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!