396
JOAN OF ARC.
Bow'd down; their lances shiver'd with the shock;
To earth their coursers fell at once they rose,
At once unsheath'd their falchions, and rush'd on 500
To closer combat. But in vain the Youth
Essay'd to pierce those arms that even the power
Of Time was weak to injure: she the while
Thro' many a wound beheld her foeman's blood
Ooze fast. "Yet save thee Warrior!" cried the Maid, 505
"Me canst thou not destroy: be timely wise,
And live!" He answered not, but lifting high
His weapon, drove with fierce and forceful arm
Full on the Virgin's helm: fire from her eyes
Flash'd with the stroke: one step she back recoil'd, 510
Then in his breast plunged deep the sword of Death.
To earth their coursers fell at once they rose,
At once unsheath'd their falchions, and rush'd on 500
To closer combat. But in vain the Youth
Essay'd to pierce those arms that even the power
Of Time was weak to injure: she the while
Thro' many a wound beheld her foeman's blood
Ooze fast. "Yet save thee Warrior!" cried the Maid, 505
"Me canst thou not destroy: be timely wise,
And live!" He answered not, but lifting high
His weapon, drove with fierce and forceful arm
Full on the Virgin's helm: fire from her eyes
Flash'd with the stroke: one step she back recoil'd, 510
Then in his breast plunged deep the sword of Death.
Him falling Talbot saw. On the next foe,
With rage and anguish wild, the Warrior turn'd;
His ill-directed weapon to the earth
Drove down the unwounded Frank: he lifts the sword 515
And thro' his all-in-vain imploring hands
With rage and anguish wild, the Warrior turn'd;
His ill-directed weapon to the earth
Drove down the unwounded Frank: he lifts the sword 515
And thro' his all-in-vain imploring hands
Cleaves
