"To precede us to Rome! gallant barbarian!" said Colonna. "Sirs, on!"



Chapter 2.VIII. The Attack--the Retreat--the Election--and the Adhesion.

Arriving at Rome, the company of the Colonna found the gates barred, and
the walls manned. Stephen bade advance his trumpeters, with one of his
captains, imperiously to demand admittance.

"We have orders," replied the chief of the town-guard, "to admit none
who bear arms, flags, or trumpets. Let the Lords Colonna dismiss their
train, and they are welcome."

"Whose are these insolent mandates?" asked the captain.

"Those of the Lord Bishop of Orvietto and Cola di Rienzi, joint
protectors of the Buono Stato." (Good Estate.)

The captain of the Colonna returned to his chief with these tidings. The
rage of Stephen was indescribable. "Go back," he cried, as soon as
he could summon voice, "and say, that, if the gates are not forthwith
opened to me and mine, the blood of the plebeians be on their own head.
As for Raimond, Vicars of the Pope have high spiritual authority, none
temporal. Let him prescribe a fast, and he shall be obeyed; but, for
the rash Rienzi, say that Stephen Colonna will seek him in the Capitol
tomorrow, for the purpose of throwing him out of the highest window."

These messages the envoy failed not to deliver.