Epeisodion 2
Servant
Pentheus, we are here, having caught this prey
for which you sent us, nor have we set out in vain. This beast was docile in our hands and did not withdraw in flight, but yielded not unwillingly. He did not turn pale or change the wine-dark complexion of his cheek, but laughed and allowed us to bind him and lead him away.
435
He remained still, making my work easy, and I in shame said: Stranger, I do not lead you away willingly, but by order of Pentheus, who sent me.
And the Bacchae whom you shut up, whom you carried off and bound in the chains of the public prison,
440
are set loose and gone, and are gamboling in the meadows, invoking Bromius as their god. Of their own accord, the chains were loosed from their feet and keys opened the doors without human hand. This man has come to Thebes
445
full of many wonders. You must take care of the rest.
450
Pentheus
Release his hands, for caught in the nets he is not so swift as to escape me. But your body is not ill-formed, stranger, for women’s purposes, for which reason you have come to Thebes.
For your hair is long, not through wrestling, scattered over your cheeks, full of desire; and you have a white skin from careful preparation, hunting after Aphrodite by your beauty not exposed to strokes of the sun, but beneath the shade.
455
First then tell me who your family is.
460
Dionysus
I can tell you this easily, without boasting. I suppose you are familiar with flowery Tmolus.
Pentheus
I know of it; it surrounds the city of Sardis.
Dionysus
I am from there, and Lydia is my fatherland.
Pentheus
Why do you bring these rites to Hellas?
465
Dionysus
Dionysus, the child of Zeus, sent me.
Pentheus
Is there a Zeus who breeds new gods there?
Dionysus
No, but the one who married Semele here.
Pentheus
Did he compel you at night, or in your sight?
Dionysus
Seeing me just as I saw him, he gave me sacred rites.
470
Pentheus
What appearance do your rites have?
Dionysus
They can not be told to mortals uninitiated in Bacchic revelry.
Pentheus
And do they have any profit to those who sacrifice?
Dionysus
It is not lawful for you to hear, but they are worth knowing.
Pentheus
You have counterfeited this well, so that I desire to hear.
475
Dionysus
The rites are hostile to whoever practices impiety.
Pentheus
Are you saying that you saw clearly what the god was like?
Dionysus
He was as he chose; I did not order this.
Pentheus
Again you diverted my question well, speaking mere nonsense.
Dionysus
One will seem to be foolish if he speaks wisely to an ignorant man.
480
Pentheus
Did you come here first, bringing the god?
Dionysus
All the barbarians celebrate these rites.
Pentheus
Yes, for they are far more foolish than Hellenes.
