CATILINE. [Meditating.] If I could but remember— But no; my memory fails me—
MANLIUS. Brood no longer Upon these thoughts. For what are dreams, indeed, But pale chimeras only, darkling visions, On nothing founded, and by naught explained?
CATILINE. Yes, you are right; I will no longer brood;— Already I am calm. But go your way; You need some rest. The meanwhile I shall walk In privacy and meditate my plans.
[MANLIUS goes into the forest.]
CATILINE. [Paces for some time back and forth by the camp fire, which is about to go out; then he stops and speaks thoughtfully.] If I could only—. Ah, it is unmanly To brood and be distressed by thoughts like these. And yet,—here in the stillness of the night, This lonely solitude, again I see Rising before me life-like all I dreamed.
[A SHADOW, attired like an old warrior in armor and toga, stems to rise from the earth among the trees a short distance from him.]
CATILINE. [Recoils before THE SHADOW.] Great powers of heaven—!
THE SHADOW. Greetings, Catiline!
CATILINE. What will you have? Who are you, pallid shade?
THE SHADOW. One moment! It is here my right to question,— And you shall answer. Do you no longer know This voice from ages long since passed away?