Page:Tragedies of Euripides (Way 1898) v3.djvu/442

414

Now nay—the shrines of Nymphs destroy not thou,

And haunts of Pan that with his piping ring.

True—true: we must not overcome by force

The women. I will hide me midst the pines.

Such hiding shall be thine as fate ordains,

Who com'st with guile, a spy on Bacchanals.

Methinks I see them mid the copses caught,

Like birds, in toils of their sweet dalliance.

To this end then art thou appointed watchman:

Perchance shalt catch them—if they catch not thee.

On through the midst of Thebes' town usher me,

For I, I only of them, dare such deed.

Alone for Thebes thou travailest, thou alone;

Wherefore for thee wait tug and strain foredoomed.

Follow: all safely will I usher thee.

Another thence shall bring thee,—