Part 18 (1/2)

XAINT. Thou'rt wounded!

JOAN. Heed it not! tarry no longer; 'Tis of slight moment. Du Nois!--this faintness-- Leave me here. Cut through thy way to join him, And all may yet be well!

XAINT. 'Tis our last chance.

JOAN. Save him, Heaven! never more shall I behold him!

Oh! I am faint almost to death!

[_Leans on a tree._

_Enter ENGLISH OFFICERS and SOLDIERS._

OFF. 'Tis she!

Yield thee our prisoner!

JOAN. Never whilst strength Remains. (_s.h.i.+elds herself._)

OFF. Seize her!

JOAN. Stand off! nor dare to touch me!

My life, if Heaven have so decreed, be yours; Free have I lived! free will I die!

[_As she is beaten on her knees VALANCOUR enters._

VAL. Forbear!

JOAN. It is too late! deserved I this? I pardon-- [_Faints--the Soldiers bear her off._

_Enter DU NOIS._

DU N. Turn, traitor! villain!

Stand on thy guard!

VAL. Seekst thou revenge!--'tis thine!

Here in the shout that rings upon my ear, Here in the glance that curst me with forgiveness.

I will not fight with thee, Du Nois! nor will I face an honourable man again.

[_Exit._

DU NOIS. Go to thy fate!

While I will never sheathe this sword till I Have rescued or avenged her!

END OF THE FOURTH ACT.

ACT V.

SCENE I.

CHARLES. LOUVEL. BERTHA.