So be it then decided." "Amen!--and now, then, what is your force?
for these eighty or a hundred signors of the Aventine,--worthy men, doubtless,--scarce suffice for a revolt!" Gazing cautiously round the room, the Roman placed his hand on Montreal's arm-- "Between you and me, it requires time to cement it.

We shall be unable to stir these five weeks.

I have too rashly anticipated the period.

The corn is indeed cut, but I must now, by private adjuration and address, bind up the scattered sheaves." "Five weeks," repeated Montreal; "that is far longer than I anticipated." "What I desire," continued Rienzi, fixing his searching eyes upon Montreal, "is, that, in the meanwhile, we should preserve a profound calm,--we should remove every suspicion.

I shall bury myself in my studies, and convoke no more meetings." "Well--" "And for yourself, noble Knight, might I venture to dictate, I would pray you to mix with the nobles--to profess for me and for the people the profoundest contempt--and to contribute to rock them yet more in the cradle of their false security.