The people incessantly demand wonders from me: how can I more nobly dazzle, more virtuously win them, than by asserting their inalienable right to choose their own rulers?
The daring will awe the Barons, and foreigners themselves; it will give a startling example to all Italy; it will be the first brand of an universal blaze.

It shall be done, and with a pomp that befits the deed!" "Cola," said Nina, hesitatingly, "your eagle spirit often ascends where mine flags to follow; yet be not over bold." "Nay, did you not, a moment since, preach a different doctrine?
To be strong, was I not to seem strong ?" "May fate preserve you!" said Nina, with a foreboding sigh.
"Fate!" cried Rienzi; "there is no fate! Between the thought and the success, God is the only agent; and (he added with a voice of deep solemnity) I shall not be deserted.

Visions by night, even while thine arms are around me; omens and impulses, stirring and divine, by day, even in the midst of the living crowd--encourage my path, and point my goal.

Now, even now, a voice seems to whisper in my ear--'Pause not; tremble not; waver not;--for the eye of the All-Seeing is upon thee, and the hand of the All-Powerful shall protect!" As Rienzi thus spoke, his face grew pale, his hair seemed to bristle, his tall and proud form trembled visibly, and presently he sunk down on a seat, and covered his face with his hands.
An awe crept over Nina, though not unaccustomed to such strange and preternatural emotions, which appeared yet the more singular in one who in common life was so calm, stately, and self-possessed.

But with every increase of prosperity and power, those emotions seemed to increase in their fervour, as if in such increase the devout and overwrought superstition of the Tribune recognised additional proof of a mysterious guardianship mightier than the valour or art of man.
She approached fearfully, and threw her arms around him, but without speaking.
Ere yet the Tribune had well recovered himself, a slight tap at the door was heard, and the sound seemed at once to recall his self-possession.
"Enter," he said, lifting his face, to which the wonted colour slowly returned.
An officer, half-opening the door, announced that the person he had sent for waited his leisure.
"I come!--Core of my heart," (he whispered to Nina,) "we will sup alone tonight, and will converse more on these matters:" so saying, with somewhat less than his usual loftiness of mien, he left the room, and sought his cabinet, which lay at the other side of the reception chamber.