With toil I searched it out and am bringing it myself.
AGAVE
Is it all fitted limb to limb in seemly wise?
CADMUS [*]
[* One line, or maybe more, is missing]
AGAVE
But what had Pentheus to do with folly of mine?
CADMUS
He was like you in refusing homage to the god, who, therefore, hath involved you all in one common ruin, you and him alike, to destroy this house and me, forasmuch as I, that had no sons, behold this youth, the fruit of thy womb, unhappy mother! foully and most shamefully slain.To thee, my child, our house looked up, to thee my daughter's son, the stay of my palace, inspiring the city with awe;none caring to flout the old king when he saw thee by, for he would get his deserts.But now shall I be cast out dishonoured from my halls, Cadmus the great, who sowed the crop of Theban seed and reaped that goodly harvest.O beloved child! dead though thou art, thou still shalt be counted by me amongst my own dear children; no more wilt thou lay thy hand upon my chin in fond embrace, my child, and calling on thy mother's sire demand, "Who wrongs thee or dishonours thee, old sire? who vexes thy heart, a thorn within thy side? Speak, that I may punish thy oppressor, father mine!"But now am I in sorrow plunged, and woe is thee, and woe thy mother and her suffering sisters too! Ah! if there be any man that scorns the gods, let him well mark this prince's death and then believe in them.
CHORUS
Cadmus, I am sorry for thy fate; for though thy daughter's child hath met but his deserts, 'tis bitter grief to thee.
AGAVE
O father, thou seest how sadly my fortune is changed.[*]
[* After this a very large lacuna occurs in the MS.]
DIONYSUS