o
Rome, and invited hither his honoured presence. Forgetting all ancient
feuds, mine own past exile, I have assured him, here, the station and
dignity due to the head of the Colonna. All that I ask in return is
obedience to the law. Years and reverses have abated my younger pride,
and though I may yet preserve the sternness of the Judge, none shall
hereafter complain of the insolence of the Tribune."

"I would," answered Adrian, "that your mission to Stefanello had been
delayed a day; I would fain have forestalled its purport. Howbeit, you
increase my desire of departure, should I yet succeed in obtaining an
honourable and peaceful reconciliation, it is not in disguise that I
will woo your sister."

"And never did Colonna," replied Rienzi, loftily, "bring to his House
a maiden whose alliance more gratified ambition. I still see, as I have
seen ever, in mine own projects, and mine own destinies, the chart of
the new Roman Empire!"

"Be not too sanguine yet, brave Rienzi," replied Adrian, laying his hand
on the Lion of Basalt: "bethink thee on how many scheming brains this
dumb image of stone hath looked down from its pedestal--schemes of sand,
and schemers of dust. Thou hast enough, at present, for the employ of
all thine energy--not to extend thy power, but to preserve thyself. For,
trust me, never stood human greatness on so wild and dark a precipice!"

"Thou art honest," said the Senator; "and these are the first words of
doubt, and yet of sympathy, I have heard in Rome. But the People love
me, the Barons have fled from Rome, the Pontiff approves, and the swords
of the Northmen guard the avenues of the Capitol. But these are nought;
in mine own honesty are my spear and buckler. Oh, never," continued
Rienzi, kindling with his enthusiasm, "never since the days of the old
Republic, did Roman dream a purer and a brighter aspiration, than
that which animates and supports me now. Peace restored--law
established--art, letters, intellect, dawning upon the night of time;
the Patricians, no longer bandits of rapine, but the guard of order;
the People ennobled from a mob, brave to protect, enlightened to guide,
themselves. Then, not by the violence of arms, but by the majesty of
her moral power, shall the Mother of Nations claim the obedience of her
children. Thus dreaming and thus hoping, shall I tremble or despond? No,
Adrian Colonna, come weal or woe, I abide, unshrinking and unawed, by
the chances of my doom!"

So much