Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/113

Some courtier shall be seated. If this Maid
Be by the holy spirit of God inspir'd,
That holy spirit will gift her with the power
To pierce deception. But if strange of mind 180
Enthusiast fancy fire her wilder'd brain,
Thus prov'd, she to obscurity again
May guiltlessly retire. Our English foes
Might well exult to see the sons of France
Led by a frenzied female." So he said; 185
And confident in faith the son of Orleans
Sought on the banks of Vienne the missioned Maid.

Soon is the court conven'd; the jewell'd crown
Shines on a menial's head. Amid the throng
The Monarch stands, and anxious for the event, 190
His heart beats high. She comes—the inspired maid!
And as the Bastard led her to the throne,
Quick glancing o'er the mimic Majesty,
Fix'd full her eye on Charles.
"Thou art the King.
I come the avenging Delegate of Heaven,195

"Wielding