"Of that, Signor, I will judge for myself; if you demand an agent for
yourselves, choose another. I announce to ye frankly, that I have seen
enough of other states to think the recent condition of Rome demanded
some redress. Whether Rienzi and Raimond be worthy of the task they have
assumed, I know not."

Savelli was silent. The old Colonna seized the word.

"To Palestrina, then!--are ye all agreed on this? At the worst, or at
the best, we should not be divided! On this condition alone I hazard the
safety of my kinsman!"

The Barons murmured a little among themselves;--the expediency of
Stephen's proposition was evident, and they at length assented to it.

Adrian saw them depart, and then, attended only by his squire, slowly
rode towards a more distant entrance into the city. On arriving at the
gates, his name was demanded--he gave it freely.

"Enter, my Lord," said the warder, "our orders were to admit all that
came unarmed and unattended. But to the Lord Adrian di Castello, alone,
we had a special injunction to give the honours due to a citizen and a
friend."

Adrian, a little touched by this implied recollection of friendship, now
rode through a long line of armed citizens, who saluted him respectfully
as he passed, and, as he returned the salutation with courtesy, a loud
and approving shout followed his horse's steps.