202
JOAN OF ARC.
Your native England; for the God of Hosts
Thus has decreed. To Charles the rightful heir,
By long descent and voluntary choice
Of duteous subjects, hath the Lord assign'd 195
His conquest. In his name the Virgin comes,
Arm'd with his sword, yet not of mercy void.
Depart in peace: for ere the morrow dawns,
Victorious upon Orleans' wall shall wave
The holy banner."
Wonder made a pause; 200
To this the laugh succeeds. "What!" Fastolffe cried,
"A woman warrior has your monarch sent
To save devoted Orleans?" By the rood
"I thank his Grace. If she be young and fair
No worthless prize my Lords. Go tell your Maid 205
Joyful we wait her coming."
"Get thee gone,"
Sternly cried Talbot, "thou who think'st to scare
With girlish phantasies the English host
That scorns your bravest warriors. Hie thee hence,
Thus has decreed. To Charles the rightful heir,
By long descent and voluntary choice
Of duteous subjects, hath the Lord assign'd 195
His conquest. In his name the Virgin comes,
Arm'd with his sword, yet not of mercy void.
Depart in peace: for ere the morrow dawns,
Victorious upon Orleans' wall shall wave
The holy banner."
Wonder made a pause; 200
To this the laugh succeeds. "What!" Fastolffe cried,
"A woman warrior has your monarch sent
To save devoted Orleans?" By the rood
"I thank his Grace. If she be young and fair
No worthless prize my Lords. Go tell your Maid 205
Joyful we wait her coming."
"Get thee gone,"
Sternly cried Talbot, "thou who think'st to scare
With girlish phantasies the English host
That scorns your bravest warriors. Hie thee hence,
"Insolent
