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.