tless, as, if I will, it shall be,
Rienzi loses fame abroad, and popularity in Rome."

"Sir Knight," said Luca di Savelli, "you speak as a man versed in the
profound policy of the times; and under all the circumstances which
menace us, your proposal seems but fitting and reasonable. On the one
hand, you undertake to restore us and the other Barons to Rome; and to
give Rienzi to the Staircase of the Lion--"

"Not so, not so," replied Montreal, quickly. "I will consent either so
to subdue and cripple his power, as to render him a puppet in our hands,
a mere shadow of authority--or, if his proud spirit chafe at its cage,
to give it once more liberty amongst the wilds of Germany. I would
fetter or banish him, but not destroy; unless (added Montreal, after a
moment's pause) fate absolutely drives us to it. Power should not demand
victims; but to secure it, victims may be necessary."

"I understand your refinements," said Luca di Savelli, with his icy
smile, "and am satisfied. The Barons once restored, our palaces once
more manned, and I am willing to take the chance of the Senator's
longevity. This service you promise to effect?"

"I do."

"And, in return, you demand our assent to your enjoying the rank of
Podesta for five years?"

"You say right."

"I, for one, accede to the terms," said the Savelli: "there is my hand;
I am wearied of these brawls, even amongst ourselves, and think that a
Foreign Ruler may best enforce order: the more especially, if like
you, Sir Knight, one whose birth and renown are such as to make him
comprehend the difference between Barons and Plebeians."

"For my part," said Stefanello, "I feel that we have but a choice of
evils--I like not a foreign Podesta; but I like a plebeian Senator still
less;--there too is my hand, Sir Knight."

"Noble Signors," said Montreal, after a short pause, and turning his
piercing gaze from one to the other with great deliberation, "our
compact is sealed; one word by way of codicil. Walter de Montreal is no
Count Pepin of Minorbino! Once before, little dreaming, I own, that the
victory would be so facile, I intrusted your cause and mine to a deputy;
your cause he promoted, mine he lost. He drove out the Tribune, and
then suffered the Barons to banish himself. This time I see to my own
affairs; and, mark you, I have learned in the Grand Company one lesson;
viz. never to pardon spy or deserter, of whatever rank. Your forgiveness
for the hint. Let us change the