said Rienzi, seating himself composedly.

When the huge smith found himself in the presence of Rienzi, it amused
Pandulfo to perceive the wonderful influences of mind over matter. That
fierce and sturdy giant, who, in all popular commotions, towered above
his tribe, with thews of stone, and nerves of iron, the rallying point
and bulwark of the rest,--stood now colouring and trembling before the
intellect, which (so had the eloquent spirit of Rienzi waked and fanned
the spark which, till then, had lain dormant in that rough bosom)
might almost be said to have created his own. And he, indeed, who first
arouses in the bondsman the sense and soul of freedom, comes as near as
is permitted to man, nearer than the philosopher, nearer even than the
poet, to the great creative attribute of God!--But, if the breast be
uneducated, the gift may curse the giver; and he who passes at once from
the slave to the freeman may pass as rapidly from the freeman to the
ruffian.

"Approach, my friend," said Rienzi, after a moment's pause; "I know all
that thou hast done, and wouldst do, for Rome! Thou art worthy of her
best days, and thou art born to share in their return."

The smith dropped at the feet of Rienzi, who held out his hand to raise
him, which Cecco del Vecchio seized, and reverentially kissed.

"This kiss does not betray," said Rienzi, smiling; "but rise, my
friend,--this posture is only due to God and his saints!"

"He is a saint who helps us at need!" said the smith, bluntly, "and that
no man has done as thou hast. But when," he added, sinking his voice,
and fixing his eyes hard on Rienzi, as one may do who waits a signal to
strike a blow, "when--when shall we make the great effort?"

"Thou hast spoken to all the brave men in thy neighbourhood,--are they
well prepared?"

"To live or die, as Rienzi bids them!"

"I must have the list--the number--names--houses and callings, this
night."

"Thou shalt."

"Each man must sign his name or mark with his own hand."

"It shall be done."

"Then, harkye! attend Pandulfo di Guido at his house this evening,
at sunset. He shall instruct thee where to meet this night some brave
hearts;--thou art worthy to be ranked amongst them. Thou wilt not fail!"

"By the holy Stairs! I will count every minute till then," said the
smith, his swarthy face lighted with pride at the confidence shown him.

"Meanwhile, watch all your neighbours; let no man flag or grow
faint-hearted,--none of t