PENTHEUS (_turning from him_) Ho, armourers! Bring forth my shield and sword!-- And thou, be silent! DIONYSUS (_after regarding him fixedly, speaks with resignation_) Ah!--Have then thy will! [_He fixes his eyes upon_ PENTHEUS _again, while the armourers bring out his armour; then speaks in a tone of command._] Man, thou wouldst fain behold them on the hill Praying! PENTHEUS (_who during the rest of this scene, with a few exceptions, simply speaks the thoughts that_ DIONYSUS _puts into him, losing power over his own mind_) That would I, though it cost me all The gold of Thebes! DIONYSUS So much? Thou art quick to fall To such great longing. PENTHEUS (_somewhat bewildered at what he has said_) Aye; 'twould grieve me much To see them flown with wine. DIONYSUS Yet cravest thou such A sight as would much grieve thee? PENTHEUS Yes; I fain Would watch, ambushed among the pines. DIONYSUS 'Twere vain To hide. They soon will track thee out. PENTHEUS Well said! 'Twere best done openly. DIONYSUS Wilt thou be led By me, and try the venture? PENTHEUS Aye, indeed! Lead on. Why should we tarry? DIONYSUS First we need A rich and trailing robe of fine-linen To gird thee. PENTHEUS Nay; am I a woman, then, And no man more. DIONYSUS Wouldst have them slay thee dead? No man may see their mysteries. PENTHEUS Well said'-- I marked thy subtle temper long ere now. DIONYSUS 'Tis Dionyse that prompteth me. PENTHEUS And how Mean'st thou the further plan? DIONYSUS First take thy way Within. I will array thee. PENTHEUS What array! The woman's? Nay, I will not. DIONYSUS Doth it change So soon, all thy desire to see this strange Adoring? PENTHEUS Wait! What garb wilt thou bestow About me? DIONYSUS First a long tress dangling low Beneath thy shoulders. PENTHEUS Aye, and next? DIONYSUS The same red Robe, falling to thy feet; and on thine head A snood. PENTHEUS And after? Hast thou aught beyond? DIONYSUS Surely; the dappled fawn-skin and the wand. PENTHEUS (_after a struggle with himself_) Enough! I cannot wear a robe and snood. DIONYSUS Wouldst liefer draw the sword and spill men's blood? PENTHEUS (_again doubting_) True, that were evil.--Aye; 'tis best to go First to some place of watch. DIONYSUS Far wiser so, Than seek by wrath wrath's bitter recompense. PENTHEUS What of the city streets? Canst lead me hence Unseen of any?