Early Plays | Page 6

a greeting from me at
the close of a period which to me has been full of changes and rich in
contradictions. Much of what I twenty-five years ago dreamed has been
realized, even though not in the manner nor as soon as I then hoped.
Yet I believe now that it was best for me thus; I do not wish that any of
that which lies between should have been untried, and if I look back
upon what I have lived through I do so with thanks for everything and
thanks to all.
HENRIK IBSEN.
_Dresden, February, 1875._
* * * * *
DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

LUCIUS CATILINE A noble Roman.
AURELIA His wife.
FURIA A vestal.
CURIUS A youth related to Catiline.
MANLIUS An old warrior.
LENTULUS Young and noble Roman.
GABINIUS " " " "
STATILIUS " " " "
COEPARIUS " " " "
CETHEGUS " " " "
AMBIORIX Ambassador of the Allobroges.
OLLOVICO " " " "
An old MAN.
PRIESTESSES and SERVANTS in the Temple of Vesta.
GLADIATORS and WARRIORS.
ESCORT of the Allobroges.
Sulla's GHOST.
* * * * *
SETTING
The first and second acts are laid in and near Rome, the third act in
Etruria.
* * * * *

FIRST ACT
[The Flaminian Way outside of Rome. Off the road a wooded hillside.
In the background loom the walls and the heights of the city. It is
evening.]
[CATILINE stands on the hill among the bushes, leaning against a
tree.]
CATILINE. I must! I must! A voice deep in my soul Urges me
on,--and I will heed its call. Courage I have and strength for something
better, Something far nobler than this present life,-- A series of
unbridled dissipations--! No, no; they do not satisfy the yearning soul.
CATILINE. I rave and rave,--long only to forget. 'Tis past now,--all is
past! Life has no aim.
CATILINE. [After a pause.] And what became of all my youthful
dreams? Like flitting summer clouds they disappeared, Left naught

behind but sorrow and remorse;-- Each daring hope in turn fate robbed
me of.
[He strikes his forehead.]
CATILINE. Despise yourself! Catiline, scorn yourself! You feel
exalted powers in your soul;-- And yet what is the goal of all your
struggle? The surfeiting of sensual desires.
CATILINE. [More calmly.] But there are times, such as the present
hour, When secret longings kindle in my breast. Ah, when I gaze on
yonder city, Rome, The proud, the rich,--and when I see that ruin And
wretchedness to which it now is sunk Loom up before me like the
flaming sun,-- Then loudly calls a voice within my soul: Up,
Catiline;--awake and be a man!
CATILINE. [Abruptly.] Ah, these are but delusions of the night, Mere
dreaming phantoms born of solitude. At the slightest sound from grim
reality,-- They flee into the silent depths within.
[The ambassadors of the Allobroges, AMBIORIX and OLLOVICO,
with their Escort, come down the highway without noticing
CATILINE.]
AMBIORIX. Behold our journey's end! The walls of Rome! To heaven
aspires the lofty Capitol.
OLLOVICO. So that is Rome? Italy's overlord, Germany's soon,--and
Gaul's as well, perchance.
AMBIORIX. Ah, yes, alas;--so it may prove betimes; The sovereign
power of Rome is merciless; It crushes all it conquers, down to earth.
Now shall we see what lot we may expect: If here be help against the
wrongs at home, And peace and justice for our native land.
OLLOVICO. It will be granted us.
AMBIORIX. So let us hope; For we know nothing yet with certainty.
OLLOVICO. You fear somewhat, it seems?
AMBIORIX. And with good reason. Jealous was ever Rome of her
great power. And bear in mind, this proud and haughty realm Is not by
chieftains ruled, as is our land. At home the wise man or the warrior
reigns,-- The first in wisdom and in war the foremost; Him choose we
as the leader of our people, As arbiter and ruler of our tribe. But here--
CATILINE. [Calls down to them.] --Here might and selfishness hold
sway;-- Intrigue and craft are here the keys to power.
OLLOVICO. Woe to us, brethren, woe! He spies upon us.

AMBIORIX. [To CATILINE.] Is such the practice of the high-born
Roman? A woman's trick we hold it in our nation.
CATILINE. [comes down on the road.] Ah, have no fear;--spying is not
my business; By chance it was I heard your conversation.-- Come you
from Allobrogia far away? Justice you think to find in Rome? Ah,
never! Turn home again! Here tyranny holds sway, And rank injustice
lords it more than ever. Republic to be sure it is in name; And yet all
men are slaves who cringe and cower, Vassals involved in debt, who
must acclaim A venal senate--ruled by greed and power. Gone is the
social consciousness