300
JOAN OF ARC.
Nor the English Chiefs
Heard their loud murmurs heedless: counselling
They met despondent. Suffolk (now their Chief, 730
Since conquered by the arm of Theodore
Fell Salisbury) thus began.
"It now were vain
Lightly of this our more than mortal foe,
To speak contemptuous. She has vanquish'd us,
Aided by Hell's leagued powers, nor ought avails 735
Man unassisted 'gainst the powers of Hell
To dare the conflict: it were better far
Retreating as we may, from this sad scene,
What of our hard won conquests yet remain,
Haply to save."
He ceas'd, and with a sigh 740
Struggling with pride that heav'd his gloomy breast,
Talbot replied—"Our council little boots;
The soldiers will not fight, they will not heed
Our vain resolves, heart-withered by the spells
Of this accursed Sorceress: soon will come 745
Heard their loud murmurs heedless: counselling
They met despondent. Suffolk (now their Chief, 730
Since conquered by the arm of Theodore
Fell Salisbury) thus began.
"It now were vain
Lightly of this our more than mortal foe,
To speak contemptuous. She has vanquish'd us,
Aided by Hell's leagued powers, nor ought avails 735
Man unassisted 'gainst the powers of Hell
To dare the conflict: it were better far
Retreating as we may, from this sad scene,
What of our hard won conquests yet remain,
Haply to save."
He ceas'd, and with a sigh 740
Struggling with pride that heav'd his gloomy breast,
Talbot replied—"Our council little boots;
The soldiers will not fight, they will not heed
Our vain resolves, heart-withered by the spells
Of this accursed Sorceress: soon will come 745
"The
