Part 440 (1/2)

SOLDIER.

Alas! What do I see? Our general's Surrounded by the foe!

ISABEL (points the dagger at JOHANNA).

Die, wretch!

SOLDIER (quickly).

He's free!

The gallant Fastolfe in the rear attacks The enemy--he breaks their serried ranks.

ISABEL (withdrawing the dagger).

There spoke thy angel!

SOLDIER.

Victory! They fly.

ISABEL.

Who fly?

SOLDIER.

The French and the Burgundians fly; The field is covered o'er with fugitives.

JOHANNA.

My G.o.d! Thou wilt not thus abandon me!

SOLDIER.

Yonder they lead a sorely wounded knight; The people rush to aid him--he's a prince.

ISABEL.

One of our country, or a son of France?

SOLDIER.

They loose his helmet--it is Count Dunois.

JOHANNA (seizes her fetters with convulsive violence).

And I am nothing but a fettered woman!

SOLDIER.

Look yonder! Who the azure mantle wears Bordered with gold?

JOHANNA.

That is my lord, the king.

SOLDIER.

His horse is restive, plunges, rears and falls-- He struggles hard to extricate himself.

[JOHANNA accompanies these words with pa.s.sionate movements.

Our troops are pressing on in full career, They near him, reach him--they surround him now.

JOHANNA.