rs, to the general Parliament.)

The speech, the sentiments of Rienzi were rendered far more impressive
by a manner of earnest and deep sincerity; and some of the Romans,
despite their corruption, felt a momentary exultation in the forbearance
of their chief. "Long live the Tribune of Rome!" was shouted, but less
loud than the cry of "Live the King!" And the vulgar almost thought the
revolution was incomplete, because the loftier title was not assumed.
To a degenerate and embruted people, liberty seems too plain a thing, if
unadorned by the pomp of the very despotism they would dethrone. Revenge
is their desire, rather than Release; and the greater the new power they
create, the greater seems their revenge against the old. Still all that
was most respected, intelligent, and powerful amongst the assembly,
were delighted at a temperance which they foresaw would free Rome from
a thousand dangers, whether from the Emperor or the Pontiff. And their
delight was yet increased, when Rienzi added, so soon as returning
silence permitted--"And since we have been equal labourers in the same
cause, whatever honours be awarded to me, should be extended also to the
Vicar of the Pope, Raimond, Lord Bishop of Orvietto. Remember, that both
Church and State are properly the rulers of the people, only because
their benefactors.--Long live the first Vicar of a Pope that was ever
also the Liberator of a State!"

Whether or not Rienzi was only actuated by patriotism in his moderation,
certain it is, that his sagacity was at least equal to his virtue; and
perhaps nothing could have cemented the revolution more strongly, than
thus obtaining for a colleague the Vicar, and Representative of the
Pontifical power: it borrowed, for the time, the sanction of the Pope
himself--thus made to share the responsibility of the revolution,
without monopolising the power of the State.

While the crowd hailed the proposition of Rienzi; while their shouts
yet filled the air; while Raimond, somewhat taken by surprise, sought by
signs and gestures to convey at once his gratitude and his humility,
the Tribune-Elect, casting his eyes around, perceived many hitherto
attracted by curiosity, and whom, from their rank and weight, it
was desirable to secure in the first heat of the public enthusiasm.
Accordingly, as soon as Raimond had uttered a short and pompous
harangue,--in which his eager acceptance of the honour proposed him was
ludicrously contrasted by his emba