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NEere about this sea∣son, there were sun∣dry tumults stirring in the hither and further Gaule, as also in the Picemian, Brutian, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ter••i∣tories. For those whom Catiline had before sent out, vncounsellably like
mad men, shuffled all their businesses together: with their night counsels, with their carriage of Armes and weapons, with their posting to and fro, and disquieting of all places, they had caused more feare then danger. Of this number, the Prae∣tour Q. Metellus Celer had committed diuers to pri∣son, they being found guilty vpon the examina∣tion of their Confede∣rates. The like did C. Mu∣raena in the hither Gaule, he being Deputy Lieute∣nant of that Prouince. But at Rome Lentulus had determined with other principall Conspiratours, (great Forces being pro∣uided
for that purpose) that when Catiline should aduance with his Army into the Fesulan Tract, Lu. Bestia, Tribune of the peo∣ple, should reprehend Ci∣ceroes actions in a publicke Oration, and should im∣pose the enuy of this dan∣gerous warre vpon the well-deseruing Consull. And that this seruing for a signall, all the rest of the Conspiratours were to execute their seuerall charges the next night following. The diuision whereof was said to be in this manner. Statilius and Gabinius being strongly ac∣companied, were to fire at once twelue conue∣nient places of the Citty;
in the tumult whereof they might facilitate their meanes of passage to the Consul & the rest, against whom their plots were in∣tended Cathegus was to be∣set Ciceroes gate, and to as∣saile him forcibly: others were to doe the like to o∣thers. Besides, the sons of sundry families (most of whom were of the Nobi∣lity) had orders giuen to massacre their owne pa∣rents, and in the generall terrour of fire and slaugh∣ter to make their escape to Catiline.
In the passage of these preparations & designes, Cathegus still blames the cowardise of his compa∣nions; telling them, that
by their doubts & dilato∣ry courses, they neglected faire opportunities: that in a danger of that nature it was more behoofefull to doe, then deliberate. That himselfe, if some few would assist, would not faile to set vpon the Court, although the rest fainted in courage. This man was by nature violent, and prompt of hand: hee esteemed ce∣lerity for the spirit of a∣ction.