“The axe: it is that which befits knight and warrior. For thee, Senator, Fate hath a less noble death.”
“Robber be dumb!” cried Rienzi, passionately; “Guards, bear back the prisoner. At sunrise, Montreal—”
“Sets the sun of the scourge of Italy,” said the Knight, bitterly. “Be it so. One request more; the Knights of St. John claim affinity with the Augustine order; grant me an Augustine confessor.”
“It is granted; and in return for thy denunciations, I, who can give thee no earthly mercy, will implore the Judge of all for pardon to thy soul!”
“Senator, I have done with man’s mediation. My brethren? Their deaths are not necessary to thy safety or thy revenge!”
Rienzi mused a moment: “No,” said he, “dangerous tools they were, but without the workman they may rust unharming. They served me once, too. Prisoner, their lives are spared.”
Chapter 10.V. The Discovery.
The Council was broken up—Rienzi hastened to his own apartments. Meeting Villani by the way, he pressed the youth’s hand affectionately. “You have saved Rome and me from great peril,” said he; “the saints reward you!” Without tarrying for Villani’s answer, he hurried on. Nina, anxious and perturbed, awaited him in their chamber.
“Not a-bed yet?” said he: “fie, Nina, even thy beauty will not stand these vigils.”