Do you perform the rites by night or by day?DionysusMostly by night; darkness conveys awe.PentheusThis is treacherous towards women, and unsound.DionysusEven during the day someone may devise what is shameful.PentheusYou must pay the penalty for your evil contrivances.DionysusAnd you for your ignorance and impiety toward the god.PentheusHow bold the Bacchant is, and not unpracticed in speaking!DionysusTell me what I must suffer; what harm will you do to me?PentheusFirst I will cut off your delicate hair.DionysusMy hair is sacred. I am growing it for the god.PentheusNext give me this thyrsos from your hands.DionysusTake it from me yourself. I bear it as the ensign of Dionysus.PentheusWe will guard your body within, in prison.DionysusThe god himself will release me, whenever I want.PentheusYes, when you call him, standing among the Bacchae.DionysusEven now he see my sufferings from close by.PentheusWhere is he? He is not visible to my eyes.DionysusNear me; but you, being impious, do not see him.PentheusTo attendants Seize him; he insults me and Thebes!DionysusI warn you not to bind me, since I am in my senses and you are not.