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?
THE SECOND GLADIATOR. What matters it to us who he may be? Lentulus pays our hire; the blame is his: He must himself defend the act we do.