LENTULUS. Forgive me, Catiline!
CATILINE. Make your escape By hurried flight, if still it can be done.
LENTULUS. Ah, you permit me then—?
CATILINE. And did you think It was my purpose to forsake this post In such an hour as this? You little know me.
LENTULUS. O, Catiline—!
CATILINE. [Coldly.] Waste not your moments here! Seek your own safety;—I know how to die.
[He turns away from him.]
LENTULUS. [To himself.] I thank you for these tidings, Catiline;— I shall make use of them to serve my end. 'Twill stand me in good stead now that I know This region well; I'll seek the hostile army And guide it hitherward by secret paths, To your destruction and to my salvation.— The serpent that you trample in the dust So arrogantly still retains its sting!
[He goes.]
CATILINE. [After a pause.] This is the trust I built my hopes upon! Thus one by one they leave me. Oh ye gods! Treason and cowardice alone stir up The sullen currents of their slavish souls. Oh, what a fool am I with all my hopes! I would destroy yon viper's nest, that Rome,— Which is long since a heap of sunken ruins.