TIRESIAS. Who at the doors will call out Cadmus from the house, the son of Agenor, who, leaving the city of Sidon, erected this city of the Thebans? Let some one go, tell him that Tiresias seeks him; but he himself knows on what account I come, and what agreement I, an old man, have made with him, yet older; to twine the thyrsi, and to put on the skins of deer, and to crown the head with ivy branches.
CADMUS. O dearest friend! how I, being in the house, was delighted, hearing your voice, the wise voice of a wise man; and I am come prepared, having this equipment of the God; for we needs must extol him, who is the son sprung from my daughter, Bacchus, who has appeared as a God to men, as much as is in our power. Whither shall I dance, whither direct the foot, and wave the hoary head? Do you lead me, you, an old man! O Tiresias, direct me, an old man; for you are wise. Since I shall never tire, neither night nor day, striking the earth with the thyrsus. Gladly we forget that we are old.
TI. You have the same feelings indeed as I; for I too feel young, and will attempt the dance.
CA. Then we will go to the mountain in chariots.[[12]]
TI. But thus the God would not have equal honor.
CA. I, an old man, will lead you, an old man.[[13]]
TI. The God will without trouble guide us thither.
CA. But shall we alone of the city dance in honor of Bacchus?
TI. [Ay,] for we alone think rightly, but the rest ill.
CA. We are long in delaying;[[14]] but take hold of my hand.