How powerful the attacks that Satan makes To root affection out? to burst the cords Of social man? to rouse the unwilling spirit, A God of Terrors? Maid beloved of Heaven, The day of penance and the night of prayer! 170 175 180 The lot of fallen mankind! Oh, hither come! 185 Humble thyself in ashes. So thy name Shall live amid the blessed host of saints, And unborn pilgrims at thy hallowed shrine "Hear me, father!" But far more valued is the vine that bends Wreathing its barren arms. For me I know 200 That I have faithfully obey'd my call, Confiding not in mine own strength, but His His will; and in that faith I shall appear Whom grateful love has taught me to adore!" 205 Severe she spake, for sorrow in her heart Had wrought unwonted sternness. From the dome They pass'd in silence, when with hasty steps, Sent by the chiefs, a messenger they met, Who, in alarm, the mission'd Virgin sought, A bearer of ill tidings. He said, "they ask thy counsel. Burgundy 210 Comes in the cause of England, and his troops 214 Scarce three leagues from the walls, a fearful power, Rest tented for the night." "Say to the chiefs, At morn I will be with them," she replied; "And to this urgency will give meantime My nightly thoughts." So saying on she went In thoughtful silence. A brief while she mused, 220 Brief, but sufficing to excite her soul, As with a power and impulse not its own, To some great purpose. "Conrade!" then she said, "I pray thee meet me at the eastern gate With a swift steed prepared,.. for I must hence." 224 Her voice was calm, and Conrade through the gloom Saw not the flush that witness'd on her cheek Inward emotion at some thought conceived. There with a light and unplumed casquetel 230 She helm'd her head; hung from her neck the shield, And forth she went. Her Conrade by the gate Awaited. "May I, Maiden, ask unblamed The peril?" cried the warrior. "This, Conrade, must not be. She rejoin'd, 235 Alone I go. That impulse of the soul which comes from God But thou of this remain assured, Sends me. If aught that I must enterprize required Associate firmness, thou shouldst be the man, 240 Best,.. last,.. and only friend!" So up she sprung And left him. He beheld the warden close The gate, and listen'd to her courser's tramp, Till soon upon his ear the far-off sound Fell faintly, and was lost. Swift o'er the vale Sped the good courser; eagerly the Maid 244 Gave the loose rein, and now her speed attain'd So on she past To where in loftier shade arose the tent 250 On the earth the chieftain slept, 255 His mantle scarft around him; near him hung Within hand-reach his sword. Profound he slept, 265 268 Burgundy, thou seest As she spake, a voice Exclaim'd, "Die, sorceress!" and a knight rush'd in, Whose name by her illustrated yet lives, Franquet of Arras. With uplifted arm Furious he came; her buckler broke the blow, 274 An armet on; resistless there she smote, And to the earth prone fell the headless trunk 280 Of Franquet. Then on Burgundy she fix'd Her eye severe. "Go, chief, and thank thy God That he with lighter judgements visits thee Than fell on Sisera, or by Judith's hand 284 He wrought upon the Assyrian! Thank thy God, That when his vengeance smote the invading sons Of England, equal though thou wert in guilt, Thee he has spar'd to work by penitence And better deeds atonement." Thus she spake, 290 Then issued forth, and bounding on her steed From the eastern clouds 29.5 The sun came forth, as to the assembled chiefs He said, 66 "Fear not for Burgundy !" the Maid replied, "Him will the Lord direct. Our earliest scouts Shall tell his homeward march. What of the troops Of England ?" 66 'They," the son of Orleans cried, By darkness favour'd, fled; yet not by flight 306 Shall these invaders now escape the arm Of retribution. Even now our troops, By battle unfatigued, unsatisfied With conquest, clamour to pursue the foe." 310 The delegated Damsel thus replied: "So let them fly, Dunois! But other work Than that of battle, now must be perform'd. |