elsewhere will receive it; I pray that they will receive it as a
greeting from me at the close of a period which to me has been
full of changes and rich in contradictions. Much of what I
twenty-five years ago dreamed has been realized, even though not
in the manner nor as soon as I then hoped. Yet I believe now
that it was best for me thus; I do not wish that any of that
which lies between should have been untried, and if I look back
upon what I have lived through I do so with thanks for everything
and thanks to all.

HENRIK IBSEN.

_Dresden, February, 1875._

* * * * *


DRAMATIS PERSONA


LUCIUS CATILINE A noble Roman.

AURELIA His wife.

FURIA A vestal.

CURIUS A youth related to Catiline.

MANLIUS An old warrior.