Fully aware of his divine origin, the deity determined to make a sport of these bold robbers; and pretending the utmost terror, he implored them to say how he came there, and what they were going to do with him.
"You have nothing to fear," was the reply, "only tell us what your wish is, and it shall be complied with."
"I live at Naxos," said the boy, "and there I would fain find myself."
Perceiving that they continued to steer the wrong course for Naxos, Bacchus threw himself at their feet, as they made for shore.
"Those are not the trees of Naxos," he exclaimed, "I do not see the hills and valleys of my native land."
A speech like this, only drew forth the laughter of his captors, while they continued to row merrily to the shore with their prize.
"The beauteous youth now found himself betrayed,
And from the deck the rising waves surveyed,
And seemed to weep, and as he wept he said,