Bacchante

(Placing a warning hand on his mouth.)

Hush! Beware!

Mercury

Could you not feel the hidden gorgon stare

The venom of her laughter dripping slow?

(The musicians from within, having followed the departing throng from the banquet hall, and having stationed themselves on the steps, now strike up a wild Bacchic air.)

Bacchus

(Swinging into the dance.)

Bacchantes, wreathe the dance!