not sell his services to John di Vico's enemy, the Cardinal
Albornoz? These warriors barter men as cattle."

"Thou describest Montreal rightly: a dangerous and an awful man. But
methinks his brothers are of a duller and meaner kind; they dare not
the crimes of the Robber Captain. Howbeit, Angelo, thou hast touched a
string that will make discord with sleep tonight. Fair youth, thy young
eyes have need of slumber; withdraw, and when thou hearest men envy
Rienzi, think that--"

"God never made Genius to be envied!" interrupted Villani, with an
energy that overcame his respect. "We envy not the sun, but rather the
valleys that ripen beneath his beams."

"Verily, if I be the sun," said Rienzi, with a bitter and melancholy
smile, "I long for night,--and come it will, to the human as to the
celestial Pilgrim!--Thank Heaven, at least, that our ambition cannot
make us immortal!"

Chapter 9.V. The Biter Bit.

The next morning, when Rienzi descended to the room where his captains
awaited him, his quick eye perceived that a cloud still lowered upon the
brow of Messere Brettone. Arimbaldo, sheltered by the recess of the rude
casement, shunned his eye.

"A fair morning, gentles," said Rienzi; "the Sun laughs upon our
enterprise. I have messengers from Rome betimes--fresh troops will join
us ere noon."

"I am glad, Senator," answered Brettone, "that you have tidings which
will counteract the ill of those I have to narrate to thee. The soldiers
murmur loudly--their pay is due to them; and, I fear me, that without
money they will not march to Palestrina."

"As they will," returned Rienzi, carelessly. "It is but a few days since
they entered Rome; pay did they receive in advance--if they demand
more, the Colonna and Orsini may outbid me. Draw off your soldiers, Sir
Knight, and farewell."

Brettone's countenance fell--it was his object to get Rienzi more and
more in his power, and he wished not to suffer him to gain that strength
which would accrue to him from the fall of Palestrina: the indifference
of the Senator foiled and entrapped him in his own net.

"That must not be," said the brother of Montreal, after a confused
silence; "we cannot leave you thus to your enemies--the soldiers, it is
true, demand pay--"

"And should have it," said Rienzi. "I know these mercenaries--it is
ever with them, mutiny or money. I will throw myself on my Romans,
and triumph--or fall, if so Heaven decrees, with them. Acquaint your
const