“Countrymen and Citizens!—­This New Constitution meets with your approbation—­so it ought.  But what are good laws, if we do not have good men to execute them?  Who can execute a law so well as the man who designs it?  If you ask me to give you a notion how to make a good shield, and my notion pleases you, would you ask me, or another smith, to make it for you?  If you ask another, he may make a good shield, but it would not be the same as that which I should have made, and the description of which contented you.  Cola di Rienzi has proposed a Code of Law that shall be our shield.  Who should see that the shield become what he proposes, but Cola di Rienzi?  Romans!  I suggest that Cola di Rienzi be intrusted by the people with the authority, by whatsoever name he pleases, of carrying the New Constitution into effect;—­and whatever be the means, we, the People, will bear him harmless.”

“Long life to Rienzi!—­long live Cecco del Vecchio!  He hath spoken well!—­none but the Law-maker shall be the Governor!”

Such were the acclamations which greeted the ambitious heart of the Scholar.  The voice of the people invested him with the supreme power.  He had created a Commonwealth—­to become, if he desired it, a Despot!

Chapter 2.VII.  Looking after the Halter when the Mare is Stolen.

While such were the events at Rome, a servitor of Stephen Colonna was already on his way to Corneto.  The astonishment with which the old Baron received the intelligence may be easily imagined.  He lost not a moment in convening his troop; and, while in all the bustle of departure, the Knight of St. John abruptly entered his presence.  His mien had lost its usual frank composure.

“How is this?” said he, hastily; “a revolt?—­Rienzi sovereign of Rome?—­can the news be believed?”

“It is too true!” said Colonna, with a bitter smile.  “Where shall we hang him on our return?”

“Talk not so wildly, Sir Baron,” replied Montreal, discourteously; “Rienzi is stronger than you think for.  I know what men are, and you only know what noblemen are!  Where is your kinsman, Adrian?”

“He is here, noble Montreal,” said Stephen, shrugging his shoulders, with a half-disdainful smile at the rebuke, which he thought it more prudent not to resent; “he is here!—­see him enter!”

“You have heard the news?” exclaimed Montreal.

“I have.”

“And despise the revolution?”

“I fear it!”

“Then you have some sense in you.  But this is none of my affair:  I will not interrupt your consultations.  Adieu for the present!” and, ere Stephen could prevent him, the Knight had quitted the chamber.