attempts, success is the sole sanction. Succeed,
and we will excuse thee all--even to the--"

"Death of a Colonna or an Orsini, should justice demand it; and provided
it be according to the law, and only incurred by the violation of the
law!" added Rienzi, firmly.

The Bishop did not reply in words, but a slight motion of his head was
sufficient answer to Rienzi.

"My Lord," said he, "from this time, then, all is well; I date the
revolution--the restoration of order, of the state--from this hour, this
very conference. Till now, knowing that justice must never wink upon
great offenders, I had hesitated, through fear lest thou and his
Holiness might deem it severity, and blame him who replaces the law,
because he smites the violaters of law. Now I judge ye more rightly.
Your hand, my Lord."

The Bishop extended his hand; Rienzi grasped it firmly, and then raised
it respectfully to his lips. Both felt that the compact was sealed.

This conference, so long in recital, was short in the reality; but its
object was already finished, and the Bishop rose to depart. The outer
portal of the house was opened, the numerous servitors of the Bishop
held on high their torches, and he had just termed from Rienzi, who
had attended him to the gate, when a female passed hastily through the
Prelate's train, and starting as she beheld Rienzi, flung herself at his
feet.

"Oh, hasten, Sir! hasten, for the love of God, hasten! or the young
Signora is lost for ever!"

"The Signora!--Heaven and earth, Benedetta, of whom do you speak?--of my
sister--of Irene? is she not within?"

"Oh, Sir--the Orsini--the Orsini!"

"What of them?--speak, woman!"

Here, breathlessly, and with many a break, Benedetta recounted to
Rienzi, in whom the reader has already recognised the brother of Irene,
so far of the adventure with Martino di Porto as she had witnessed: of
the termination and result of the contest she knew nought.

Rienzi listened in silence; but the deadly paleness of his countenance,
and the writhing of the nether lip, testified the emotions to which he
gave no audible vent.

"You hear, my Lord Bishop--you hear," said he, when Benedetta had
concluded; and turning to the Bishop, whose departure the narrative had
delayed--"you hear to what outrage the citizens of Rome are subjected.
My hat and sword! instantly! My Lord, forgive my abruptness."

"Whither art thou bent, then?" asked Raimond.

"Whither--whither!--Ay, I forgot, my Lord, y