Part 3 (2/2)

A new bright world was opened to my view.

He told of ages past, of heroes bold, Of women too, who, for their country's weal, Had n.o.bly died. No longer now alone, I dwelt where mighty spirits dwelt. I heard Their lofty thoughts, their sentiments sublime, And lived but in the glorious creation My fancy had called forth. Had I a sorrow?

'Twas, how mean myself. Had I a hope?

It was that I might emulate their deeds, And prove as great as them whom thus I honoured.

BER. Strange tissue of events, which Heaven delights Ofttimes to weave, making the link which seems Meanest to our poor, erring comprehension, The chief on which the chain of life depends.

JOAN. Now could I feel the smart of England's yoke, And now one burning wish my heart consumed-- To save my country and my prince. Day-dreams Or nightly visions had one single theme.

Whole nights I wept, whole nights I prayed. One day, Upon a gentle slope I stood. Beneath me Lay the smiling plain in vernal beauty.

Thence I beheld (how swells my heart e'en now!) A squadron of the foe pa.s.sing triumphant.

The trumpet's voice I heard, and the loud laugh Alternate rang in echoes through the woods.

I gazed; a madd'ning fire, a deadly chill Seized on my frame. I fled the sound, nor paused Till at the altar's foot I threw myself, In agony and spent. Words issued not-- I raised my supplicating hands on high: Then sank into a trance, as since I find.

BER. Scarce have I drawn my breath, lest one brief word Should 'scape my ear; and now I gaze on thee Almost with awe, temp'ring my fond affection.

What followed?

JOAN. As I lay soft music fell Upon my ear, diffusing calm ineffable, When thus a voice p.r.o.nounc'd--”Go, raise the siege Of Orleans.” I awoke. The organ's swell Filled aisle and vault, and choral voices sang The hymn of praise; but I could hear alone The voice which still was thrilling on my ear, And in a burst of joy I joined the chaunt.

Then forth I rushed to execute my mission.

BER. And that resplendent vision shall not fail-- Thy simple name brightest shall stand upon The roll of time--the glory of thy s.e.x-- The wonder of thy age.

JOAN. Hark! hasty footsteps!

'Tis Valancour! How hast thou sped?--the sword?

VAL. Is found.

[_JOAN sinks on her knee._

BER. Dost hear?

VAL. Forbear.

JOAN. Omnipotent!

Now lead me forth, strong in thy strength, prepared To meet what thou hast marked for my career; And though, with gory steps or painful death I work thy will, so freedom crown the land, I'll bless thy mercy.

VAL. The prince impatiently Summons thee in council.

JOAN. I obey.

SCENE V.--_French Camp at Orleans._

DU NOIS. XAINTRAILLES.

DU N. I tell thee It is a gross affront, and such he means it.

A woman too to lead my gallant soldiers, And point the path of duty to myself!

I choke with indignation.

XAINT. Hear but all.

DU N. What more have I to hear? Behold the scrawl That marks his folly, my disgrace. Canst read, Or are thy eyes, like mine, made dim and blistered?

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