The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-12

evening the battle ceased. Of the barons the pride had been broken. Of the prince ly line of Colonna three lay dead upon the field and the corpse of many another scion of the nobility weltered in its blood Shouts of rejoicing followed the Trib- une's steed as he rode back through the gateway from his pursuit of the rebels. He refined in his horse beside the body of Gianna Coonna, the one whose spear had taken the life of his brother so many years ago "Child.' said Rienzi to the page, Angelo vassilli, best art thou who hast no blood of kindred to avenge." The words sank deep into Angelos heart.
 Just at that moment was heard the trampling of war steeds, and the men stood to their arms again. But Rienzi at a glance saw that the leader of the ap- preaching party was unarmed, and, rec nized in him Adrian Colonna. whom ne had sent on an embassy to Naples and who, at this dramatic moment, had ar rived back at the Eternal City. Painting breathless-Adrian halted in the pool made of the blood of his lsindsmen and their pale faces, set in death, glared at him, Alas. dread fate" he cried. "un- happy Romer' "They fell into the pit they themselves had digged." answered the Tribune. Would that your counsels had prevented it." Away, proud man." cried Adrian and, dismounting, sorrowed over the fallen pillars of his house.
 The multitude were beginning to clam or for the blood of one more noble, and Rienzi drew Adrian gently aside and sought to comfort him. But Adrian said: Tribune. they may have died justly or been butchered foully; but there can be no alliance between the executioner of my race and me. Tribune, I accuse not nor blame you. If you have been rash in this God will have blood for blood I wage no war with you my more Your sister-God be with her--be- tween her and me Hows a dark gulf And so farewell to Rome.' He sprang upon his horse and was gone.
 And thus" said the Tribune, as he saw Adrian depart. fate plucks from me my noblest friend and my justest coun- selor. A better man Rome never lost"
 
 her lover was assuaged by letter which he sent to her. In 1t he explained those sentiments which forced him to break off his connection with the Tribune and 10 be a stranger to the woman he loved as long as Rienzi held his present place of power. Honor called him one way and love another Now he hearkened to the dictates of honor. But he did not despair of their again being together in this world-and if not here, then here after. The letter burned with his pas sionate love for Irene. and, "he loves me he loves me still, and I am blessed once more.'' said the weeping maiden when she had finished the reading of the let ter
 Meanwhile, after the first blush of vic- tory, lamentation succeeded to the joys of Rome: so great had been the slaugh- ter of the people that private grief seem- ed to swallow up public joy The treas ury was empty and it became necessary to impose a new tax. The fiery eloquence of Rienzi, which had so often swayed council and mob, was now received with cold silence. Would he get us killed and tax us too? asked the people, and they began to revle him for bis extrav- agant way of living, while various en- yious demagogues went about stirring up the people to overthrow their former idol.
 The barons, informed by their spies of the change of popular sentiment in the city. began planning another attack. In vain Rienzl appealed to the people to arm themselves and prepare to meet the enemy. A dull apathy fell over Rome The market places were deserted,' the citizens shut themselves up in their houses, and a party of merceraries ana noblemen's retainers entered the walls and seized upon the place of the O. lonnas. holding it for old Stephen. Nina" said Rienz. I've must part; your life is no longer safe in Rome. The people are about to rise against me we shall be swept away. l have guard prepared for you. You have friends in Naples; depart to them at once, before it is too late. If fate spares me I will join YOU later on' What, Cola" cried the magnificent woman, would you have me turn traitor, too? No, Cola. in death itself Nina shall be beside you Then prepare yourself for the worst There is no worst with thee, Cola" Come to my arms, brave woman." exclaimed the Tribune. i've will have the same tomb in the wrecks of Roman liberty" The next day the mob. that fickle mon- ster which is always sure to devour It's own children, rose on the last of the Trio- unes and the barons entered the city. Rienzi and his wife and sister and a few faithful followers threw themselves into the castle of San Angelo. When that fortress-tomb surrendered the victors found the birds had finown which they most desired. Cola with Nina and Irene had made his escape. For seven years had Rienzi governed Rome and now all that he had done was to be undone. The Tribune repaired to the courts of the King of Bohemia and the kings of Hun gary to plead his cause and ask aid. Fair words were all he received. He then went to Avig11on to demand trial on the many accusations which his enemies had lodged against him. There was he imprisoned until at length trial was given him. Seven years had he reigned and seven years was he wanderer and an exile. The faithful Nina accompanied him in his wanderings.
 Meantime Irene had found refuge in a. convent at Florence. When the plague broke out in that city and the news of the scourge reached Adrian in his retreat in