[They all go out.]
LENTULUS. [Detains CATILINE.] A word! Know you the Allobrogian tribes Have to the Senate sent ambassadors With grievances and charges?
CATILINE. Yes, I know. They came today into the city.
LENTULUS. Good. What if we should attune them to our plans? With them all Gaul will rise up in revolt; And stir up strife against our enemies.
CATILINE. [Reluctant.] Ah, we should seek barbarian allies?
LENTULUS. But such a league is a necessity. With our own strength alone the fight is lost; Help from without—
CATILINE. [With a bitter smile.] Ah, Rome is fallen low! Her walls no longer harbor men with strength Enough to overthrow a tottering ruin!
[They go out.]
[A garden to the rear of CATILINE's house, which is visible through the trees. To the left a side-building.]