An honest people and a weak mob,--a corrupt people and a strong mob," said the other, rather to himself than to his comrade, and scarce, perhaps, conscious of the eternal truth of his aphorism.

"He is no mere brawler, this Rienzi, I suspect--I must see to it.

Hark! what noise is that?
By the Holy Sepulchre, it is the ring of our own metal!" "And that cry--'a Colonna!'" exclaimed Rodolf.

"Pardon me, master,--I must away to the rescue!" "Ay, it is the duty of thy hire; run;--yet stay, I will accompany thee, gratis for once, and from pure passion for mischief.

By this hand, there is no music like clashing steel!" Still Adrian continued gallantly and unwounded to defend himself, though his arm now grew tired, his breath well-nigh spent, and his eyes began to wink and reel beneath the glare of the tossing torches.