by our spies," said he,
"that they will be at our gates ere noon--four thousand foot, seven
hundred horsemen. We will give them a hearty welcome, my masters. How,
Angelo Villani, my pretty page, what do you out of your lady's service?"

"I would fain see a warrior arm for Rome," said the boy, with a boy's
energy.

"Bless thee, my child; there spoke one of Rome's true sons!"

"And the Signora has promised me that I shall go with her guard to the
gates, to hear the news--"

"And report the victory?--thou shalt. But they must not let thee come
within shaft-shot. What! my Pandulfo, thou in mail?"

"Rome requires every man," said the citizen, whose weak nerves were
strung by the contagion of the general enthusiasm.

"She doth--and once more I am proud to be a Roman. Now, gentles, the
Dalmaticum: (A robe or mantle of white, borne by Rienzi; at one time
belonging to the sacerdotal office, afterwards an emblem of empire.)
I would that every foe should know Rienzi; and, by the Lord of Hosts,
fighting at the head of the imperial people, I have a right to the
imperial robe. Are the friars prepared? Our march to the gates shall be
preceded by a solemn hymn--so fought our sires."

"Tribune, John di Vico is arrived with a hundred horse to support the
Good Estate."

"He hath!--The Lord has delivered us then of a foe, and given our
dungeons a traitor!--Bring hither yon casket, Angelo.--So--Hark thee!
Pandulfo, read this letter."

The citizens read, with surprise and consternation, the answer of the
wily Prefect to the Colonna's epistle.

"He promises the Baron to desert to him in the battle, with the
Prefect's banner," said Pandulfo. "What is to be done?"

"What!--take my signet--here--see him lodged forthwith in the prison
of the Capitol. Bid his train leave Rome, and if found acting with the
Barons, warn them that their Lord dies. Go--see to it without a moment's
delay. Meanwhile, to the chapel--we will hear mass."

Within an hour the Roman army--vast, miscellaneous--old men and boys,
mingled with the vigour of life, were on their march to the Gate of San
Lorenzo; of their number, which amounted to twenty thousand foot,
not one-sixth could be deemed men-at-arms; but the cavalry were well
equipped, and consisted of the lesser Barons and the more opulent
citizens. At the head of these rode the Tribune in complete armour,
and wearing on his casque a wreath of oak and olive leaves, wrought in
silver. Before him waved the g