Of giants, offered me the lightning flash.
And this hand seized the lightning in its flight
And hurled it at the city far beneath.
And when the crimson flames lapped all, and rose
As Rome fell crumbling in a heap of ruins,--
Then called I with a loud and mighty voice,
And conjured Cato's comrades from the grave;
Thousands of spirits heard my call and came,--
Took life again--raised Rome from out her ashes.

[He breaks off.]

CATILINE. These were but dreams! Gods do not conjure up
The by-gone past into the light of day,--
And parted spirits never leave the grave.

CATILINE. [Wildly.] Is now this hand unable to restore
The ancient Rome, our Rome it shall destroy.
Where marble colonnades now towering stand,
Pillars of smoke through crackling flames shall whirl;
Then shall the Capitol crumble from its heights,
And palaces and temples sink to ruin!

CATILINE. Swear, comrades, that you dedicate your lives
To this great purpose! I shall take the lead.
Say,--will you follow me?

STATILIUS. We'll follow you!

[Several seem to be in doubt, and speak in whispers to one