CURIUS. I shall gladly follow,
Though you should lead me through the jaws of death!

FURIA. It cannot be! On earth we two must part;--
Yonder the dead and living dare not meet.--

FURIA. Why do you rob me of my fleeting moments?
I've but the hours of night in which to work;
My task is of the night; I am its herald.
But where is Catiline?

CURIUS. Ah, him you seek?

FURIA. Yes, him I seek.

CURIUS. Then him you still pursue?

FURIA. Why rose I from the spirit underworld
Tonight, if not because of Catiline?

CURIUS. Alas, this fury that has seized your soul--!
Yet you are lovely even in your madness.
Oh, Furia, think no more of Catiline!
Come, flee with me! Command me,--I shall serve you!

[He prostrates himself before her.]

CURIUS. A prostrate slave I here entreat of you
One single look. Oh, hear me, Furia, hear me!
I love but you! A sweet and lethal fire