But due to the influence of the Dionysian Sect spreading, the acts of worship and assembly in secret by the common folk continued unabated despite prohibition.
Therefore, in fury, Pentheus declared the Dionysian Sect a heretical cult that bewitched the masses, and he severely hunted down its followers, casting them all into prison.
Even his own mother, for participating in the Dionysian Sect's secret "Joyful Banquets" with a group of noblewomen, was also locked up.
Neither the warnings of Tiresias, the blind seer of the temple, nor the persuasion of the old king, Cadmus, could change Pentheus's firm stance against the Dionysian Sect.
Thus, as an ordinary person, the old farmer was well aware of his own helplessness, able only to grumble temporarily and do whatever good deeds were within his capability.
"Young man, you hide here for a few days. Once it's confirmed that there's no danger, you can leave. I will go home and get you something to eat."