THIRD ACT

[CATILINE's camp in a wooded field in Etruria. To the
right is seen CATILINE's tent and close by it an old
oak tree. A camp fire is burning outside the tent;
similar fires are to be seen among the trees in the
background. It is night. At intervals the moon breaks
through the clouds.]

[STATILIUS lies stretched out asleep by the camp fire.
MANLIUS paces back and forth in front of the tent.]

MANLIUS. Such is the way of young and buoyant souls.
They slumber on as peaceful and secure
As though embosomed in their mothers' arms,
Instead of in a forest wilderness.
They rest as though they dream some merry game
Were held in store for them when they awake,
Instead of battle,--the last one, perchance,
That will be theirs to fight.

STATILIUS. [Awakes and rises.] Still standing guard?
You must be weary? I'll relieve you now.

MANLIUS. Go rest yourself instead. Youth needs his sleep;
His untamed passions tax his native strength.
'Tis otherwise when once the hair turns gray,
When in our veins the blood flows lazily,