The one was of a rude and common mould, his arms and his complexion testified his calling and race; and by the great respect he paid to his companion, it was evident that that companion was no native of Italy.

For the brigands of the north, while they served the vices of the southern, scarce affected to disguise their contempt for his cowardice.
The companion of the brigand was a man of a martial, yet easy air.

He wore no helmet, but a cap of crimson velvet, set off with a white plume; on his mantle, or surcoat, which was of scarlet, was wrought a broad white cross, both at back and breast; and so brilliant was the polish of his corselet, that, as from time to time the mantle waved aside and exposed it to the moonbeams, it glittered like light itself.
"Nay, Rodolf," said he, "if thou hast so good a lot of it here with that hoary schemer, Heaven forbid that I should wish to draw thee back again to our merry band.

But tell me--this Rienzi--thinkest thou he has any solid and formidable power ?" "Pshaw! noble chieftain, not a whit of it.

He pleases the mob; but as for the nobles, they laugh at him; and, as for the soldiers, he has no money!" "He pleases the mob, then!" "Ay, that doth he; and when he speaks aloud to them, all the roar of Rome is hushed." "Humph!--when nobles are hated, and soldiers are bought, a mob may, in any hour, become the master.