All, and abase your shields of bronzen rim
Before their wands.

PENTHEUS
There is no way with him,
This stranger that so dogs us! Well or ill
I may entreat him, he must babble still!

DIONYSUS
Wait, good my friend! These crooked matters may
Even yet be straightened.
[PENTHEUS _has started as though to seek his army at the gate._]

PENTHEUS
Aye, if I obey
Mine own slaves' will; how else?

DIONYSUS
Myself will lead
The damsels hither, without sword or steed.

PENTHEUS
How now?--This is some plot against me!

DIONYSUS
What
Dost fear? Only to save thee do I plot.

PENTHEUS
It is some compact ye have made, whereby