Pagina 406 de 1118

Renzo had spoken so vehemently, that he had attracted the

attention of the assembly, and, dropping by degrees all other

discourse, they had all become his listeners. A confused clamour

of applause, a "bravo! certainly! assuredly! he is right, it is

but too true," followed his harangue. Critics, however, were not

wanting. "It is a pretty thing, indeed," said one, "to listen to

a mountaineer! they are all lawyers!" and he turned on his heel.

"Now," muttered another, "every barefooted fellow will give his

opinion, and with this rage for meddling, we shall at last not

have bread at a low price, and that is all that disturbs us."

Compliments, however, were all that reached the ears of Renzo;

they seized his hands, and exclaimed,-

"We will see you again to-morrow."

"Where?"

"On the square of the cathedral."

"Yes, very well. And something shall be done, something shall be

done."

"Which of these good gentlemen will show me an inn, where I may

obtain refreshment and repose for the night?" said Renzo.