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.
So, save by one attendant, alone, and in peace, the young patrician proceeded leisurely through the long streets, empty and deserted,--for nearly one half of the inhabitants were assembled at the walls, and nearly the other half were engaged in a more peaceful duty,--until, penetrating the interior, the wide and elevated space of the Capitol broke upon his sight.

The sun was slowly setting over an immense multitude that overspread the spot, and high above a scaffold raised in the centre, shone, to the western ray, the great Gonfalon of Rome, studded with silver stars.
Adrian reined in his steed.