Part 8 (1/2)

[_Exit._

[A] Sum Talboti, sur vincere inimicos meos.

SCENE VI.--_Field of Battle._--_Thunder and Lightning._

WARWICK.

WAR. Are earth and heaven again in fury met, As late on Orleans' fields? The elements Pour forth their wrath in such tremendous peals, Such bolts of fiery death illume the sky, That earthly weapons seem the lesser ill.

Our soldiers falter.--Ho! look to John Talbot!

Ardour like his will lead him into peril.

[_Exit._

_Enter SOLDIERS, followed by JOHN TALBOT._

JOHN T. Hold! cowards! when did England's sons e'er turn Their backs to Frenchmen--seeking mean safety?

Have ye then quite forgot proud Cressy's field, Poictiers or Agincourt?

SOLDIERS. We will not fight with _her_.

JOHN T. Then back to England, quick, disgrace to men; Tell there your sons ye fled a woman's arm, And ask your wives to welcome back their slaves.

Give them your swords, and take instead their distaffs, And let the colour which has fled your cheeks Rest in hot blushes on the veteran brows Of your more valiant fathers.

Away! ye are not worthy of your name; But in your flight, if ye should meet John Talbot, As like ye may, tell him, ”We left your son To wipe out our disgrace in his heart's blood!”

SOL. Lead us back!--A Talbot!

JOHN T. Come on! and when they speak of this in England, Bold ones and brave shall wish they had been with us.

_Another part of the Field._

DU NOIS. JOAN.

DU N. New vigour suddenly hath armed the foe, While our brave troops, fatigued with their own valour, Now sorely pressed, pause in their course, and deal Uncertain blows. The fate of this day's battle Hangs on a point.

JOAN. Is not His promise ours Who leads the hosts of heaven? Who doubts then victory?

Onward, ye brave! yon lightnings be your guide!

The hand that wields them is the patriot's s.h.i.+eld!

_Another part of the Field._

SUFFOLK _and_ WARWICK.

SUF. Our troops at length give way: four times th' attack Has been renewed; bravely as oft repelled.

If Talbot tarry long the day is lost.