CICERO

And to have Your loud consents, from your own uttered voices; Not silent books: nor from the meaner tribes, But first, and last, the universal concourse. This is my joy, my gladness. But my care, My industry, and vigilance now must work, That still your counsel of me be approved; Both, by your selves, and those, to whom you have, With grudge, preferred me: Two things I must labour, That neither they upbraid, nor you repent you. For every lapse of mine will, now, be called Your error; if I make such: But, my hope is, So to bear through, and out, the Consulship, As spite shall never wound you, though it may me. And, for my self, I have prepared this strength, To do so well; as, if there happen ill Unto me, it shall make the Gods to blush, And be their crime, not mine, that I am envied; I know well, in what terms I do receive The Common wealth, how vexed, how perplexed: In which, there's not that mischief, or ill fate, That good men fear not, wicked men expect not. I know, beside, some turbulent practises Already on foot, and rumours of more dangers, Last, I know, 'twas this, which made the envy, and pride Of the Great Roman blood bore, and give way To my election. Which I'll perform, with all the diligence, And fortitude I have; not for my year, But for my life; except my life be less, And that my year conclude it: If it must, Your will, loved Gods. This heart shall yet employ A day, and hour is left me, so, for Room. As it shall spring a life, out of my death, To shine, for ever glorious in my facts: " The vicious count their years, virtuous their acts. And, then, to take a horrid Sacrament In humane blood, for execution Of this their dire design; which might be called The height of wickedness: but that, that was higher, For which they did it. Good Fulvia, Fear not your act; and less repent you of it. You have discharged it, safely. Should Room, for whom you have done the happy service, Turn most ingrate; yet were your virtue paid In conscience of the fact: so much good deeds Reward themselves. You have learned the difference Of doing office to the public weal, And private friendship, and have shown it, Lady. Be still your self. I have sent for Quintus Curius, And (for your virtuous sake) I I can win him, Yet, to the common wealth; He shall be safe too. Pray you, join with me, then: And help to work him. HOw now? Is he come? Go presently, Pray my Colleague Antonius, I may speak with him, About some present business of the State; And (as you go) call on my brother Quintus, And pray him, with the Tribunes to come to me. Bid Curius enter. Full In, you will aid me? Oh, my noble Lord! I have to chide you, i'faith. Give me your hand. Nay, be not troubled; it shall gently, Curius. You look upon this Lady? What? Do you guess My business, yet? Come, If you frown, I thunder: Therefore, put on your better looks, and thoughts. There's nought but fair, and good intended to you And I would make those your complexion. Would you, of whom the Senate had that hope, As, on my knowledge, it was in their purpose, Next sitting, to restore you: as they have done The stupid, and ungrateful Lentulus; (Excuse me, that I name you thus, together, For, yet, you are not such) would you, I say, A person both of Blood and Honour, stocked In a long raze of virtuous Ancestors, Embark your self for such a hellish Actium, With Parricides, and Traitors, men turned Furies, Out of the wast, and ruin of their Fortune's; (For it's despair, that is the mother of madness) Such as want (that, which all Conspirators, But they, have first) mere colour for their mischief? Oh, I must blush with you. Come, you shall not labour To extenuate your gilded, but quit it clean; " Bade men excuse their faults, good men will leave them. " He acts the third crime, that defends the first. Here is a Lady, that hath God the start, I piety, of us all; and, for whose virtue, I could almost turn Lover, again: but that Terentia would be I alous. What and honour Hath she achieved to her self! What voices, Titles, and loud applauses will pursue her, Through every street! What windores will be filled, To shoot eyes at her! What envy, and grief in Matrons, They are not she! when this her act shall seem Worthier a Chariot, then if Pompey came, With Asia chained! All this is while she lives. But dead, her very name will be a Statue, Not wrought for time, but rooted in the minds Of all posterity; when Brass, and Marble, I, and the Capitol it self is dust. No: I cannot think enough. And I would have Him emulate you. It's no shame, to follow The better precedent. She shows you, Curius, What claim your Country lays to you; and what duty You owe to it: Be not afraid, to break With Murderers, and Traitors, for the saving A life, so near, and necessary to you, As is your Countries. Think but on her right. " No Child can be too natural to his Parent. She is our common Mother, and does challenge The prime partly of us; Do not stop, but give it: " He, that is void of fear, may soon be joust, " And no Religion binds men to be Traitors. Nay, I must tolerate no whisperings, Lady. How hazardous? how certain to all ruin. Did he, or do, yet, any of them imagine The Gods would sleep, to such a Stygian practice, Against that Commonwealth, which they have founded With so much labour, and Like care have kept, Now near seven hundred years? It is a madness, Wherewith Heaven blinds them, when it would confound them, That they should think it. Come, my Curius, I see your nature's right; you shall no more Be mentioned with them: I will call you mine, And trouble this good shame, no farther. Stand Firm for your Country; and become a man Honoured, and loved. It were a noble life, To be found dead, embracing her. Know you, What thanks, what titles, what rewards the Senate Will heap upon you, certain, for your service? Let not a desperate Actium more engage you, Then safety should; and wicked friendship force What honesty, and virtue cannot work. Good Curius, It shall be dearer rather, and because Ill make it such, hear how I trust you more. Keep still your former face; and mix again With that see lost spirits. Run all their mazes with'hem; For such are treasons. Find their windings out, And subtle turnings, watch their snaky ways, Through brakes, and hedges, into woods of darkness, Where they are feign to creep upon their breasts In paths never trod by Men, but Wolves, and Panthers. earn, beside Catiline, Lentulus, and those, Whose names I have, what new ones they draw in; Who else are likely; what those Great ones are, They do not name; what ways they mean to take; And whither their Hope's point; to war: or ruin, By some surprise. Explore all their intents, And what you find may profit the Republic, Acquaint me with it, either, by your self, Or this your virtuous friend, on whom I lay The care of urging you; I'll see, that Room Shall prove a thankful, and a bounteous Mother: Be secret as the night. I do not doubt it. Though the time cut off All vows. " The dignity of truth is lost, With much protesting Who is there! This way, Least you be seen, and met. And when you come, Be this your token; to this fellow. Light them. Oh Room, in what a sickness art thou fallen! How dangerous, and deadly! when thy head Is drowned in sleep, and all thy body feu'ry! No noise, n pulling, no vexation wakes thee, Thy Lethargy is such: or if, by chance, Thou heavest thy eyelids up, thou dost forget Sooner, then thou Wertenberg told, thy proper danger. I did unreverendly, to blame the Gods, Who wake for thee, though thou snore to thy self. Is it not strange, thou shouldst be so diseased, And so secure? But more, that the first symptoms Of such a malady, should not rise out From any worthy member, but a base And common strumpet, worthless to be named A hair, or partly of thee? Think, think, hereafter, What thy needs were, when thou must use such means: And lay it to thy breast, how much the Gods Upbraid thy foul neglect of them; by making So vile a thing, the Author of thy safety. They could have wrought by nobler ways: have struck Thy foes with forked lightning; or rammed thunder; Thrown hills upon them, in the act; have sent Death, Like a damp, to all their families; Or caused their consciences to burst them. But, When they will show thee what thou art, and make A scornful difference betwixt their power, and thee, They help thee by such aides, as Geese, and Harlots. How now? What answer? Is he come? I, that Troubles me somewhat, and is worth my fear; He is a man, against whom I must provide, That (as hee'll do no good) he do no harm; He, though he be not of the plot, will Like it, And wish it should proceed; for, unto men, Pressed with their wants, all change is ever welcome. I must with offices, and patience win him; Make him, by art, that which he is not born, A friend unto the public; and bestow The Province on him; which is by the Senate Decreed to me: That benefit will bind him. 'Tis well, if some men will do well, for price; " So few are virtuous, when the reward's away: Nor must I be unmindful of my private; For which I have called my Brother, and the Tribunes, My Kinsfolk, and my Clients to be near me; " He that stands up against Traitors, and their ends, " Shall need a double guard, of law, and friends: " Especially, in such and envious State, " That sooner will accuse the Magistrate, " Then the Delinquent; and will rather grieve " The Treason is not acted, then believe. The night grows on; and you are for your meeting: I'll therefore end in few. Be resolute, And put your enterprise in act: The more " Actions of depth, and danger are considered, " The less assuredly they are performed. And thence it happeneth, that the bravest plots (Not executed straight) have been discovered. Say, you are constant, or another, a third, Or more; there may be yet one wretched spirit, With whom the fear of punishment shall work Above all the thoughts of honour, and revenge. You are not, now, to think what's best to do, As in beginnings; but, what must be done, Being thus entered: and slip no advantage That may secure you. Let them call it mischief; " When it is passed, and prospered, it will be virtue. " Th'are petty crimes are punished, great rewarded. Nor must you think of peril; since, " Attempts, Begun with danger, still do end with glory: " And, when need spurs, despair will be called wisdom. Less ought the care of men, or fame to fright you; " For they, that win, do seldom receive shame " Of victory: how ere it be achieved; And vengeance, least. For who, besieged with wants, Would stop at death, or any thing beyond it? Come, there was never any great thing thing, yet, Aspired, but by violence, or fraud: And he that sticks (for folly of a conscience) To reach it—. They wear those names, That come to murder me. Yet send for Cato, And Quintus Catulus; those I dare trust; And Flaccus, and Pomtinius, the Praetors, By the back way. 'Tis brother's counsel, and worth thanks, But do As I entreat you. I provide, not fear. Was Caesar there, say you? Oh, so. And, had you a counsel Of Ladies too? Who was your Speaker, Madam? She's my gentle enemy. Would Cethegus Had no more danger in him. But, my guards Are you, great powers; and the unbated strengths Of a firm conscience, which shall arm each step Taken for the State; and teach me slack no pace For fear of malice. How now, Brother? What would Cr ssus have? You will change To another thought, anon. have you given the Porter The charge, I willed you? Withdraw, and Harken. The door's not open, yet. True, he knows it; And for what friendly office you are sent. Cornelius, too, is there? And desperate Cethegus, is he not? What say you to't? No, it's you are so Poor, misled men. Your states are yet worth pity, If you would hear, and change your savage minds. Leave to be mad; forsake your purposes Of Treason, Rapine, Murder, Fire, and Horror: The common wealth hath eyes, that wake as sharply Over her life, as yours do for her ruin. Be not deceived, to think her lenity Will be perpetual; or, if Men be wanting, The Gods will be, to such a calling cause. Consider your attempts, and while there's time, Repent you of them. It does make me tremble There should those spirits yet breath, that when they cannot Live honestly, would rather perish basely. Why, so we do, good Cato. Who be these? Friends of the Senate, and of Room, to day We pray you to forbear us: on the morrow What suit you have, let us, by Fabius Sanga, (Whose Patronage your State does use) but know it, And, on the Consul's word, you shall receive Dispatch, or else and answer, worth your patience. Which may be happy, and auspicious still To Room, and hers. Hono ed and Conscript Father's, If I were silent, and that all the dangers Threatening the State, and you, were yet so hid In night, or darkness, thicker in their breasts, That are the black contrivers; so, that no Be me of the light could pierce them: Yet the voice Of Heaven, this morning, hath spoke loud enough, Instruct you with a feeling of the horror; And wake you from a sleep, as dead, as death. I have, of late, spoke often in this Senate, Touching this argument, but still have wanted Either your ears, or aith: So incredible Their plots have seemed, or I so vain, to make These things for mine own glory, and false greatness, As hath been given out. But be it so: When they break forth, and shall declare themselves, By their too foul effects, then, then, the envy Of my joust cares will find another name. For me, I am but one: And this poor life, So lately aimed at, not and hour yet since, They cannot with more eagerness pursue, That n I with gladness would lay down, and lose, To buy Rome's peace, if that would purchase it. But when I see, they'd make it but the step To more, and greater; unto yours, Rome's, all: I would with those preserve it, or then fallen. Place some of them without, and some bring in. Thank their kind loves. It is a comfort yet, That all depart not from their Countries cause. I profess, It grieves me Father's, that I am compelled To draw these arms, and aides for your defence; And, more, against a Citizen of Room, Born here amongst you, a Patrician, A man, I must confess, of no mean house, Nor no small virtue, if he had employed Those excellent gifts of Fortune, and of Nature, Unto the good, not ruin of the State. But being bred in's father's needy Fortune's, B ought up in's isters prostitution, Confirmed in civil slaughter, entering first The Commonwealth, with murder of the gentry; Since, both by study, and custom, conversant W that all lice tio snesse: what could be hoped In such a field of riot, but a course Extreme pernicious? Though, I must protest, I found his mischiefs, sooner, with mine eyes, Then with my thought; and with these hands of mine Before they touched, at my suspicion. The noble Caesar Speaks Godlike truth. But, when he hears, I can Convince him, by his manners, of his mischiefs, He might be silent: And not cast away His sentences in vain, where they scarce look. Towards his subject. I, and will Be proved against him. Yes, and Ate, too. Dost thou not blush, pernicious Catiline? Or, hath the paleness of thy gilded drunk up Thy blood, and drawn thy veins, as dry of that, As is thy heart of truth, thy breast of virtue? Whither at length wilt thou abuse our patience? Still shall thy fury mock us? To what licence Dares thy unbridled boldness run it self? Do all the nightly guards, kept on the Palace, The Cities watches, with the Peoples fears, The concourse of all Good men, this so strong And fortified seat here of the Senate, The pr sent looks upon thee, strike thee nothing? Dost thou not feel thy Counsels all laid open? And see thy wild Conspiracy bound in With each men knowledge? which of all this Order Canst thou think ignorant (if they'll but utter Their conscience to the right) of what thou didst Last night, what on the former, where thou we to, Whom thou didst call together, what your plots were? Oh Age, and Manners! This the Consul fees, The Senate understands, yet this man lives Lives? I, and comes here into Council with us; Partakes the public cares: and with his eye Marks, and points out each man of us to slaughter. And we, good men, do satisfy the State, If we can shun but this men sword, and madness. There was that virtue, once, in Room, when good men Would, with more sharp coërcion, have restrained A wicked Citizen, then the deadliest Foe. We have that law still, Catiline, for thee; And a to as graven, as sh rpe: The State's not wanting Nor the authority of this Senate; we, We, that are Consuls, only fail our selves. This twenty days, the edge of that decree We have let worser ll, and rust; kept it shut up, As in a sheath, which drawn should take thy head. Yet still thou li 'st: and li 'st not to lay by Thy wicked confidence, but to confirm it. I could desire, Father's, to be found Still merciful, to seem in these main perils, Grasping the state, a man remiss, and slack; But then, I should condemn my self of sloth, And treachery. Their Campe's in Italy, Pitched in the jaws, here, of He ruria; Their numbers daily increasing, and their General Within our walls: nay in our Council, plotting Hourly some fatal misch efe to the Public. If, Catiline, I should command thee, now, Here, to be taken, killed; I make joust doubt, Whither all good men woe ld not think it done Rather too late, then any man too cruel. But that, which ought to have be done long since I will, and (for good reason) yet forbear. Then will I take thee, when no man is found So lost, so wicked, nay so Like thy self, But shall profess, it's done of need, and right. While there is one, that dares befend thee, live; Thou shalt have leave; but so, as now thou livest: Watched at a hand, besieged, and oppressed From working least commotion to the State. I have those eyes, and ears, shall still keep guard, And sp all on thee, as they have ever done, And thou not feel it. What, that n, canst thou hope? If neither N ght can, with her darkness, hide Thy wicked meeti gs; not a private House Can, in her walls, contain the guilty whispers Of thy conspiracy: If all break out, All be discovered, change thy mind at last, And lose thy thoughts of ruin, flame, and slaughter. Remember, how I told, here, to the Senate, That such a day, thy Lictor, Caius Manlius, Would be in arms. Was I deceived, Catiline, Or in the fact, or in the time? the hour? I told too, in this Senate, that thy purpose Was, on the fifth, the Kalends of November, to have slaughtered this whole Order: which my caution Made many leave the City. Canft thou here Deny, but this thy black design was hindered, That very day, by me, thy self closed in Within my strengths, so that thou couldst not move Against a public reed? when thou Wertenberg herd To say, upon the parting of the rest, Thou wouldst content thee, with the murder of us, That did remain. Hadst thou not hope, beside, By a surprise, by night, to take Praeneste? Where when thou camest, didst thou not find the place Made good against thee, with my aides, my watches? My Garrisons fortified it. Thou dost nothing, Sergius, Thou canst endeavour nothing, nay not think, But I both see, and hear it; and am with thee, By, and before, about, and in thee, too. Call but to mind thy last nights business. Come, I'll use no circumstance: at Lecca's house, The shop, and mint of your conspiracy, Among your Swordmen, where so many associates Both of thy mischief, and thy madness, met. Darest thou deny this? wherefore art thou silent? Speak, and this shall convince thee: Here they are, I see them, in this Senate, that were with thee. Oh you immortal Gods! in what climb are we? What region do we live in? in what air? What Commonwealth, or State is this we have? Here, here, amongst us, our own number, Father's, In this most holy Council of the world, They are, that seek the spoil of me, of you, Of ours, of all; what I can name's too narrow: Follow the Sun, and find not their ambition. These I behold, being Consul; Nay, I ask Their counsels of the State, as from good Patriots: Whom it were fit the axe should hew in pieces, I not so much as wound, yet, with my voice. Thou wast, last night, with Lecca, Catiline, Your shares of Italy, you there divided; Appointed who, and whither, each should go; What men should stay behind, in Room, were chosen; Your offices set down; the parts marked out, And places of the City, for the fire; Thy self (thou' affirmd'st) uva to ready to depart, Only, a little let there was, that stayed thee, That I yet lived: Upon the word, stepped forth Three of thy crew, to rid thee of that care; Two undertook this morning, before day, To kill me in my bed. All this I knew, Your convent scarce dismissed, armed all my servants, Called both my brother, and friends, shut out your clients, You sent to visit me; whose names I told To some there, of good place, before they came. If this be so, why, Catiline, dost thou stay? Go, where thou meanest: The Ports are open; forth. The Camp abroad wants thee, their Chief, too long. Led with thee all thy troops out. Purge the City. Draw dry that noisome, and pernicious sink, Which left, behind thee, would infect the world. Thou wilt free me of all my fears, at once, To see a wall between us. Dost thou stop To do that now, commanded; which before, Of thine own choice, thou'rt prove to? Go. The Consul Bids thee, and enemy, to depart the City. Whither, thou'lt ask? to exile? I not bid Thee that. But ask my counsel, I persuade it. What is there, here, in Room, that can delight thee? Where not a soul, without thine own foul knot, But fears, and hates thee. What domestic note Of private filthiness, but is burned in Into thy life? What close, and secret shame, But is grown one, with thy known infamy? What lust was ever absent from thine eyes? What lewd fact from thy hands? what wickedness From thy whole body? where's that youth drawn in Within thy nets, or catched up with thy baits, Before whose rage, thou hast not born a sword, And to whose lustest thou hast not 'held a torch? Thy latter Nuptials I let pass in silence; Where sins incredible, on sins, were heaped: Which I not name, lest, in a civil State, So monstrous facts should either appear to be, Or not to be revenged. Thy Fortune's, too, I glance not at, which hang but till next Ides. I come to that, which is more known, more public; The life, and safety of us all, by thee Threatened, and sought. Stoodst thou not in the field, When Lepidus, and Tullus were our Consuls, Upon the day of choice, armed, and with forces, To take their lives, and our chief Citizens; When, not thy fear, nor conscie ̄ ce changed thy mind, But the mere fortune of the Commonwealth Withstood thy active malice? Speak but right. How often hast thou made attempt on me? How many of thy assaults have I declined With shifting but my body, (as wee'ld say) Wrested thy dagger from thy hand, how oh to? Ho often a h I fallen, or slip't by chance? Yet can high idem not want it: which, how vowed, Or with what rites, it's acred of thee, I know not, That still thou makest it a necessity, To fix it in the body of a Consul. But let me lose this way, and speak to thee, Not as one moved with hatred, which I ought, But pity, of which none is owing thee. Thou camest, ere while, into this Senate. Who Of such a frequency, so many friends, And kindred thou hast here, saluted thee? Were not the seats made bore, upon thy entrance? R ss' not the Consular men? and left their places, So soon as that u sattest down? and fled thy side, Like to a plague, or ruin; knowing, how oft They had be, by thee, marked out or the Shambles? How dost thou bear this? Surely, if my Slaves At home feared me, with half the affright, and horror, That, ere, thy fellow Citizens do thee, I should soon quit my house, and think it needs too. Yet thou darest ary here? Go forth, at last; Condemn thy self to flight, and solitude. Discharge the Commonwealth, of her deep fear. Go; into ba ishment, if thou waitest the word. Why dost thou look? They all consent unto it. Dost thou expect the authority of their voices, Whose silent wills condemn thee? While they fit, They approve it; while they suffer it, they decree it; And while they' are silent to it, they proclaim it. Prove thou there honest, I e endure the envy. But there's no thought, thou shouldst be ever he, Whom either shame should call from filthiness, Terror from danger, or discourse from fury. Go; I entreat thee: yet, why do I so? When I already know, they'are sent afore, That tarry for thee'in arms, and do expect thee On the Aurelian way. I know the day Set down betwixt thee, and Manlius; unto whom The silver Eagle too is sent, before: Which I do hope shall prove, to thee as baneful, As thou conceiu' to it to the Commonwealth. But, may this wise, and sacred Senate say, What meanest thou Marcus Tull S? If thou knowest That Catiline be looked for, to be Chief Of and intestine war; that e'is the Author Of such a wickedness; the Can ler out Of men of mark in mischief , to and Actium Of so much horror; Prince of such a treason; Why dost thou send him forth? why let him escape? This is to give him liberty, and power: Rather, thou shouldst lay hold upon him, send him To deserved death, and a joust punishment. To these so holy voices, thus I answer. If I did think it timely, Conscript Father's, To punish him with death, I would not give The Fencer use of one short hour, to breath; But when there are in this graven Order, some, Who, with soft censures, still do nurse his Hope's; Some, that with not believing, have confirmed His designs more, and whose authority The weaker, as the worst men, too, have follow worser: I would now send him, where they all shou worser see Clear, as the light, his heart shine; where no man Could be so wickedly, or fondly stupid, But should cry oh to he saw, touched, felt, and grasp it it. Then, when he hath run out himself; led forth His desperate party with him; blown together Aids of all kinds, both shipwreck worser minds & Fortune's: Not only the grown evil, that now is sprung, And sprouted forth, would be plucked up, & weeded; But the stock, root, and seed of all the mischiefs, Choking the Commonwealth. Where, should we take Of such a swarm of traitors, only him, Our cares, and fears might seem a while relieved, But the main peril would bide still enclosed Deep, in the veins, and bowels of the State. As humane bodies, labouring with fevers, While they are tossed with heat, if they do take Cold water, seem for that short space much eased, But afterwards, are ten times more afflicted. Wherefore, I say, let all this wicked crew Depart, divide themselves from good men, gather Their forces to one head; as I said oft, Let them be severed from us with a wall; Let them leave off attempts, upon the Consul, In his own house; to circle in the Praetor; To girded the Court with weapons; to prepare Fire, and balls, swords, torches, sulphur, brands: In short, let it be writ in each men forehead What thoughts he bears the Public. I here promise, Father's Conscript, to you, and to my self, That diligence in us Consuls, for my honoured Colleague, abroad, and for my self, at home; So great authority in you; so much Virtue, in these, the Gentlemen of Room; Whom I could scarce restrain to day, in zeal, From seeking out the Parricide, to slaughter; So much consent in all good men, and minds, As, on the going out of this one Catiline All shall be clear, made plain, oppressed, revenged. And, with this omen, go, pernicious plague, Out of the City, to the wished destruction Of thee, and those, that, to the ruin of her, Have taken that bloody, and black sacrament. Thou Jupiter, whom we do call the STAYER Both of this City, and this Empire, wilt (With the same auspice thou didst raise it first) Driven from thy Altars, and all other Temples, And Buildings of this City; from our Walls; Lives, states, and Fortune's of our Citizens; This fiend, this fury, with his accomplices. And all the offence of good men (these known traitors Unto their country, thieves of Italy, Joined in so damned a league of mischief) thou Wilt with perpetual plagues, alive, and dead, Punish for Room, and save her innocent head. What now Fury? Wilt thou assault me here? What? What is your pleasure, Father's, shall be done? Thanks to this frequent Senate. But what decree they, unto Curius, And Fulvia? TO ey m st receive reward, thought be not known; when a State needs S ministers, they have none. And would appear so, if that we durst prove them. Not and unprofitable, dangerous act, To stir too many Serpents up at once. Caesar, and Crassus, if they be ill men, Are mighty ones; and, we must so provide, That, while we take one head, from this foul Hydra, There spring not twenty more. They shall be watched, and looked too. Till they do Declare themselves, I will not put them out By any question. There they stand. I'll make My self no enemies, nor the State, no traitors. FAlse to our selves? All our designs discovered To this State-Cat? What is that same Umbrenus, was the Agent? Are the Ambassadors come with you? Well, bring them in, if they be firm, and honest, Never had men the means so to deserve Of Room, as they. A happy, wished occasion, And thrust into my hands, for the discovery, And manifest conviction of these traitors. Be thanked; o Jupiter. My worthy Lords, Confederates of the Senate, you are welcome. I understand by Quintus Fabius Sanga, Your careful Patron here, you have been lately Solicited against the Commonwealth, By one Umbrenus (take a seat, I pray you) From Publius Lentulus, to be associates In their intended war. I could advise, That men, whose Fortune's are yet flourishing, And are Rome's friends, would not, without a cause, Become her enemies; and mix themselves And their estates, ith the lost Hope's of Catiline, Oh Lentulus, whose mere despair does arm them: That were to hazard certainties, for air, And undergo all danger, for a voice. Believe me, friends: " oud tumu ts are not laid "With half the easiness that they are raised. "All may begin a war, but few can end it. The Senate have decreed, that my Colleague Shall lead their army, against Catiline, And have declared both him, and Manlius traitors. Metellus Celer hath already given Partly of their troops defeat. Honours are promised To all, will quit'hem; and rewards proposed Even to slaves, that can detect their courses. Here, in the City, I have by the Praetors, And Tribunes, placed my guards, and watches so, That not a foot can tread, a breath can whisper, But I have knowledge. And be sure, the Senate, And People of Room, of their accustomed greatness, Will sharply, and severely vindicate, Not only any fact, but any practice Or purpose, against the State. Therefore, my Lords, Consult of your own ways, and think which hand Is best to take. You, now, are present uters For some redress of wrongs; I'll undertake Not only that sh ll be as ur'd you, but What grace or privilege else, Senate, or People Can cast upon you, worthy such a service, As you have now the way, and means, to do them; If but your wills consent, with my designs. You then are wise, and honest. Do but this, then: When shall you speak with Lentulus, and the rest? Who? Worser cius Brutus? He is not in Room. You instruct me, She is a Chief. Well, fail not you to meet them And to express the best affection You can put on, to all that they intend. Like it, applaud it, give the Commonwealth And Senate, lost to them. Promise any aides By arms, or counsel. What they can desire I would have you prevent. Only, say this, You' have had dispatch, in private, by the Consul Of your affairs, and for the many fears The State's now in, you are willed by him, this evening, To depart Room: which you, by all sought means, Will do, of reason to decline suspicion. Now, for the more authority of the business They' have trusted to you, and to give it credit With your own State, at home, you would desire Their letters to your Senate, and your People, Which shown, you durst engage both life, and honour, The rest should every way answer their Hope's. Those had, pretend sudden departure you, And, as you give me notice, at what Port You will go out, I'll have you intercepted, And all the letters taken with you: So As you shall be redeemed in all opinions, And they convicted of their manifest treason. " Ill deeds are well turned back, upon their Authors: " And against and Injurer, the revenge is joust. This must be done, now. With that confidence, go: Make your selves happy, while you make Room so. By Sanga, let me have notice from you. They'haue a foe Will ask their braveries, whose necessities Will arm him Like a fury. But, how ever, I'll trust it to the manage, and the fortune Of good Petreius, who's a worthy Patriot. Metellus Celer, with three Legions, too, Will stop their course, for Gallia. How now, Fabius? Then, thither Pomtinius, and Flaccus, I must pray you To led that force you have; and seize them all: Let not a person escape. Ambassadors Will yield themselves. If there be any tumult I'll send you aid. I, in mean time will call Lentulus to me, Gabinius, and Cethegus, Statilius, Ceparius, and all these By several messengers: who no doubt will come, Without sense, or suspicion. " Prodigal men " Feel not their own stock wasting. When I have them, I'll place those guards, upon them, that they start not, " A State " Should not take knowledge either of Fools, or Women. I do not know whither my joy or care Ought to be greater; that I have discovered So foul a treason: or must undergo The envy of so many great men's fate. But, happen what there can, I will be joust, My fortune may forsake me, not my virtue: That shall go with me, and before me, still, And glad me, doing well, though I hear ill. That shall not be sought by me If it reveal it self, I would not spare You, Brother, if it pointed at you, trust me. Send Lentulus, forth, and bring away the rest. This office, I am sorry, Sir, to do you. WHat may be happy still, and fortunate, To Room, and to this Senate: Please you, Father's, To break these letters, and to view them round. If that be not found in them, which I fear, I, yet, entreat, at such a time, as this, My diligence be not contemned. have you brought The weapons hither, from Cethegus house? Be ready, with Volturtins To bring him, when the Senate calls; And see None of the rest, confer together. Father's, What do you read? Is it yet worth your care, If not your fear, what you find practised there? Although the greatness of the mischief, Father's, Hath often made my faith small, in this Senate, Yet, since my casting Catiline out (for now I do not fear the envy of the word, Unless the deed be rather to be feared, That he went hence alive; when those I meant Should follow him, did not) I have spent both days, And nights, in watching, what their fury' and rage Was bent on, that so stayed, against my thought: And that I might but take them in that light, Where, when you met their treason, with your eyes, Your minds, at length, would think for your own safety. And, now, it's done. There are their hands, and seals. Their persons, too, are safe, thanks to the Gods. Bring in Volturtius, and the Allobroges. These be the men, were trusted with their letters. Quake not Volturtius, speak the truth, and hope Well of this Senate, on the Consuls word. Nay, here be other testimonies, Father's, Cethegus Armoury. Here's not the hundred partly. Call in the Fencer, That we may know the arms to all these weapons. Come, my brave Swordplayer, to what active use, Was all this steel provided? Know you that paper? That will stab you through. Is it your hand? Hold, save the pieces. Traitor, Hath thy gilded waked thy fury? Bring in Statilius: Do's he know his hand too? And Lentulus. Reach him that letter. Know you that seal yet, Publius? Whose image is that, on it? What, that renowned good man, That did so only' embrace his Countrey', and loved His fellow Citizens! Was not his picture, Though mute, of power to call thee from a fact, So foul.— As thou art, for I do not know what's fouler. Look upon these. Do not these faces argue Thy gilded, and impudence? And he is fled, to Catiline, I hear. Volturtius, peace. Where is thy visor, or thy voice, now, Lentulus? Art thou confounded? Wherefore speakest thou not? Is all so clear, so plain, so manifest, That both thy eloquence, and impudence, And thy ill nature, too, have left thee, at once? Take him aside. There's yet one more. Gabinius, The Engineer of all. Show him that paper, If he do know it? No? See , Father's, What minds, and spirits these are, that, being convicted Of such a treason, and by such a cloud Of witnesses, dare yet retain their boldness? What would their rage have done, if they had conquered? I thought, when I had thrust out Catiline, Neither the State, nor I, should need to-have feared Lentulus sleep here, or Longinus fat, Or this Cethegus rashness; It was he, I only watched, while he was in our walls, As one, that had the brain, the hand, the heart. But now, we find the contrary. Where was there A People grieved, or a State discontent, Able to make, or help a war against Room, But these, the Allobroges, and those they found? Whom had not the joust Gods been pleased to make More friends unto our safety, then their own, As it then seemed, neglecting these men's offers, Where had we been? or where the Commonwealth? When their great Chief had been called home; This man, Their absolute King, (whose noble Grandfather, Armed in pursuit of the seditious Gracchus, Took a brave wound, for deer defence of that, Which he would spoil) had gathered all his aides Of Ruffians, Slaves, and other Slaughter-men; Given us up for murder, to Cethegus; the other rank of Citizens, to Gabinius; The City, to be fir worser by Cassius; And Italy, nay the world, to be laid wast By cursed Catiline, and his accomplices. Lay but the thought of it, before you, Father's, Think but with me you saw this glorious City, The Light of all the earth, Tower of all Nations, Suddenly falling in one flame. Imagine, You viewed your Country buried with the heaps Of slaughtered Citizens, that had no graven; This Lentulus here, reigning, (as he dreamt) And those his purple Senate; Catiline come With his fierce army; and the cries of Matrons, The flight of Children, and the rape of Virgins, Shrieks of the living, with the dying groans On every side to invade your sense; until The blood of Room, were mixed with her ashes. This was the Spectacle these fiends intended To please their malice. Father's, Is it your pleasures, they shall be committed Unto some safe, but a free custody, Until the Senate can determine farther? Then, Marcus Crassus, Take you charge of Gabinius: send him home Unto your house. You Caesar, of Statilius. Cethegus shall be sent to Cornificius; And Lentulus, to Publius Lentulus Spinther, Who now is Aedile. Let it be so. Take them from hence. What do you decree to the Allobroges? That were the lights to this discovery? What to Volturtius? How are my labours more then paid, graven Father's, In these great titles, and decreed honours! Such, as to me, first, of the civil robe, Of any man, since Room was Room, have happened; And from this frequent Senate: which more glads me, That I now see, you' have sense of your own safety. If those good days come no less grateful to us, Wherein we are preserved from some great danger, Then those, wherein w'are born, and brought, to light, Because the gladness of our safety is certain, But the condition of our birth not so; And that we are saved with pleasure, but are born Without the sense of joy: why should not, then, This day, to us, and all posterity Of ours, be had in equal fame, and honour, With that, when Romulus first reared these walls, When so much more is saved, then he built? What tumult's that? Some lying varlet. Take him away, to prison. He is not worth it, Crassus. Keep him up close, and hungry, till he tell, By whose pernicious counsel, he durst slander So great, and good a Citizen. I know my self, By all the tracts, and courses of this business, Crassus is noble, joust, and loves his Country. Away with all, throw'it out o'the Court. It is some men's malice. I said to Curius, I did not believe him. Yes. No. Let not this trouble you, Caesar, none believes it. You shall have no wrong done you, noble Caesar, But all contentment. What is your pleasure, Father's, shall be done? Syllanus, you are Consul next designed. Your sentence, of these men. Your sentence, Caius Caesar. Father's, I see your faces, and your eyes All bent on me, to note of these two censures Which I incline to. Either of them are graven, And answering the dignity of the speakers, The greatness of th'affaire, and both severe. One urges death: And he may well remember This State hath punished wicked Citizens so. The other bonds: and those perpetual, which He thinks found out for the more singular plague. Decree which you shall please. You have a Consul Not readier to obey, then to defend What ever you shall act, for the Republic; And meet with willing shoulders any burden, Or any fortune, with and even face, Though it were death: which to a valiant man Can never happen foul, nor to a Consul Be immature, or to a wise man wretched. Cato, speak you your sentence. Hold friends. No violence. Caesar be safe. Lead on: Where are the public Executioners? Bid them wait on us. On to Spinthers house. Bring Lentulus forth. Here, you, the sad revengers Of capital crimes, against the Public, take This man unto your justice: strangle him. Lead on to Quintus Cornificius house; Bring forth Cethegus. Take him to the endue Death, that he hath deserved: and let it be Said, He was once. " Justice is never angry: Take him hence. Lead To Caius Caesars, for Statilius. Bring him, and rude Gabinius, out. Here, take them To your cold hands, and let them feel death from you: Welcome, Welcome renowned Soldier. What's the news? This face can bring no ill with't, unto Room. How do's the worthy Consul, my Colleague? Shall we withdraw into the House of Concord? Honoured Petreius, Room, not I must thank you. How modestly has he spoken of himself! Thanks to the'immortall Gods, Roman, I now am paid for all my labors, My watchings, and my dangers. Here conclude Your praises, triumphs, honours, and rewards Decreed to me: only the memory Of this glad day, if I may know it live Within your thoughts, shall much affect my conscience, Which I must always study before fame. " Though both be good, the latter yet is worst, " And ever is ill God, without the first.