BOOK THE SIXTH.
201
Of duteous subjects hath the Lord assigned
His conquest. In his name the Virgin comes 175
Arm'd with his sword—yet not of mercy void.
Depart in peace: for ere the morrow dawns,
Victorious upon Orleans' wall shall wave
The holy banner." To the English camp
Fearless the warrior strode.
At mid-day meal, 180
With all the dissonance of boisterous mirth,
The British Chiefs carous'd and quaff'd the bowl
To future conquest. By the centinel
Conducted came the Frank.
"Chiefs," he exclaim'd,
"Salisbury, and ye the representatives 185
Of the English King, usurper of this realm,
To ye the leaders of the invading host
I come, no welcome messenger. Thus says
The Maid of Orleans. "With your troops retire
In peace. Of every captur'd town the keys 190
Restore to Charles; so bloodless may you seek
His conquest. In his name the Virgin comes 175
Arm'd with his sword—yet not of mercy void.
Depart in peace: for ere the morrow dawns,
Victorious upon Orleans' wall shall wave
The holy banner." To the English camp
Fearless the warrior strode.
At mid-day meal, 180
With all the dissonance of boisterous mirth,
The British Chiefs carous'd and quaff'd the bowl
To future conquest. By the centinel
Conducted came the Frank.
"Chiefs," he exclaim'd,
"Salisbury, and ye the representatives 185
Of the English King, usurper of this realm,
To ye the leaders of the invading host
I come, no welcome messenger. Thus says
The Maid of Orleans. "With your troops retire
In peace. Of every captur'd town the keys 190
Restore to Charles; so bloodless may you seek
"Your
