DRAMATIC SCENES. 209 



THE BANISHMENT OF CATILINE. 



" About the 688th year of Rome, Catiline, a man of noble family, who had 

 been praetor in Africa, canvassed for the consulship. His claim was set aside, 

 on the ground that some charges relative to his late employment had not been 

 cleared up. This he asserted to be a pretext, and occupied himself in forming 

 a party. It was rumoured that his cabal entertained designs against the state. 

 The pride of the senate gave way to their fears, and at the next election Cicero 

 was chosen consul. Catiline canvassed a third time, and was again defeated, 

 directly in consequence of Cicero's coming to the election in armour, and 

 declaring that he wore it through fear of assassination. Hopeless of legitimate 

 success, he now plunged into revolt, answered the menaces of the senate by 

 open defiance, and set the republic on the chance of a single battle."* 



CHARACTERS. 



CICERO. CATILINE. 



CETHEGUS. A CONSUL. 



SEXATOUS. LICTORS, OFFICERS, PRISONERS. 



SCENETHE SENATE-HOUSE. 



The Senate are assembled. A Consul in the chair. CICERO 

 on the floor concluding his speech. The time supposed 

 to be night. 



Cic. Ourf long debate must close. Take one proof 

 more 



Of this rebellion. Lucius Catiline 



Has been commanded to attend the senate. 



He dares not come. I now demand your votes, 



Is he condemned to exile? 



[CATILINE enters hastily, and takes a seat.'] 

 HereJ I repeat the charge, to gods and men, 

 Of treasons manifold ; that but this day, 

 He has received despatches from the rebels 

 That he has leagued with deputies from Gaul 

 To seize the province ; nay, has levied troops, 

 And raised his rebel standard ; that but now 



* Preface to Catiline. 



t Cicero's manner and utterance are earnest and^rwi. 



j Cicero here turns towards Catiline. 



