322
JOAN OF ARC.
As well thou know'st, was warm with all the glow
Of Youth and Love! this is the arm that cleaved 160
Salisbury's proud crest, now motionless in Death,
Unable to protect the ravaged frame
From the foul Offspring of Mortality
That feed on heroes. Tho' long years were thine,
Yet never more would life reanimate 165
This murdered man: murdered by thee! for thou
Didst lead him to the battle from his home,
Else living there in peace to good old age:
In thy defence he died: strike deep—destroy
Remorse with Life."
The Maid stood motionless, 170
And wistless what she did, with trembling hand
Received the dagger. Starting then, she cried,
"Avaunt Despair! Eternal Wisdom deals
Or peace to man, or misery, for his good
Alike design'd; and shall the Creature cry, 175
Why hast thou done this?" and with impious pride
"Destroy the life God gave?" the Fiend rejoin'd:
Of Youth and Love! this is the arm that cleaved 160
Salisbury's proud crest, now motionless in Death,
Unable to protect the ravaged frame
From the foul Offspring of Mortality
That feed on heroes. Tho' long years were thine,
Yet never more would life reanimate 165
This murdered man: murdered by thee! for thou
Didst lead him to the battle from his home,
Else living there in peace to good old age:
In thy defence he died: strike deep—destroy
Remorse with Life."
The Maid stood motionless, 170
And wistless what she did, with trembling hand
Received the dagger. Starting then, she cried,
"Avaunt Despair! Eternal Wisdom deals
Or peace to man, or misery, for his good
Alike design'd; and shall the Creature cry, 175
Why hast thou done this?" and with impious pride
"Destroy the life God gave?" the Fiend rejoin'd:
And
