ttle dost thou know of the
power which surrounds Rienzi."

These words were said with some scorn and bitterness; but, after a
moment's pause, Rienzi resumed, more calmly:--

"By the cross on thy mantle, thou belongest to one of the proudest
orders of knighthood: thou art a foreigner, and a cavalier. What
generous sympathies can convert thee into a friend of the Roman people?"

"Cola di Rienzi," returned Montreal, "the sympathies that unite us are
those which unite all men who, by their own efforts, rise above the
herd. True, I was born noble--but powerless and poor: at my beck now
move, from city to city, the armed instruments of authority: my breath
is the law of thousands. This empire I have not inherited; I won it by a
cool brain and a fearless arm. Know me for Walter de Montreal; is it
not a name that speaks a spirit kindred to thine own? Is not ambition
a common sentiment between us? I do not marshal soldiers for gain only,
though men have termed me avaricious--nor butcher peasants for the
love of blood, though men have called me cruel. Arms and wealth are
the sinews of power; it is power that I desire;--thou, bold Rienzi,
strugglest thou not for the same? Is it the rank breath of the
garlic-chewing mob--is it the whispered envy of schoolmen--is it the
hollow mouthing of boys who call thee patriot and freeman, words to
trick the ear--that will content thee? These are but thy instruments to
power. Have I spoken truly?"

Whatever distaste Rienzi might conceive at this speech he masked
effectually. "Certes," said he, "it would be in vain, renowned Captain,
to deny that I seek but that power of which thou speakest. But what
union can there be between the ambition of a Roman citizen and the
leader of paid armies that take their cause only according to their
hire--today, fight for liberty in Florence--tomorrow, for tyranny in
Bologna? Pardon my frankness; for in this age that is deemed no disgrace
which I impute to thy armies. Valour and generalship are held to
consecrate any cause they distinguish; and he who is the master of
princes, may be well honoured by them as their equal."

"We are entering into a less deserted quarter of the town," said the
Knight; "is there no secret place--no Aventine--in this direction, where
we can confer?"

"Hush!" replied Rienzi, cautiously looking round. "I thank thee, noble
Montreal, for the hint; nor may it be well for us to be seen together.
Wilt thou deign to follow me to my ho