"'SEMP. Know, villains, when such paltry slaves presume
To mix in treason, if the plot succeeds,
They're thrown neglected by; but, if it fails,
They're sure to die like dogs, as you shall do.
Here, take these factious monsters, drag them forth
To sudden death.'

"'Tis true, indeed, the second leader says there are none there but
friends; but is that possible at such a juncture? Can a parcel of
rogues attempt to assassinate the governor of a town of war, in his
own house, in midday, and, after they are discovered and defeated,
can there be none near them but friends? Is it not plain, from
these words of Sempronius--

"'Here, take these factious monsters, drag them forth
To sudden death--'

and from the entrance of the guards upon the word of command, that
those guards were within ear-shot? Behold Sempronius, then,
palpably discovered. How comes it to pass, then, that instead of
being hanged up with the rest, he remains secure in the governor's
hall, and there carries on his conspiracy against the Government,
the third time in the same day, with his old comrade Syphax, who
enters at the same time that the guards are carrying away the
leaders, big with the news of the defeat of Sempronius?--though
where he had his intelligence so soon is difficult to imagine. And
now the reader may expect a very extraordinary scene. There is not
abundance of spirit, indeed, nor a great deal of passion, but there
is wisdom more than enough to supply all defects.