382
JOAN OF ARC.
Performs the Patriot's and the Good Man's part,
Who, in the ear of Rage and Faction, breathes
The healing words of Love."
Thus communed they:
Meantime, all panic struck and terrified,
The English urge their flight; by other thoughts 240
Possess'd than when, elate with arrogance,
They dreamt of conquest, and the crown of France
At their disposal. Of their hard-fought fields,
Of glory hardly-earn'd, and lost with shame,
Of friends and brethren slaughter'd, and the fate 245
Threatening themselves, they brooded sadly; now
Repentant, late, and vainly. They whom fear
Erst made obedient to their conquering march,
At their defeat exultant, wreak what ills
Their power allow'd. Thus many a league they fled, 250
Marking their path with ruin, day by day
Leaving the weak and wounded, destitute
To the foe's mercy; thinking of their home,
Tho' to that far-off prospect scarcely Hope
Who, in the ear of Rage and Faction, breathes
The healing words of Love."
Thus communed they:
Meantime, all panic struck and terrified,
The English urge their flight; by other thoughts 240
Possess'd than when, elate with arrogance,
They dreamt of conquest, and the crown of France
At their disposal. Of their hard-fought fields,
Of glory hardly-earn'd, and lost with shame,
Of friends and brethren slaughter'd, and the fate 245
Threatening themselves, they brooded sadly; now
Repentant, late, and vainly. They whom fear
Erst made obedient to their conquering march,
At their defeat exultant, wreak what ills
Their power allow'd. Thus many a league they fled, 250
Marking their path with ruin, day by day
Leaving the weak and wounded, destitute
To the foe's mercy; thinking of their home,
Tho' to that far-off prospect scarcely Hope
Could
