Kadmos He, like you, did not revere the god, who therefore joined all in one ruin, both you and this one here, and thus destroyed the house and me, who am bereft of my male children and see this offspring of your womb, wretched woman, most miserably and shamefully slain. He was the hope of our line—you, child, who supported the house, son of my daughter, an object of fear to the city; seeing you, no one wished to insult the old man, for you would have given a worthy punishment. But now I, great Kadmos, who sowed and reaped a most glorious crop, the Theban people, will be banished from the house without honor. Dearest of men—for though you are dead I still count you among my dearest, child—no longer will you embrace me, calling me grandfather, touching my chin with your hand, child, and saying: Who wrongs you, old man, who dishonors you? Who vexes and troubles your heart? Tell me, father, so that I can punish the one who does you wrong. But now I am miserable, while you are wretched, your mother is pitiful, and wretched too are your relatives. If anyone scorns the gods, let him look to the death of this man and acknowledge them.
Chorus Leader I grieve for you, Kadmos. Your daughter’s child has a punishment deserved indeed, but grievous to you.
Agave Father, for you see how much my situation has changed ... […]
Dionysus . . . changing your form, you will become a dragon, and your wife, Harmonia, Ares’ daughter, whom you though mortal held in marriage, will be turned into a beast, and will receive in exchange the form of a serpent. And as the oracle of Zeus says, you will drive along with your wife a chariot of heifers, ruling over barbarians. You will sack many cities with a force of countless numbers. And when they plunder the oracle of Apollo, they will have a miserable return, but Ares will protect you and Harmonia and will settle your life in the land of the blessed. That is what I, Dionysus, born not from a mortal father, but from Zeus, say. And if you had known how to be wise when you did not wish to be, you would have acquired Zeus’ son as an ally, and would now be happy.
Kadmos Dionysus, we beseech you, we have acted injustly.
Dionysus You have learned it too late; you did not know it when you should have.
Kadmos Now we know, but you go too far against us.
Dionysus Yes, for I, a god by birth, was insulted by you.
Kadmos Gods should not resemble mortals in their anger.
Dionysus My father Zeus approved this long ago.
Agave Alas! A miserable exile has been decreed for us, old man.
Dionysus Why then do you delay what must necessarily be?
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