Bid gather all my men-at-arms thereat;
Call all that spur the charger, all who know
To wield the orbed targe or bend the bow;
We march to war--'Fore God, shall women dare
Such deeds against us? 'Tis too much to bear!

DIONYSUS
Thou mark'st me not, O King, and holdest light
My solemn words; yet, in thine own despite,
I warn thee still. Lift thou not up thy spear
Against a God, but hold thy peace, and fear
His wrath! He will not brook it, if thou fright
His Chosen from the hills of their delight.

PENTHEUS
Peace, thou! And if for once thou hast slipped chain,
Give thanks!--Or shall I knot thine arms again?

DIONYSUS
Better to yield him prayer and sacrifice
Than kick against the pricks, since Dionyse
Is God, and thou but mortal.

PENTHEUS
That will I!
Yea, sacrifice of women's blood, to cry
His name through all Kithaeron!

DIONYSUS
Ye shall fly,