gratitude;--he loved and confided in the youth as a son. Villani was
never absent from his side, except in intercourse with the various
popular leaders in the various quarters of the city; and in this
intercourse his zeal was indefatigable--it seemed even to prey upon
his health; and Rienzi chid him fondly, whenever starting from his own
reveries, he beheld the abstracted eye and the livid paleness which had
succeeded the sparkle and bloom of youth.

Such chiding the young man answered only by the same unvarying words.

"Senator, I have a great trust to fulfil;"--and at these words he
smiled.

One day Villani, while with the Senator, said rather abruptly, "Do you
remember, my Lord, that before Viterbo, I acquitted myself so in arms,
that even the Cardinal d'Albornoz was pleased to notice me?"

"I remember your valour well, Angelo; but why the question?"

"My Lord, Bellini, the Captain of the Guard of the Capitol is
dangerously ill."

"I know it."

"Whom can my Lord trust at the post?"

"Why, the Lieutenant."

"What!--a soldier that has served under the Orsini!"

"True. Well! There is Tommaso Filangieri."

"An excellent man; but is he not kin by blood to Pandulfo di Guido?"

"Ay--is he so? It must be thought of. Hast thou any friend to name?"
said the Senator, smiling, "Methinks thy cavils point that way."

"My Lord," replied Villani, colouring; "I am too young perhaps; but the
post is one that demands fidelity more than it does years. Shall I own
it?--My tastes are rather to serve thee with my sword than with my pen."

"Wilt thou, indeed, accept the office? It is of less dignity and
emolument than the one you hold; and you are full young to lead these
stubborn spirits."

"Senator, I led taller men than they are to the assault at Viterbo. But,
be it as seems best to your superior wisdom. Whatever you do, I pray you
to be cautious. If you select a traitor to the command of the Capitol
Guard!--I tremble at the thought!"

"By my faith, thou dost turn pale at it, dear boy; thy affection is
a sweet drop in a bitter draught. Whom can I choose better than
thee?--thou shalt have the post, at least during Bellini's illness. I
will attend to it today. The business, too, will less fatigue thy young
mind than that which now employs thee. Thou art over-laboured in our
cause."

"Senator, I can but repeat my usual answer--I have a great trust to
fulfil!"

Chapter 10.VII. The Tax.

These formidable conspir