And now his sword is fallen, and he lies outworn and wan
Who dared to rise against his God in wrath, being but man.
And I uprose and left him, and in all peace took my path
Force to my Chosen, recking light of Pentheus and his wrath.
But soft, methinks a footstep sounds even now within the hall;
'Tis he; how think ye he will stand, and what words speak withal?
I will endure him gently, though he come in fury hot.
For still are the ways of Wisdom, and her temper trembleth not!
[_Enter_ PENTHEUS _in fury_]

PENTHEUS
It is too much! This Eastern knave hath slipped
His prison, whom I held but now, hard gripped
In bondage.--Ha! 'Tis he!--What, sirrah, how
Show'st thou before my portals?
[_He advances furiously upon him._]

DIONYSUS
And set a quiet carriage to thy rage.

PENTHEUS
How comest thou here? How didst thou break thy cage?
Speak!

DIONYSUS
Said I not, or didst thou mark not me,
There was One living that should set me free?

PENTHEUS
Who? Ever wilder are these tales of thine.