In my right hand Is it, or thus, that I should bear the wand, To be most like to them? DIONYSUS. Up let it swing In the right hand, timed with the right foot's spring. . . . 'Tis well thy heart is changed! PENTHEUS (_more wildly_). What strength is this! Kithaeron's steeps and all that in them is-- How say'st thou?--Could my shoulders lift the whole? DIONYSUS. Surely thou canst, and if thou wilt! Thy soul, Being once so sick, now stands as it should stand. PENTHEUS. Shall it be bars of iron? Or this bare hand And shoulder to the crags, to wrench them down? DIONYSUS. Wouldst wreck the Nymphs' wild temples, and the brown Rocks, where Pan pipes at noonday? PENTHEUS. Nay; not I! Force is not well with women. I will lie Hid in the pine-brake. DIONYSUS. Even as fits a spy On holy and fearful things, so shalt thou lie! PENTHEUS (_with a laugh_). They lie there now, methinks--the wild birds, caught By love among the leaves, and fluttering not! DIONYSUS. It may be. That is what thou goest to see, Aye, and to trap them--so they trap not thee! PENTHEUS. Forth through the Thebans' town! I am their king, Aye, their one Man, seeing I dare this thing! DIONYSUS. Yea, thou shalt bear their burden, thou alone; Therefore thy trial awaiteth thee!--But on; With me into thine ambush shalt thou come Unscathed; then let another bear thee home! PENTHEUS. The Queen, my mother. DIONYSUS. Marked of every eye. PENTHEUS. For that I go! DIONYSUS. Thou shalt be borne on high! PENTHEUS. That were like pride! DIONYSUS. Thy mother's hands shall share Thy carrying. PENTHEUS. Nay; I need not such soft care! DIONYSUS. So soft? PENTHEUS. Whate'er it be, I have earned it well! [_Exit_ PENTHEUS _towards the Mountain_. DIONYSUS. Fell, fell art thou; and to a doom so fell Thou walkest, that thy name from South to North Shall shine, a sign for ever!--Reach thou forth Thine arms, Agâvê, now, and ye dark-browed Cadmeian sisters! Greet this prince so proud To the high ordeal, where save God and me, None walks unscathed!--The rest this day shall see. [_Exit_ DIONYSUS _following_ PENTHEUS. CHORUS. _Some Maidens._