of the
Savelli. My insignia, as a Colonna, misled them. I learned that this
very hour some of your enemies are within the city, the rest are on
their march--the people themselves arm against you. In the obscurer
streets I passed through, the mob were already forming. They took me
for thy foe, and shouted. I came hither--thy sentries have vanished. The
private door below is unbarred and open. Not a soul seems left in thy
palace. Haste--fly--save thyself!--Where is Irene?"

"The Capitol deserted!--impossible!" cried Rienzi. He strode across the
chambers to the ante-room, where his night-guard usually waited--it was
empty! He passed hastily to Villani's room--it was untenanted! He would
have passed farther, but the doors were secured without. It was evident
that all egress had been cut off, save by the private door below,--and
that had been left open to admit his murtherers!

He returned to his room--Nina had already gone to rouse and prepare
Irene, whose chamber was on the other side, within one of their own.

"Quick, Senator!" said Adrian. "Methinks there is yet time. We must make
across to the Tiber. I have stationed my faithful squires and Northmen
there. A boat waits us."

"Hark!" interrupted Rienzi, whose senses had of late been
preternaturally quickened. "I hear a distant shout--a familiar shout,
'Viva 'l Popolo!' Why, so say I! These must be friends."

"Deceive not thyself; thou hast scarce a friend at Rome."

"Hist!" said Rienzi, in a whisper; "save Nina--save Irene. I cannot
accompany thee."

"Art thou mad?"

"No! but fearless. Besides, did I accompany, I might but destroy you
all. Were I found with you, you would be massacred with me. Without me
ye are safe. Yes, even the Senator's wife and sister have provoked no
revenge. Save them, noble Colonna! Cola di Rienzi puts his trust in God
alone!"

By this time Nina had returned; Irene with her. Afar was heard the
tramp--steady--slow--gathering--of the fatal multitude.

"Now, Cola," said Nina, with a bold and cheerful air, and she took her
husband's arm, while Adrian had already found his charge in Irene.

"Yes, now, Nina!" said Rienzi; "at length we part! If this is my last
hour--in my last hour I pray God to bless and shield thee! for verily,
thou hast been my exceeding solace--provident as a parent, tender as a
child, the smile of my hearth, the--the--"

Rienzi was almost unmanned. Emotions, deep, conflicting, unspeakably
fond and grateful, literall