spake loud and fearlessly,--speaking well, because his mind was full of
what he had to say.

"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