Rienzi : the last of the Tribunes / by Richard Wagner ; English translation

of the poem, legend and story of the opera, by John P. Jackson.

Wagner, Richard, 1813-1883.
[New York] : J. Jackson, c1885.

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 RIENZI

BY

RICHARD WAGNER

English Translation of the Poem, Legend and Story of the Opera,

By JOHN P. JACKSON,
Author of "The Album of the Passion Play at Oberammergau," "Lohengrin,
Musically and Pictorially Illustrated," "Illustrated Handbook
to "The Ring of the Nibelung," &c, &c.
 . WE

18W

DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

COLA
IRENE
RIENZI
-
------
- - - - -
The Last of the Roman Tribunes.

Rienzi's Sister.

-----
STEFFANO COLONNA - - - - Head of the House of Colonnd.
ADRIANO
■ Son of Stefano Colonna.

PAOLO ORSINI, Head of the House of Orsini.

RAIMONDO Papal Legate.
BARONCELLI ) " " " Roman Citizens'
CECCO DEL VECCHIO]
A MESSENGER OF PEACE.

Ambassadors of the Lombardian Cities, Naples, Bavaria, Bohemia, etc. [Roman Nobles,
Citizens, Men and Women of Rome, Messengers of Peace, Priests and Monks of various
Orders, Roman Trabants, etc.

Scene — Rome, about the middle of the Fourteenth Century.

The Story of the Opera, and the English Translation of the Poem, entered according
to Act ot Congress, in the year 1885,by John P. Jackson, in the Office of
the Librarian of Congress at Washington- 7>.C.
 In the study of Richard Wagner's musical — or termined to proceed to Paris, so long the goal
rather music-dramatical development — the opera of his yearning. For this purpose he embarked
of " Rienzi
" is a work of much interest. It is the with his wife on board a sailing vessel, bound
work which first made Wagner's name famous, first for London. A furious storm drove the
and represents a period in the composer's de vessel to seek shelter in a Norwegian port, and
velopment when he was still an admirer of, or it was amid the wild angry waters of the northern
imitator of, that class of works usually designated seas that the composer first seized the idea of
as the Grand Opera, and whose high-priest was making the "Flying Dutchman" the central figure
Meyerbeer. "Rienzi," says Wagner, "with his of an opera.
grand thoughts in his brain and in his heart, liv The story of Wagner's troubles while in Paris
ing in an era of rudeness and depravity, excited are too well known to need repeating in detail
"
and attracted all my sympathy and admiration : here. Meyerbeer had seen the score of " Rienzi
yet my plan for the opera sprang first from the in Berlin and had given the young composer let
conviction of a pure lyrical element in the atmos ters of introduction to Paris.
" The Novice of
"
phere of the hero. The Messengers of Peace, the Palermo was accepted for the Theatre de la
Call to Arms by the Clergy, the Battle Hymn, Renaissance, a new French text having been
induced me to the composition of the Opera oi made for it. and everything promised to be suc
' Rienzi.' The work was conceived and executed cessful, when suddenly the theatre became bank
under the influence of my earliest impressions rupt, and the hopes of the composer were des
received from Spontini's heroic operas and from troyed. He proposed to the director of the
the glittering genre of the Parisian Grand Opera Grand Opera the plan of an opera on the subject
as represented by Auber, Meyerbeer, and Halevy. of the " Flying Dutchman," suggesting that a
I completed ' Rienzi ' during my first sojourn in French text should be written for his music. The
Paris ; I had the splendid ' Grand Opera' before result, however, was that his idea was stolen.
me, and my ambition was not only to imitate, The "book" was given to a French poet, and
but, with reckless extravagance, to surpass all the composition to another musician. His
thai had gone before, in brilliant finales, hymns, sojourn in the French capital was an utter failure.
processions, and musical clang of arms. Whilst But amid all his misery he clung hopefully to
writing the libretto I simply thought of an opera- "Rienzi," which work he completed in No
text wnich would enable me to display the prin vember, 1841.
cipal forms of grand opera, such as introductions, "
While the full score of Rienzi
"
was returned
finales, choruses, arias, duets, trios, etc., etc., by one opera director after another, Wagner, in
wiih all possible splendor." the bitterness of his despair, and determined to
Since the production of " Rienzi," Wagner has escape if possible from his misery, retired in the
given us: "The Flying Dutchmann," "Tann- spring of 1841 to Meudon, and went to work on
hauser," "Lohengrin," "The Mastersinger of the composition of the words and music of "The
Nuremberg," " Tristan and Isolde," the four parts Flying Dutchman," which he completed in seven
"
of "The Nibelung's Ring and " Parzival," all weeks. Finding that he had no chance of se
of which embody, to a greater or lesser degree, the curing a hearing in Paris, he sent the scores of
advanced reformatory musico-dramatic theories his two operas to Germany; and, in the spring of
of the German master. From " Rienzi " to " The 1842, he received the gratifying intelligence that
Ring
"
is an immense progress ; and it is a fact " Rienzi " had been accepted in Dresden and
worthy to be recorded that it was the composer's " The Flying Dutchman " by the Royal Opera
trials brought upon him by this opera, which led House in Berlin. On the 19th of October, 1842,
him, though indirectly, to his studies in the rich the first performance of "Rienzi" was given in
realm of German mythology, whence he drew in the Saxon capital. The opera obtained an im
spiration for his latter creations. It was in the mense success. The gifted SchrOder-Devrient
summer of 1837 while at Dresden, that a perusal took the part of Adriano and Tichatschek that
of Bulwer's celebrated romance of "Rienzi" of the Tribune. The grand mise en scene of the
inspired Wagner with the idea of making "the opera, the picturesqueness of the costumes, the
"
Last of the Tribunes the hero of a grand magnificence of the scenery, the dances, marches,
historical opera. The work, however, was not festal processions, ecclesiastical pomp, with the
proceeded with until he had become Kapell "music full of the fiery verve of youth and en
"
meister of the new theatre of Riga ; which post he thusiasm (as Hanslick says), together produced
accepted in the autumn of the same year. Even a brillant success that at once brought the com
then it was not prosecuted with any vigor until poser fame and the position of Kapellmeister of
the winter of the following year. Then he took the Royal Opera at Dresden, the successor of
up the matter in earnest, and by the spring of Carl Maria von Weber. The first performances
1839 the first two acts of "Rienzi" were com of the opera were, after Dresden (1842), in Berlin,
pleted. With these two acts, Wagner de 1847 ; Prague, 1854 ; Paris, Theatre Lyrique,
ii THE STORY OF THE OPERA.

1869; Munich and Cassel, 1870; Augsburg and rowed from a mind strongly and mystically reli
Vienna, 1871 ; Mannheim, 1873 ; Venice, 1874 ; gious, as well as patriotic, a sacred aspect, and
Breslau, 1875 ; Madrid, 1877 ; and in London, in grew at once a duty and a passion,"
English, at Her Majesty's Theatre, in Tanuary, RIENZrS MISSION— The incident of the
1879. brother's death is described by Bulwer. Rienzi
Of the opera as a musical composition, Schure was beyond the gates, dreaming as he went along
thus expresses judgment : " ' Rienzi
'
is a work of the past greatness of the Rome, whose ruins
of the composer's youth, unequal, but already were all around him. His little brother, who had
full of force and strength, brilliant, and full of wandered away some distance, to gather flowers
fire. The reformatory ideas of the author are not for his sister Irene, became innocently mixed up
yet apparent. The libretto is cut according to the in an affray between the followers of the rival
rules of tradition — choruses, ensembles, resound houses of the Orsini and the Colonna, and was
ing marches, grand airs, trios, septets, ballet, — brutally " pierced through and through, from
nothing is wanting. The music, without betray back to breast," by the lance of one of the follow
ing any imitation in particular, has a strong ers of Colonna, before Rienzi could reach his
Italian coloring, but the individuality of the side to prevent it. To Stephen Colonna, Cola
composer is shown as well in the heroic grandeur Rienzi appealed for justice and retribution. He
of his broad melodies as in the warmth and appealed in vain. " From that bloody
clay,
riches of his instrumentation. In short, " Rienzi
" "
says Bulwer, Cola di Rienzi rose a new being.
is already the work of an independent master With his young brother died his own youth. But
without being that of an innovator." Heuffer for that event, the future liberator of Rome might
thinks that Wagner in styling " Rienzi
"
one of have been but a dreamer, a scholar, a poet ; the
the sins of his youth is inclined to a severity peaceful rival of Petrarch ; a man of thoughts, not
which few impartial outsiders will be inclined to deeds. But from that time all his faculties,
share. By the side of great weaknesses there energies, fancies, genius, became concentrated
are, he says, as many passages of great me into a single point ; and patriotism, before a
lodious beauty— for instance, the chorus and solo vision, leapt into the life and vigour of a passion,
of the Peace Messengers and Rienzi's Prayer, ab lastingly kindled, stubbornly hardened, and aw
"
solutely speaking one of the finest pieces of vocal fully consecrated — by revenge ! And when the
writing to be*found in modern music — and spe time came for him to release the people and Rome
cimens of choral structure as tender and as grand from the oppression of the insolent nobles, the
as anything achieved in his later works by memory of his brother's death inspired him to
Wagner. proceed and to complete the work which he had
THE STOR Y.—" Rienzi, the Last of the given to himself to do. " Rome shall rise again
Roman Tribunes." Bulwer Lytton gives in his from her ashes ! Justice shall dethrone Oppres
romance the vision of a grand nature struggling sion ; men shall walk safe in their ancient
amidst the darkness of his times to re-establish Forum. There shall be a people once more in
"
the glories of a wondrous past — a young en Rome !
thusiast dreaming among the desolate ruins of These extracts from Bulwer must suffice to give
ancient Rome of making the Eternal City once us the index to Rienzi's work and life. Between
more the Queen of all the world. A few pictures the romance and Wagner's text-book there are
from Bulwer will suffice to tell the essential fac slight differences, but the abridgment of the story
tors in Rienzi's life, the impulses that led him to is very deftly done. We miss the form of Nina,
dream and to act. "There was a circumstance the Tribune's wife, but her place is occupied by
attendant on his birth," says Bulwer, " which his sister Irene, whose devotion gives her a place
had probably exercised great and early influence among the many charming operatic heroines
on his ambition. Though his parents were in created by Wagner. For the libretto, Wagner
humble circumstances, and of lowly calling, his himself offers a sort of apology. It is by no
father was the natural son of the Emperor means so poetically written as his latter works,
Henry VII.; and it was the pride of the parents based on his studies in the world of German
that probably gave to Rienzi the unwonted ad mythology. It nevertheless contains some highly
vantages of education. This pride transmitted dramatic, and indeed poetic, passages — instance
to himself — his descent from royalty dinned into Rienzi's addresses to the Nobles and to the
his ear, infused into his thoughts, from his cradle People of Rome, and the Prayer, which in music
— made him, even in his earliest youth, deem and words, is one of the gems of the opera. Great
himself the equal of the Roman signors, and half power of conception is shown in the character of
unconsciously aspire to be their superior. But, the Tribune, who is drawn after a stronger
as the literature of Rome was unfolded to his original than Bulwer's sentimental hero could
eager eye and ambitious heart, he became imbued supply. We have here the historical Rienzi, the
with that pride of country which is nobler than hope of Italy and Rome,
" Un signor valoroso,
the pride of birth ; and, save when stung by accorto, e saggio," as his friend Petrarch calls
allusions to his origin, he unaffectedly vajued him. Round this central figure the simplo
himself more on being a Roman plebeian incidents of the plot are arranged in massive
than the descendant of a Teuton king. His groups.
brother's death, and the vicissitudes he himself ACT I. — Passing over the events just narrated,
had already undergone, deepened the earnest and the first act of the work opens in the Piazza of
solemn qualities of his character ; and at length San Giovanni del Laterano, on one side of which
all the faculties of a very uncommon intellect stands Rienzi's house. Young nobles of the
were concentrated into one object — which bor Orsini faction are attempting to carry off Irene,
 THE STOR Y OF THE OPERA. iii

Rienzi's sister. They are interrupted by their in Rienzi announcing his decision ot the ambas
enemies, the Colonni, one of whom, young sadors and nobles gatheted at the banquet given
Adriano di Colonna, who is in love with Irene, by him in the Capitol to celebrate, in a sym
rescues her from the grasp of her pursuers. The bolical manner, the triumphs of peace over war.
rival factions assail each other and fight in the It is during the festivities that young Orsini, re
street, in spite of the protest of the papal vicar presenting the discontented Nobles, attempts to
Raimondo. the Archbishop of Orvieta. At this stab Rienzi ; but the latter, besides being warned
moment Rienzi appears on the scene, and ad by Adrian, wears a shirt of mail beneath his flow
dresses the unruly nobles in indignant language, ing toga, and the dagger recoils from his breast.
chiding them for their abuses, and comparing the The nobles, who all declare themselves respon
grandeurs of the ancient Rome with the degrada sible for Orsini's deed, are condemned to death ;
tion of the present, brought about by their law but Adriano, who had warned Rienzi against his
lessness and despotism. The nobles finally agree would-be assassin, and Irene, beg off the former's
to fight out their quarrel, not in the streets before father, old Colonna ; and Rienzi persuades the
the plebeians, but next morning, with horse and infuriated people to pardon the conspirators.
foot, outside the city gates. This is the oppor With this act Rienzi's star begins to pale.
tunity for which Rienzi has been long waiting ; ACT III. — In this act we are made acquainted
he resolves to put to an end by a bold siroke the with the second act of treachery on the part of
oppression aider which Rome has been so long the Nobles, who have■forgiven Rienzi his leniency
suffering, and to establish the Republic, about as little as they did his assumption of power. The
which his dreams have lived for so long. He Orsini and the Colonna have united their forces
resolves that the nobles shall enter Rome again in order to gain the supreme power in Rome
submissive to the new constitution or captive to again. They have flown from the city and Rienzi
the Republic's forces, having secured the support once more has to meet them in the field of battle.
of the Holy See and arranged an armed rising of Against them Rienzi leads the citizens of Rome
and once more vanquishes them. -' Within an
the populace. The signal for the rising is sounded
by a trumpeter and chanted by the priests in the hour the Roman army —vast, miscellaneous — old
Lateran Church, and Rienzi appears on the sacred men and boys mingled with the vigor of life,
threshold clad cap-a-pie in brilliant armor, is were on their march to the Gate of San Lorenzo ;
hailed by the people as Liberator and Tribune, of their number, which amounted to twenty
and leads them to battle. thousand foot, not one-sixth could be deemed
ACT II.— The second act transports us to a men-at-arms; but the cavalry were well equipped,
stately reception-room in the Capitol, where the and consisted of lesser barons and the more opu
new order of things is being celebrated by the lent citizens. At the head of these rode the
people and their leader. Messengers of Peace, tribune in complete armor, and wearing on his
clad in white wrought in silver, and bearing in casque a wreath of oak and olive leaves, wrought
their hands each a tall silver wand, enter, singing in silver. Before him waved the great gonfalon
in chorus the glad tidings of peace that at last of Rome, while in front of this multitudinous ar
prevails over the entire Roman lands, from the ray marched a procession of monks, of the order
mountains to the sea. Rienzi's military success of St. Francis (for the ecclesiastical body of Rome
has been complete, and the Orsini-Colonna fac went chiefly with the popular spirit and its
tions have been subjugated. Rienzi has been in enthusiastic leader), slowly chanting the follow
vested by the people with supreme power, and ing hymn, which was made inexpressibly startling
bears the title of "Tribune of Liberty, Peace, and imposing at the close of each stanza by the
and Justice." "He chose" (says a clash of arms, the blast of trumpets, and the deep
" the papal Legate for his colleague, buthistorian)
reserved roll of the drum, which formed, as it were, a mar
to himself the direction of affairs, after having, tial chorus to the Roman war-song, ' Spirito Santo
Cavaliere ! "
*
however, suggested the institution of a syndicate,
to which he should be responsible. The Pope A CT IV.— But the structure which the Tribune
confirmed the eloquent Dictator in his authority ; had built was hollow at the base. " Rienzi had
all Italy rejoiced in his success, and foreign lands, no material power to enable him to give efficacy
even warlike France (according to Plutarch) be to his splendid assumption. The people of Rome,
gan to dread the reviving majesty of the Eternal unmindful of the oppressions they had endured
City. A bright dream now seems to have flashed at the hand of the nobles, began to see in his
across Rienzi's imagination — the unity of Italy mercy towards these malefactors symptoms of
and the supremacy of Rome ! Every great Italian treachery to the popular cause. The Nobles took
has dreamed that dream from Dante to Mazzini. advantage of the popular discontent arising from
Rienzi despatched messengers to the various various causes, and gathered together their forces,
Italian States, requesting them to send deputies and finally the Pope, who had in the meantime
to Rome to consult for the general interests of the received offers of assistance from the German
peniusula, and to devise measures for its unifica Emperor, and flattering overtures of protection
tion. On the ist of August, 1347, two hundred from Colonna, was induced to withdraw his pro
deputies assembled in the Lateran Church, where tection from the Tribune, and even to excommu
Rienzi declared that the choice of an emperor of nicate him." What the sword has failed to do,
the Holy Roman Empire belonged to the Roman intrigue and statescraft accomplished. The No-
people, and summoned Ludwig of Bavaria and bili enter into secret alliance with the Church,
Karl of Bohemia, who were then disputants for which at first had favored the popular rising; and
the dignity, to appear before him." This is the when on his return from the battle the victorious
historical version ; the operatic one differs only Tribune is on tlie point of entering the church of
 THE STORY OF THE OPERA.

St. John Lateran to celebrate a Te Deum for his entreaties of Petrarch and others. The next two
successes, he is met by Cardinal Raimondo, who years were spent in confinement in the French
refuses him entrance and pronounces his excom papal city. But the condition of Rome had be
munication before the assembled Romans. This come worse than ever.
seals Rienzi's doom. Transfixed with astonish The great families were even more factious,
ment, Rienzi stands on the marble stairs of the more anarchical, more desperately fond of spill
Basilica, deserted by all his friends and late ing blood than formerly, and at last Innocent IV.
worshippers His sister alone clings to him with sent Cardinal Athornos to re-establish order.
unbroken fidelity and affection. Adrian implores Rienzi was released from prison, and accompa
her to fly with him, but in vain ; she repulses him nied the cardinal. A residence was assigned to
with indignation. She, too, will prove herself a him at Perugia; but in August. 1354, having
Roman as true as her great brother, and the scene borrowed money and raised a small body of sol
closes upon Rienzi and Irene, locked in a loving diers, he made a triumphant entry into Rome.
embrace.
" Rome is not yet dead ! " he can ex The barons refused to recognize his government,
claim, inspired by his sister's sublime courage. and fortified themselves in their castles. The war
ACT V. — The end is near. Rienzi, alone, in against them necessitated the contracting of
a vaulted chamber of the Capitol, pronounces the heavy expenses ; new taxes had to be imposed,
famous prayer which gives the overture its prin and the people, even bis oldest supporters, de
cipal motif. Irene refuses to leave his side ; she serted him, and commenced to plot against his
gives up love and life to prove herself a Roman life. At last the mob broke out in revolution
like her brother. " Dost thou know," she asks against him who had made them Romans. He
of herbrother, "what means if woman sacrifice her endeavored tn address the raging multitude from
" And
love ? Oh no, for thou hast never loved ! the balcony of the Capitol. But the leaders of
Rienzi tells her the story of his love — the trea the mob would not suffer him to be heard. "His
cherous love that at least betrayed him : anguish," says Bulwer, "was great. Enough,
"
enough ! he said, presently rising and dashing
the drop scorfnfully away ; " I have risked, dared,
" I loved so fondly my betroth'd. my bride,
Who in the dust was bow'd so low ; soiled enough for this dastard and degenerate
Basely maltreated, horribly defaced,
Despis'd, abus'd, abandon d, and revil'd ! race. I will yet baffle their malice — I renounce
Oh now her anguish filled my soul with rage ! the thought of which they are so little worthy !
Oh how her woes gave strength unto my love ! — Let Rome perish !— I feel, at least, that I am
For I did yearn to see my peerless bride,
Crown'd once again as Queen of all the "World— nobler than my country !— she deserves not so
For know that Rome, yes Rome, is my betroth'd ! " high a sacrifice ! " He fell, in the endeavor to
make his escape — and by the hand of Cecco del
Rienzi attempts to address the populace excited Vecchio, 8th October, 1354.
against him, but the leaders refuse to allow him Bulwer thus describes the closing scenes of
to be heard. " Doubtless," says a contempora
Rienzi's life : "A solitary boat was gliding swiftly
neous biographer, "had he but spoken he would along the Tiber, Rome was at a distance, but the
have changed them all." Adrian fruitlessly strives lurid glow of the conflagration cast its reflection
to induce Irene to leave her brother and the dan upon the placid and glassy stream :— fair beyond
gers that threaten him. The populace surround description was the landscape — soft beyond all
the Capitol, set it on fire and burn it to the art of painter and of poet, the sunlight quivering
ground. The Tribune and his sister sink to earth over the autumnal herbage, and hushed into ten
amidst the flaming ruins. der calm the waves of the golden river ! Adrian's
Thus ends the opera. Between the two scenes eyes were strained towards the towers of the Ca
of the last act, however, the readers of Bulwer's pitol, distinguished by the flames from the spires
romance will be able to fill in some important and domes around. 'They dare not — they dare
events in the Tribune's career. After seven weeks not — they dare not,' said the brave Colonna,
of authority Rienzi resigned hisfunctions," weep * touch a hair of that sacred head !— If Rienzi fall,
ing all the time." He went to live then in the the liberties of Rome fall for ever ! As those
solitudes of the Neapolitan Apennines, where he towers that surmount the flames, the pride and
joined an order of monks, cherishing the hope
monument of Rome, he shall rise above the
that he would one day be able to deliver Rome of the hour. Behold, still unscathed
again.
" This ambition to play a distinguished dangers
amidst the raging element, the Capitol itself is
part made him readily listen to a brother monk, "
his emblem ! Scarce had he spoken, when the
who, about 1350, declared that, according to the
vast volume of smoke obscured the fires afar off,
prophecies of Joachim of Flores, of Cyrilms, and a dull crash (deadened by the distance) travelled
of Merlin, Rienzi was destined, by the help of the to his ear, and the next moment the towers on
Emperor Karl IV., to introduce a new era of hap whicn he gazed had vanished from the scene,
piness into the world." Rienzi went to Prague and one intense and sullen glare seemed to settle
to see the Emperor, who, however, put him in
over the atmosphere, — making all Rome itself
prison. In 1351 he was transferred to Avignon,
the funeral pyre of the Last of the Roman
tried by the papal courts, and condemned to "
Tribunes !
death. But his life was spared at the earnest
RIENZI.
 RIENZI.
first Act— £fje ,H6&ucUon.

A Street in Rome. The Church of St. John Laieran in the background. In the foreground the
dwelling of Rienzi. Jt is night. Orsini and several Nobles enter. Two of the latter place a
ladder against Rienzi 's house, and enter through one of the windows.

Orsini. Orsini.
Here 'tis ! Come on ! To work, brave Ha ! the Colonna ! Draw, for Orsini !
fellows!
Come, plant the ladder here, and mount! The Colonna.
The fairest girl in Rome is mine ! Colonna, strike !
You'll praise my judgment, I'll be bound!
The Orsini.
( The Nobili drag Irene from the house into the street?)
Orsini, strike !
Irene.
Release me ! Release me ! Oh, help !
Colonna.
Seize ye the maiden !
Nobles.
Orsini.
Ha, what a frolicsome abduction
From the plebeian's house ! Bear her away !

Irene. Adriano.
Barbarians, dare ye do such shame ? {Appealing with a few armed followers, mixes in
the fray. )
Nobles.
Why all this strife! — Strike, for Colonna!
But why resist, thou winsome child ? Great Heaven ! She ! It is Irene !
Hast thou not suitors here enough ? Let go ! I'll save her from your harm !
Orsini. {He forces his way to Irene and releases her.)

Come, come, my pretty ! Don't be vex'd! Colo'.na.

Thou'lt not repine when we are friends!
Well done, my son ! She shall be thine !
Irene.
Adriano.
Dare you this ? Barbarians ! Rescue !
Touch her who dares ! My life for her !
Nobili. Orsini.
Orsini.
Ha ! She is fair 1 Away with the prize!
In sooth he plays the hero well !
{Orsini and his Retainers are about to take Irene off,
when they are met by Colonna and a number But mine she is — and must remain !

of his followers. ) (He rushes on Adriano who defends Irene.)

Colonna. (rallying his followers).

Colonna
'Tis the Orsini ! Draw for Colonna ! Come, look not on ! Strike in !
 RIENZI.
Erster Mt— Die @ntfü(jrung.

Eine Strasse, welche im Hintergrunde durch die Lateran-Kirche begrenzt ist ; im Vorder
grunde rechts das Haus Rienzi's. — Es ist Nacht. — Orsini und mehrere Nobili treten auf. —
Zwei Nobili legen eine Leiter an Rienzi's Haus und steigen durch das geöffnete Fenster.

Orsini. Orsini.
Hier ist's ! Hier ist's ! Frisch auf, ihr Ha ! die Colonna ! — Zieht für Orsini !
Freunde !
Zum Fenster legt die Leiter ein ! Die Colonna.
Das schönste Mädchen Roms sei mein. — Colonna hoch !
Ihr sollt mich loben, ich versteh's.
Die Orsini.
Lrene.
Orsini hoch !
Zu Hülfe ! Zu Hülfe ! O Gott !
Colonna.
Die Nobili.
Nehmt euch das Mädchen !
Ha, welche lustige Entführung
Aus des Plebejers Hausl Orsini.
Lrene. Haltet sie fest !

Barbaren, wagt ihr solche Schmach ? Adriano.

( Tritt mit einigen bewaffneten Begleitern auf und
Die Nobili. mischt sich in den Streit. )
Nur nicht gesträubt, du hübsches Kind ! Was für ein Streit? — Auf, für Colonna!
Du siehst, der Freier sind gar viel. Was seh' ich ? Gott ! das ist Irene ! —
Lasst los ! Dies Weib schütze ich !
Orsini.
(Er bricht sich schnell Bahn zu Irene und befreit sie.)
So komm doch, Närrchen, sei nicht so
bös ; Colonna.
Dein Schad' ist's nicht, kennst du mich
Ha, brav mein Sohn ! Sie sei für dich !
erst.
Lrene.
Adriano.
Wer rettet mich.
Rührt sie nicht an ! Mein Blut für sie !
Nobili. Orsini.
Haha ! Sie ist schön ! Nur fort in's Ge Orsini.
mach ! Er spielt fürwahr den Narren gut !
[Orsini und die Nobili sind im Begriff Irene abzu Doch diesmal ist sie noch für mich.
führen, als ihnen Colonna mit einer Anzahl Begleiter
entgegen tritt.) (Er dringt auf Adriano ein, dieser vert heidigt Irene, j

Colonna. Colonna (zu den Seinigen).

Es ist Orsini. — Zieht für Colonna ! Nun seht nicht zu ! Schlagt los !
2 R1ENZ1.

The Colonna. Rienzi.

Colonna ! Have peace !— ( To the People.) And ye,
( The fight is renewed. A
great number of people have ye
have gathered about the two parties. They Forgot so soon the pledge ye gave me ?
attempt to stop the fray.) Is this your reverence
{To the Nobles.)
for the Church,
The People.
Th t as entrusted to your charge ?
Ha ! Why this strife !— Put up your {Rienzi sees the ladder, which is still leaning
swords ! against his house. Irene who has hastened to him
has fallen upon his breast. He seems intuitively
Orsini. to grasp what has taken place, and continues vio
lently agitated his address to the nobles.)
The tedious folk !
This is your handiwork. In this I know
Colonna. ye well !
A tender stripling, murdered ye our
Down with the meddlers !
brother,
People. And now our sister ye would dare dis
honor !
Down with the Colonna! What other crimes remain for yourcom-
Down with the Orsini ! mitting ?
{The people seize upon stones, sticks, axes, and ham Of grand old Rome, the queen of all the
mers, etc., and attempt to separate the Nobles.
Raimondo, with a number of followers, appears.)
world,
Ye've made a robber's nest ; the Church
Raimondo. herself
Ye spared not ;— Peter's throne ye ban-
Ye roisterers, cease this senseless strife !
ish'd
Tis I — the Legate! — Heed ye not? To distant Avignon ! No pilgrim dares
Colonna. To visit Rome to celebrate his Easter !
For ye beleaguer, robberlike, the high
Take heed thyself! Spare us thy sermons! ways —
Go howl thy biddings in the church! A desert drear, thus droops our proud
old Rome !
Raimondo.
E'en what is left the poor, that rob ye
Ha, what irreverence ! too, —
Orisini.
Ye break, like thieves, into his narrow
store ;
Prithee, spare us The men ye murder, and their wives
Thy interference ! dishonor !
Raimondo.
Gaze all around, and see where this is
done !
Shameless fellows ! See! Yon proud temples, yonder columns,
This to me — the Holy Father's say to you :—
This was the ancient, mighty, glorious
Colonna. Rome,
Off, tiresome babbler ! That once rul'd all the world ; whose
citizens
People. Could call themselves the Kings of
Base blasphemers ! Kings !
Banditti! Tell me, Live there yet Romans?
Nobles.
Now strike! Make way! Prevent us not! People.
{General and violent conflict. Just as Raimondo
finds himself dangerously pressed. Rienzi appears, Rienzi ! Rienzi ! Hail, Rienzi !
accompanied by Baroncelli and Cecco del Vecchio.
Seeing Rienzi, the people cease fighting, and rever Nobles.
ently make room for him. The nobles stand speech
less in astonishment, seeing Rienzi 's influence.) Ah, what presumption! Hear him rave!
2 R1ENZJ.

Rienzi.
Die Colonna.
Colonna ! Zur Ruhe ! — (Zum Volke) Und ihr,
{Erneuerter Kampf. Eine grosse Anzahl Volks hat habt ihr
sich um die Streitenden versammelt, und sucht dem Vergessen, was ihr mi geschworen ?
Kampfe Einhalt zu thun.)
(Zu den Nobili) Ist dies die Achtung
Volk.
vor der Kirche,
— Lasst ab vom Die eurem Schutze anvertraut !
Ha ! welcher Streit !
Kampf ! , (Rienzi' s Blick fällt auf die Leiter, welche noch an
seinem Hause angelehnt steht. Irene ist an seine
Orsini. Brust geeilt, sogleich scheint er zu vet stehen, was vor
gefallen ; in der heftigsten Aufregung fährt er gegen
Das fehlte noch ! die Nobili fort.')

Colonna. Dies ist eu'r Handwerk ! Daran erkenn'

ich euch !
Schlagt Alles nieder !
Als zarte Knaben würgt ihr uns're
Volk.
Brüder
Und uns're Schwestern möchtet ihr ent
Nieder mit Colonna ! Nieder mit Orsini ! ehren,
(Das Volk greift zu Steinen, Stöcken, Aexten, Was bleibt zu den Verbrechen euch noch
Hämmern u. s. w., und sucht mit Gewalt die übrig ?
Nobili zu trennen. — Raimondo mit einer Anzahl
Das alte Rom, die Königin der Welt,
Begleiter tritt auf.)
Macht ihr zur Räuberhöhle, schändet
Raimondo. selbst
Die Kirche , Petri Stuhl muss flüchten
Verweg'ne ! lasst ab ■vom Streit !
Zum fernen Avignon ! — Kein Pilger
Zur Ruhe ruf ich, der Legat 1 wagt's,
Colonna.
Nach Rom zu zieh'n zum hohen Völker
feste,
Mein Herr Legat, geht in die Kirche, Denn ihr belagert, Räubern gleich, die
Und lasst die Strasse frei für uns ! Wege ; —
Verödet, arm — versiecht das stolze
Raimondo. Rom,
Ha, welche Frechheit ! Und was dem Aermsten blieb, das raubt
ihr ihm,
Orsini. Brecht, Dieben gleich, in seine Läden
Lasst uns fechten ! ein,
Macht euch von hinnen 1 Erschlagt die Männer, entehrt die Wei
ber
Raimondo. Blickt um euch denn, nnd seht, wo ihr
Unverschämte ! dies treibt !
Ich, der Gesandte eures Herrn ! Seht, jene Tempel, jene Säulen sagen
euch :
Colonna. Es ist das alte, freie, grosse Rom,
Das einst die Welt beherrschte, dessen
Fort, läst'ger Schwatzer !
Bürger
Könige der Könige sich nannten !—
Volk.
Banditen, ha ! sagt mir, giebt es noch
Hört die Frevler !
Römer ?
Nobili.
Volk.
D'rauf los ! Macht Platz, wir greifen an !
{Allgemeiner heftiger Streit. Als Raimondo im ge Ha, Rienzi ! Rienzi ! Hoch, Rienzi !
fährlichsten Gedränge ist, tritt Rienzi auf, begleitet
■vonBaroncelli und Cecco del Vecchio. Bei seinem
Erscheinen lässt das Volk augenblicklich vom Nobili.
Kampfe ab, und macht ihm ehrerbietig Platz, so
dass die Nobili allein auf die Seite zu stehen kommt.) Ha, welche Frechheit ! Hört ihr ihn ?
 RIENZI. 3

Orsini. Rienzi.
Enough! Tear out his babbling tongue! ( W ho has apparently been sunk in reverie. )

For Rome ! They go without the gates!

Co.'onna
So be it! I'll close the gates against them!
{Resisting the press of the Nobles.)

Oh, let him babble — foolish stuff !

Raimondo.
How long must we siill wait, Rienzi ?
Orsini.
When wilt thou break the tyrants'
Plebeian ! power ?

Colonna. Baroncelli.
To-morrow morn betimes, Rienzi, when shall come the day
Sir Notary, pray call on me, Which thou hast promised us so oft ?
And I will pay thee for thy sermoning !
Cecco.
Colonna, Orsini, and Nobles. When comes the day of peace and law,
Ho ! ho ! the fool has lost his head ; Of safety from their arrogance !
He is forsooth full gently bred !
Give honor to his noble blood, The People.
He would do better, if he could ! see, we hold to thee !
Rienzi,
Rienzi.
O Roman, make us great and free !

Desist, my friends ! Avoid the fray ! Rienzi.

Ere long will come our reckoning day ! O Cardinal, reflect on thy demands !
Baroncelli, and People. Can I e'er count upon the Church's aid?
Cecco,

Hark how they mock us to our face ! Raimondo.

Why not strike now, and end their race? Keep well the end in view, and every
Rienzi. means
{Keeping back the people?)
That gains success, most surely shall be
hallowed.
Stand back ! Recall the pledge ye gave
me ! Rienzi.

Orsini (to Colonna). 'Tiswell! So let it be! The Nobles

soon
Enough ! Let's end this idle farce ! Will be without the gates ; the time is
We're not yet quits ! Let's fight it out ! come !
Colonna.
Go, friends, and seek in peace to-night
your dwellings,
Not in the streets, before plebeians ! But arm yourselves, by prayer, for
At break of day, before the gates ! Roma's Freedom !
Orsini. And when ye hear the trumpets' blare,
I'll be on hand, with man and horse ! In
long-drawn, piercing echoes driven,
Then waken up — to me repair —
Colonna. Freedom shall then to Rome be given !
With lances set, man fronting man !
But worthy let your actions be,
The Orsini. Each show that he's a Roman free !
And welcome give the glorious day
To battle for Orsini !
That sees your shame all pass away !
The Colonna.
Raimondo.
To battle for Colonna !

{Colonna and Orsini, with their followers, leave The glorious work, 'tis Heaven's decree
shouting "For Colonna I" "For Orsini I") Shall unto Rome a blessing be !
 RJENZI. 3

Orsini. Rienzi.

Und wir ? — Reisst ihm die Zunge aus ! (Der in Nachdenken versunken war.)
Für Rom ! — Sie ziehen aus den
Colonna.
Thoren, —
(Dem Andrange der Nobili wehrend.) Nun denn, ich will sie euch ver-
O, lasst ihn schwatzen ! Dummes Zeug ! schliessen !
Orsini. Raimondo.
Plebejer !
Wann endlich machst du Ernst, Rienzi,
Colonna. Und brichst der Uebermuth'gen Macht ?
Komm morgen in mein Schloss>
Baroncelli.
Signor Notar, und hoi' dir Geld
Fur deine schon studirte Rede ! Rienzi, wann erscheint der Tag,
Den du verheissen und gelobt ?
Colonna. Orsini. Nobili.
Haha ! Den Narren, lacht ihn aus, Cecco.

Er stammt fürwahr aus edlem Haus. Wann kommt der Friede, das Gesetz,
Verehret ja den grossen Herrn, Der Schutz vor jedem Uebermuth ?
Er k*nn zwar nicht, docht mocht er
gern ! Volk.
Rienzi.
Rienzi, sieh, wir halten Treu' :
Zurück ! Ihr
Freunde, haltet ein ! O Romer, wann machst du uns frei ?
Nicht fern wird die Vergeltung sein!
Rienzi.
Baroncelli. Cecco. Volk.
Herr Cardinal, bedenkt, was ihr ver-
Hort ihr den Spott der Frechen an ?
langt !
Mit einem Streiche sei's gethan ! Kann stets ich auf die heil'ge Kirche
Jiienzi. bau'n ?

(Das Volk zunickhaltend.) Raimondo.

Zurück ! Gedenket eures Schwures !
Halt' fest im Aug' das Ziel, und jedes
Orsini. Mittel,
Nun denn, so macht dem Scherz ein Erreichst du jenes sicher, sei geheiligt.
Ende!
Der Streit ist halb, wir fechten aus. Rienzi.

Colonna.
Wohlan, so mag es sein ! Die Nobili
Verlassen bald die Stadt — die Zeit
Nicht in den Strassen vor Plebejern !
ist da !
Am Tagesanbruch vor den Thoren. Ihr Freunde, ruhig geht in eure Häuser,
Orsini. Und rüstet euch, zu beten fur die Frei-
heit!
Ich stelle mich mit voller Schaar. Doch hort ihr der Trompete Ruf
Colonna. In lang gehalt'nem Klang ertonen,
Dann wachet auf, eilt All' herbei :
Die Lanzen vor, Mann gegen Mann !
Freiheit verkünd' ich Roma's Sohnen !
Die Orsini. Doch würdig, ohne Raserei,
Zeig' Jeder, dass er Romer sei !
Zum Kampfe für Orsini !
Willkommen nennt den Tag,
Die Colonna. Er rache euch und eure Schmach !
Zum Kampfe fiir Colonna ! Raimondo.
die Nobili
(Colonna und Orsini, some
verlassen
I Dem hohen Werke steh' ich bei,
unter dem Rufe : fur Colonna fur Orsini! mit
grossem Tumult die Bit/me. )
Das segenvoll und heilsam es sei !
4 R1ENZL

Baroncelliy Cecco, People. Adriano.

Our lives, our blood, we give to thee, Oh, monstrous thought ! And through
That Rome once more be great and free! our blood !
O welcome to the glorious day, Rienzi, I can have nought in thee? . . .
That sees our shame all pass away ! I am the first who would defend
(.All depart quietly. Ri'nzi, Adriano, and Irene The laws, and do my bounden duty ;
alone remain behind.) But to the goal of thy proud dreamings
Thou canst but come through paths of
No. 2. TERZETT. blood,
Rienzi, Adriano, Irene.
And through the rabble's coward wrath,
Rienzi. Yea, through my brothers', through my
{Embracing Irene, deeply agitated.)
father's blood !
0 speak, what happen'd thee ?
sister, Rienzi.
Hath harm, to thee, sweet child, been
Unhappy word ! Blood ! Talk to me
done?
not of blood !
Irene.
I saw it flow :— nor yet is it avenged !
No, I was rescued — he it was Who was

it,
then, that my poor stripling
Who free'd me from their cruel grasp. brother,
The gentle boy, who on the Tiber's*banks
Rienzi. Wound for his sister wreaths of fairest
Adriano, thou What ? A Colonna
! flowers —
Preserve a maiden from dishonor ! Who was that, in brutal ignorance,

it
Him slew? To whom did for this foul

I
Adriano. crime
My blood, my life, for woman's honor ! Appeal for justice, and appeal in vain

?
Rienzi, dost thou know me not ?
Can such suspicion rest upon me ?
Adriano.
Yea, shameful was a Colonna

It
!

!
Rienzi.
Rienzi.
But why, Adriano ! goest not
Without, to battle for Colonna ? Yea, a Colonna What harm had that
!

fair stripling
Adriano. Done to the noble, the patrician Colonna?
Alas ! if I thy meaning grasp ! Blood? — Yea, Adriano di Colonna,
1 know full well what thou would'st do — dipp'd this trembling hand deep in the
I

I guess the part that thou wilt play, — blood

And yet thy foe I cannot be ! That surged in streams from my young
brother's heart,
Rienzi. And made a sacred vow — Woe be
!

I knew thee ever noble, true, To them who shed the blood of him I
No terror to the righteous thou ! loved
1

Adriano, may I call thee friend ? Adriano.

Adriano. Rienzi, thou art terrible

!

What can do to expiate that crime

I

Rienzi, speak ! Where end thy dreams?

All-powerfull thou art !— Oh, say, Rienzi.
What end shall serve thy boundless Be mine, Adriano Be a Roman
!

power?
Rienzi. Adriano.
'
Know then ! Rome shall be great and A Roman Yea will a Roman be
!

!
I

free ! Still beats within my brest

I will arouse her from her sleep, Roman heart, and free
A

And those that in the dust are trod For all my race transgress'd,
Shall rise — free citizens of Rome ! Let me atone through thee
!
k
4 RIENZI.

Baroncelli. Cecco. Volk. Adriano.

Wir schwören dir Gehorsam treu, Entsetzlicher — durch unser Blut
! !
Und bald sei Roma wieder frei ! Rienzi, wir haben Nichts gemein ! . . .
Willkommen sei der hohe Tag, Ich bin der Erste, das Gesetz
Er räche uns und uns're Schmach ! Getreu zu üben und zu schirmen ;
{Alle trennen sich ruhig ; Rienzi, Adriano und Irene
Doch an das Ziel der stolzen Wünsche
bleiben allein zurück.} Gelangst du nur durch blut'ge Bahn,
Durch eines feigen Pöbels Wuth,
TERZETT. Durch meiner Brüder, meines Vaters
Rienzi. Adtiano. Irene. Blut !
Rienzi. Rienzi.
{Irenen mit heftiger Bewegung umarmend.}
Unsel'ger ! Blut ! Mahne mich nicht an
O Schwester, sprich, was dir geschah, Blut !
Welch' Leid dir Aermsten angethan ? Ich sah es fliessen — noch ist's nicht ge
Irene. rächt.
Ich bin gerettet — Jener war's, Wer war es, der einst meinen armen
Bruder,
Der mich aus ihrer Hand befreit.
Den holden Knaben, als am Tiberstrande
Rienzi. Voll Unschuld er Irenen Kränze wand ;
Adriano, du Wie
? ein Colonna
!
Wer war's, der ihn aus rohem Missver
stand
Beschützt ein Mädchen vor Entehrung ?
Erschlug ? Wer war's, den ich für die
Adriano. sen Mord
Vergebens um Gerechtigkeit anrief ?
Mein Blut, mein Leben für die Un
schuld !
Adriano.
Rienzi, wie ? kennst du mich nicht ?
Wer nannte je mich einen Räuber ? Ha, Schande 1 Es war ein Colonna !

Rienzi. Rienzi.
Du weilst, Adriano ? Ziehest nicht Ha, ein Colonna ! Was that der arme
Hinaus zum Kampfe für Colonna ? Knabe
Dem edlen, den patrizischen Colonna ?—
Adriano.
Blut? Ja, Adriano, di Colonna,
Weh' mir, dass ich dein Wort versteh', Ich tauchte diese Hand tief in das Blut,
Erkenne, was du in dir birgst, Das aus dem Herzen meines Bruders
Dass ich es ahne, wer du bist, quoll
Und doch dein Feind nicht werden Und schwur einen Eid ! — Weh' dem,
kann ! Der mir verwandtes Blut vergossen hat !
Rienzi.
Ich kannte stets nur edel dich, Adriano.
Du bist kein Gräuel dem Gerechten ; Rienzi, du bist fürchterlich ?
Adriano, darf ich Freund dich nennen ? Was kann ich thun, die Schmach zu
sühnen ?
Adriano.
Rienzi.
Sprich, was hast du vor ?
Gewaltig seh' ich dich — sag' an, Sei mein, Adriano ! Sei ein Römer !
Wozu gebrauchst du die Gewalt ?
Rienzi. Adriano.
'
Nun denn : Rom mach' ich gross und Ein Römer ! Lass mich ein Römer sein !
frei ! Noch schlägt in dieser Brust
Aus seinem Schlaf weck ich es auf ; \ Ein freies Römerherz ;
Und Jeden, den im Staub du siehst, Es fühlt der Grösse Lust,
Mach' ich zum freien Bürger Roms. Der Schmach gewalt'gen Schmerz. —
 R1ENZI. 5

Thy glorious cause I'll cherish, Who'll ne'er forgive thee that thou sav'st
And aid thee to success ; From harm a lowly Roman maiden !
With Rome I'll live or perish —
For love and happiness ! Adriano.

Irene. Oh mind me not of all the horrors

That seem to threaten us and Rome !
Still beats within his breast Thy brother — what a soul ! And yet
A Roman heart, and free ; I fear that he will be destroyed ;
What rapture unexpress'd, The fickle mob will soon desert him,
What pride I feel in thee ! The nobles, too, will seek his life ;
What hopes I now can cherish, And then, Irene, what thy fate ?
My bliss I can confess ; Yet ah, thy griefs shall bring me bless
With thee to live or perish ing-
With Rome and happiness. Let every barrier disappear —
Rienzi.
For thee, my life, my wealth, my all !

Still beats within his breast, Irene.

A Roman heart, and free ;
Yet, if I joy but find !
He yearns, the noblest, best,
For Rome and liberty ! Adriano.
Let every traitor perish,
Irene !
That brought our great distress ;
I fear thy joy will mournful be !
Soon Rome again shall flourish,
Yet — gather Night and Death —
In peace and happiness ! I will be thine, for ever !
Rienzi.
Adriano and Irene.
The hour is come ! A glorious duty
calls ! Yea, thy sweet smile hath banish'd
Adriano — I confide to thee my sister. A world of woe and pain ;
From shameless hands didst save her When Rome's disgrace hath van-
once — and now A world in thee I gain ! [ish'd,
Protect her yet awhile. Let this be proof And though our Rome may perish,
That I esteem thy high and noble nature! And every hope may die,
Soon ye will see! The work is near com In thee I still shall cherish
pletion! {He leaves.)
A heaven of gladness nigh !
(Long-drawn trumpet-blasts are heard in the distance,
repeated ever nearer?)
No. 3. DUETT.
Adriano and Irene. Irene.

Adriano. What means that sound ?

He goes — and leaves thee to my care ;'

Adriano.
Canst thou his trust, Irene, share ?
So ominous !
Irene. What means the trumpets' blare ?
Why, my protector, should I fear thee ? 'Tis not the call of the Colonna.
Should I not give my trust to thee ? ( They go to one side.)

Adriano. No. 4. FINALE.

Thou knowest I am a Colonna, People ; Priests ; Rienzi.
Yet fleest not from one whose race (A Trumpeter comes on the scene, and gives a
Must be by thee and him detested ! long-drawn blast. From all the streets and
houses the people gather in joyous excitement.)
Irene.
Oh why remind me of thy race ? Chorus of the people■
I almost fear thee, my protector, All hail ! all
hail, thou glorious day
When I of thy proud kinsman think, That sees our woes all pass away !
 RIEMZI. 5

-
Zu sühnen alle Schande, Die nie verzeih'n, dass du vor Schande
Weih' ich mein Leben dir ! Ein Bürgermädchen rettetest.
Im freien Römerlande
Winkt Glück und Liebe mir. Adriano.
Irene. Ach, mahne jetzt nicht an den Jammer,
Noch schlagt in seiner Brust Der schrecklich uns und Rom bedroht!
Ein freies Römerherz ; Dein Bruder — welch ein Geist ! Doch,
Vor solcher Wonne L ust ach !
Verschwindet jeder Schmerz. — Ich sehe ihn zu Grunde geh'n !
Mit hoher Liebe Bande Der Pöbel selbst wird ihn verrathen,
Zieht es mich hin zu dir ! Ihn zücht'gen wird der Nobili ;
'
"I Im freien Römerlande Und du, Irene ! Was dein Loos ?
Winkt Glück und Liebe mir. Doch, ha! Dein Unglück sei mir Lö
sung,
Rienzi. Und jede Bande schwinde hin !
Noch schlägt in seiner Brust Für dich mein Leben und mein Gut !
Ein freies Römerherz ;
Es fühlt der Grösse Lust, Irene.
Der Schmach gewalt'gen Schmerz. —
Doch wenn ich glücklich bin ?
Wer trüge länger Schande :
Das Volk erheben wir ! Adriano.
Wenn frei der Römer Bande, O schweige !
. Lohnt Ruhm und Grösse dirl Vor deinem Glücke zitt're ich !
Die Stunde naht, mich ruft mein hohes Es komme Nacht und Tod —
Amt. Und dein bin ich auf ewig !
Adriano, dir vertraue ich die Schwester ;
Du rettetest vor Schmach und Schande Adriano und Irene.
sie, Ja, eine Welt voll Leiden
So schütze sie noch jetzt 1 Dies ein Be Versüsst der Liebe Glück !
weiss, Von ihr mit dir zu scheiden
Dass ich für edel, frei und gross dich Ist göttliches Geschick.
halte. Bräch' auch die Welt zusammen,
Bald seht ihr mich ; das Werk naht der Riss jeder Hoffnung Band,
Vollendung! Der Liebe Regionen
(Er geht nach dem Hintergrunde ab. ) Bau'n uns ein Vaterland.
DUETT. (Aus weiter Ferne vernimmt
haltenen
man den lang ange
Ton einer Trompete. )
Adriano. Irene.

Adriano. Irene.
Er geht und !ässt dich meinem Schutz ; Was für ein Klang ?
O Holde, sprich, vertraust du mir?
Adriano.
Irene.
Wie schauerlich !
Held meiner Ehre, meines Lebens ! Was hat das zu bedeuten ?
Mein höchstes Gut vertrau' ich dir. Das ist kein Kriegsruf der Colonna.
Adriano. (Sie treten bei Seite. )
Wohl weisst du, dass ich ein Colonna,
Und fliehst mich nicht, dess ganzer FINALE.
Stamm (Ein Trompeter betritt die Bühne und bläst einen
Ein Gräuel dir und deinem Bruder ? langgehaltenen Ton. Aus allen Strassen und Häu
sern bricht das Volk in Aufregung hervor.)
Irene.
Chor des Volkes.
O, warum nennst du dein Geschlecht ?
Mir graut vor dir, vor meinem Retter, Gegrüsset, gegrüsset sei, hoher Tag !
Gedenke jener Stolzen ich, Die Stunde naht ! Vorbei die Schmach !
6 R1ENZI.

( The day breaks. The Later an is bathed in the The People.

glow of the morning sun. From within the
church is heard the sound of the organ. The
Free, Roma ! Every Roman, free !
people immediately fall upon their knees. The
Rienzi.
entire square before the church is filled with
people. From the Lateran, whose doors are Let ' Rome and Liberty ' now be
still closed, is heard the following :) The watchwords of each Roman free !
Let law prevail, for weak and strong,
Chorus from the Lateran. That none may suffer pain or wrong.
Awake, ye sleepers, far and near, Against those who our hopes oppos'd,
The message high and joyous hear ; The gates of Rome are firmly clos'd !
For Roma's star, long clouded o'er, But welcome give to all who swear
Bursts forth in wondrous light once more! Rome fealty and peace declare !
See how it gleams, so dazzling bright, Let treachery your vengeance know ;
Upon its glad, resplendent way, Destroy the strong marauding foe,
All deadly pale, Shame sinks in Night, That glad and free the pilgrim bands
And Freedom's Light illumes the day! May pass unharm'd our Roman lands.
Upon her seven-hill'd throne renown'd,
( The doors of the church are thrown open. The
church is filled with priests and monks of all Shall Rome in freedom soon becrown'd.
orders. Rienzi appears in full armor, but
with uncovered head. By his side Raimondo The People.
and the first citizens of Rome in festal robes. Deliverer ! Savior ! Glorious knight I
Seeing Rienzi, the people rise and greet him Rienzi, hear thy people's faithful vow !
with unchecked enthusiasm. )
General Chorus.
The People.
We take the oath, for grand and free
Rienzi, hail ! Rienzi, hail! Rienzi, hail ! As Rome once was, so Rome shall be !
Rienzi comes ! Our shame is past ! Our Roman blood we'll gladly shed
Rienzi.
To save Rome from the tyrant's tread !
No Roman rest till we efface
{Standing on the steps
of the church.) From Rome each sign of her disgrace !
Arise !Thou mighty Rome, arise ! A newer Rome, arise, to be
Be free ! Be every Roman free ! Like Rome of old, great, true, and free !

END OF THE FIRST ACT.

 6 RIENZT.

{Der Tag ist angebrocken, der Lateran ergluht im Volk.

vollsten Mofgenroth. ;
Die Orgel beginnt das Volk
stellt bei ihrem Klang sogleich das Toben ein, und Frei Roma ! Jeder Romer frei !
sinkt auf die Knie, so dass der game Platz bis zur
Kirche hin mit Knieenden bedeckt ist. A us dem Rienzi.
Lateran, dessen Pforten nock verschtossen sind, hort
man den folgenden Gesang.) Die Freiheit Roms sei das Gesetz,
Ihm unterthan sei jeder Romer ;
Chor im Lateran. Bestraft sei streng Gewalt und Raub.
Erwacht, ihr Schlafer, nah und fern,
Und jeder Rauber Roma's Feind.
Verschlossen sei, wie jetzt es ist,
Und hort die frohe Botschaft an :
Dem Uebermüth'gen Roma's Thor !
Dass Roma's schmacherlosch'ner Stern
Vom Himmel neues Licht gewann ! Willkommen sei, wer Frieden bringt,
Seht, wie er strahlt und sonnengleich
Wer dem Gesetz Gehorsam schwort.
In feme Nachwelt siegend bricht ! Die Feinde treffe euer Grimm,
Zur Nacht sinkt Schmach, so todten- Vernichtet sei der Frevler Schaar,
Dass froh und frei der Pilger zieh',
bleich,
Zum Wonnetag steigt Freiheitslicht ! Geschutzt der Hirt der Heerde folg' ! —
So schwort, zu schirmen das Gesetz,
{Die Pforten des Laterans springen auf. Die R~ircke Schwort freier Romer heil'gen Schwur !
ist erfullt von Priestern und M'dnchen alter Orden.
— Rienzi erscheint in voller Rüstung und entblossten
Chor.
Hauptes ; an seiner Seite Raimondo und die Ersten
des Volkes in fcstlicher Tracht. Bei Rienzi 's An- Befreier, Retter, hoher Held !
blick erhebt sick das V oik und begrüsst ihn im aus- Rienzi, hore unsern Schwur ! —
gelassensten Entkusiasmus.)
Allgemeiner Chor.
Volk.
Wir schworen dir : so gross und frei
Rienzi ! Ha, Rienzi ! Hoch ! Soli Roma sein, wie Roma war ;
Der Retter naht ! Vorbei die Schmach ! Vor Niedrigeit und Tyrannei
Rienzi. Sie unser letztes Blut bewahr' !
Schmach und Verderben schworen wi'.
{Auf die grosse Treppe vortretend.) Dem Frevler an der Romer Ehr' !
Erstehe, hohe Roma, neu ! Ein neues Volk erstehe dir,
Sei frei ! Sei jeder Romer frei ? Wie seine Ahnen gross und hehr !

ENDE DES ERSTEN AKTES.

 5econb Act— Cfje JTtefTengers of peace.

A large hall in the Capitol. At the bach a large open portal, to which broad steps lead up
from beyond, and through which a full view is gained of the upper portions of the city of
Rome. After the curtain is drawn, the Song of the Messengers of Peace is heard, coming
nearer, from street to street. The procession of Messengers of Peace enters through the
large portal. The Messengers are youths belonging to the best families of Rome ; they are
"dad in white wrought with silver; they wear wreaths and each holds a tall silver wand in
his hand." — Bulwer.

Messengers of Peace. Rienzi.

O Roma, tidings glorious (Sinking upon his knees.)
We bring, once more, to thee : Praise God for all that Rome has won !
Glad peace reigns all victorious, Through Thee, my God, the work was
And Roman lands are free ! done !
Each hill and valley loudly The Senators.
Proclaims that Rome is free,
And from our harbors proudly All this we owe alone to thee !
Our ships sail o'er the sea. To thee, great Roman, honor be !
For peace now reigns on every hand,
And Freedom's light illumes the land. Rienzi.
Shout loud ye valleys 1
Go, Messengers of Peace, and tell
Rejoice all ye mountains ! In every street of Rome your news —
{Rienzi appears, clad as Roman tribune. _ The Tell every Roman your glad message !
Senators, and amongst them Baroncelli and
Cecco, follow him. Rienzi addresses the leader C The Messengers leave, singing as they go.)

of the Messengers of Peace.)

The Messengers of Peace.
Rienzi. O learn the tidings glorious
Bright Messenger of Peace, oh say, We bring, dear Rome, to thee ;
Hast thou thy mission well fulfill'd ? Glad peace reigns all victorious,
Hast been throughout our Roman land, And Roman lands are free ! &c.
And bringest home glad messages of (Colonna, Orsini, and the Nobles enter; they
peace ? greet Rienzi haughtily.)

A Messenger of Peace. Coionna.

I saw the cities, saw the land, Rienzi, see ! We salute thee in peace !
I pass'd along the sea-girt strand ;
And, far as Roman lands extend, Rienzi.
I went, unharmed, from end to end.
And peace, sweet peace, is everywhere, Hail, then ! What need we more for
Joy echoes through the balmy air : Roma's glory,
The herdsman guards his flocks in peace, Now her all-powerful, haughty nobles
The fields are glad with rich increase, have
The tyrants' towers in ruins stand. Returned, and sworn to give to Rom«
And Freedom reigns o'er all the land ! allegiance ?
 3metter Ml— ßefang Der <frieÖens6oten.

Ein grosser Saal im Capitol. Im Hintergrund ein weites, offenes Portal, zu welchem von
Aussen eine breite Treppe hinaufführt, und durch welches man eine weite Aussicht auf die
höheren Punkte der Stadt Rom hat. Nach Anfgehen des Vorhanges hört man den Gesang
der Friedensboten wie aus den Strassen sich nähernd. Gegen das Ende des Gesanges tritt
der Zug der Friedensboten durch das Portal auf. Die Friedensboten bestehen aus Jüng
lingen von den besten römischen Familien ; sie sind halb antik in weiss-seidene Gewänder
gekleidet, tragen Kränze im Haar und silberne Stäbe in der Hand.

Gesang der Friedensboten. Rienzi.

Ihr Römer, hört die Kunde {Freudig ergriffen auf die Knie sinkend.)
Des holden Friedens an ! Dir Preis und deiner hohen Macht !
Auf Roma's heil'gem Grunde Durch dich, mein Gott, hab' ich's voll-
Wallt freudig jede Bahn ! { bracht !
In düst're Felsenschluchten
Drang gold'ner Sonne Schein, Die Senatoren.
In Meeres sich'ren Buchten
Zieht froh die Segel ein, Diralles Glück verdanken wir,
Denn Friede ist gekommen ! - Dem grössten Römer, Ehre Dir!
Der Freiheit Licht gewonnen !
Jauchzet, ihr Thäler ! Rienzi.
Frohlockt, ihr Berge !
Geht, Friedensboten, ziehet denn
(Rienzi tritt auf ; er erscheint als Tribun in phan Durch alle Strassen Roma's hin, —
tastische und pomphafte Gewänder gekleidet. Ihm
folgen die Senatoren, unter denen sich Baroncelli Bringt jedem Römer eure Kunde.
und Cecco befinden.) (Die Friedensboten gehen ab.)

Rienzi. Die Friedensboten.

Du, Friedensbote, sage an, IhrRömer, hört die Kunde,
Hast Deine Sendung du vollbracht ? Des holden Friedens an !
Zogst du durch's ganze Römerland, Auf Roma's heil'gem Grunde
Bringst Frieden du und Segen uns ? Wallt freudig jede Bahn !
(Colonna, Orsini und die Nobili treten auf; sie
Ein Friedensbote. grüssen Rienzi mit stolzer Unterwürfigkeit )
Ich sah die Städte, sah das Land,
Colonna.
Ich zog entlang des Meeres Strand ;
So weit das Lund der Römer reicht, Rienzi, nimm des Friedens Gruss !
Trug mich mein Fuss beschwingt und
leicht : —
Rienzi.
Und Frieden fand ich überall,
Froh tönt des Jubels Wiederhall ; Heil euch — was fehlt noch j\om an
!
Frei treibt der Hirt die Heerde hin, seinem Glücke,
Reich prangt der Felder Fruchtgewinn. Da seine mächt'gen, stolzen Feinde jetzt
Der Burgen Wälle stürzen ein, Zurückgekehrt, und Treue ihm ge
Denn frei will jeder Römer sein. schworen !
8 R1ENZI.

Colonna. We trod on, now seems changed from

what it was !
Rienzi, thou hast wonders wrought ! In The masses have been arm'd, and courage
truth, strange,
I never dreamt such greatness dwelt in Now seems to all inspire!
thee.
Colonna.
But let it pass; I, too, will thee acknowl
edge. The rabble ; bah !
Rienzi, 'tis who makes them all so brave!
Rienzi.
Cut off Rienzi, and they are — what they
'Tis Freedom and the Laws of Rome were !
alone, ( The Nobles gather closely around Orsini and
Not me, that ye should now acknowl Colonna. Adriano enters, and mixes among
edge !—
them unobserved.)

Forgetting not that these the prizes were Orsini.

For which we battled; that Rome's gates
You mean on him, and him alone.
again
The blow descending, is't not so ?
Were open'd wide, because ye'd sworn
the oath, Colonna.
That ye would subject be to them, as is
He is the idol of the mob,
The lowliest of plebeians !—
Which by deception he o'erawes !
The walls of your proud strongholds now
are fallen — Orsini.
By which ye made of Rome a nest of
robbers !
But are we strong enough to strike ?

Woe, if against our rule you should

Is he not guarded all too well ?
conspire ; Colonna.
If your proud hearts hail not this glori
ous day What other way then ? Strike him down,
With joy ! Woe, if again ye break the Surrounded by his ranting brood !
— Then all is won ! and ours the prize !
peace
For I most surely will protect our laws, —
Orsini.
I — the Tribune !— My lords and nobles
—I Ha ! Thou art right ! And this fell blow,
Expect you all to-night in these apart Who surer could it deal than I ?
ments. To-night, while feasting at the banquet —
(He salutes the Nobles, and leaves with the Keep well to me, I will not fail 1
Senators.)
Colonna.

SCENE II. Four hundred lances upon whom

He closed the gates, I'll bring within, —
Seize quickly on the Capitol, —
Orsini, Colonna, Nobles.
Orsini. And Rome belongs once more to us !
Colonna, hast thou heard his arrogance? Nobles.
Are we then doomed to suffer such dis So be it !
grace? Adriano.
Colonna. Ah, base assassins, speak !
What degradation ! This plebeian whom What would ye do ? What plot is this ?

I oft in jest invited to my board ! Orsini.

Colonna, speak ! Are we betrayed ?
Orsini.
Colonna.
What can we do? Are we not vanquish'd
now? Who art thou ? say — art thou my son ?
And the vile mob that once with iron heel Or art thou rather my betrayer ?
8 R1ENZJ.

Colonna. Die Masse ist bewaffnet, Muth und Be-

geist'rung
Rienzi, ich bewund're dich ;
In jedem der Plebejer.
Zwar sucht' ich diese Grösse nie in dir, —
Doch sei es drum ! — ich will sie aner
Colonna.
kennen.
■ Der Pöbel ? pah !
Rienzi ist's, der ihn zum Rittern macht !
Rienzi. Nimm ihm Rienzi, und er ist, was er war.
{Die Nobili schliessen einen engetn Kreis um Orsini
Des Friedens, des Gesetzes Grösse nur, und Colonna. — Adriano tritt auf und mischt sich
Nicht meine, sollt ihr anerkennen. unbemerkt unter die Gruppe der Nobili.^

Vergesst es nie, dass dieser Preis es war,

Orsini.
Um den wir kämpften, — dass diese
Thore sich So wäre denn auf ihn allein
Euch öffneten, nur da Ihr Treu' ihm Der Streich zu füren, der uns frommt ?
schwurt, —
Dass ihr ihm unterthan sein sollt, Colonna.
Wie der Geringste der Plebejer. Er ist der Götze dieses Volks,
Die Mauern eurer Schlösser saht ihr Das er durch Trug verzaubert hält.
fallen,
Durch die ihr Rom zum Räuberlager Orsini.
machtet ;
Doch für Gewalt und offne That
Weh, euch, wenn ihr d'rum Groll noch
Sind wir zu schwach, vermögen nichts.
nährt,
Wenn euer Herz der neue Tag noch nicht Colonna.
Erwärmt ! Weh' euch beim kleinsten
Uebertritt, — Was bleibt uns übrig ? Tödtet ihn
Denn ich vor Allen schütze das Gesetz — Inmitten dieser Narrenbrut, —
Ich, der Tribun. — Ihr Herrn und Edlen, Hin ist die Pracht und uns der Preis !

ich
Orsini.
Erwarte euch zum Feste in diesen Sälen!
die Nobili, and entfernt sich mit den
Ha, du sprichst wahr! Und diesen Stoss,
(Er grüsst
Wer führt ihn sich'rer wohl als ich ?
Senatoren^
Heut' ist das Fest in diesen Sälen,
Schliesst euch um mich, ich fehle nie !
ZWEITE SCENE.
Colonna.
Orsini, Colonna, Nobili.
Vierhundert Lanzen, denen er
Orsini. Die Stadt verschloss, bring' ich herein,
Besetze schnell das Capitol,
Colonna. hörtest du das freche Wort ? Und Rom gehört von Neuem uns.
Sind wir verdammt, zu dulden solche
Schmach ? Nobili.
So sei's !

Colonna.
Adriano.
Ha, Meuchelmörder ! Sprecht,
Ha, wie ich knirsche Der Plebejer, er,
! Was habt Ihr vor ? Was brütet ihr ?
Den ich zum Spott an meiner Tafel hielt !
Orsini.

Orsini. Colonna, sprich ! Sind wir verrathen ?

Colonna.
Was ist zu thun ? Wir sind besiegt,
Und dieser Pöbel, den mit Füssen wir Wer bist du ? Sag', bist du mein Sohn ?
Getreten, wie verwandelte er sich ! Ha! Oder bist du mein Verrather?
 RIENZI. 9

Adriano. Colonna.

I am the son of knightly sire, ( Too late ! Most surely he shall die,
Who honor loved and fame untarnished; He shall with death our wrongs repair;
Who knew no thought of knavish deed — I Though from my curse, thou, traitor, fly,
Orsini's foe and brave chastiser ! Yet it shall reach thee, everywhere.
(Colonna pushes Adriano angrily away from
Orsini. him. He and the nobles then leave. )

Ungrateful, saucy, beardless youth ! Adriano.

Colonna.
In truth I will a traitor be ;
Irene's brother, Rienzi, shall live ! . . .
Hast from Rienzi learnt thy speech ? A traitor ! ah ! what shall I do ?
Woe, then, if I should find my fears, My father — what ?— give o'er his head
And my forebodings, too well founded. To death and shame? — Away the thought,.
Ye saints protect me in my need !
Adriano. (Exit.)
Why art thou still so blind, my father ? SCENE III.
(Festal Procession of Roman Citizens and
Colonna. Nobles.)
No more ! He hath thee in his power ! Chorus.
I know too well! — To betray thy father Aloud with gladsome voices,
The Tribune uses thee. Curse him ! Sing, for the work is done ;
But his last hour is near at hand ! In him all Rome rejoices,
Who Freedom for us won !
Adriano. (.Rienzi, with Irene and the Senators, enters,
j
preceded by Lic tors.)
O heaven So have I heard aright ?
!
'Tis true plot to murder him ?
ye Rienzi.
Desist, I pray you, nor disgrace
Be greeted all, ye folk of Rome !
Your noble names, that quite enough
Oh, sight resplendent ! Glorious day !
Are stained by robbery and shame !
In peace and joy, united all !
Orsini. All hail, sweet Peace ! Hail, glorious
Rome !
Hear the young traitor! What! Colonna!
Chastisest not thy foolish boy ? The People.
All hail, sweet peace ! Hail, glorious
Colonna {to Adriano). Rome !
Baroncelli.
So, listen ; to-day, in this apartment,
( With his staff, as Prcetor. )
Thy friend must die, and by our hands !
Hast heard, ungrateful one ? Go at once, The high ambassadors are here,
Betray me to him — me, thy father ! From near and far to greet thee sent !

Adriano. {Led in the hall by Baroncelli, the Ambassadors

of the Lombard Cities, Naples, Bohemia,
Bavaria, and Hungary, enter, each with their
Oh Heaven ! What a lot is mine !
retinues of heralds and attendants. They each
Oh say not, father, he must die ! hand a lettef to Rienzi.)
Oh hear thy son's beseeching prayer;
Do not his last request deny, Rienzi.
Rienzi's noble life to spare. In Roma's name, welcome to all !
Let nought disturb our bonds of peace !
Orsini and Nobles. Yea, God who through me much hath
Too late ! Most surely he shall die, done,
With death he shall our wrongs repair, Doth bid me let the work proceed.
And in these halls — his hour is nigh, Know then, not Rome alone be free —
Let him as well for death prepare. No ! Italy entire be free !
 RIENZ1. 9

Adriano. Colonna.
Des ritterlichen Vaters Sohn, So sei's ! Geschworen ist ihm Tod,
Der Ehre bis in's Alter liebte, Eur uns're Schmach sei's jetzt gethan! —
Der fremd war jeder Bubenthat, Flieh' meinen Fluch, der dich bedroht ■

Orsini's Feind und seiner Rotte.

■ Den Vatermorder trifft er an !
{Colonna stosst Adriano hej"tig von sic A, er und die
Orsini. ubrigen Nobili entfernen sick.)

Verrather, frecher Knabe, du !

Adriano (nach einer Pause).
Colonna. Ich will denn ein Verrather sein ;
Irenen's Bruder, Rienzi lebe!
Lehrt solches Wort dich der Tribun ?
Weh' dir, erkenne ich fur wahr,
Verrather! Ha, was willst du thun ?
Wie ich sie ahne, deine Schmach !
Mein Vater . . . Er? Sein graues Haupt
Dem Henkerbeil . . . ! Ha, nimmermehr!
Adriano. Ihr Heil'gen, schutzt vor Wahnsinn mich!
{Ab.)
Bist du noch immer blind, mein Vater !
DRITTE SCENE.
Colonna. (Festliche Ziige der rbmischen Bürgerschaften und
der Nobili.)
Ha, schweig, du bist in seinen Handen,
Chor.
Und zum Verrather am eig'nen Vater
Benützt dich der Tribun ! — Fluch ihm ! Erschallet, Feierklange !
Erschienen sei sein letzter Tag ! Stimmt Jubellieder an !
Ihn ehren die Gesange,
Adriano. Der Freiheit uns gewann !

O Gott ! So hab' ich recht gehort ? (Rienzi tritt mit Irene und den Senatoren auf*
Lictoren schreiten ihm voran.)
Ihr brütet Meuchelmord ?
Lasst euch beschworen und beschimpft
Nicht so die Namen, schon genug Rienzi.
Befleckt durch Raubthat und Gewalt ! Seid mir gegriisst, ihr Romer all'!
Ha, welch ein Anblick beut sich mir dar!
Orsini. Vereint, geschmückt zum Friedensfest,
Hort den Treulosen ! — Wie, Colonna! Der Friede hochl Lang blühe Rom !
Du züchtigst deinen Knaben nicht ? Chor.

Colonna (zu Adriano). Der Friede hoch ! Lang blühe Rom !

So wisse ! Heut', in diesen Salen, Baroncelli.

Stirbt der Tribun von uns'rer Hand. — (Mit dem Stabe ah Prdtor.)
Du weisst's, Verworf 'ner! Geh' denn hin,
Es nahen die Gesandten sich,
Verrathe ihm mich, deinen Vater !
Von nah und fern dir zugesandt !

Adriano. ( Von Baroncelli eingefuhrt, Ziehen die Gesandten

der Lombarden Stadte, NeapeVs. Bohmen's, Bayern's
r Entsetzlich ! Ha, mein Schreckensloos ! und Ungarn's mit festlichem Gefolge von Herolden
O hor' der Ehre Hochgebot ! auf; sie uberreichen einzeln an Rienzi Schreiben.)
Hor' deines Sohnes Flehen an !
Sieh' mich in meiner Todesnoth ! — Rienzi (zu den Gesandten).

Verzweifiung fasst mich Aermsten an !

Im Namen Rom's seid mir gegrüsst !
Orsini und Nobili. Nie ende Neid den schonen Bund !
Ja, Gott, der Wunder schuf durch mich,
So sei's ! Geschworen sei ihm Tod ; Verlangt, nicht jetzt schon still zu stehen.
Fur uns're Schmach sei's jetzt gethan ! So wisst, — nicht Rom allein sei frei:
In diesen Hallen, blutigroth, Nein ! Ganz Italien sei frei!
Soli enden des Plebejers Bahn ! Heil dem ital'schen Bunde !
10 RIENZI.

General Chorus. Rienzi (to the Nobles.)

Hail to United Italy ! Ye stare ! Can not conceive that failure
Rienzi. Should fall upon your deep-laid plan !
( With constantly increasing enthusiasm.) (He opens the breast of his robes and shows how his
body is protected by a shirt of snail.
Hail to United Italy !
And further still doth Heaven direct:
. . .
Behold then how against your love
In the name of this great folk of Rome,
I was protected ! Vile assassins !

And by the power entrusted me, 'Twas not for me! No, 'twas at Rome —
The German princes I command, Struck at her freedom and her laws !
Before an Emperor they choose, Ye loathed, forsooth, these glorious f Stes
To show to Rome the right whereby That Rome's new birth should celebrate!
He calls himself the King of Rome ! Much nobler were such murd'rous work
Let Rome elect him if she will, On him who bid Rome live anew !—
For Rome is free. All hail to Rome ! The fetes, good Romans, now are ended;
But let the judgment now begin !
(Great sensation. Sudden movement of the
Bohemian and Bavarian Ambassadors.) (Awestruck the People depart in silence. The
Senators, Rienzi, Baroncelli, and Cecco, with
Orsini (to Colonna). the Lictors, and the Nobles, guarded by the
Trabants, remain.)
Hark what presumption ! Is he mad ?

Colonna (to Orsini). Rienzi.

Ha ! He will do thy work himself !
Ye saw, Signors, the crime attempted —
Rienzi (to the Herald). Before your eyes the deed was done !
Herald, now let the fStes commence !
Baroncelli.
(A Herald steps forward, and orders the ar
rangements for
a pantomimic representation. Still more ! Colonna's lancemen broke
Adriano presses forward near to Rienzi.) Within the gates, and hastened then
Adriano (secretly to Rienzi.) To seize upon the Capitol, which thou,
Rienzi, be upon thy guard !
Most prudently, had'st guarded !

Rienzi. Rienzi.
'Gainst treachery ?
Ye nobles — deny ye this !
Adriano.
Prudence, I pray thee« Colonna.

Rienzi Who denies it ?

From whom, if not the nobles ?
Show us thy courage! Take off our heads!
Thy hour of doom is not far off.
Adriano.
I can but warn thee ! Rienzi.
Rienzi.
(What mean thy gloomy words to me ?)
Have no fear ! Let them be judged — make known the
A shirt of mail protects my breast ! law !
(He sends Baroncelli away with secret instruc
Cecco.
tions.)
BALLET. And our good law says,
" Death by the
(Orisini, with several Nobles, has gradually "
axe !
pressed near to Rienzi, and while the gaze of
all is on the grouping, he deals Rienzi a blow Rienzi.
with a dagger. Baroncelli, in a moment, takes
possession of the hall with Rienzi' s body-guard, So be it ! Prepare them all for death !
and the Nobles are overpowered. )
( The Nobles are led away by the Senators, the
The People. Trabants and the Lictors to the back of the hall,
before which a great curtain is drawn, so that
Rienzi ! Rienzi ! Guard ye his life ! Rienzi is left alone.)
 RIENZI.

Allgemeiner Chor. Rienzi.

Heil dem ital'schen Bunde '. (Zu den Nobili.)

Rienzi. Ihr staunt ? Begreift nicht das Miss-

(In immer wachsender Begeisterung.) lingen
Der wohlberechnet schönen That ?
Und weiter noch treibt Gott mich an : —
Im Namen dieses Volks von Rom, (Er streift sein Gewand von der Brust zurück und
deutet auf ein darunter verborgenes Panzerhemd^)
Und kraft der mir verlieh'nen Macht, So seht denn, wie ich mich gewahrt
Lad' ich die Fürsten Deutschlands vor. Vor eurer Liebe ! — Meuchelmord !
Bevor ein Kaiser sei gewählt, Er galt nicht mir — nein ! er galt Rom,
Sein Recht den Römern darzuthun,
Galt seiner Freiheit, seinem Gesetz !
Mit dem er König Rom's sich nennt. Sie ekelte dies hohe Fest,
Auch Rom erwähle ihn sofort, Das Rom's Erstehung feierte !
Denn Rom sei frei und blühe lang !
Viel edler ist ein Meuchelmord
(Allgemeine grosse Sensation; betroffene Bewegung An dem, der Roma neu erschuf 1
der Gesandten Böhmen' 's und Baiem's.)
Ihr Römer, zu Ende sind die Feste,
Orsini [heimlich zu Colonna). Und das Gericht beginne !
Der Uebermüth'ge ! Ist er toll ? (In düst'rem Schweigen entfernt sich das Volk ; die
Nobili, von Trabanten bewacht, die Senatoren,
Colonna (heimlich zu Orsini). Rienzi, Baroncelli und Cecco mit den Lictoren blei
ben zurück?)
Ha, fast erspart er dir den Stoss !

Rienzi. Rienzi.
Herold, beginnen mag das Fest ! Ihr saht, Signori, das Verbrechen,
(Ein Herold tritt vor und ordnet die Vorkehrungen Vor euren Augen ward's verübt.
zu einer pantomimischen Darstellung an. Adriano
drängt sich nahe zu Rienzi.) Baroncelli.
Adriano (heimlich zu Rienzi). Noch mehr ! Colonna's Lanzenvolk
Rienzi, sei auf deiner Huth ! Durchbrach das Thor, und suchte jetzt
Rienzi (heimlich zu Adriano).
In Eil' das Capitol zu nehmen,
Das deine Vorsicht schon besetzt.
Droht mir Verrath ?
Rienzi.
Adriano.
Ihr Edlen, leugnet ihr ?
Schütz' dich ! Nichts weiter !
Colonna
Rienzi.
Verrath ! Von wem als diesen Edlen ? Wer leugnet ?
Zeig' deinen Muth, nimm uns das
Adriano. Haupt —
Nur meine Ahnung ! Auch deine Stunde ist nicht fern !

Rienzi. Rienzi
Fürchte nichts !
deckt meine Brust. (Was willst du, düst're Mahnung, mir ?)
Ein Panzerhemd So richtet sie nach dem Gesetz !
(Er entfernt Baroncelli mit einem heimlichen
Auftiag.) Cecco.

BALLET. Und das Gesetz spricht : Tod durch' s

(Orsini hat sich mit einigen Nobili immer näher an Beil !

Rienzi gedrängt ; als die Blicke Aller auf die Gruppe Rienzi.
gerichtet sind, führt er auf Rienzi einen Dolchstoss.
Baroncelli hat mit Rienzi's Trabanten in einem Nun denn, bereitet sie zum Tode ! —
Momente den Saal besetzt Die Nobili sind über
wältigt. ) (Die Nobili werden von Senatoren, den
den
Trabanten und den Lictoren in den hinteren
Chor des Volkes. Theil des Saales geführt, vor welchem ein
rother Vorhang zusammengezogen wird, so
Rienzi ! Auf ! Schützt den Tribun dass Rienzi allein zurückbleibt.)
 RIENZI. 11

Rienzi. Irene.

My poor dead brother ! Not by me, Oh look to God ! Have mercy, brother,
By Rome herself thou art avenged ! And spare his father's head from harm.
{From the streets is heard the shouts of the
{Adriano and Irene enter, breathless.) people. )
Adriano. Peopte.

The Heavens be praised ! He is alone ! Death to the trait'rous brood !

Rienzi, spare ; oh spare my father !
Rienzi.
Irene. Hear how they shout ! Dare I refuse ?
I were the traitor if I mercy showed.
His father ! Speak ! What is his fate ?
Adriano ana Irene.
Rienzi. {Bending at Rienzi' s feet.)
High treason being his crime — 'tis death! Here at thy feet to
thee we plead,
Have mercy! Save his (my) aged father I
Adriano.
Rienzi.
Ah, no ! Rienzi, stay the deed !
I thee forewarn'd— betray'd my father ! Arise, and hear Rienzi's resolve !

Would'st thou make me his murderer In to Rienzi' s gesture the red curtains
obedience
too? are drawn back. The Nobili are seen, praying
in deadly anguish. Amonk stands before each.
Rienzi They are led forward to one side of the hall,
while the other side is occupied by the people,
Remember thou a Roman art, who have pressed through the guards aud are
And not the haughty traitor's son! greatly excited. )

People
Adriano.
Death to the nobles ! Death to the traitors!
Would'st thou then sacrifice the claims
Death ! Let them all die ! Death !
Of nature to thy craze for freedom !
Accurs'd, if so, shalt thou e'er be 1 Rienzi
(Addressing himself to the people. )
Rienzi.
Romans, hear ! Against the Tribune's■
Oh, calm thee ! Were not nature's bonds life
And Heaven itself — vilely betrayed ? The Nobili this day conspir'd.
Treason and murder ! Colonna dies !
People.
Adriano.
Then death to them !
Beware, thou bloody freedom's serf !
Give me a father's blood to 'venge — Rienzi.
And thy blood 'tis that shall be shed ! Hear, Romans, yet I
Nay, pardoned shall they be through
Rienzi.
you !
Adriano ! Think well of what thou Cecco.
say'st ! Thou'rt mad, Rienzi !
{Solemn chant of Monks; they are preparing the
Nobles for death. ) People.

Chant of Monks.
Ne'er Rienzi 1
Death to every traitor! Let them all die!
Miserat dominum
Vestrorum peccatorum ! Rienzi.

Adriano.
Must I then
For mercy plead for my assassins ?
Oh horror ! What foreboding strains ? So be it ! Let me not plead in vain.
(Excite not murderous thoughts in me !) If you do love me — pardon them !
 R1ENZ1. ri

Rienzi. Irene.
Mein armer Bruder ! Nicht durch mich, O, biick' zu Gott ! Sei gnadig, Bruder,
Durch Roma selbst wirst du gerächt. Und schone seines Vaters Haupt !
{Adriano und Irene sturzen athemlos herein.) {Aus dem tiefen Hintergrund hortman den Ruf
des Volkes.)
Adriano.
Chor des Volkes.
Dem Himmel Dank 1 — Er ist allein. —
Rienzi, gieb mir meinen Vater ! Tod der Verratherbrut !

Rienzi.
Irene.
Hort diesen Ruf, er spricht zu mir '.
Sein Vater ! Sprich, was ist sein Loos Ach, meine Gnade wird zum Ver-
brechen !
Rienzi.
Adriano und Irene.
Des Hochver rather s Loos — der Tod !
Zu deinen Füssen flehen wir :
Adriano. Sei gnadig, rette meinen (seinen) Vater !

Ha, nimmermehr ! Bedenk', Tribun, Rienzi.

Ich warnte dich, verrieth den Vater ! — Wohlan ! Erfahrt Rienzi's Entschluss!
Machst du zu seinem Morder mich ?
(Auf Rienzi's Wink wird der rothe Vorhang
zurilckgezogen ; man erblickt die Nobili, betend,
Rienzi. vor jedem einen Mdnch. Sie werden nach einer
Seite des Vordergrundes gefuhrt. wahrend die
Bedenke, dass du Romer bist, andere Seite von dem Volke eingenommen wird,
Und nicht des Hochverrathers Sohn ! welches die Wachen vom Portal zuruckgedrdngt
hat und sich wild aufgeregt hereinwalzt. )
Adriano.
Chor des Volkes.
Willst du die Bande der Natur Tod treffe die Verrather !
Aufopfern deiner Freiheit Prunk ? Die Verrather sterben !
O, Fluch dann ihr, Fluch dir, Tribun !
Rienzi.
Rienzi.
{Dem Volke entgegentretend.)
Bethorter! Ward nicht die Natur,
Horet mich ! Verschworen hatten sich 1
J a,
Gott selbst freventlich verletzt ? Die Nobili zum Mord an mir.
Meineid und Mord ! — Colonna stirbt '

Chor des Volkes.

Adriano.
Sie sterben d'rum !
Ha, wag' es, blut'ger Freiheitsknecht !
Gieb mir verwandtes Blut zu rachen, Rienzi.
Und dein Blut ist's, was mir verfallt ! Hort, Romer, mich :
Begnadigt seien sie durch euch !
Rienzi
Ceccos
Unsel'ger ! Woran mahnst du mich ?
Tribun, du rasest !
{Aus dem Hintergrunde lasst sick der düstre
Gesang von Monchen vemehmen.) Chor.

Gesang der Monche. Nie, Rienzi !

Tod treffe die Verrather ! Sie sterben !
Miserat dominum
Vestrorum peccatorum ! Rienzi.
Muss ich euch
Adriano.
Um Gnade fleh'n für meine Morder?
Entsetzlich ! Welche dumpfe Tone ! — Wohlan, so fleh' ich euch denn an :
Errege Mordlust nicht in mir ! Wenn ihr mich liebt, begnadigt sie '.
 12 RIENZI.

Baroncelli. Baroncelli and Cecco.

He's raving ! Hear him no more ! Untimely grace Rienzi gives,

Rienzi. He will regret it if he spares ;
The haughty traitor, while he lives,
Good Romans, Resentment in his bosom bears.
I made you great and free ! I beg you
Preserve the peace, yet scarcely won, The People.
Nor shed more blood ; have mercy.
This I ask — thus your Tribune pleads ! In thy good hands, O Tribune, be
The fate of all such traitors base ;
People. Do as thou wilt, since firm in thee
Thou, our deliverer, our protector, The Romans trust and honor place.
Wert struck by them with vile intent !
Rienzi (to the Nobili).
Rienzi.
O pardon them ! Let them renew Ye nobles, see, the folk forgive ;
Once more the oath of fealty ! Be free ! Be Roma's highest pride.
They will not break their vow again.
Ye nobles all, give ye this allegiance ? Adriano and Irene.

Nobles. Rienzi, thine the praise,

We give it ! Thy name by aye ador'd ;
May Heav'n e'er guide thy ways,
Cecco.
Thee constant grace afford.
Thou wilt regret it 1
So long as Rome shall stand
Rienzi. Thy fame shall not decrease,
Oh once again let mercy sweet, But spread through every land, —
Like sunlight, pierce the Roman heart; Thou wond'rous knight of peace !

Those for whose lives I here entreat

- The Nobles.
Have felt contrition's bitter smart.
But threefold woe on them befall The base plebeian's grace
If they again their vow betray ; Doth further shame impart ;
For pardon they in vain shall call, J Revenge for such disgrace
In vain for pity they shall pray ! Shall soothe the nobles' heart !

Adriano and Rienzi.

Baroncelli and Cecco.
r As through the clouds the sunlight
breaks, The haughty brood will plot
So mercy softens every smart ; Against thee when they dare ;

Its heav'nly influence, blessing, wakes In them thy trust place not.
The nobler feelings in the heart ! O fool, their lives to spare !

Colonna, Orsini, the Nobles. The People.

The haughty mercy which he gives Rienzi, thine the praise,
Abases us, while yet it spares ; Thy name be aye adored ;
And every noble, while he lives, May Heav'n e'er guide thy ways,
Yes, until death, resentment bears. Thee constant aid afford.

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

 12 RIENZI.

Baroncelli. Baroncelli. Cecco.

Er '
raset ! Hort ihn nicht an ! Unzeit'ge Gnade, die er iibt !
Hunzt, Bereu'n wird er der Straf Erlass.
Wer diesen Stolzen je vergiebt,
Ihr Romer !
Ich macht' euch gross und frei — den Erweckt auf's Neue ihren Hass I

Frieden,
Erhaltet ihn ! Vermeidet Blut ! i Chor des Volkes.
Seid gnadig, fleh' ich, der Tribun !
In deine Hande, o Tribun,
Volk. Sei der Verbrecher Loos vertraut 1
Du darfst nach deinem Willen thun,
Dich, unsern Retter, unsern Befreier, Da fest auf dich der Romer baut.
Bedrohte Tod von ihrer Hand.

Rienzi. Rienzi.
Begnadigt sie, und lasst von Neuem (Zu den Nobili.)
Sie das Gesetz beschworen ; Euch Edlen dieses Volk verzeiht,
Nie konnen je sie's wieder brechen. Seid frei, die besten Burger Rom's !
Ihr Nobili, konnt ihr dies schworen ?
Die Nobili (in Adriano und Irene
Zerknirschung).
' Rienzi, dir Preis.
Wir schworen ! sei
Cecco. Dein Name hochgeehrt ;
Dich schmücke Lorberreis,
Du wirst's bereuen !
Gesegnet sei dein Heerd !
Rienzi. So lang' als Roma steht,
An's Ende aller Welt —
O, lasst der Gnade Himmelslicht Dein Name nie vergeht,
Noch einmal dringen in das Herz ! Du hoher Friedensheld !
Wer euch, begnadigt, Treu' verspricht,
Fühlt auch der Reue bittern Schmerz. Die Nobili.
Doch dreifach Wehe treffe sie,
Verletzen sie auch diesen Eid ; Ha, dieser Gnade Schmach
Den Frevlern dann verzeihet nie ; Erdruckt das stolze Herz !
Geachtet seien sie in Ewigkeit ! I Es rache bald ein Tag
Der Schande blut'gen Schmerz !
Adriano und Irene.
'
Wie Sonne schon durch Wolken bricht, Baroncelli. Cecco.
Lost diese Gnade jeden Schmerz,
Und seiner Milde Himmelslicht Bald schwort Verrath auf's Neu'
Dringt segnend in ihr reuig Herz. Die stolze Rauberbrut.
Wer baut auf ihre Treu ?
■I Colonna. Orsini. Nobili. Uns frommt allein ihr Blut !
Ha, stolze Gnade, die er übt !
Erniedrigung und Straferlass ! Chor des Volkes.
Die Schmach der Edle nie vergiebt,
Bis in den Tod frrifft dich sein Hass ! , Rienzi, dir sei Preis etc.

ENDE DES ZWEITEN AKTES.

 £f}trD act— COe Song of CtBcrtq.

A public square in Rome. Ruins, the monuments of Rome's formergrandeur. The people
assemble, greatly excited. The Nobles have fled: some of the People bitterly complain of
Rienzi for sparing their lives. Alarm bells are heard.

People. And shout our war-cry, e'er victorious,

Soon ended be the foe's career! To arms!
The tidings sad to all make known
Guard all that's dear to you in life — (The People leave, amid tumultuous excitement.
The Nobili by night have flown ; The sound of drums js heard, calling the
Citizens to arms. )
Soon blood will flow in civil strife.
Rienzi ! Rienzi ! Where is Rienzi ? Adriano {alone).
Baroneelli. Almighty God ! So soon the die is cast!
Good Romans, hear, we are betray'd : The people cry for arms ! A dream no
The hostages of peace have fied ! more !
O grave, receive me, miserable being !
People. Where is there sorrow that to mine com
Where is Rienzi ? pares ?
Who bid ye me embrace, ye gloomy
Baroneelli. powers ?
The madman he ! Rienzi, sorrow-bringer, see what woe
Once had we safe the treacherous crew ! Hast thou brought down on my unhappy
With one fell blow were all destroyed ! head !
But he showed mercy — set them free ! Where can I turn my erring footsteps ?
Oh fool, to dream that they were leal ! Where turn my sword — the noble's
pride? —
People. Turn it on thee — Irene's brother? —
Turn it upon my father's head ?—
Rienzi! Rienzi! Search for the Tribune!
Oh, all too soon my hopes have perish'd,
Cecco.
Gone like a breath my chivalry ;
O dire misfortune ! All is lost ! Gone, proud ambitions that I cherished,
Well armed, once more the Nobili Henceforth, no fame, no honor more
Approach the city, bend on blood ! for me.
See how untimely was his mercy ;
For which we'll suffer with our lives ! By gloomy mists o'ershrouded sets
Too soon the glittering star of youth ;
People. Yet through the gloom of my regrets,
Call for Rienzi. Call him hither! Rienzi! Fall rays of light and love and truth.
( The alarm-bell is heard.)
Baroncelli, Cecco, People.
Where was I ? Ha ! Where am I now ?
Up, Romans up! Long we have waited, The signal ! Heaven ! It is too late !
The hour of battle's come at last, Am I not dreaming? No ! Away
And he who Rome anew created Unto my father I will go,
Shall lead us now, as in the past ! And try to change his grim decision ;
Spread the new banner, free and glorious, And he must hear me ! I will plead
And strike for Rome and all that's dear! Upon my knees, and he will heed me !
 Dritter Ä6t— Der dretfjettsgefang.

Grosser öffentlicher Platz in Rom. Hie und da zertrümmerte Säulen und umgestürzte
Monumente. Noch bevor der Vorhang aufgeht, hört man die Sturmglocke heftig läuten;
wild aufgeregte Volkshaufen füllen die Scene.

Chor. Die stolzen Feinde seh' ich fallen,

Vernahmt ihr all' die Kunde schon ? Und siegen freier Römer Speer !

Schliesst eure Häuser, wahrt eu'r Gut ! {Alle stürmen unter dem Rufe "Zu den Waf
Die Nobili sind Nachts gefloh'n, fen!" nach verschiedenen Seiten tumultarisch
Bald fliesst in Rom der Bürger Blut 1 ab. Man hört die Lärmtrommel schlagen.)

Rienzi ! Rienzi ! Sucht den Tribun !

Adriano (tritt auf).
Baroncelli.
Gerechter Gott, entschieden ist es schon!
IhrRömer, hört's, wie wir betrogen,
Nach Waffen schreit das Volk, kein
Des Friedens Geissein sind entfloh'n.
Traum ist's mehr !
Chor. O Erde, nimm mich Jammervollen auf :.
Wo giebt's ein Schicksal, das dem meinen
Wo ist Rienzi ?
gleicht ?
Baroncelli. Wer Hess mich dir verfallen, finst're
Macht ?
Der Rasende ! Rienzi, Unheilvoller, welch' ein Loos
Schon giebt sie ihr Verrath uns Preis, Beschworst du auf dies unglücksel'ge
Mit einem Schlag sind sie vertilgt ! — Haupt !
Da giebt er Gnade, lässt sie frei ! — Wohin wend' ich die irren Schritte?
O Thor, wer baut auf ihre Treu' ! Wohin dies Schwert, des Ritters Zier?
Chor. Wend' ich's auf dich, Irenen's Bruder . . .
Zieh' ich's auf dich, Irenen's Haupt ? —
Rienzi ! Rienzi ! Sucht den Tribun !

In seiner Blüthe bleicht mein Leben,

Cecco
(tritt auf). Dahin ist all' mein Ritterthum !
Ha ! 's ist zum Rasen ! Alles hin ! Der Thaten Hoffnung ist verloren,
Gerüstet sind die Nobili Mein Haupt krönt nimmer Glück und
Und nahen drohend sich der Stadt. Ruhm.
Ha, wie zur Unzeit war die Milde ! Mit trübem Flor umhüllet sich
Wir büssen sie mit unserm Blut. Mein Stern im ersten Jugendglanz;
Durch düst're Gluthen dringet selbst
Chor. Der schönsten Liebe Strahl in's Herz.
Schreit nach Rienzi !— Rienzi !
{Man hört Signale von der Sturmglocke.)
Baroncelli. Cecco. Chor.
o war ich ? Ha, wo bin ich jetzt ? —
Ihr Römer, auf, greift zu den Waffen, Die Glocke ! — Weh', zu spät !
Zum Kampfe eile jeder Mann ! Was nun beginnen ? — Ha, nur Ein's !
Der Gott, der Roma neu erschaffen, Zu meinem Vater will ich flieh'n ;
Führt euch durch seinen Streiter an ! In Frieden wandl' ich allen Hass !
Lasst eure neuen Fahnen wallen, Er muss mich hören, denn seine Knie
Und kämpfet froh für ihre Ehr' ! Umfassend, sterbe willig ich.
 14 R1ENZ1.

Yes, and the Tribune must be merciful ; Adriano.

To peace I'll change his glaring hate. Stand back !— O Tribune, halt !
All Desist from battle ! Oh desist !
gracious God, thou God of Peace,
Plant love in every Roman heart ; Here, on my knees, I thee implore —
Thy blessing to my task impart, Still there is time — do not refuse !
That love abound, and hatred cease !
Rienzi.
(He leaves.)
( Warlike signals are heard coming nearer. A 11 Ere thou again shalt move my heart,
citizens of Rome capable of bearing arms appear, Let all the world in ruins fall !
ready to march out against the Nobili, Women,
maidens, old men, children, priests and monks
accompany the procession. Rienzi armed, cap-a-pie, Adriano.
and on horseback, appears. Irene accompanies
him on foot. The Senators, Baroncelli and Cecco, Rienzi, see ! Here see my bend —
fully harnessed, close the procession.) Wilt vengeance wreak, so take my head !

Rienzi.
Rienzi.
" The hour is come ; the day has dawned
Thou ravest, boy ! I prithee, rise,
That ends a thousand years' disgrace ; And let the fates do what is will'd.
That sees the proud barbarian's fall,
And free-born Romans' victory!
So join ye in the battle-hymn, Adriano.
To the foe it shall a terror be : (Rising up wildly, angry. )
Santo spirito cavaliere ! So be it ! Fate shall e'en take its course.
{At a sign from Rienzi the entire procession, himself
BATTLE-HYMN. at the head, all singing the second verse of the Battle-
Hymn, leave the stage.)
Santo spirito cavaliere !
"March, Romans, march ! Now strike
for home and altar ; THE BATTLE-HYMN.
Curs'd be the traitor who shall dare to IL
falter !
"March, Romans, march, for freedom
Never on earth shall be his sins forgiv'n —
and your laws ;
Death on his soul — for him no hope of
Earth is your witness, all earth is your
heaven !
cause 1
Blow, trumpets, blow ! Loudly beat
Seraph and saint, and all the hosts of
the drum !
light,
Gaily to glory, see the Romans come ! Shall lead you on, to conquer in the
Charge on, ye steeds ! Let the swords
fight.
flash free !
Blow, trumpets, blow ! Loudly beat the
Now is the day that our victory shall drum !
see !
Fill, our banners! Sun, gild
Gaily to glory see the Romans come !
breeze,
Charge on, ye steeds ! Let the sword
our spears !
" flash free !
Spirito Santa, cavaliers ! Now is the day that our victory shall see!
( The Priests and Monks join in the refrain, which Fill, breeze, our banners ! Sun, gild our
is accompanied bv the Soldiers striking their shields
■with their swords. The signal to march is given, spears !
"
when Adriano rushes forward, and bars Rienzi' s way. Spirito santo, cavaliere !

END OF THE THIRD ACT.

14 R1ENZ1.

Auch der Tribun wird milde sein ; Adriano.

Zum Frieden wandl' ich glüh'nden Hass. Zurück, zuriick, halt ein, Tribun !
Du Gnadengott, zu dir fleh' ich, Lass ab vom Kampfe, hor' mich an !
Der Lieb' in jeder Brust entflammt : Bei deinem Heil beschwor' ich dich !
Mit Kraft und Segen rüste mich, Noch ist es Zeit, — du wirst bereu'n !
Versohnung sei mein heilig Amt !
(Er eilt ab.) Rienzi.
(Kriegerisehe Signale nfihern sich der Bühne. Alle Eh' du von Neuem mich bevvegst,
waffenfahige Burger Rom's Ziehen kampfgerüstet Soil' alle Welt zu Grunde geh'n !
una marschfMg auf. Frauen und Mddehen, Greise,
Kinder, Priester und Monche geleiten die Ziige. — Adriano.
Hienzi, ganz geharnischt und zu Pferde sitzend,
Irene, inn zu Fuss geleitend, und die Senatoren, Rienzi, sieh', hier liege ich ;
Baroncelli und Cecco, ebenfalls geharniseht, Willst Rache du, so nimm mein Haupt !
schliessen den Kriegszug.
Rienzi.
Rienzi.
Du rasest Knabe ! Stehe auf,
Der Tag ist da, die Stunde naht Und lass dem Schicksal seinen Lauf !
Zur Sühne tausendjähr'ger Schmach !
Er schaue der Barbaren Fall Adriano.
Und freier Romer hohen Sieg! (Mit Ingfimm sic A erhebend.)
So stimmt denn an den Schlachtgesang, Nun denn, nimm, Schicksal, deinen Lauf!
Er soli der Feinde Schrecken sein ! der ganze Kriegszug,
Santo spirito cavaliere ! (Auf Rienzi' sZeichenverldsst
mit ihm an der Spitze, unter Absingen des zweiten
Verses der Schlaehthymne, die Biihne.)

SCHLACHT-HYMNE.
SCHLACHT-HYMNE.
Santo spirito cavaliere !
" Auf, Romer, auf, fur Heerd ii.
und fur
Altare! " Auf, Romer, auf, f ür Freiheit und Ge-
Fluch dem Verrather an der Romer Ehre! setze,
Nie sei auf Erden ihm die Schmach ver- Sei Zeug', o Erd', fur unsre hochsten
zieh'n, Schatze !
Tod seiner Seel', es lebt kein Gott fur ihn! Ihr Heil'gen all', und Gottes Engel-
Trompeten schmettert, Trommeln wir- schaar,
belt d'rein ! Steht uns im Kampfe bei und in Gefahr!
Es soli der Sieg der Romer Antheil sein. Trompeten schmettert, Trommeln wir-
Ihr Rosse stampfet,Sch\verter klirret laut, belt drein.
Heut'ist der Tag, der uns're Siege schaut! Es soil der Sieg der Romer Antheil sein!
Paniere weht ; blinkt hell, ihr Speerel Ihr Rosse stampfet, Schwerter klirret
"
Santo Spirito cavaliere ! laut,
Heut' ist der Tag, der uns're Siege schaut!
(Als Rienzi dem Kriegszug das Zeiehen zum Auf-
biuch giebt, erreieht Adriano athemlos die Bühne
Paniere weht, blinkt hell ihr Speere !
"
und wirft sieh ihm in den Weg.) Santo spirito cavaliere !

ENDE DES DRITTEN AKTES.

 <fourtfj act— SOe (^communication.

The Square of St. John Lateran. Night. Baroncelli and other Citizens, concealed in their
mantels, meet together.

Baroncelli. Citizens.
Who was it called you here to-night ? What say'st thou ? Gone, the Cardinal ?

Citizens.
Baroncelli.

His face was hid : we knew him not. And know too, that, before his flight,
Colonna with the Pope had audience,
And gave his word, that he would take
Baroncelli.
The Church beneath his own protection ?
Know ye the German ambassador
Has taken his departure ? Cecco.

What says the Pope about Colonna's

Citizens. death ?
Ha! Baroncelli.
The new-made Kaiser's wrath with Rome. He has not spoken. But what say you,
About our fallen kinsmen ?
Cecco.

All hail, good friends! Ye too have been Citizens.

Call'd, like me, hither ? A carnage, sad and terrible !

Baroncelli. Baroncelli.
Cecco too ! Was it Rienzi's kindness that
Hast heard the sorry news to-night ? Alone induced him to show mercy ?
Clearly I see that it was treachery !
Cecco.
Citizens.
That the ambassadors have left us ! What, treachery ! Can'st thou proof it ?
For that we thank the arrogance
With which Rienzi hath disputed Baroncelli.
Germany's right to give to Rome a king! He seeks alliance with the Nobili !
Ye know Irene loves Colonna's son ;
Baroncelli.
Well, as the price of this forgiveness, he
And we shall suffer. With the Pope Hop'd to induce Colonna to give way !
The Kaiser stands on friendly terms. Citizens.
Chorus. For this our blood was basely shed ?
Traitor ! If this should prove the truth !
Who then remains to aid us now ?
Give us thy proof, good Baroncelli !
Baroncelli. (Adriano enters. His features are concealed. )

Adnano.
Know ye, what pleases me till less ?
The Cardinal has been recall'd! I can bear witness all is true
 liierter Äftt— Die (^communication.

Breite Strasse vor der Lateran-Kirche, deren Portal sich auf der Seite des Vordergrundes
zeigt. — Es ist Nacht. — Baroncelli und mehrere Bürger, alle verhüllt, treffen zusammen.

Baroncelli. Chor.

Wer war's der euch hierher beschied ? Was sagst du ? Auch der Cardinal ?

Baroncelli.
Chor.
Wohl weiss ich, dass bei seiner Flucht
Er war verhüllt, unkenntlich uns. Colonna an den Papst sich wandte,
Und ihm versprach, der Kirche Schutz
Baroncelli. Durch seine Macht zu übernehmen.
Wisst ihr, dass Deutschlands Abgesandte Cecco.
Für immer Rom verlassen ?
Was sagt er zu seinem Tod ?
Chor.
Baroncelli.
Ha!
So zürnt der neue Kaiser Rom ? Dies das Geringste! Doch was sagt ihr
Zum Tode eurer Brüder ?
Cecco.
Chor.
Euch treff' ich hier ? — So seid auch ihr
Hierher beschieden ? Entsetzlich blutiger Verlust !

Baroncelli.
Baroncelli.
Glaubt Ihr, Rienzi's Milde war's,
Cecco auch ? Die zu der Gnade ihn bewog ?
Kennst du die schlimme Neuigkeit ?
Klar sehe ich, es war Verratherei !

Cecco. Chor.

Dass die Gesandten Rom verlassen, Verrätherei ? Womit beweisen ?

Das danken wir dem Uebermuth, Baroncelli.

Mit dem Rienzi Deutschlands Fürsten
Die röm'sche Kaiserwahl bestritt. Verbindung sucht' er mit den Nobili,
Ihr wisst, Irene liebt Colonna's Sohn ;
Baroncelli. Nun, um den Preis dieser Begnadigung
Hofft' er zum Bund Colonna zu be
Wir werden's büssen, — mit dem Papst wegen.
Versteht der neue Kaiser sich.
Chor und Cecco.

Chor. Und darum strömte unser Blut ?

Weh' ihm, wenn dies sich war erweist !
Wer bleibt dann noch zu unserm Schutz ?
Ha, Baroncelli, stell' uns Zeugen !
Baroncelli. (Adriano tritt, in einen Mantel gehüllt, hervor.)

Wisst noch, was mir nicht recht gefällt: Adriano.

Der Cardinal ist abgereist. Ich bin ein Zeuge, er sprach wahr.
 i6 R1ENZI.

Citizens. Baronceili.
And who art thou ? See they are here !
Adriano.
People.
Colonna's son !
The Cardinal ?
(Colonna, ah ! can I dare name him
Who from his grave must curse his son ?
Cecco.
Oh, be at rest, thou troubled shadow,
Turn thou from me thy gloomy gaze! How ? Has he returned to Rome !
No, never shall my arm grow weary
Till thy revenge is made complete !) Baronceili.
Good friends, in truth I am Colonna's
son. And the Te Deum — will hold himself?
Hear me. Unworthy of his power
Is he who leads you on to death !
People.
Good Romans, be upon your guard !
The Kaiser threats ; the Church is wrath The Church is for Rienzi 1

Baronceili, Cecco, and Citizens. Cecco.

Then
Ha, the betrayer ! He hath deceived us ! Can we do nought ! The Church
To gain his ends he shed our Roman Doth give him her protection !
blood,
And to destruction gave us up !
Adriano.
Ha ! Vengeance on him 1
Your courage fails !
Adriano. Gone all your wrath 1
Nay, even on the altar's steps
Vengeance, yea, My steel shall reach the traitor's heart !
My sword on him shall vengeance
(He places himself near the door of the church.)
wreak.
Cecco.
Citizens.
The Tribune comes ! Keep close to me !
Yes, vengeance. Let the traitor die !
And wait in silence till I bid !
He shall die !
(All the plotters take up position near the entrance to
Cecco. the church, so that the steps are occupied by them.)

But see, the nights is waning fast.

Shall we break out in open revolution ? SCENE II.
Baronceili, (A festal procession appears, and near the Church of
the Lateran, awaits the arrival of Rienzi. The Tri
By pompous f£tes the Tribune seeks bune, clad in gala dress, arrives. He leads his sister
To drown our bitter, galling need. Irene by the hand. He halts, seeing the conspirators,
who more by the positions they have taken, than by
To-day a grand Te Deum is held gestures, appear to wish to bar his way to the church.)
In honor of our bloody work !
Rienzi.
Adriano.
(Addresses the Conspirators^)
So be prepared to strike to-day.
What, dicontented ? Think, perhaps,
All. The victory is not worth your thanks ?

Before all eyes it shall be done ! Adriano.

{They are about to depart, when a procession, in
■which is Raimondo, accompanied by Priests and (Oh Heaven ! Irene beside her brother!
Monks, passes tomards the church.) An angel guards him ! I am powerless !)
 R1ENZL

Cecco und Chor. Baroncelli.

Und wer bist du ? Seht, welcher Zug !

Adriano. Chor.
Colonna's Sohn ! Der Cardinal !
(Colonna, ach, darf ich ihn nennen,
Der aus dem Grab' mir fluchend droht ? ! Cecco.
Vater — erschlagen von Rienzi, Ha, wie ! Er ist zurückgekehrt ?
Von jenem blutigen Tyrannen —
Nicht eher soll mein Arm ermatten, Baroncelli.
Bis er gerächet dein Geschick !)
Ihr Männer — ja, Colonna's Sohn bin Und das Te Deum hält er selbst !

ich !
Chor.
Hört mich ! Unwürdig seiner Macht
Ist der Tribun, der euch verrieth. Die Kirche für Rienzi !
Ihr Römer seid auf eurer Huth !
Der Kaiser droht, die Kirche zürnt. Cecco.

Nichts
Baroncelli. Cecco. Chor.
Vermögen wir — die Kirche
Ha, der Verrather, dem wir dienten, Nimmt sich seiner an !
Der seiner - Ehrsucht Preis gab unser
Blut, Adriano.
In das Verderben stürzt er uns ! Ha, Elende, euch fehlt der Muth !
Ha, Rache ihm ! Sei's an den Stufen des Altars —
Adriano. Verfallen ist er meinem Arm !
(Er stellt sich an den Pforten der Kirchthüre auf.)
Ja, Rache ihm !
Ich sei es selbst, der sie vollzieht ! Cecco.

Baroncelli. Cecco. Chor. Es naht der Zug, schliesst euch an mich ;

Ha, Rache ihm ! Der Frevler büsse mit Erwartet still so, wie sich's fügt !
(Alle Verschworene ziehen sich an den Eingang
der
dem Tod !
Kirche hin, so dass die ganze runde Treppe von
(Der Tag bricht an.) ihnen besetzt wird.)

Cecco.

Doch seht, die Nacht

ist schon ge ZWEITE SCENE.
wichen !
(Ein festlicher Zug betritt in feierlicher Haltung
Sagt, brechen wir in offener Empörung die Bühne und stellt sieh, dem Eingange des
los? Lateran' s zugewendet, auf. Rienzi in Festgewän
dern, Irene an der Hand führend, hält bei dem An
Baroncelii. blicke der Verschworenen an, welche ihm, weniger
durch ihre Gebärden als durch ihre Stellung, den
Durch Festespomp sucht der Tribun Eintritt in die Kirche streitig zu machen scheinen. )
Zu übertäuben uns're Noth ;
Ein feierlich Te Deum soll
Rienzi.
Heut' danken für den blut'gen Sieg.
ernst anblickend.)
(Die Verschworenen
Adriano.
Ihr nicht beim Feste ? Achtet ihr
So seid bereit^ und straft ihn heut' ! So gering den Sieg, nicht dankens-
Alle. werth ?

Vor aller Augen sei's gethan ! Adriano.

(Alle wenden sich zum Abgange, als ihnen fin Zug O Gott ! Irene an seiner Seite !
entgegentritt, in welchem sich Raimondo, begleitet
von Priestern und Mönchen, über die Strasse in die
Ihn schützt ein Engel — wie vollend'
Kirche begiebt.) ich's ?
 R1EMZI. 17

Rienzt. Raimondo.
How Have ye lost all heart forsooth,
! Stand back !
Since ye have seen your kinsfolk fall ? The pure of heart alone can enter here !
But for that loss how great your gain ? But thou — thou art accurs'd !
Destroyed are those who once oppress'd Accurs'd who hold to thee !
you,
Your fathers, sons, and brothers mur People.
dered, Flee from him ! He is beneath the ban !
Your wifes and sisters violated !
( The doors of the church are closed noisely. On thtm
Oh for how much less a cause than this is seen nailed the papal bann. Rienzi stands dumb
How oft have Romans courted death ? with amazement. Irene has fallen senseless to the
And you have fought for home and hearth ground beside him. The whole square is quickly
deserted by all except Adriano. The chant within
And for your freedom — and have one ! the church ceases. Adriano, with wavering step, goes
{Noticing the impression he has made, Rienzi con iowards Irene, and bending down, whispers to her
tinues with greater earnestness. ) softly.)
Yes, ye have won ! No, I will ne'er
believe Adriano (to Irene).
That ye regret the sacrifices made — Irene, come ! flee from this place !
Build firm on me — on Rienzi ! Oh cornel 'Tis I — thy Adriano !
Keep to my side, be ever faithful,
God hath thus far me safely guided, Irene.
He aids me still, deserts me not ! Thou here ? What wilt thou ?
The Conspirators What has happ'd ?

(separate reverently, making room for Rienzi to pass)

Adriano.
Long may Rienzi live
He is accursed and excommunicated,
Adriano. From grace on earth and grace in heaven I
Ha, slavish cowards ! Accursed all those who aided him !
Shall I alone?— Before Irene too ? Oh, savethvself! Flee from his presence!
(Rienzi moves forward with the procession, ascending
the steps of the church. Adriano is about to draw Irene.
his dagger, when from the church is heard an
ominous chant by the Monks. ) My brother? — Nay! Away, deceiver! —
Rienzi ! Rienzi ! Oh ! my brother !
Priests and Monks in the Lateran. {.She casts herself upon Rienzi 's breast.)
Vae, vae tibi maledicto !
Jam te justus ense stricto, Adriano.
Vindex manet angelus. Demented one ! Delay is death !
Vae, spem nullam maledictus {He leaves. )
Foveat, Gehennae rictus,
Jamjam hiscit fiammeus ! Rienzi.
(Awakening from his stupor, he feels Irene on his
Rienzi. breast, lifts her from the ground, and gazes long and
How ominous ! What a Te Deum ! earnestly into her eyes.)

Irene! Thou! Then Rome is not yet dead

People.
( They remain long in silent embrace. While th
A strange and terrible thanksgiving ! chant within the church continues the curtain falls.e
{Rienzi makes a sign for the procession to form in
order, and again begins to ascend the steps. The Chant of the Monks.
doors of the church are suddenly thrown open, and
Raimondo, surrounded by Priests and Monks, appears. Vae, vae tibi maledicto, etc.

END OF THE FOURTH ACT.

 RIENZI. 17

Ritnzi. Raimondo.

Wie, oder ist der Muth dahin, Zurück, Reinen nur

dem
Da ihr die Brüder fallen sah't : Erschliesst die Kirche sich !

Sind dafür Jene nicht vernichtet, Du aber bist verflucht,

Die sonst, als ihr noch friedlich war't, Im Bann ist, wer dir treu !
Euch Vater, Sonne kalt erschlugen, Folk.
Und eure Weiber schändeten ? (Naeh alien Seiten hin von Rienzi fliehend.)
O, für weit gering're Noth Fliehet ihn I Er ist verflucht !
Weiht* einst der Rdmer sich dem Tod !
(Die Kirchthure hat sich krachend gesehlossen ; an
Doch ihr schlugt euch für Ehr' und ihr angeheftet erbliekt man die Bannbulle. Rienzi
Ruhm, ist betdubt, Irene ist an seiner Seite hingesunken. Die
Fiir eurer Freiheit Heiligthum ! ganze Bühne ist schnell leer geworden, nur Adriano,
der seinen Platz nicht verlassen, steht an der
Den Eindruch, den er gemacht, gewahrend, f&hrt
er feuriger fort.) Kirchthiire. Der Gesang in der Kirche verstummt.
Adriano geht wankenden Schrittes auf Irene zu und
Ihr habt gesiegt — o lasst mich nimmer beugt sich, leise flüsternd, zu ihr herab.)
glauben,
Dass ihr den Sieg, der Ruhm euch gab, Adriano.
verwünscht ! Irene, komm', flieh' diesen Ort —
Baut fest auf mich, den Tribunen, Zu mir — ich bin's, dein Adriano !
'
Haltet getreu an meiner Seite Irene.
Gott, der bisher mich führte,
(Langsam wieder zu sich kommend.)
Gott steht mir bei, verlässt mich nie !
Du hier ? Was willst du ? Was geschah ?
Chor der Vtrschworenen. Adriano.
(Jheilen sieh ehrfurchtsvoll, Rienzi Platz machend.) Der Boden brennt zu deinen Füssen !
Lang' lebe der Tribun ! Auf, eile, flieh' !— Dein Freund bin ich —
Sieh her — ich bin's, dein Geliebter !—
Adriatic.
Ha, feige Sklaven ! Irene.
Soil ich allein — ? soil vor Irenen Mein Bruder — sagt, wo ist mein Bruder?
selbst — ? Adriano.
(Er thut einen zweifelhaften Griff naeh dem
Dolche ; Rienzi ist im Begriffe, die Treppe zu be-
Er ist verflucht und ausgestossen
treten, als man aus dem Innern des Lateran's Vom Heil des Himmels und der Erden
einen düstern Gesang vernimmt.) Verflucht mit ihm, wer ihm zur Seite ;
D'rum rette dich, flieh' seine Nahe !
Gesang aus der Kirche.
Irene.
Vae, vae tibi maledicto !
Jam te justus ense stricto Mein Bruder ?— Ha, hinweg.Unsel'ger !—
Vindex mannet angelus. Rienzi, Rienzi ! O mein Bruder !
Vae, spem nullam maledictus (Sie wirft sieh an Rienzi' s Brust.)
Foveat, Gehennae rictus Adriano.
Jamjam hiscit flammeus ! Wahnsinnige 1 Verdirb mit ihm ! (Eilt ab.)
Rienzi. Rienzi.
(Einige Schritte zurucktrctend.) (Erwacht aus seiner Betdubung; er fuhlt Irene an
Wie schauerlich ! Welch ein Te Deum ? seiner Brust, richtet sie auf und blickt ihr ge-
rührt in die Augcn.)
Chor. Irene, du ?— Noch giebt's ein Rom !
Uns fasst ein Grauen — welche Tone ! (Sie verbleiben in einer langen Umarmung. Wdh-
rend der Gesang in der Kirche verhallt, fdllt der
(Rienzi ermannt sieh und giebt ein Zeiehen, worauf
sich der Zug wieder in Bewegang setzt. Als Rienzi Vorhang langsam.)
auf der Halfte der Treppe angelangt ist, erscheint Gesang aus der Kirche.
am Portal des Lateran Raimondo, umgeben von
Priestem und Monchen.) Vae, vae tibi maledicto etc.

ENDE DES VIERTEN AKTES.

 <ftft(j Act— £Ge Cast of tOe SrtGunes.

A Hall in the Capitol. Rienzi kneeling in prayer.

Rienzi. Irene.

Almighty Father, look on me ! My brother, I the teachings well re

Hear Thou my humble, fervent member,
prayer ! In which thou trainedst me, a feeble
Let not the power I had from Thee, girl ;
Pass from me in this dark despair ! Did'st teach my neart to thrill with
Roma's joy,
Thou gavest me of Thy all-wondrous Ank now thy lessons 1 will not forget ;
might, For Rome and thee I'll ne'er desert, e'en
High gifts, O Lord, didst Thou on though
me bestow, The sacrifice be gladness, love, and life !
To light up those who live in night, Rienzi, say, am I not strong and true ?
To raise up those who bend so low !
Thou changed'st Roma's shame to joy, Rienzi.
Through Thee were Peace and Free Come, dearest sister, to my heart !
dom won :
O God, do not this work destroy — Irene.
That all in praise of Thee was done !
Knowst what
Oh, banish, Lord, the gloom of night, It means if woman sacrifice her love ?
That still our Roman skies o'ercasts : 0 no — for thou has neve.r lov'd !
Grant me the reflex of Thy might,
That all eternities outlasts ! Rienzi.
My Lord and Father, look from heav'n ! Nay, I have truly loved !— Irene,
O grant me aid in my despair : Knowst thou no more how deep, how
O God, by whom my power was given — true ?
Hear now my earnest fervent prayer ! 1 liv'd in love for my betroth'd, my bride,
Since first to thought, to feeling, I
{/fate has entered and has observed Rienzi, deeply
moved. Rienzi embraces her fondly.) awoke ;
Since all the grandeurs of her glorious
past
SCENE II. From you proud ruins of her present
Rienzi. spoke !
I lov'd so fondly my betroth'd, my bride,
And if the Church deserts me, to whose Who in the dust was bowed so low —
praise Basely maltreated, horribly defaced,
The work was done — desert the People, Despis'd, abus'd, abandon'd, and revil'd!
too, Oh, how her anguish fill'd my soul with
Whom I have scarcely rais'd to claim rage!
that name !— Oh, how her woes gave strength unto my
Deserts me every friend, that Fortune love !
brought Thenceforth to her my life I consecrated,
To me— two still remain for ever true — To her my youth, to her my manhoods
The lord above, and thou my sister ! strength !
 fünfter fl&t— Der fe^te Öer £rtöunen.

Eine Halle im Capitol. Rienzi allein im Gebet.

Rienzi. Irene.

AUmächt'ger Vater, blick' herab, Mein Bruder, ja, noch kenne ich die
Hör' mich im Staube zu dir fleh'n ! Lehren,
Die Macht, die mir dein Wunder gab, Zu denen du mich schwaches Weib er
Lass jetzt noch nicht zu Grunde geh'n ! zogst :
Du machtest mich zu einer Römerin —
Du stärktest mich, du gabst mir hohe
Sieh' denn, ob ich die Lehre treu be
Kraft,
Du liehest mir hohe Eigenschaft, folgt !
Zu heben den, der niedrig denkt,
Der letzten Römer lass ich nie, sei auch
Der Preis das Glück des Lebens und der
Zu heben, was im Staub versenkt.
Liebe !
Du wandeltest des Volkes Schmach Rienzi, sag' : hab' ich mich stark be
Zu Hoheit, Glanz und Majestät :— währt ?
O Gott, vernichte nicht das Werk,
Rienzi.
Das dir zum Preis errichtet steht !
Ach, löse, Herr, die tiefe Nacht, Irene, meine Heldenschwester !

Die noch der Menschen Seele deckt !

Irene.
Schenk' mir den Abglanz deiner Macht,
Weisst
Die sich in Ewigkeit erstreckt !
Du auch, was einer Lieb' entsagen
Mein Herr und Vater, blick' herab, heisst ?
Senke dein Aug' aus deinen Höh'n, O nein, du hast ja nie geliebt !
Mein Gott, der hohe Kraft mir gab,
Erhör' mein tief inbrünstig Fleh'n ! Rienzi.
(Er neigt sein Haupt wie zu feierlicher Andacht.') Wohl liebt' auch ich !— O Irene,
,Kennst du nicht mehr meine Liebe ?
Ich liebte glühend meine hohe Braut,
ZWEITE SCENE. Seit ich zum Denken, Fühlen bin er
(Irene ist aufgetreten und hat Rienzi mit Rührung
wacht,
betrachtet. Rienzi erhebt sich ;beide umarmen sich Seit mir, was einstens ihre Grösse war,
inniglich.') Erzählte der alten Ruinen Pracht.
Ich liebte schmerzlich meine hohe Braut,
Rienzi. Da ich sie tief erniedrigt sah,
Schmählich misshandelt, grau'nvoll ent
Verlässt die Kirche mich, zu deren Preis stellt,
Mein Werk begann — verlässt mich auch Geschmäht, entehrt, geschändet und ver
das Volk, höhnt !
Das ich zu diesem Namen erst erhob — Ha, wie ihr Anblick meinen Zorn ent
Verlässt mich jeder Freund, den mir das brannte!
Glück Ha, wie ihr Jammer Kraft gab meiner
Erschuf, bleibt Zweies doch mir ewig Liebe !
treu : Mein Leben weihte ich einzig nur ihr,
Der Himmel selbst und meine Schwester! Ihr meine Jugend, meine Manneskraft ;
 RIENZI. *9

For I did yearn to see my peerless bride With courage, aye, unyielding,
Crown'd once again the queen of all the What can the heart appal ?
World — With God, the good cause shielding,
For know that Rome, yes Rome, is my How then can Roma fall ?
betroth'd.
Rienzi.
Irene.
So be it ! Once more I'll show myself —
O, faithless bride — unworthy Rome ! Once more shall Freedom's call resound,
Rienzi.
To wake up Rome from fatal sleep !
(He leaves the halls)
And measure then the grievous pain, if I
This lovely bride must aye relinguish!
SCENE III.
Irene. (As Irene is about leaving the hall, Adriano enters
excited almost to madness, and with unsheathed
Rienzi, o my noble brother ! sword.)
Look in my tearless, weeping eyes ;
Look on my cheeks' devouring grief, Adriano.
And, knowing what this heart hath borne,
Thou here, Irene ? Why linger'st thou
Say then : Is Rome untrue to thee ? Here, in this curse-beladen house ?
Rienzi. Ircne.
Irene, ah ! e'enthy devotion What ! Adriano ! Dost thou dare
Tortures my heart. What wilt thou do?
Present thyself to me, Rienzi's sister !
Beneath the ban — accurs'd art thou
If thou stand with me —and my work — Away !

I feel it — will full soon be done. — Adriano.

I'll be the victim — but why thou ?
Thinkst thou of Adrian no more ? Dost understand me not ?
He hates but me, and will be calm'd Irene, come, or thou art lost
When I have fallen. — Be thou his ! If thou remain 1 Come, follow me !

Irene. Irene.

Rienzi !— Nay, what words are thine ? Here, with the last who dares to be,
Dost thou speak so unto thy sister ! A Roman true, I will remain !
Thou art a traitor — false to him !
Rienzi. Go 1 What love have I for thee ?
There is no Rome !— Be then a woman !
Adriano.
Irene
Ha But the love I bear for thee —
!
I'll be the last of Roman women ! It is not love — 'tis madness sheer.
Irene, Irene ! See me kneeling !
Rienzi.
Did'st plight to me thy love eternal ?
increase not more my grievous pain ! Would'st break thy sacred troth to me ?
Oh, I know well the pledge I gave
Irene.
To thee : Death and destruction be
O, slay me here — I'll never leave thee ! My motto till each obstacle
That bars my way to thee is broken !
Rienzi.
That was my vow ; I'll keep it still.
Come, noble sister, to my heart ! Death and destruction, see, are here !
Thy brother, by the Church condemned,
Rienzi and Irene. Accurs'd by Heaven and all the world ;
In heart and soul united, The people rave, think they're betrayed
And standing side by side, The Capitol soon stands in flames,
Let Rome live on, unblighted, Surrounded by the wretched mob ;
All conscious, in her pride. All whom they find here are accurs'd
 R1ENZI. *9

Denn sehen wollt' ich sie, die hohe Blickt uns in's feste Auge
Braut ! Und sagt, ob Roma fiel ?
Gekrönt als Königin der Welt : — Mit uns'rem letzten Hauche
Denn wisse, Roma heisst meine Braut! Steckt Gott ihr erst das Ziel.

Irene. Rienzi.

Treulose Braut, Verachtung dir ! Es sei ! Noch einmal will ich mich denn
zeigen,
Rienzi. Noch einmal tönen soll mein Ruf,
Ermiss' denn meinen Schmerz, da ich Zu wecken Rom aus seinem Schlaf.
Entsagen dieser Liebe soll ! (Er geht ab.)

Irene. DRITTE SCENE.

Rienzi, o mein grosser Bruder, (Als Irene ebenfalls abgehen will, tritt ihr Adriano,
bis zum Wahnsinn aufgeregt, mit entblösstem
Blick' in mein thränenloses Auge, Schwerte entgegen?)
Sieh' auf der Wange tiefen Gram.
Empfinde, was dies Herz bezwang, Adriano.
Und sag': ist Roma untreu dir ! Irene! Treff' ich dich
Noch in des Fluchbelad'nen Haus ?
Rienzi.
Irene, ach !selbst deine Treue Irene.
Bricht mir das Herz. Was willst du thun?
Entsetzlicher, du wagst es noch,
Im Bann bin ich ; Verflucht bist du
Des Reinen Schwelle zu betreten
An meiner Seite, und mein Werk — ?

Ich fühl' es — ist vollendet bald. Entflieh'!

Ich sei das Opfer — warum du ? Adriano.
Gedenkst du Adriano's nicht ?
Er hasst nur mich, und ist versöhnt, Wahnsinnige, noch Trotz ?
Wenn ich gefallen. — Bleibe sein ! Ach kennst du dein Verderben nicht ;
Doch rett' ich dich. — Komm', folge mir !
Irene.
Irene.
Rienzi !— Ha, was höre ich ?
Zu deiner Schwester sprichst du so ? Hier bei dem Letzten, den der Name
Des Römers ziert, ist mein Asyl !
Rienzi. Ihrseid Treulose, Schändliche !
Kein Rom giebt's mehr, sei denn ein Geh', es giebt keine Liebe mehr !
Weib!
Adriano.
Irene.
Ha, meine Liebe ist Wahnsinn,
Ich sei die letzte Römerin !
Ist Liebe nicht, nur Raserei !
Rienzi. Irene, Irene, sieh' mich knien!
Du schwurest einst mir ew'ge Treue —
Ach mehre so nicht meinen Gram !
Versünd'ge nicht durch Meineid dich !
Irene. Wohl kenne ich noch meinen Schwur ;
Ich schwur : Tod und Verderben solle
Ermorde mich — ich lass dich nie !
Mir Losung sein, um jedes Band
Rienzi (überwältigt).
Und jede Schranke zu zertrümmern: —
Dies war mein Schwur, ich halt' ihn jetzt ;
Komm', stolze Jungfrau, an mein Herz ! Tod und Verderben — sieh', sind da 1
Dein Bruder ward von Gott verflucht,
Beide.
Verflucht von mir und aller Welt ;
In uns'rem treuen Bunde, Das Volk, es ras't, kennt den Verrath —
In dieser keuschen Brust Dies Capitol — bald steht's nicht mehr ;
Lebt Roma noch zur Stunde, Schon wird der Feuerbrand genährt —
Der Grösse sich bewusst. Wer hier betroffen, ist verflucht,
 20 R1ENZJ.

Their death, a service to the Church ; Baroncelli and People.

And in my hand behold the steel
Heed not his words
By which he falls — and falls through me !
!

Death and destruction, lo, are here ! Rienzi.

Now thou art mine ! Say, am I true ?
See, at thy feet I bend to plead ; Oh, Romans!
See how I
Show ye then thus your Roman birth ?
love thee ! Trust then to me !

Irene. Cecco and People.

Traitor ! In
cannot trust !
thee I Bring hither stones ! Up, death to him !
Can have no love for thee again !
Here I'll remain — I will a Roman be !
Rienzi.
'
And then in death my lifeless form — Is this your thanks for all I've done ?
Claim if thou wilt ! Have ye forgot the joyous shouts
Adriano.
With which ye greeted me, when I
To Roma, peace and freedom gave .
They're coming, see ! The torches glare ! Oh, Romans, hear me — hear me plead —
Oh horror ! Come, oh come, Irene ! Me, who erst made each Roman free !
Irene.
Baroncelli.
Leave me ! I feel a giant's strength !
Heaven will aid me in my need ! Heed not his words 1 He'll befool us all!
Adriano. Chorus.
Thou shalt not die! Thy death were mine ! To work ! Set fire to the Capitol !
Oh, come ! Thou shalt not longer stay ! (From all sides firebrands are cast into the Capitol.)
Irene.
Rienzi.
Let go ! With him I'll die !— Rienzi !
This is your thanks ! What ! Are ye
.Adriano. Romans ?
Nay, thou art mine 1 E'en through the Degenerate folk ! Unworthy of that
flames name !—
I'll find my way to thee ! {He rushes out.) The last of Romans —curses you !
Accurs'd, destroy'd be Rome again —
SCENE IV. Let death, yes, death and destruction
( The large square before the Capitol. Masses of come !
people, bearing torches, shouting in the wildest ex
citement. Baroncelli and Cecco are among the rioters?)
So wills the Roman folk once more !
( The fire extends in all directions. Irene appears
People. standing by Rienzi 's side, in the midst of the
flames. )
This way! This way! Come on! Come on!
The Church's curse on him doth rest ; People.
Bring hither stones and fiery brands ; Devour him now with flaming breath !
Let death his arrogance arrest, Accurs'd by all, alone he stands !
Obey the Church's high commands ! Destruction fall on him and death!
{Rienzi, clad in armour, but with uncovered head, Obey the Church's high commands !
appears on the balcony of the Capitol.) (Adriano, at the head of the returning Nobles , enters
breathless, he sees Irene standing beside Rienzi, sur
People. rounded by theflames, and hastens toward the Capitol.
'Tis he ! see, the traitor bids defiance !
Up ! Death to him 1 Adriano. ,
Rienzi.
Irene! Irene! Up! Through the flames !
.
( With a fearful
crash the Capitol falls, burying
Know ye me not? Adriano as well under the ruins. The Nobili attack
Tis I, the Tribune ! Hear me speak ! the people?)

END OF THE OPERA.

20 R1ENZI.

Sein Tod dem Mörder ein Verdienst ; Baroncelli und Volk.

In meiner Hand zuckt selbst der Stahl, Hört ihn nicht an !
Rienzi fällt — er fällt durch mich ;— x
Tod und Verderben, sieh', sind da ? Rienzi.
Jetzt bist du mein ! Sag', bin ich treu ?
Zu deinen Füssen lieg ich hier, Entartete ! Sagt, zeigt ihr so den Römer
Sieh' meine Treue, folge mir ! stolz ?
Irene. Cecco und Volk.
Verruchter ! Die Hölle ras't in dir ! Bringt Steine her ! Auf steinigt ihn !
Nichts hab' ich mehr mit dir gemein !
Hier steh' ich, eine Römerin — Rienzi.
Nur meine Leiche nennst du dein !
Bedenkt, wer macht' euch gross und frei ?
Adriano. Gedenkt ihr nicht des Jubele mehr,
Sie kommen, ha ! die Flamme glüht, Mit dem ihr damals mich begrüsst,
Entsetzen, Wahnsinn — auf, Irene ! Als Freiheit ich und Frieden gab ?
Um Euretwillen fleh' ich euch :
Irene.
Gedenket eures Römerschwurs !
Lass mich, ich fühle Riesenkraft ;
Gott hilft mir, dir zu widersteh'n. Baroncelli.
Adriano. Hört ihn nicht an ! Er bezaubert euch !

Du darfst nicht sterben, dein Tod trifft Chor.

mich.
Fangt an! Werft Feuer in das Capitol!
Komm' fort, ich reisse dich hinweg !
das Volk Feuerbrände in das
( Von allen Seiten wirft
Irene. Capitol.)

Vergeh', Wahnsinn'ger ! Frei bin ich ! Rienzi.

Adriano. Furchtbarer Hohn! Wie, ist dies's Rom ?

O, du bist mein ! Durch Flammen selbst Elende ! unwerth eures Namens,

Find' ich zu dir den Weg ! Der letzte Römer fluchet euch !
Verflucht, vertilgt sei diese Stadt !
VIERTE SCENE. Vermod're und verdorre, Rom !
{Verwandlung der Scene in den Platz vor dem Capitol, So will es dein entartet Volk.
Volkshaufen, in wüthender Aufregung, mit Feuer
(Das Feuer greift immer weiter um sich. Irene er
bränden, strömen von allen Seiten herbei. Baron- scheint bei Rienzi auf dem Altan.)
celli und Cecco unter dem Volke. )

Chor des Volkes. Chor.

Herbei ! Herbei ! Kommt All' herbei 1
Bald fasst ihn schon der Feuerbrand,
Bringt Steine her und Feuerbrand ! Er ist verflucht, er ist gebannt ;
Er ist verflucht, er ist gebannt ! Verderben treffe ihn und Tod !
Verderben treffe ihn und Tod ! Auf, ehrt der Kirche Hochgebot !
Auf, ehrt der Kirche Hochgebot !
(Adriano betritt athemlos an der Spitze der zurück
(Rienzi erscheint auf einem Altane des Capitols.) kehrenden Nobili die Bühne. Er erblickt Irenen an
Chor. Rienzi's Seite, und eilt auf das Capitol zu.)

Er ist's ! Der Fluchbelad'ne trotzt ;

Adriano.
Auf, steinigt ihn !
Rienzi. Irene ! Irene? Auf, durch die Flammen !

(Miteinem furchtbaren Krach stürzt das Capitol zu

Kennt ihr mich nicht ? sammen und begräbt auch Adriano mit unter seinen
Es fordert Ruhe der Tribune ! Trümmern. Die Nobili hauen auf das Volk ein.)

ENDE DER OPER

MUSICALLY & PICTORIALLY ILLUSTRATED
The Legend and Poem written and translated by John P. Jackson; the Musical
Gems of the Opera arranged for Voice and Piano by Frances Manette Jackson.
Royal Quarto. Price $1.00. Handsomely Bound, $1.50.

MUSICAL SELECTIONS.
( With the English Words as sung by the Carl Rosa Opera Company, England.)
Act I. — The Prelude to the Opera (for Piano Act III. — Prelude: The Bridal March (Piano.)
forte.) The Bridal Chorus, -' Faithfully Led."
Elsa's Dream, " Lonely, my lot deploring," &c. Duet: Lohengrin and Elsa, "Lohengrin:
The Coming of Lohengrin (Piano). The song's sweet tone expires."
-' Lohengrin: Our hearts were
" My thanks to thee, Beloved Swan." ever."
" Elsa: Yea, long ago I saw thee."
King Henry's Invocation, "My Lord & God." " Lohengrin: Breathest thou not with me '
" Lohengrin: Doubtest thou still."
Act II. — Elsa's Song to the Night, " Ye gentle
King Henry's Call to Arms, "Have thanks."
zephyrs, knowing."
Lohengrin's Narrative, " In distant lands "
Elsa's Admonition to Ortrud, " O poorest."
Lohengrin's Farewell: " Beloved Swan."
Elsa's Procession to the Minster, " Make
Make way ! for Elsa of Brabant !
" " O Elsa, but one year with thee I yearned."
way !
Lohengrin and Elsa enter the Minster. Lohengrin's Departure, " Behold, the heir."

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

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The Ober-Ammergau Passion Play (1880.) FOURTH EDITION. ILLUSTRATED. Givingthe

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Tableaux of the Seventeen Acts of the Drama, and the Songs of the Chorus in German and
English. London: W. H. Smith. $1.
The Album of the Passion Play at Ober-Ammergau (1871.) Being Sixty Photographs of the Scenes
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The Seven Death-Sins. Poem, by Robert Hamerling, author of " Ahasuerus in Rome," " Der Koniff
von Sion," etc.; being the text of a Musical Allegory, by Adalbert von Goldschmidt. Simon,
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'
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TRANSLATIONS OF RICHARD WAGNER'S MUSIC DRAMAS.
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Tannhseuser, with Introduction, the March, Elisabeth's greeting to the Hall of Song, and Elisabeth's
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