Bacchus, all praise to thee!
Joyful we raise to thee
Brimful the beaker!
Hail to thee, hail!
Wine, red and glowing,
Merrily flowing,
Drink of the wine-god,--
This be our song.

[LENTULUS and CETHEGUS enter.]

LENTULUS. Cease all your song and merriment!

STATILIUS. What now?
Is Catiline not in your company?

GABINIUS. Surely he was quite willing?

COEPARIUS. Come, say forth!
What was his answer?

CETHEGUS. Ah, quite otherwise
Than we expected was his answer.

GABINIUS. Well?

LENTULUS. Well, all of our proposals he declined;--
He would not even hearken to our counsels.

STATILIUS. Is this the truth?