398
JOAN OF ARC.
His utmost force. Of strong and stately port
The onward foeman moved, and bore on high 535
A battle-axe, in many a field of blood
Known by the English Chieftain. Over heaps
Of slaughter'd, strode the Frank, and bade the troops
Retire from the bold Earl: then Conrade spake.
"Vain is thy valor Talbot! look around, 540
See where thy squadrons fly! but thou shalt lose
No glory, by their cowardice subdued,
Performing well thyself the soldier's part."
The onward foeman moved, and bore on high 535
A battle-axe, in many a field of blood
Known by the English Chieftain. Over heaps
Of slaughter'd, strode the Frank, and bade the troops
Retire from the bold Earl: then Conrade spake.
"Vain is thy valor Talbot! look around, 540
See where thy squadrons fly! but thou shalt lose
No glory, by their cowardice subdued,
Performing well thyself the soldier's part."
"And let them fly!" the indignant Earl exclaim'd,
"And let them fly! but bear thou witness, Chief! 545
That guiltless of this day's disgrace, I fall.
But Frenchman! Talbot will not tamely fall,
Or unrevenged."
So saying, for the war
He stood prepar'd: nor now with heedless rage
The Champions fought, for either knew full well 550
His foemen's prowess: now they aim the blow
"And let them fly! but bear thou witness, Chief! 545
That guiltless of this day's disgrace, I fall.
But Frenchman! Talbot will not tamely fall,
Or unrevenged."
So saying, for the war
He stood prepar'd: nor now with heedless rage
The Champions fought, for either knew full well 550
His foemen's prowess: now they aim the blow
Insidious,
