LENTULUS. Betrayed? Then woe to us!

CATILINE. [Smiles scornfully.] You paltry coward!
You tremble _now_;--yet _you_ would murder _me_;
You think a man like you is called to rule?

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