Part 423 (1/2)

What tidings? Speak!

KNIGHT.

The foe has crossed the Marne, And marshalleth his army for the fight.

JOHANNA (inspired).

Battle and tumult! Now my soul is free.

Arm, warriors, arm! while I prepare the troops.

[She goes out.

CHARLES.

Follow, La Hire! E'en at the gates of Rheims They will compel us to dispute the crown!

DUNOIS.

No genuine courage prompts them. This essay Is the last effort of enraged despair.

CHARLES.

I do not urge you, duke. To-day's the time To compensate the errors of the past.

BURGUNDY.

You shall be satisfied with me.

CHARLES.

Myself Will march before you on the path of fame; Here, with my royal town of Rheims in view, I'll fight, and gallantry achieve the crown.

Thy knight, my Agnes, bids thee now farewell!

AGNES (embracing him).

I do not weep, I do not tremble for thee; My faith, unshaken, cleaveth unto G.o.d!

Heaven, were we doomed to failure, had not given So many gracious pledges of success!

My heart doth whisper me that, victory-crowned, In conquered Rheims, I shall embrace my king.

[Trumpets sound with a spirited tone, and while the scene is changing pa.s.s into a wild martial strain. When the scene opens, the orchestra joins in, accompanied by warlike instruments behind the scene.

SCENE VI.

The scene changes to an open country skirted with trees. During the music soldiers are seen retreating hastily across the background.

TALBOT, leaning on FASTOLFE, and accompanied by soldiers. Soon after, LIONEL.

TALBOT.

Here lay me down beneath the trees, and then Betake you back, with speed, unto the fight; I need no aid to die.

FASTOLFE.

Oh, woful day!

[LIONEL enters.

Behold what sign awaits you, Lionel!

Here lies our general wounded unto death.

LIONEL.

Now, G.o.d forbid! My n.o.ble lord, arise!

No moment this to falter and to sink.