The hall he enter❜d. King of France! I come "From Orleans, speedy and effectual aid "Demanding for her gallant garrison, "Faithful to thee, tho' thinn'd in many a fight, "And wither'd now by want. Thee it beseems, "For ever anxious for thy people's weal, "To succour the brave men whose honests breasts "Bulwark thy throne." He said, and from the hall With upright step departing, in amaze At his so bold deportment left the court. "If to the English half so firm a front ་་ They bear in battle!". "In the field, my liege," Dunois replied," yon Knight has served thee well. "Him have I seen the foremost of the fight, "That wheresoe'er he turn'd, the affrighted foe "Let fall their palsied arms with powerless stroke, "Desperate of safety. I do marvel much "That he is here: Orleans must be hard press'd "To send the bravest of her garrison "On such commission." Swift the Maid exclaim'd, "I tell thee, Chief, that there the English wolves "Shall never pour their yells of victory! "The will of God defends those fated walls, "And resting in full faith on that high will, "I mock their efforts. But the night draws on; "Retire we to repose. To morrow's sun, 66 Breaking the darkness of the sepulchre, "Shall on that armour gleam, thro' many an age "Kept holy and inviolate by time." She said, and, rising from the board, retired. Meantime the herald's brazen voice proclaim'd Coming solemnity, and far and wide Spread the strange tidings. Every labour ceased; On to St. Catharine's sacred fane they go; With stately step she moved: her labouring soul Preeminent. He, nerving his young frame The worthless favourite of the slothful Prince, Defaced, and rusted by no hostile blood; Gay lady-dazzling armour, fit to adorn As o'er some flowery field the busy bees Pour their deep music, pleasant melody To the tired traveller, under some old oak Stretch'd in the checquer'd shade; or as the sound Of many waters down the far-off steep Dash'd with loud uproar, rose the murmur round Dwelt on the mission'd Maid; of all beside, Tho' glittering they with gold and sparkling gems, Heedless. |