Can bid St. Peter ope the gates of Heaven, And from the penal fires of purgatory 470 Set the soul free. Could Nature teach thee this? Or tell thee that St. Peter holds the keys, Although thy life Of sin were free, if of this holy truth It's error." Went round. Was silent. Thus he spake; applauding looks 475 "Fathers of the holy Church, If on these points abstruse a simple maid Like me should err, impute not you the crime 480 That for long time I have not heard the sound Than ever rung along the high-arch'd roofs yet never from the bending vine Pluck'd I its ripen'd clusters thanklessly, Or of that God unmindful, who bestow'd The bloodless banquet. Ye have told me, Sirs, If it be sin to seek the wounded lamb, 490 494 This is what Nature taught! No, Fathers, no! 500 505 All beauty! In the greenwood's quiet shade Partakers of his own eternity." 510 520 Solemn and slow the reverend Priest replied, 515 In some deep pond; there if she float, no doubt It is a sign that Providence displays Her free from witchcraft. 525 This done, let her walk Blindfold and bare o'er ploughshares heated red, 530 And o'er these past her naked arm immerse 534 For judgement: and this Chief, the Son of Orleans, "Grace of God!" exclaim'd 545 From favouring Heaven. To the Pope refer Starting then With a wild look, the mission'd Maid exclaim'd, "The sword of God is here! the grave shall speak To manifest me!" Even as she spake, A pale blue flame rose from the trophied tomb 553 Beside her: and within that house of death A sound of arms was heard, as if below A warrior buried in his armour, stirr'd. 555 "Hear ye?" the Damsel cried; "these are the arms Which shall flash terror o'er the hostile host. Recovering from amaze, the Priest replied: "Thou art indeed the Delegate of Heaven! What thou hast said surely thou shalt perform. We ratify thy mission. Go in peace." 560 565 JOAN OF ARC. THE FOURTH BOOK. THE feast was spread, the sparkling bowl went round, And in the assembled court the minstrel harp'd A song of other days. The horn's loud blast. 66 Sudden they heard "This is no time for cares; Feast ye the messenger without!" cried Charles, 5 66 Obedient to the King The guard invites the way-worn messenger. The hall he enter❜d. 66 10 King of France! I come 15 From Orleans, speedy and effectual aid Demanding for her gallant garrison, Faithful to thee, though thinn'd in many a fight, And now sore pressed by want. Rouse thou thyself, |