"The Tribune," returned Adrian, evasively, "is certainly a man of
extraordinary genius. And now, seeing him command, my only wonder is how
he ever brooked to obey--majesty seems a very part of him."

"Men who win power, easily put on its harness, dignity," answered
Montreal; "and if I hear aright--(pledge me to your lady's health)--the
Tribune, if not himself nobly born will soon be nobly connected."

"He is already married to a Raselli, an old Roman house," replied
Adrian.

"You evade my pursuit,--Le doulx soupir! le doulx soupir! as the old
Cabestan has it"--said Montreal, laughing. "Well, you have pledged me
one cup to your lady, pledge another to the fair Irene, the Tribune's
sister--always provided they two are not one.--You smile and shake your
head."

"I do not disguise from you, Sir Knight," answered Adrian, "that when my
present embassy is over, I trust the alliance between the Tribune and a
Colonna will go far towards the benefit of both."

"I have heard rightly, then," said Montreal, in a grave and thoughtful
tone. "Rienzi's power must, indeed, be great."

"Of that my mission is a proof. Are you aware, Signor de Montreal, that
Louis, King of Hungary--"

"How! what of him?"

"Has referred the decision of the feud between himself and Joanna of