nd the plain--to earth,
And listening heaven, proclaims the glorious tale
Of Rome reborn, and Freedom. See, the clouds
Are swept away, and the moon's boat of light
Sails in the clear blue sky, and million stars
Look out on us, and smile.

[_The gate of the Capitol opens, and Alberti and Soldiers join the
People, and lay the keys at Rienzi's feet_.]

Hark! that great voice
Hath broke our bondage. Look, without a stroke
The Capitol is won--the gates unfold--
The keys are at our feet. Alberti, friend,
How shall I pay thy service? Citizens!
First to possess the palace citadel--
The famous strength of Rome; then to sweep on,
Triumphant, through her streets.

[_As Rienzi and the People are entering the Capitol, he pauses_.]

Oh, glorious wreck
Of gods and Caesars! thou shalt reign again,
Queen of the world; and I--come on, come on,
My people!

_Citizens_. Live Rienzi--live our Tribune!

CLAUDIA'S LAMENT FOR HER HUMBLE HOME.

Mine own dear home!
Father, I love not this new state; these halls,
Where comfort dies in vastness; these trim maids,
Whose service wearies me. Oh! mine old home!
My quiet, pleasant chamber, with the myrtle
Woven round the casement; and the cedar by,
Shading the sun; my garden overgrown
With flowers and herbs, thick-set as grass in fields;
My pretty snow-white doves: my kindest nurse;
And old Camillo!--Oh! mine own dear home!

AMBITION.

Alas! alas!
I tremble at the height, Whene'er I think
Of the hot barons, of the fickle people,
And the inconstancy of power, I tremble
For thee, dear father.

RIENZI'S WRONGS.

_One of the Ursini is condemned to death--his brother intercedes_.

_Rie_. And darest talk thou to me of brothers? Thou,
Whose groom--wouldst have me break my own just laws,
To save thy brother? thine! Hast thou forgotten
When that most beautiful and blameless boy,
The prettiest piece of innocence that ever
Breath'd in this sinful world, lay at thy feet,
Slain by thy pampered minion, and I knelt
Before thee for redress, whilst thou--didst never
Hear talk of retribution? This is justice,
Pure justice, not revenge!--Mark well, my lords,
Pure, equal justice. Martin Ursini
Had open trial, is guilty, is condemned,
And he shall die!

_Colonna_. Yet listen to us--

_Rie_. Lords,
If ye could range before me all the peers,
Prelates, and potentates of Christendom,-