CATILINE. [To himself.] What fate--what fate!

CURIUS. [Again holds out the dagger to him.]
Then plunge it in my heart!

CATILINE. [Looks at him calmly.] No, you were but a tool.
You acted well--

CURIUS. Oh, let me die and expiate my sin!

CATILINE. I have forgiven you.

CATILINE. [As he goes.] But one thing now
Is there to choose!

CURIUS. [Jumps up.] Yes, flight!

CATILINE. Heroic death!

[He goes away through the forest.]

CURIUS. 'Tis all in vain! Ruin awaits him here.
This mildness is a tenfold punishment!
I'll follow him; one thing I shall be granted:--
To perish fighting by the hero's side!

[He rushes out. LENTULUS and TWO GLADIATORS come stealing among
the trees.]

LENTULUS. [Softly.] Some one was speaking--