little consideration upon it at present. Otherwise, I fear, you
will soon renew your acquaintance with politicians, in a manner
quite as unpleasant as that to which you allude."

"Averting Gods! what do you mean?"

"I will tell you. There are rumours of conspiracy. The order of
things established by Lucius Sylla has excited the disgust of the
people, and of a large party of the nobles. Some violent
convulsion is expected."

"What is that to me? I suppose that they will hardly proscribe
the vintners and gladiators, or pass a law compelling every
citizen to take a wife."

"You do not understand. Catiline is supposed to be the author of
the revolutionary schemes. You must have heard bold opinions at
his table repeatedly."

"I never listen to any opinions upon such subjects, bold or
timid."

"Look to it. Your name has been mentioned."

"Mine! good Gods! I call Heaven to witness that I never so much
as mentioned Senate, Consul, or Comitia, in Catiline's house."

"Nobody suspects you of any participation in the inmost counsels
of the party. But our great men surmise that you are among those
whom he has bribed so high with beauty, or entangled so deeply in