[He beckons to the soldiers, who approach DIONYSUS.
DIONYSUS.
I have vowed it to my God; 'tis holy hair.
[The soldiers cut off the tress.
PENTHEUS.
Next, yield me up thy staff!
DIONYSUS.
Raise thine own hand To take it. This is Dionysus' wand.
[PENTHEUS takes the staff.
PENTHEUS.
Last, I will hold thee prisoned here.
DIONYSUS.
My Lord God will unloose me, when I speak the word.
PENTHEUS.
He may, if e'er again amid his bands Of saints he hears thy voice!
DIONYSUS.
Even now he stands Close here, and sees all that I suffer.
PENTHEUS.
What? Where is he? For mine eyes discern him not.
DIONYSUS.
Where I am! 'Tis thine own impurity That veils him from thee.
PENTHEUS.
The dog jeers at me! At me and Thebes! Bind him!
[The soldiers begin to bind him.
DIONYSUS.