Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/108

And little marvel I that to the cares
Of empire still he turns the unwilling ear,
For loss on loss, defeat upon defeat, 95
His strong holds taken, and his bravest Chiefs
Or dead or captur'd, and the hopes of youth
All blasted, have subdu'd the royal mind
Undisciplin'd in Fortitude's stern school.
So may thy voice arouse his sleeping virtues!" 100

The mission'd maid reply'd, "Go thou Dunois,
Announce my mission to the royal ear.
I on the river's winding banks the while
Would roam, collecting for high enterprize
My thoughts, troubled tho' firm. He who essays 105
Atchievements of vast import will perforce
Feel his heart heave; and in my breast I feel
Such perturbation."
On the banks of Vienne
Devious the Damsel turn'd. Thro' Chinon's gates
The Son of Orleans press'd with rapid step 110

Seeking