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 said 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? DIONYSUS. Lonely and untried Thy path from hence shall be, and I thy guide! PENTHEUS. I care for nothing, so these Bacchanals Triumph not against me! . . . Forward to my halls Within!--I will ordain what seemeth best. DIONYSUS. So be it, O King! 'Tis mine to obey thine hest, Whate'er it be. PENTHEUS (_after hesitating once more and waiting_). Well, I will go--perchance To march and scatter them with serried lance, Perchance to take thy plan. . . . I know not yet.