Part 8 (2/2)
WAR. Our bravest veterans are seized with dread, Thinking they fight against a power unearthly.
_Enter SOLDIERS in flight._
WAR. Back to your ranks, base cowards!
SOL. We fight in vain!--John Talbot--
WAR. What of him?
SOL. Is either dead, or taken prisoner.
WAR. I'll rescue him, or peris.h.!.+--dead or living His father shall again behold him.
SCENE VII.
JOAN. DU NOIS. FRENCH OFFICERS.
DU N. The field is ours! the victory complete!
The foe on all sides flies! Talbot is ta'en!
XAINT. The glory be our champion's--
JOAN. Forbear!
Give not the instrument the Giver's meed; But rather let us imitate his mercy.
Quick! let the carnage cease! and ev'ry tenderness Show friend and foe. Now let our clarions Proclaim the joyful news of our success!
Fling wide the sound, ye gales of heav'n! hills, vales Re-echo it, and tell th' awakened land Her freedom is begun!--her chains are broken!
END OF THE SECOND ACT.
ACT III.
SCENE I.--_Field of Battle._--_Moonlight._
ARLINGTON. OFFICER.
OFF. Here let us rest till morning. Like ourselves, The foe are glad to seek that needful rest Which victory and defeat alike demand.
ARL. No, let us on. We yet may find it hard To reach our friends, and Richemont hovers near us.
OFF. Whate'er the peril, here I swear to rest me.
See! the bright moon looks down upon the field, As if in scorn to view such waste of life.
ARL. It is a ghastly sight. Not drops of heaven Bedew the earth, but blood of men; and blood Has dyed the stream so deep, that thirsty lip Of death rejects the draught it craved so wistfully.
OFF. Wide is the difference 'twixt the gallant scene Ere fight begins, and that which marks its close: Bright s.h.i.+elds and dancing plumes, and brighter eyes, And animating speech abrupt, and tramp Of martial steed, and neigh, impatient sent, And spirit-stirring trumpet, and the drum; The banner waving wide, and heavy sound Of mighty engines breathing fire, showed life This morn in brightest mood and proudest pomp; Now Death sits centinel in horrid silence.
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