"And whatso is HIS will, that I must do, "And I must cast away all fear of man "Lest HE in wrath confound me." At the first With pity or with scorn Dunois had heard "Damsel!" said the Chief, "methinks "It would be wisely done to doubt this call, Haply of some ill spirit prompting thee "To self-destruction." "Doubt!" the Maid exclaim'd, "It were as easy when I gaze around "On all this fair variety of things, "Green fields and tufted woods, and the blue depth "Of heaven, and yonder glorious sun, to doubt Creating wisdom! when in the evening gale "I breathe the mingled odours of the spring, "And hear the wild wood melody, and hear "The populous air vocal with insect life, "To doubt God's goodness! there are feelings, Chief, "That may not lie; and I have oftentimes "Felt in the midnight silence of my soul "The call of God." They listen'd to the Maid, And they almost believed. Then spake Dunois, Within him, and his unconfirmed faith "He to the King might send me. Now beseech you Speed our departure." Then Dunois address'd Sir Robert, "Fare thee well, my friend and host! "It were ill done to linger here when Heaven "Hath sent such strange assistance. Let what force "Lorraine can yield to Chinon follow us ; "GOD's blessing go with thee!" exclaim'd old Claude, "Good Angels guard my girl!" and as he spake The tears stream'd fast adown his aged cheeks. "And if I do not live to see thee more, "As sure I think I shall not, yet sometimes "Remember thine old Uncle. I have loved thee "Even from thy childhood, JOAN! and I shall lose "The comfort of mine age in losing thee. "But God be with thee, Child!" Nor was the Maid, Tho' all subdued of soul, untroubled now "Of what I am, and for what enterprize "A parent's love, when parents were unkind! "Shall I forget these things?" By this Dunois ... Had arm'd, the steeds stood ready at the gate; But then she fell upon the old man's neck And cried, "Pray for me!.. I shall need thy prayers! "Pray for me that I fail not in my hour!" Thereat awhile, as if some awful thought Had overpower'd her, on his neck she hung; Then rising with flush'd cheek and kindling eye, "Farewell!" quoth she, "and live in hope! anon "Thou shalt hear tidings to rejoice thy heart, "Tidings of joy for all, but most for thee! "Be this thy comfort!" The old man received Her last embrace, and weeping like a child Scarcely thro' tears could see them on their steeds Spring up and go their way. So on they went, And now along the mountain's winding path Upward they journey'd slow, and now they paused Dark and distinct; below the castled height, Now form'd a mass of shade. The distant plain |