Stories From Wagner - Story 9 Rienzi The Last Of the Tribunes (Rienzi)

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Episode Transcript

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Story nine of Tales from Wagner byJ. Walker mac spadden. This libervox
recording is in the public domain.Story nine Rhenzi, the last of the
Tribunes. In the days of Rome'searly greatness, there were leaders chosen by
the people, who were called tribunes. These tribunes, though subject to the

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popular will, often had vast power, for they could make laws, declare
war, and do other things thatfew kings even have had power to do.
But the tribunes passed away in thecourse of centuries, and after the
mighty Roman Empire had fallen, thepeople often had no real governing head.

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They were the prey of strong enemieswithout and of fierce quarrels within. So
you may believe their lot was nothappy, nor their state prosperous. About
the middle of the fourteenth century,Rome had fallen into the hands of several
nobles or barons, who fought amongthemsel cells and cared no whit for the
rights of the common people. Chiefamong these barons were the rival houses of

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Orsini and Colonna. Each maintained strongretinues of armed men and lived in fortified
castles, and as there was noreal government to hold them in check.
They became a menace to the wholecity. Shopkeepers hardly dared to open their
places in broad daylight lest they shouldbe robbed. Merchants were afraid to send

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goods from one place to another lestthey should be seized. And the worst
was that women and little children werein continual danger from the street brawls and
sudden excursions of these cruel and lawlessmen. So you may see how desperate
was the condition of things at Rome, and how sadly they needed someone to

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restore peace and safety. Even theauthority of the Pope was disregarded, and
he had to flee for protection tothe city of Avignon. But there was
one young man, risen from theranks of the peace people, who,
as he grew up, was filledwith noble ambition. He saw the distress
of all his fellow townsmen, andhe longed to avenge their wrongs and make

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the city free and prosperous as itwas in the olden days. This desire
was finally roused to a fever heatby a sad accident which happened within his
own family. His little brother,a beautiful child with curly hair and engaging
ways, was playing one day inthe open street when a small company of

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soldiers belonging to the Orsini house dashedby. They were met by others of
the Colonna faction, and in oneof their usual fierce fights, the little
boy was slain. Yet the younglord who had chanced to do this dreadful
thing rode away without a word ofregret. From that time forth, Rheinzi,

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for that was the name of thepeople's champion, worked constantly among the
people, striving to rouse them toaction. His fiery eloquence, his earnestness,
and the justice of the cause broughthim a constantly increasing band of followers,
until at last he had practically allthe common people secretly enlisted under his
banner and only awaiting the signal torise against the barons and regain their liberties.

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And the people loved their enthusiastic youngleader. They were willing to follow
him anywhere and give him any titlehe might see fit to assume. But
he chose the simple name of Tribunein memory of the former tribunes who had
led the people, and his earnestprayer was that he might prove worthy of
it. After the tragic death ofhis brother. Rinsey's affections centered in a

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sister, Irene, a fair younggirl just reaching womanhood, who was no
less devoted to her brother than heto her. A fine picture they made,
sauntering along some quiet path together,he with his dark hair and dreamy
eyes, she with her light hairand smile like an imprisoned sunbeam. Rienzi

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indeed was a dreamer, and wouldhave liked nothing better than his books,
or a stroll like this by theside of a stream, had not the
stern call of his country roused himtoo heroic things, But the fine stuff
that dreamers are made of, atrusting confidence in all men, was the
one thing which unsuited him for leadership. This, however, you will see

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for yourself as we go on withour story. While Irene was strolling alone
one day, she had the misfortuneto attract the notice of one of the
Orsini, noblemen. He fell inlove with her, but knowing that she
would scorn him, he did notattempt to win her in an honorable way.
Instead, he planned to carry heraway by force from the shelter of

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her own home. This was awicked and audacious thing to do, But
the fact that such plots had actuallysucceeded before shows how dreadful were the times
when Rhynzi lived. Accordingly, onedark night, an armed band stole quietly
along under the shadow of the housesuntil they reached the one where dwelt Rienzi

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and his sister Irene. They werewise enough to choose a night when Rienzi
was absent addressing the people, soIrene was left alone and helpless. Quickly
placing their scaling ladders to the windowsof the house, they soon broke into
it and seized the poor girl.Despite her frantic outcries and appeals for help,
They were on the point of carryingher down the ladder and making good

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their escape when a lucky intervention occurred. A young man bearing the arms of
Colonna dashed up with the band offollowers. Seeing his ancient foes, he
lost no time in attacking them atthe foot of the ladders. The Orsini,
though taken by surprise, fought stoutly, and the noise of the conflict
brought many people running to the scene. But meanwhile, the leader of the

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Colonna forces found means to rescue thefainting girl and carry her to one side
to a place of safety among thosewhom the tumult attracted was the people.
Legate He came into the midst ofthe throng and besought them to cease fighting
in the name of religion and ofthe church, since they paid no heed
to the law. But the nobleslaughed at him and would probably have resumed

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the fight had not a commanding voicecried out hold. It was Rhienzi,
who had just come addressing the peoplewho were his followers. He bade them
respect the law, while he prayedthe barons also to go quietly to their
homes. The people cheered his wordsand drew back. The barons shrugged their

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shoulders at this champion of the peopleand were fain to continue hostilities. But
the company about Rhienzi was now solarge that they yielded and sheathed their weapons.
But they agreed among themselves to meeton the morrow outside the city gates,
where they could renew the contest withoutanterruption. No sooner had the barons

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with drawn, then Rienzi's followers beganto urge him to do what he had
so long been planning, strike adecisive blow against the barons and make the
city free. Rinzy saw that thiswould be a good opportunity. He had
heard the baron's plan to withdraw outsidethe city. Now, when they went
forth to fight on the morrow,why not close the gates against them and

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not let them in again until theyhad sworn to obey the laws. So
Rienzy was only too willing to fallin with the popular suggestion, for he
perceived that the temper of the peoplewas with him. In an impassioned speech,
he begged them to uphold him nowto strike as one man for the
freedom of the ancient city. Thenhe unfolded his plan to them. The

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next morning, his banner should beunfurled and his trumpets should sound. Then
let every man their present and everyneighbor of his rally to the standard of
liberty and peace. Rinzy's speech waswildly applauded, and a unanimous support was
pledged him. The crowd then dispersed, and Rienzi had opportunity for the first

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time to learn the cause of thetumult. He found that the girl who
had been rescued was his own sister. She had recovered from her fainting fit
and was now leaning against her doorstep, where she was being tenderly watched over
by a young man irene, Adrianexclaimed Rienzi in alarm. All is well,

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dear brother, replied the girl.But had it not been for this
chivalrous stranger, I fear it wouldhave been terribly different. Some men of
Orsini invaded our home and tried tocarry me away, when this gentleman interfered,
Our thanks are due to him,and they are given in overflowing measure,
Adrian, said Rienzi, extending hishand to the nobleman. We owe

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you much. Adrian of Colonna,in fact, was a boyhood friend of
Rhienzi, though public matters and adifference in station had long kept them apart.
The nobleman flushed and laughed, declaringthat the service was nothing. He
was afraid. Indeed, he saidthat the sight of his enemy moved him
to battle before ever he saw therewas a lovely maiden in distress. Here

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he laid his hand upon his heartand bowed gallantly. Meanwhile, Rinzy was
troubled at heart. Realizing that Adrianhad heard his speech and therefore knew his
plans, he feared the cause wasundone. He swiftly decided to throw himself
upon the generosity of the nobleman,whom he knew to be highly honorable,

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and he therefore asked him, forold Friendship's sake, not to reveal anything
he had heard that night. Adrianat first hesitated. One word from him
would put the barons who had laughedat Rhinzy's pretensions and did not suspect his
strength on their guard. What shouldhe do? Rinzy saw his hesitancy.

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It is not alone for myself mypeople, that I ask it, he
pleaded. It is for Rome,the place of our fathers, for generation
upon generation. Let us restore theold government and the old glory to our
country. Let its cause pleage withyou, and let me also add my
word of entreaty, said Irene,timidly. You have done so much for

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us already, can we ask thisone thing more? I consent, said
the young man, impetuously, formy country and for you. Irene blushed,
and her eyes could not conceal thelittle ray of pleasure that came into
them. The young nobleman saw thegleam, and his heart beat with a
strange thrill such as he had neverknown before. It seemed to him,

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in a moment that he would giveall he possessed, houses and lands and
titles. If he could but callup that glance at his every coming.
The next morning, the whole citywas early astir The barons and their adherents
had withdrawn to a plain outside thewalls, as they had agreed. Rienzi

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and his followers, meanwhile, werebusied with warlike preparations. Armed men ran
hither and thither about the streets,greeting other citizens, and it was seen
that whenever a shopkeeper or craftsman wasapproached, he straightway forsook whatever he was
doing, and hastened to arm himselfalso and fall in line. When the

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sun was well up in the heavens, the sound of a trumpet was heard.
It blew the call of Rienzi,and straightway through the streets came the
steady tread of marching feet. Atthe head of a large body of determined
looking men, rode Rhienze, cladin the glittering armor of a tribune.
Before the great square of the capitol. He turned and addressed the populace,

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telling them to be valiant upon thisday and stand for the honor and freedom
of their beloved city and for theirown security. Then, giving orders,
he posted men at the gates andupon the walls, where they awaited the
return of the barons. It wasreally an easy victory, for when the
barons came back, wearied and weakenedby the fighting among themselves, they found

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the gates so securely barred and thewalls so strongly defended, that they were
forced to make terms. They agreedto respect the laws and recognize Rhienzy's Tribune
before ever they were allowed to enteror continue to their homes. You may
be sure this defeat sat ill withthe haughty lords, who had despised the

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common people and sneered at their champion. But they saw it would not do
to employ force, as they weregreatly outnumbered, so they decided to plot
secretly against the Tribune, while outwardlythey bowed to his authority. Accordingly,
when Rhienzy held his first public audiencea few days later in the audience chamber

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of the capital, the barons werepresent, as well as ambassadors from foreign
courts and many other dignitaries. Itwas an imposing assemblage worthy of a king.
Messengers were dispatched hither and thither withorders. Pages stood in waiting.
Harolds announced each person who had businesswith the Tribune. Couriers dust covered strode

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in to bring good news. Onereported that the brigands had been suppressed,
another that all the roads were safe, another that peace was an assured fact
in all the country round about,and people were blessing the new Tribune's rule.
This news was received with great joyby all in the court, with
the exception of the barons. Theysaw in at a death blow to their

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own power, and knew that solong as the Tribune held sway, the
people would be more than a matchfor them. So they resolved to lose
no time in putting Rhenzi to death. That very day, they met together,
putting aside their own animosities for thetime being, and laid their plans.
Adrian, who was present, indignantlyupbraided them, telling them they were

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breaking the word, but he wasnot heeded. Instead, his own father,
who was head of the House ofColonna, asked him if he were
going to turn against them his ownflesh and blood. Hot words rushed to
Adrian's lips. He was on thepoint of replying that his country's welfare came
first, but the barons did notpause to listen. They went in search

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of Rienzi, each with a daggerunder his cloak. Rienzi had been addressing
the people from a gallery in thecapital, when of a sudden Adrian ran
swiftly from behind a row of pillarsand whispered to him, beyond your guard,
there are those who seek your life, and then he darted away.
He did not have time to saymore, for the group of conspirators were

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even then drawing near. They surroundedRynzy under pretense of asking him some question
with regard to the new government.Then quickly they drew their daggers, and
each one struck him in turn.But the Tribune had been too vigilant for
them, suspect treachery on their part. He had taken the precaution to don
a coat of mail under his robeof state, and this turned aside all

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their blows. Those below, whohad seen their dastardly attack cried aloud for
vengeance. Seize them, kill them, murderers. Villains resounded on all sides,
and in a jiffy the gallery wasthronged with excited men, led by
Sicco, a burly blacksmith, andthe conspirators were disarmed and bound. They

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were thrown into separate dungeons. Andso fierce was the rage against them that
they were glad to hear the heavydoors clang, for they had been afraid
of being torn to pieces. Asit was their hours seemed numbered. For
the people surged about the chair ofState, whereon Rhiinsy had now taken his
seat, and clamored loudly for theexecution of the barons. Rhionsy also was

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justly indignant. He did not careso much for the attack made against his
own person as for the baron's totalwant of honor and disregard of the state's
welfare. He saw that they wereworking for their own interests to the ruin
of everyone else, and that thepeople's new found liberty would be safer if
they were put to death. Sohe was about to yield to the popular

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clamor and signed their death warrant whenAdrian and Irene entered. The young nobleman
had realized the serious danger threatening hisfather and the other barons when their attack
failed. Wishing to save his kindredand friends, although he knew they deserved
punishment, he had hastened in searchof Irene and begged her to plead with

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her brother for the prisoners lives.This the tender hearted girl consented, to
do, and they now came topresent the petition together, falling on their
knees before Rhiansy, they begged himto show mercy rather than justice, and
prove the greatness of his high office. This was just the sort of petition
that appealed to the high soul tribune. He impulsively tore up the sentence which

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he was about to sign, andcalling the people together, he addressed them
again with the eloquence of which hewas so great a master. He asked
to be allowed to pardon the barons, as it was him only that they
had attacked. The people gave theirconsent, though not without murmurs, and
the prisoners were then summoned to thethrone room. Rhiunzy received them in state,

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and for once they were cowed intosubmission. Indeed, they expected nothing
less than sentence of death. Andif any of them had been in Rhiunzy's
place, he would have lost notime in pronouncing this sentence. But as
we have before seen, the chieffault of Rhienzy was too great faith in
the promises of other men. Nowit led him into the great mistake of

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his life. To the utter surpriseof the prisoners, the tribune addressed them
in words of kindness and pardon.Friends, he said quietly, I have
been deeply grieved by the outbreak forwhich ye are now in chains. As
concerns my own life, I carenot a straw. I will gladly offer
it up at any moment for thegood of my country. But in your

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late attack I cannot but see thatye were aiming at my country rather than
me. You were violating your words, You were breaking the laws. If
I regarded only the justice of thecase and the requests of my people,
I should order you to immediate execution, for this ye have deserved. But
the teachings of Holy Church are thatwe shall temper our deeds with mercy.

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I have therefore asked the people whomye have offended to forgive you for my
sake. This they will do ifye renew your allegiance, promising solemnly upon
your honor as gentlemen and Christians,to respect the laws of the people and
my authority as their representative. Duringthis speech, the barons looked at one

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another in doubt and amazement. Neverhad they heard its life. Their whole
lives had been spent under the principleof kill or be killed, and the
nobility of this young dreamer struck noresponsive note in their own breasts. But
when he ended his speech of pardonwith the condition that they take a new
oath of allegiance, they saw itwas their only hope of escape. And

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so they all promised, though sullenlyand reluctantly, and each one resolving in
his heart to pay no heed toa promise run from him by force of
circumstances. Thus you see the Tribune'sgood deed brought forth no good fruit,
only evil. For as the prisonerswere set free, their faces wore such

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heavy scowls, and their teeth setso savagely, that the people were filled
with foreboding, and for the firsttime began to doubt the wisdom of their
ruler. The citizens had good causeto be alarmed. That very night,
the baron secretly fled from the city, and the next day reports reached the
market place that they were collecting alarge arm army in the provinces and would

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soon march against Rhienzy to crush him. The reports were soon confirmed and grew
more portentous day by day. Thepeople became terrified and openly reproached the tribune
for his lack of foresight, yetthey still clung to him as their leader
and implored him to save them fromtheir enemies. Rhienzi went about with calm

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and cheerful countenance. His very presenceinspired confidence, and his speeches brought the
people flocking to his standard and readyto shed their last drop of blood in
the beloved cause. But there wasone in this troublous time whose heart was
torn with conflicting emotions. Poor Adriandid not know which way to turn.

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Loyalty to his kindred and father's housedemanded that he side with the barons.
A newfound devotion to his country andbelief in Rhienzi urged him to support the
people, and in addition, hehad become deeply in love with the gentle
Irene and felt that she responded tohis devotion. It was indeed a heartbreaking

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situation for him, and one thatseemed more hopeless as the day of battle
grew imminent. Finally, the baron'sarmy drew proudly on the city, and,
halting before the gates, demanded itsinstant surrender. The warders shouted back
defiance, while from within came thesound of singing and marching men. Rhynsy's
forces approached the gate with regulente step, keeping time to a sonorous war chat.

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At their head rode the Tribune,his dark eyes flashing with the light
of conflict. But before he couldgive orders to throw open the gates and
meet the enemy on open ground,Adrian sprang forward and cast himself before Rhynzy's
charger. Halt, I beseech you, o Tribune, he cried, while
the steed reared and its rider drewin the rein Sharply, what is the

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cause of this, demanded Rhiynzi.Sternly, Let me plead with the barons
once more, begged Adrian. Perchancethey will listen to me, and there
will be no need of bloodshed.Ah, let us have an armistice.
It is too late, replied theTribune. They have shown us that we
can put no faith in speeches.Stand aside, what ho warders. Open

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the gates and let us give theserebels all the fighting they desire. And
so they did, while the unfortunateAdrian was brushed aside. The gates were
unbarred, and the two armies rushedtogether in the shock of battle. Rome
the ancient seat of many fierce struggles, never saw one more fierce or deadly
than this. The barons were spurredon by hatred and greed. The people

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were fighting for their liberties, andhere and there and everywhere the black horse
of Rienzi was seen bearing his triumphantrider into the thickest of the fray.
Rienzi's plume, waving above his darkhair, was the signal of victory.
Rhienzy's clear voice was encouragement and conquest. Finally, after fearful slaughter, the

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barons broke and fled. The tribunehad once again defeated them. Among the
heaps of slain was Adrian's father,the head of the House of Colonna.
While the victorious citizens buried the dead, they sang praises to their leader,
whom they idolized more than ever.And it did indeed seem that a bright

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day had dawned for Rome. Butthough the barons were defeated and dispersed,
they had by no means given upthe struggle. They now tried, by
underhand means to gain their ends.The Emperor of Germany had for some time
asserted sovereignty in nominal fashion over Rome. To him, the barons now appealed,

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saying that the city was in thehands of a dangerous rebel. They
also visited the Pope at Avignon andartfully persuaded him that Rienzi was a dangerous
heretic who openly scoffed at all authority. Though the Pope had formerly felt compelled
to flee from Rome because of thebarons, he now listened to their speeches,

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and, strange to say, fellin with their plans. The Emperor
also sent orders that his ambassadors wereto be recalled. This news reached Rome,
causing a new upheaval in the mindsof the fickle people. Many were
ready without delay to turn against theman they had been worshiping. Their emotions
were still further worked upon by somedesigning demagogue, one being Cicco the Blacksmith.

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We have before noticed. Cicco andhis band thought they could push themselves
to power in this general disturbance,and they lost no chance of poisoning the
ears of the crowd. Finally,a new leader appeared. It was none
other than Adrian, who, franticwith grief over the death of his father,
now publicly announced that he had vowedto slay Riensy and called upon the

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people to help him to put downthe usurper and tyrant. Soon the cry
arose in this street and that downwith Rhienzi, for the people had forgotten,
as people will forget. But stillthere were others who argued stoutly for
the Tribune's cause, so that wordsran high, and many citizens did not
know what to believe. In themidst of the disturbance, the great bell

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of the cathedral rang out, callingthe people to worship. A public service
of thanksgiving had been announced in celebrationof the great victory, and presently the
papal legate and all his train appearedgoing to the service. This made the
crowd still more doubtful in their beliefs, though public sentiment began to veer again

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towards Rienzi. See, they said, the Pope himself is helping to celebrate
the victory, then surely he hasnot withdrawn his favor from Rhienzi. Just
then Rhienzi himself appeared, leading hissister by the hand, and proceeding with
firm step to the cathedral. Adrianwas among the throng who saw him pass.

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But though Adrian had vowed to slayhim, and there were many in
the press who had been shouting downwith Rhienzi. There was not a finger
stirred against him. Such was themajesty of his calm demeanor. Adrian himself
could not strike this man. Whilehe walked hand in hand with Irene.
Her face was pale, and hereyes bore traces of suffering, as though

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she had feared for her brother's safetyor sorrowed over another's grief. Indeed,
she had done both, and ifAdrian could have looked upon her heart,
he would have seen a struggle askeen as the one he was undergoing,
a grief whose reason would have causedhim both pain and joy. Just as
Irene and Rhienzi drew near to thedoor of the cathedral, the crowd saw

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a startling scene. The papal legatecame forth, clad in the full regalia
of the church, and forbade themto enter. In a loud voice,
he pronounced a curse upon Rhienzi.He was forbidden to partake of the sacrament
or have any part in the church'sprivileges. All men, likewise were forbidden
to aid him in any way,lest they should incur a similar penalty.

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This was what was known as excommunication. It was the severest punishment in the
power of the Church, and wasusually directed only against criminals or desperate characters.
When Rienzi heard these unjust and unexpectedwords, he staggered back, filled
with amazement and horror. He hadnot looked for such reward as this for

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his great services, and he knewnot which way to turn. The citizens,
on their part, shrank away fromhim, as from once witten with
the plague. Meanwhile, Adrian sprangto Irene's side. Come away with me,
he said gently. The anathema wasnot directed against you, and I
can conduct you to safety. No, she cried, clinging the closer to

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her brother. No where he goes, there will I go. I will
never forsake him or refuse to sharehis curses or his perils. But you
cannot protect him. Come while thereis yet time, no, she again
exclaimed, and pressing to Rhynsey's side, the brother and sister proceeded slowly down
the street, while the crowd partedto right and left and watch them depart

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in sullen silence. Though momentarily crushedby the blow, Rhynsey was still undaunted.
He believed that if he could yetgain the ear of the people.
He could win his cause with them, and then he would lay it on
its true light before the Pope.Now his soul was filled with sorrow instead
of anger, and as he wenton his way, he busied himself with

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new plans for the city's good.Let us go to the capital, he
said in low tones to his sisterthere on the outer balcony, I will
address my people. No, no, dear brother, let us flee,
replied Irene. Rome has been ungrateful, and you owe her no further service.
I pray you do not tarry inher gaits, and thus proclaim myself

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guilty, answered Rienzi. Not so. Besides, where could I go.
Rome has been my one passion,my very life. Without her, my
life would be aimless. Oh no, let me lay it down in her
service if she demands it, andit will be given gladly, if only
Rome may rise up better for thegift. Irene shook her head sadly,

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but did not remonstrate farther in silence. They drew near the capitol and ascended
its broad stone steps. The guardson each side saluted the tribune as he
passed. Once within, he gavecertain orders to harolds who stood near and
went to an ante room, wherehe poured out his very heart in earnest

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prayer. But it was not forhimself that he prayed. It was for
the safety as his beloved Rome.And how were the Romans requiting him?
The news of the excommunication ran throughthe city like wildfire and caused the most
intense excitement. People talked of nothingelse. Ciccu and the other plotters made

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the utmost of it, assuring thecrowds that Rienzi's many sins had found him
out and that he was too dangerousa man to be suffered to live another
day. Adrian, on the contrary, ashamed of his previous part, did
all he could to turn the tidein favor of the wronged Tribune, but
it was in vain. His ownformer words were shouted back against him,

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while the crowds that followed Cicco andthe other plotters constantly grew larger and more
noisy. They had heard that theTribune had taken refuge in the capital,
and to their increasing cry of downwith Rienzi was added the still more ominous
one of burne the capitol. Finally, Adrian saw that only the most desperate

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means would save the tribune's life.Nothing short of instant and secret flight would
avail him. Hastening by side streets, the young nobleman burst into the capitol,
where he found Irene guarding the doorto her brother's room. Where is
Rhianzi, he said, swiftly,we must all flee. The people are
coming with torches to burn the capital. He is there, but he will

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not flee, she answered, Andmy place is with him, Oh,
Irene, Irene, can you notsee that my heart is burning up with
love for you. I have lovedyou since that night I first saw you
in the street. Come with me, I beseech you. We will implore
your brother also to flee. Butif he will not be persuaded, why
need you sacrifice yourself. Then,without waiting for her reply, he dashed

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past her into the room where Rhynziknelt in prayer. Come, said Adrian.
The people are approaching to fire thecapital. You and your sister will
be lost if you do not followme by sea secret way which I know.
Listen, do you not hear thenoise in the streets. The dull
war was indeed becoming louder and louder, but Rinzy only smiled I am used

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to the people and do not fearthem, he said. But Irene,
child, this is no place foryou. I entreat you to go with
this good friend. Irene had alsoentered the room and now flushed red,
but said no word. I haveasked her to go with me for always,
said Adrian. God knows how inthis hour of distress. I love

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her and will protect her. Ipray you join your word with mine.
Do you love this man? Sister, asked Crinsy, gazing at her kindly.
Irene bowed a silent yes, andthen burst into tears, clinging to
her brother's hand. Then go withhim, he continued, placing her hand

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in Adrian's. I too have loved, and the object of my love has
been Rome. As you two mustcling to one another, now, so
must I cling to my unhappy city. Go. It was high time.
The advance guard of the mob wasalready surging into the square. Without waiting
a moment longer, Adrian wrung hisfriend's hand and lifted the swooning form of

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Irene, Carrying her down a dimcorridor and through the secret passage of which
he had spoken. He bore herspeedily to safety. But Rienzi faithful to
the last, to his noble endeavor. The brave tribune ascended the open balcony
in full view of the people andtried to address them. But Ciccu and

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the other demagogues would not permit this. They were afraid lest his matchless eloquence
should once more win the people's hearts. Hooting and yelling, they picked up
great stones and hurled them into thebalcony where he stood. Others of the
mob applied torches to the balcony andother parts of the building. Soon the

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heavy smoke rolled up, and thenthe bright scorching flame. The smoke shut
the dreadful scene from view, butin the light of the fire it again
stood out clearly. There, withhands uplifted rheins, still sought to address
the people. The splendid dreamer hadno thought of flying from his martyrdom.
With a mighty crash, the wallsof the capital fell, in symbol of

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the destruction of the government. Longwere the people to mourn their work of
this day. A shower of burningembers rose into the sky, then slowly
settled back again upon a gray andsmoking pile. It was the tomb of
the last of the tribunes and astory. Nine