Early Plays - Catiline, the Warrior's Barrow, Olaf Liljekrans Part 14

CURIUS. Ah, him you seek?

FURIA. Yes, him I seek.

CURIUS. Then him you still pursue?

FURIA. Why rose I from the spirit underworld Tonight, if not because of Catiline?

CURIUS. Alas, this fury that has seized your soul--!

Yet you are lovely even in your madness.

Oh, Furia, think no more of Catiline!

Come, flee with me! Command me,--I shall serve you!

[He prostrates himself before her.]

CURIUS. A prostrate slave I here entreat of you One single look. Oh, hear me, Furia, hear me!

I love but you! A sweet and lethal fire Consumes my soul, and you--ah, you alone-- Can ease my suffering.--

FURIA. [Looks towards the house.] Yonder there's a light-- And many men. What now is going on Within the house of Catiline?

CURIUS. [Jumps up.] Again This name! Around him hover all your thoughts.

Oh, I could hate him--!

FURIA. Has he then resolved To launch at last the daring enterprise He long has cherished?

CURIUS. Then you know--?

FURIA. Yes, all.

CURIUS. Ah, then you doubtless know, too, he himself Is foremost in this daring enterprise?

Yet, I adjure you, beg you, think no more Of Catiline!

FURIA. Answer me this alone; 'Tis all I ask of you. Do you go with him?

CURIUS. He is to me a tender father--

FURIA. [Smiling.] He?

My Catiline?

CURIUS. Ah!

FURIA. He,--round whom my thoughts Course without rest?

CURIUS. My brain is in a tumult-- I hate this man--! Oh, I could murder him!

FURIA. Did you not lately swear you were prepared To do my bidding?

CURIUS. Ask me what you will; In everything I serve you and obey!

I only beg,--forget this Catiline.

FURIA. I shall forget him first--when he has stepped Into his grave.

CURIUS. [Draws back.] Ah, you demand that I--?

FURIA. You need not use the steel; you can betray His enterprise--

CURIUS. Murder and treachery At once! Remember, Furia, he is still My foster-father and--

FURIA. --My aim in life!

Ah, timid fool,--so you dare speak of love,-- Who lack the fort.i.tude to strike him down That stands across your path? Away from me!

[She turns her back on him.]

CURIUS. [Holding her back.]

No;--do not leave me! I am in all things willing!

A shudder chills me as I look on you; And yet I cannot break this net asunder Wherein you trapped my soul.

FURIA. Then you are willing?

CURIUS. Why do you mock me with such questioning?

If I am willing? Have I any will?

Your gaze is like the serpent's when 'tis fixed With magic power upon the bird, that circles Wildly about in terror-stricken awe, Drawn ever nearer to the dreadful fangs.

FURIA. Then to your task!

CURIUS. And when I've sacrificed My friendship to my love for you,--what then?

FURIA. I shall forget that Catiline existed.

Then will my task be ended. Ask no more!

CURIUS. For this reward I should--?

FURIA. You hesitate?

Is then your hope so faint that you forget What gifts a grateful woman can bestow, When first the time--?

CURIUS. By all the powers of night,-- I'll not delay! He only stands between us.

Then let him perish! Quenched is every spark Of feeling for him; every bond is sundered!-- Who are you, lovely vision of the night?

Near you I'm turned to marble, burned to ashes.

My longing chills me,--terror fires the soul; My love is blended hate and sorcery.

Who am I now? I know myself no more; One thing I know; I am not he I was, Ere you I saw. I'll plunge into the deep To follow you! Doomed--doomed is Catiline!

I'll to the Capitol. This very night The senate is a.s.sembled. Then farewell!

A written note betrays his enterprise.

[He goes out hastily.]

FURIA. [To herself.]

The heavens grow dark; soon will the lightning play.

The end is fast approaching, Catiline;-- With measured steps you journey to your grave!