SCENE IV.
CATILINE, SYLLA, FAUSTUS, CATULUS, BALBUS.
BALBUS.
It is too true; his sacrilegious hand
Has framed perfidious in the sacred temple
A parricidal plot. The priest himself
Has been before you, and his eager zeal
Answers for his fidelity.
CATILINE.
Claudius
Is proscript, and ere long will expiate
The crime his impious fury has inflamed.
But of a greater crime do I accuse
The Roman who conceals from punishment
An infamous assassin—but I know him...
SYLLA.
Curse on the traitor who would shield a parricide—
Would shelter Claudius. But, speak, Catiline;
What Roman is it that has given to-day
Support to that conspirator?
CATILINE.
I name,
Though with regret yet with assurance, one,
One too thy noble confidence has honour'd;
'Tis Roscius.—
FAUSTUS.
Heavens! what say'st thou?
SYLLA.
Roscius!...
CATILINE.
I have seen Claudius in the gardens of
Hersilia, and Valeria too was with him.
'Twas by surprise I took them, and he feign'd
Denial of his perfidy;—but vainly...
FAUSTUS.
One single word be mine to justify him;
But 'tis to none but Sylla I would trust
The weighty secret: he alone should know it.
SYLLA.
Leave us, senators.
[They go out.
