Thou mark'st me not, O King, and holdest light My solemn words; yet, in thine own despite, I warn thee still. Lift thou not up thy spear Against a God, but hold thy peace, and fear His wrath! He will not brook it, if thou fright His Chosen from the hills of their delight. PENTHEUS. Peace, thou! And if for once thou hast slipped thy chain, Give thanks!--Or shall I knot thine arms again? DIONYSUS. Better to yield him prayer and sacrifice Than kick against the pricks, since Dionyse Is God, and thou but mortal. PENTHEUS. That will I! Yea, sacrifice of women's blood, to cry His name through all Kithaeron! DIONYSUS. Ye shall fly, All, and abase your shields of bronzen rim Before their wands. PENTHEUS. There is no way with him, This stranger that so dogs us! Well or ill I may entreat him, he must babble still! DIONYSUS. Wait, good my friend! These crooked matters may Even yet be straightened. [PENTHEUS _has started as though to seek his army at the gate._ PENTHEUS. Aye, if I obey Mine own slaves' will; how else? DIONYSUS. Myself will lead The damsels hither, without sword or steed. PENTHEUS. How now?--This is some plot against me! DIONYSUS. What Dost fear? Only to save thee do I plot. PENTHEUS. It is some compact ye have made, whereby To dance these hills for ever! DIONYSUS. Verily, That is my compact, plighted with my Lord! 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.