Messenger: Pentheus, ruler o'er this Theban land, I come, having left
Cithaeron, where never have the brilliant flakes of white snow fallen.[39]
Pentheus: But bringing what important news are you come?
Messenger: Having seen the holy Bacchae, who driven by madness have darted their
fair feet from this land, have I come, wishing to tell you and the city, O
king, what awful things they do, things beyond marvel; and I wish to hear
whether in freedom of speech I shall tell you the matters there, or whether
I shall repress my report, for I fear, O king, the hastiness of thy mind,
and your keen temper, and too imperious disposition.[40]
Pentheus: Speak, as you shall be in all things blameless as far as I am
concerned; for it is not meet to be wrath with the just; and in proportion
as you speak worse things of the Bacchae, so much the more will we punish
this man who has taught these tricks to the women.
Studies
