The agon continues.
Following the stranger's release from prison by god-induced earthquake, Pentheus and the stranger (Dionysus in disguise) continue their questions and unsatisfying answers. Then the messenger arrives to reveal the goings-on on Mt. Cithaeron, where the god Dionysus' frenzied Theban followers are observing the god's rites. The messenger says there was no sexual misbehavior, but the women suckled wild animals and had loose hair. They wore wreaths, animal skins, and snakes. Their thyrses brought forth wine, milk, and honey from the ground.
The messenger says that the women found the nearby animal-herding men who wanted to serve Pentheus by capturing them. The men fled and the women attacked the cattle, tearing them apart ( 1st sparagmos). There were more miracles and then the maenads attacked the townspeople without weapons or injury to themselves.
The stranger tells Pentheus that he is still being warned and must not take arms against a god. Pentheus ignores his advice.
The stranger asks Pentheus if he wants to see the revelers. Pentheus agrees and the stranger arranges to be his guide -- and everything else.
Pentheus is persuaded that although the clothing and long hair he must wear is effeminate, it will allow him to breach the women-only revels.
When Pentheus leaves, the stranger tells the chorus, the god Dionysus will drive Pentheus mad and he will die at his mother's hands.
Stasimon 3 (862-911)
A bit of epichairekakia evident as the chorus looks ahead to the god's joy in revenge on the impious Pentheus.
