Thus am I drawing near the gloomy swamps,
Where creep the rivers of the underworld.

FURIA. [She listens; a dull noise is heard.]
A muffled sound? 'Tis like the stroke of oars.
It is the ferryman of shades who comes
To take me hence. No, here--here will I wait!

[The stones in the freshly walled-in passage are broken asunder.
CURIUS comes into view on the outside; he beckons to her.]

FURIA. Ah, greetings, Charon! Are you ready now
To lead me hence, a guest among the spirits?
Here will I wait!

CURIUS. [Whispering.] I come to set you free!

* * * * *




SECOND ACT

[A room in CATILINE's house with a colonnade in the
rear; a lamp lights up the room.]

[CATILINE paces the floor back and forth; LENTULUS and
CETHEGUS are with him.]