[24] The fate of Actæon is often joined with that of Pentheus.
[25] i.e. over-cunning in regard to religious matters. Cf. 200. ουδεν σοφιζομεσθα τοισι δαιμοσιν.
[26] Probably a mere hyperbole to denote great fruitfulness. See Elmsley.
[27] Cf. Hor. Od. iii. 21, 20.
[28] I follow Dindorf in reading σοφα δ', but am scarcely satisfied.
[29] Hence his epithet of Bacchus Νυκτελιος. See Herm. on Orph. Hymn. xlix. 3.
[30] See my note on Æsch. Choeph. 7.
[31] Cf Person Advers. p. 265. Hor. Ep. i. 16. 73 "Vir bonus et sapiens audebit dicere Pentheu, Rector Thebarum, quid me perferre patique Indignum coges? Adima bona, nempe pecus, rem, Lectos, argentum: tollas licet. In manicis et Compedibus sævo te sub custode tenebo. Ipse deus, simul atque volam, me solvet. Opinor, Hoc sentit: moriar. Mors ultima linea rerum est."
[32] Punning on πενθος, grief. Cf. Arist. Rhet. ii. 23, 29.
[33] i.e. of Parnassus. Elmsley (after Stanl. on Æsch. Eum. 22.) remarks that Κωρυκις πετρα means the Corycian cave in Parnassus, Κωρυκιαι κορυφαι, the heights of Parnassus.