[They go.]

* * * * *

[In the Temple of Vesta in Rome. On an altar in the
background burns a lamp with the sacred fire.]

[CATILINE, followed by CURIUS, comes stealing in
between the pillars.]

CURIUS. What, Catiline,--you mean to bring me here?
In Vesta's temple!

CATILINE. [Laughing.] Well, yes; so you see!

CURIUS. Ye gods,--what folly! On this very day
Has Cicero denounced you in the council;
And yet you dare--

CATILINE. Oh, let that be forgotten!

CURIUS. You are in danger, and forget it thus--
By rushing blindly into some new peril.

CATILINE. [Gaily.] Well, change is my delight. I never knew
Ere now a vestal's love,--forbidden fruit;--
Wherefore I came to try my fortune here.

CURIUS. What,--here, you say? Impossible! A jest!