272
JOAN OF ARC.
Whizzed fierce, and struck, there where the helmet's clasps
Defend the neck; a weak protection now,
For thro' the tube that the pure air inhales
Pierced the keen shaft; blood down the unwonted way 215
Gush'd to the lungs: prone fell the dying man
Grasping, convuls'd, the earth: a hollow groan
In his throat struggled, and the dews of death
Stood on his livid cheek. The days of youth
He had pass'd peaceful, and had known what joys 220
Domestic love bestows, the father once
Of two fair infants; in the city hem'd
During the hard siege; he had seen their cheeks
Grow pale with famine, and had heard their cries
For bread! his wife—a broken-hearted one— 225
Sunk to the cold grave's quiet, and her babes
With hunger pined, and followed: he survived,
A miserable man! and heard the shouts
Of joy in Orleans, when the Maid approach'd,
As o'er the corse of his last little one 230
He heap'd the unhallowed earth. To him the foe
Defend the neck; a weak protection now,
For thro' the tube that the pure air inhales
Pierced the keen shaft; blood down the unwonted way 215
Gush'd to the lungs: prone fell the dying man
Grasping, convuls'd, the earth: a hollow groan
In his throat struggled, and the dews of death
Stood on his livid cheek. The days of youth
He had pass'd peaceful, and had known what joys 220
Domestic love bestows, the father once
Of two fair infants; in the city hem'd
During the hard siege; he had seen their cheeks
Grow pale with famine, and had heard their cries
For bread! his wife—a broken-hearted one— 225
Sunk to the cold grave's quiet, and her babes
With hunger pined, and followed: he survived,
A miserable man! and heard the shouts
Of joy in Orleans, when the Maid approach'd,
As o'er the corse of his last little one 230
He heap'd the unhallowed earth. To him the foe
Perform'd
