Pagina 361 di 1118

Here there was an open space, in the centre of which was a

bonfire, a heap of embers, the remains of the tools mentioned

above; surrounding it was heard a clapping of hands and stamping

of feet, the tumult of a thousand cries of triumph and

imprecation.

He of the boards threw them on the embers, and some, with pieces

of half-burnt shovel, stirred them until the flame ascended, upon

which their shouts were renewed louder than before. The flame

sank again, and the company, for want of more combustibles, began

to be weary, when a report spread, that at the Cordusio (a square

or cross-way not far from there) they were besieging a bakery:

then was heard on all sides, "Let us go, let us go;" and the

crowd moved on. Renzo was drawn along with the current, but in

the mean while held counsel with himself, whether he had not best

withdraw from the fray, and return to the convent in search of

Father Bonaventura; but curiosity again prevailed, and he

suffered himself to be carried forward, with the determination,

however, of remaining a mere spectator of the scene.