.

PENTHEUS I will go in. Perhaps I shall take arms against them, Maybe I will follow your advice.