Nina was silent: the custom of choosing the sovereign by a diet beyond
the Rhine, reserving only the ceremony of his subsequent coronation for
the mock assent of the Romans, however degrading to that people, and
however hostile to all nations of substantial independence, was so
unquestioned at that time, that Rienzi's daring suggestion left her
amazed and breathless, prepared as she was for any scheme, however
extravagantly bold.

"How!" said she, after a long pause; "do I understand aright? Can you
mean defiance to the Emperor?"

"Why, listen: at this moment there are two pretenders to the throne
of Rome--to the imperial crown of Italy--a Bohemian and a Bavarian. To
their election our assent--Rome's assent--is not requisite--not asked.
Can we be called free--can we boast ourselves republican--when a
stranger and a barbarian is thus thrust upon our necks? No, we will be
free in reality as in name. Besides, (continued the Tribune, in a
calmer tone,) this seems to me politic as well as daring. The people
incessantly demand wonders from me: how can I more nobly dazzle, more
virtuously win them, than by asserting their inalienable right to
choose their own rulers? The daring will awe the Barons, and foreigners
themselves; it will give a startling example to all Italy; it will be
the first brand of an universal blaze. It shall be done, and with a pomp
that befits the deed!"

"Cola," said Nina, hesitatingly, "your eagle spirit often ascends where
mine flags to follow; yet be not over bold."

"Nay, did you not, a moment since, preach a different doctrine? To be
strong, was I not to seem strong?"