LENTULUS. He?
Oh, damned--

CATILINE. Speak out,--what do you ask of me?
Yet stay; I know already what it is.
I'll lead you on. Say--will you follow me?

ALL (EXCEPT LENTULUS). Yes, Catiline,--we follow if you lead!

STATILIUS. They have deceived us--

GABINIUS. --and belied your name!

COEPARIUS. They said you did intend to leave the city
And wash your hands completely of our cause.

CATILINE. Yes, so I did. Yet now no more; henceforth
Only for this great purpose do I live.

LENTULUS. What is this mighty purpose you proclaim?

CATILINE. My purpose here is higher than you think--
Perhaps than any thinks. Ah, hear me, friends!
First will I win to us each citizen
Who prizes liberty and values most
The public honor and his country's weal.
The spirit of ancient Rome is yet alive;--
The last faint spark is not yet wholly dead.
Now into brilliant flames it shall be fanned,