depraved people by popular
means? The Barons--(you know their indomitable ferocity)--wedded to
abuse, and loathing every semblance to law; the Barons, humbled for
a moment, will watch their occasion, and rise. The people will again
desert. Or else, grown wise in one respect by experience, the new
Senator will see that popular favour has a loud voice, but a recreant
arm. He will, like the Barons, surround himself by foreign swords. A
detachment from the Grand Company will be his courtiers; they will be
his masters! To pay them the people must be taxed. Then the idol is
execrated. No Italian hand can govern these hardy demons of the north;
they will mutiny and fall away. A new demagogue will lead on the people,
and Rienzi will be the victim. Mark my prophecy!"

"And then the 'beyond' to which you look?"

"Utter prostration of Rome, for new and long ages; God makes not two
Rienzis; or," said Montreal, proudly, "the infusion of a new life into
the worn-out and diseased frame,--the foundation of a new dynasty.
Verily, when I look around me, I believe that the Ruler of nations
designs the restoration of the South by the irruptions of the North; and
that out of the old Franc and Germanic race will be built up the thrones
of the future world!"

As Montreal thus spoke, leaning on his great war-sword, with his fair
and heroic features--so different, in their frank, bold, fearless
expression, from the dark and wily intellect that characterises
the lineaments of the South--eloquent at once with enthusiasm and
thought--he might have seemed no unfitting representative of the genius
of that northern chivalry of which he spake. And Adrian half fancied
that he saw before him one of the old Gothic scourges of the Western
World.

Their conversation was here interrupted by the sound of a trumpet, and
presently an officer entering, announced the arrival of ambassadors from
Florence.

"Again you must pardon me, noble Adrian," said Montreal, "and let me
claim you as my guest at least for tonight. Here you may rest secure,
and on parting, my men shall attend you to the frontiers of whatsoever
territory you design to visit."

Adrian, not sorry to see more of a man so celebrated, accepted the
invitation.

Left alone, he leaned his head upon his hand, and soon became lost in
his reflections.

Chapter 8.III. Faithful and Ill-fated Love.--The Aspirations Survive the
Affections.

Since that fearful hour in which Adrian Colonna had