Rienzi [_looking fearfully about_]. 'Tis a wild and lonely spot, and 'tis said strange spirits have been seen to wander here. Why come they not? 'Tis past the hour, and I who stand undaunted when the fiercest battle rages round me, now tremble with strange fear in this dim spot. Shame on thee, Rienzi, there is nought to fear [_opens a scroll and reads_]. Here are their names, all pledged to see the deed accomplished. 'Tis a goodly list and Constantine must fall when foes like these are round him. [Ione _appears within the glen._ Ha! methought I heard a sound! Nay, 'twas my foolish fancy. Spirits, I defy thee! Ione. Beware! Beware! Rienzi. Ye gods, what's that? It was a voice. [_Rushes wildly towards the glen, sees_ Ione, _drops scroll and dagger._] 'Tis a spirit! The gods preserve me, I will not stay! [_Exit in terror._] [_Enter_ Ione. Ione. Saved! saved! Here are the traitors' names, and here Rienzi's dagger to prove my story true. Now hence with all my speed, no time is to be lost! These to thee, Constantine, and joy unfailing to my own fond heart. [_Exit_ Ione. CURTAIN. SCENE TWELFTH. [_Apartment in the palace. Enter_ Constantine.] Con. This little garland of pale, withered flowers is all now left me of Ione, faded like my own bright hopes, broken like my own sad heart. Yet still I cherish it, for her dear hand wove the wreath, and her soft eyes smiled above the flowers as she twined them for my brow. Those happy days are passed; she comes no more, but leaves me sorrowing and alone. And yet 'tis better so. The princess comes to claim my hand, and then 'twill be a sin to watch Ione, to follow her unseen, and listen to her voice when least she thinks me near. The gods give me strength to bear my trial worthily, and suffer silently the greatest sorrow life can give,--that of losing her [_leans sadly upon the harp_]. [_Enter_ Ione. Ione. My lord--He does not hear me, how bitter and how deep must be his grief, when the voice that most he loves falls thus unheeded on his ear. My lord-- Con. [_starting_]. And thou art really here? Ah, Ione, I have longed for thee most earnestly. Ah, forgive me! In my joy I have disobeyed, and told the happiness thy presence brings. What wouldst thou with me? Ione. My lord, I have strange tidings for thine ear. Con. Oh, tell me not the Princess Irene hath arrived! Ione. Nay, 'tis not that. I have learned the secret of a fearful plot against thy life. Rienzi, and a band of other traitors, seek to win thy throne and take the life of their kind prince.