[Rienzi by Edward Bulwer Lytton]@TWC D-Link book
Rienzi

CHAPTER 4
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The Pope shall hear of it.

I will despatch a courier forthwith." "Better wait and see the ceremony," said the Savelli; "some greater folly will close the pomp, be assured." "Hark ye, my masters," said the grim Lord of the Orsini; "ye are for delay and caution; I for promptness and daring; my kinsman's blood calls aloud, and brooks no parley." "And what do ?" said the soft-voiced Savelli; "fight without soldiers, against twenty thousand infuriated Romans?
not I." Orsini sunk his voice into a meaning whisper.

"In Venice," said he, "this upstart might be mastered without an army.

Think you in Rome no man wears a stiletto ?" "Hush," said Stephen, who was of far nobler and better nature than his compeers, and who, justifying to himself all other resistance to the Tribune, felt his conscience rise against assassination; "this must not be--your zeal transports you." "Besides, whom can we employ?
scarce a German left in the city; and to whisper this to a Roman were to exchange places with poor Martino--Heaven take him, for he's nearer heaven than ever he was before," said the Savelli.
"Jest me no jests," cried the Orsini, fiercely.

"Jests on such a subject! By St.Francis I would, since thou lovest such wit, thou hadst it all to thyself; and, methinks, at the Tribune's board I have seen thee laugh at his rude humour, as if thou didst not require a cord to choke thee." "Better to laugh than to tremble," returned the Savelli.
"How! darest thou say I tremble ?" cried the Baron.
"Hush, hush," said the veteran Colonna, with impatient dignity.


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