Gheraldi waits without (or should) to see me. In faith, you must go one kiss; and so, away. Duke. We'll ride together, dearest, Some few hours hence. Isid. Just as you please; farewell. Duke. Farewell; with what a waving air she goes. Along the corridor. How like a fawn; Yet statelier. Hark! no sound, however soft (Nor gentlest echo), telleth when she treads; [Exit. Miss Mitford. RIENZI. COLA DI RIENZI (afterwards the last of the Tribunes) heads the People, to overthrow the powerful Faction of the URSINI, and other despotic Nobles, who tyrannize over Rome. ANGELO COLONNA, instigated by love for CLAUDIA, RIENZI's Daughter, and hate towards the rival House of URSINI, attends a Meeting of the People assembled by RIENZI to declare and redress their Wrongs. Rome. Before the Gates of the Capitol. ALBERTI, PAOLO, CITIZENS. 1st Citizen. This is the chosen spot. A brave assemblage! zd Cit. Why, yes. No marvel that Rienzi struck So bold a blow. I had heard shrewd reports Of heats, and discontents, and gathering bands, Pao. "Tis the spot! Where loiters he? The night wears on apace. 1st Cit. Who speaks? Another Cit. Alberti, The captain of the guard; he and his soldiers Have joined our faction. Alb. Comrades, we shall gain An easy victory. The Ursini, Drunk with false hope and brute debauch, feast high A fairer face. Pao. And yet the summer heaven, Sky, moon, and stars, are overcast. Send that this darkness Enter RIENZI. The saints Rie. [Advancing to the front.] Darkness! did ye never Watch the dark glooming of the thunder-cloud, Ere the storm burst? We'll light this darkness, Sir, With the brave flash of spear and sword. All the Citizens shout. Rienzi! Live, brave Rienzi! honest Cola! The bright sun rises to his course, and lights A race of slaves!-He sets, and his last beam Falls on a slave Slaves to a horde Of petty tyrants, feudal despots; lords Strong in some hundred spearmen,—only great In that strange spell-a name. Each hour, dark fraud, Or open rapine, or protected murder, Cry out against them. But this very day, An honest man, my neighbour-[Pointing to PAOLO]— there he stands, Was struck,-struck like a dog, by one who wore He tossed not high his ready cap in air, At sight of that great ruffian. Be we men, Men, and wash not How I loved That gracious boy! Younger by fifteen years, A summer bloom on his fair cheeks,—a smile Have ye brave sons?-Look in the next fierce brawl That sate on her seven hills, and from her throne Of beauty ruled the world! The eternal city shall be free; Once again, I swear, her sons Shall walk with princes. Ere to-morrow's dawn, 'Tis Angelo Colonna. Touch him not, I would hold parley with him. The hour is nigh. Away! Good Alberti, [Exit ALBERTI. Enter ANGELO COLONNA. Now, Sir! [To ANGELO. Ang. What be ye, That thus in stern and watchful mystery Cluster beneath the veil of night, and start To hear a stranger's foot? Rie. Romans. Ang. And wherefore Meet ye, my countrymen ? Rie. For freedom. Ang. Surely Thou art Cola di Rienzi? Rie. Ay, that voice The traitor voice. Ang. I knew thee by the words. Who, save thyself, in this bad age, when man Lies prostrate like yon temple, dared conjoin Rie. I shall teach The world to blend those words, as in the days Before the Cæsars. Thou shalt be the first To hail the union. I have seen thee hang On tales of the world's mistress; thy young hand Unsheath it now, Now, at thy country's call! What, dost thou pause? Ang. Hear me, Rienzi. Even now my spirit leaps up at the thought but past As clouds of yesterday, as last night's dream. and gone, Rie. A dream! Dost see yon phalanx, still and stern? An hundred leaders, each with such a band, Wait with suppressed impatience till they hear The great bell of the Capitol, to spring At once on their proud foes. Join them. Rie. Already he hath quitted Rome. Rie. We are too strong for contest. Thou shalt see No other change within our peaceful streets Than that of slaves to freemen. Such a change Will be the jail, the gibbet, or the axe |