Yet let that Naught be Somewhat in thy mouth;
Lie boldly, and say He is! So north and south
Shall marvel, how there sprang a thing divine
From Semele's flesh, and honour all our line.
[_Drawing nearer to_ PENTHEUS.]
Is there not blood before thine eyes even now?
Our lost Actaeon's blood, whom long ago
His own red hounds through yonder forest dim
Tore unto death, because he vaunted him
Against most holy Artemis? Oh, beware
And let me wreathe thy temples. Make thy prayer
With us, and walk thee humbly in God's sight.
[_He makes as if to set the wreath on_ PENTHEUS _head_.]

PENTHEUS
Down with that hand! Aroint thee to thy rite
Nor smear on me thy foul contagion!
[Turning upon TEIRESIAS.]
This
Thy folly's head and prompter shall not miss
The justice that he needs!--Go, half my guard
Forth to the rock-seat where he dwells in ward
O'er birds and wonders; rend the stone with crown
And trident; make one wreck of high and low
And toss his bands to all the winds of air!
Ha, have I found the way to sting thee, there?
The rest, forth through the town! And seek amain
This girl-faced stranger, that hath wrought such bane
To all Thebes, preying on our maids and wives
Seek till ye find; and lead him here in gyves,