Rienzi, the Last of the Roman Tribunes

Rienzi, the Last of the Roman Tribunes, is by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. A dedication is addressed To Alessandro Manzoni, as to the Genius of the Place. Verses in the text greet Rienzi as last of Romans, saying that while the tree of Freedom’s wither’d trunk puts forth a leaf, a garland should be made even for his tomb.

A scene has the shout of Colonna to the rescue echoed afar off, and a numerous train of horse at full speed brought in view with the banners of the Colonna waving gallantly in the front. A section headed The Judgment of the Tribune speaks of the brief words of the Tribune to Stephen Colonna, which sharpened the rage of the proud old noble. A section headed The Tax says that, these formidable conspiracies quelled, the Barons nearly subdued, and three parts of the Papal territory reunited to Rome, Rienzi now deemed he might safely execute one of his favourite projects, which was to raise and organize in each quarter of Rome a Roman Legion.