CATILINE. You err; These stormy friends are loyal even as you.

CURIUS. Then woe to you for all their loyalty!

CATILINE. Compose yourself! It is your love for me, Your interest in my safety, that has wakened Imaginary dangers in your mind.

CURIUS. Oh, do you know these words do murder me?

But flee! I do entreat you earnestly--

CATILINE. Be calm and speak your mind. Why should I flee?

The enemy knows not where I make my stand.

CURIUS. Indeed he does,--he knows your every plan!

CATILINE. What, are you mad? He knows--? Impossible!

CURIUS. Oh, were it so! But use the hour remaining; Still you may save yourself perhaps in flight!

CATILINE. Betrayed? No,--ten times no; impossible!

CURIUS. [Seizes his dagger and holds it out to him.]

Catiline, plunge this dagger in my bosom;-- Straight through the heart! 'Twas I betrayed your plans!

CATILINE. You? What madness!

CURIUS. Yes, it was in madness!

Ask not the reason; scarce I know myself; I say,--I have revealed your every counsel.

CATILINE. [In bitter grief.]

Now have you killed my faith in sacred friendship!

CURIUS. Oh, send the dagger home, and torture me No longer with forbearance--!

CATILINE. [Kindly.] Live, my Curius!

Arise! You erred;--but I forgive you all.

CURIUS. [Overcome.]

O Catiline, my heart is crushed with grief--!

But hasten; flee! There is no time to tarry.

Soon will the Roman troops invade your camp; They're under way; on every side they come.

CATILINE. Our comrades in the city--?

CURIUS. They are captured;-- Some were imprisoned, most of them were killed!

CATILINE. [To himself.] What fate--what fate!

CURIUS. [Again holds out the dagger to him.]

Then plunge it in my heart!

CATILINE. [Looks at him calmly.] No, you were but a tool.

You acted well--

CURIUS. Oh, let me die and expiate my sin!

CATILINE. I have forgiven you.

CATILINE. [As he goes.] But one thing now Is there to choose!

CURIUS. [Jumps up.] Yes, flight!

CATILINE. Heroic death!

[He goes away through the forest.]

CURIUS. 'Tis all in vain! Ruin awaits him here.

This mildness is a tenfold punishment!

I'll follow him; one thing I shall be granted:-- To perish fighting by the hero's side!

[He rushes out. LENTULUS and TWO GLADIATORS come stealing among the trees.]

LENTULUS. [Softly.] Some one was speaking--

ONE OF THE GLADIATORS. Aye, but now all's quiet.

THE OTHER GLADIATOR. Perchance it was the sentinel relieved Of duty.

LENTULUS. That may be. This is the place; Here shall you wait. Are both your weapons sharp, Ground for their purpose?

THE FIRST GLADIATOR. Bright as is the lightning!

THE SECOND GLADIATOR.

Mine, too, cuts well. In the last Roman games Two gladiators died beneath this sword.

LENTULUS. Then stand you ready in this thicket here.

And when a man, whom I shall designate, Goes toward the tent, then shall you rush out quick And strike him from behind.

THE FIRST GLADIATOR. It shall be done!

[Both GLADIATORS conceal themselves; LENTULUS goes spying around.]

LENTULUS. [To himself.]

It is a daring game I here attempt;-- Yet must it be performed this very night, If done at all.--If Catiline should fall, No one can lead them on except myself; I'll purchase them with golden promises, And march without delay upon the city, Where still the senate, struck with panic fear, Neglects to arm itself against the danger.

[He goes in among the trees.]

THE FIRST GLADIATOR. [Softly to the other.]

Who is this stranger we must fall upon?