Whose limbs by toilsome searchings manifold,
About Kithairon's glens all rent apart
I found, and bring—no twain in one place found, 1220
But lying all about the trackless wood.
For of my daughters' desperate deeds I heard,
Even as I passed within the city-walls
With old Teiresias from the Bacchant revel.
Back to the mountain turned I; and I bring 1225
My son thence, who by Maenads hath been slain.
There her who bore Aktaion to Aristaius
I saw, Autonoë, saw Ino there
Still midst the oak-groves, wretches frenzy-stung.
But hitherward, said one, with Bacchant feet 1230
Had passed Agavê, and the truth I heard:
For I behold her—sight of misery!
Agave.
My father, proudest boast is thine to make,
To have begotten daughters best by far
Of mortals—all thy daughters, chiefly me, 1235
Me who left loom and shuttle, and pressed on
To high emprise, to hunt beasts with mine hands.
And in mine arms I bring, thou seest, this
The prize I took, against thy palace-wall
To hang: receive it, father, in thine hands. 1240
And now, triumphant in mine hunting's spoil,
Bid to a feast thy friends; for blest art thou,
Blest verily, since we have achieved such deeds.
Kadmus.
O anguish measureless that blasts the sight!
O murder compassed by these wretched hands! 1245
Fair victim this to cast before the Gods,
