“Senator, I led taller men than they are to the assault at Viterbo.  But, be it as seems best to your superior wisdom.  Whatever you do, I pray you to be cautious.  If you select a traitor to the command of the Capitol Guard!—­I tremble at the thought!”

“By my faith, thou dost turn pale at it, dear boy; thy affection is a sweet drop in a bitter draught.  Whom can I choose better than thee?—­thou shalt have the post, at least during Bellini’s illness.  I will attend to it today.  The business, too, will less fatigue thy young mind than that which now employs thee.  Thou art over-laboured in our cause.”

“Senator, I can but repeat my usual answer—­I have a great trust to fulfil!”

Chapter 10.VII.  The Tax.

These formidable conspiracies quelled, the Barons nearly subdued, and three parts of the Papal territory reunited to Rome, Rienzi now deemed he might safely execute one of his favourite projects for the preservation of the liberties of his native city; and this was to raise and organize in each quarter of Rome a Roman Legion.  Armed in the defence of their own institutions, he thus trusted to establish amongst her own citizens the only soldiery requisite for Rome.

But so base were the tools with which this great man was condemned to work out his noble schemes, that none could be found to serve their own country, without a pay equal to that demanded by foreign hirelings.  With the insolence so peculiar to a race that has once been great, each Roman said, “Am I not better than a German?—­Pay me, then, accordingly.”

The Senator smothered his disgust—­he had learned at last to know that the age of the Catos was no more.  From a daring enthusiast, experience had converted him into a practical statesman.  The Legions were necessary to Rome—­they were formed—­gallant their appearance and faultless their caparisons.  How were they to be paid?  There was but one means to maintain Rome—­Rome must be taxed.  A gabelle was put upon wine and salt.

The Proclamation ran thus:—­

“Romans! raised to the rank of your Senator, my whole thought has been for your liberties and welfare; already treason defeated in the City, our banners triumphant without, attest the favour with which the Deity regards men who seek to unite liberty with law.  Let us set an example to Italy and the World!  Let us prove that the Roman sword can guard the Roman Forum!  In each Rione of the City is provided a Legion of the Citizens, collected from the traders and artisans of the town; they allege that they cannot leave their callings without remuneration.  Your senator calls upon you willingly to assist in your own defence.  He has given you liberty; he has restored to you peace:  your oppressors are scattered over the earth.  He asks you now to preserve the treasures you have gained.  To be free, you must sacrifice something; for freedom, what sacrifice too great?  Confident of your support, I at length, for the first time, exert the right entrusted to me by office—­and for Rome’s salvation I tax the Romans!”