Jane’s Reviews > Rienzi, Last of the Roman Tribunes > Status Update

After rise of Rienzi, be ginning of fall. Excommunicated. and exiled. He vows: RIENZI SHALL RETURN!

I still don't trust Walter de Montreal, despite his fair words.

"Long life to Rienzi!—long live Cecco del Vecchio! He hath spoken well!—none but the Law-maker shall be the Governor!"

Such were the acclamations which greeted the ambitious heart of the Scholar. The voice of the people invested him with the supreme power. He had created a Commonwealth—to become, if he desired it, a Despot! Rienzi accepts the title of Tribune.

Then, turning suddenly to his companions, as his features, singularly varying in their character and expression, brightened, from solemn awe, into a martial and kindling enthusiasm, he [Rienzi] cried aloud, "Death to the Tyranny! Life to the Republic!"

Then, turning suddenly to his companions, as his features, singularly varying in their character and expression, brightened, from solemn awe, into a martial and kindling enthusiasm, he [Rienzi] cried aloud, "Death to the Tyranny! Life to the Republic!"

Then, turning suddenly to his companions, as his features, singularly varying in their character and expression, brightened, from solemn awe, into a martial and kindling enthusiasm, he [Rienzi] cried aloud, "Death to the Tyranny! Life to the Republic!"

abduction and rescue of Irene. pact between Rienzi and bishop

background of political and religious tumult. people crying out for justice.

Reading online. Enjoyable though very flowery, emotive, overwrought style. Guelf [Orsini family] against Ghibiline [Colonna family] in the 14th century Italy of Petrarch. Rienzi's brother has been murdered so he now lives for revenge. Hitherto he had been a scholar.