PEN. I have suffered terrible things, the stranger has escaped me, who was lately coerced in bonds. Hollo! here is the man; what is this? how do you appear near my house, having come out? BAC. Stay your foot; and substitute calm steps for anger. PEN. How come you out, having escaped your chains? BAC. Did I not say, or did you not hear, that some one would deliver me? PEN. Who? for you are always introducing strange things. BAC. He who produces the rich-clustering vine for mortals. PEN. This is a fine reproach you charge on Bacchus; I order ye to close every tower all round. BAC. Why? do not Gods pass over walls too? PEN. You are wise, wise at least in all save what you should be wise in. BAC. In what I most ought, in that I was born wise; but first learn, hearing his words who is come from the mountain to bring a message to you; but we will await you, we will not fly. MESSENGER. Pentheus, ruler o'er this Theban land, I come, having left Cithæron, where never have the brilliant flakes of white snow fallen.[39] PEN. But bringing what important news are you come? MESS. Having seen the holy Bacchæ, who driven by madness have darted their fair feet from this land, have I come, wishing to tell you and the city, O king, what awful things they do, things beyond marvel; and I wish to hear whether in freedom of speech I shall tell you the matters there, or whether I shall repress my report, for I fear, O king, the hastiness of thy mind, and your keen temper, and too imperious disposition.[40] PEN. Speak, as you shall be in all things blameless as far as I am concerned; for it is not meet to be wrath with the just; and in proportion as you speak worse things of the Bacchæ, so much the more will we punish this man who has taught these tricks to the women.