Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/119

Their summons. As she came a loveliest blush
O'er her fair cheek suffus'd, such as became 290
One mindful still of maiden modesty,
Tho' of her own worth conscious. Thro' the aisle
The cold wind moaning as it pass'd along
Wav'd her dark flowing locks. Before the train
In reverend silence waiting their sage will, 295
With half averted eye she stood compos'd.
So have I seen the simple snow-drop rise
Amid the russet leaves that hide the earth
In early spring, so seen its gentle bend
Of modest loveliness amid the waste 300
Of desolation.
By the maiden's side
Proud in conviction stood the warrior Son
Of Orleans to avow his deep wounds heal'd
By power miraculous vouchsaf'd from Heaven
To her the inspir'd damsel. As he stood,305
Viewing with steady eye the magic rites
Of preparation, thus the arch Priest spake
Severe.

"Woman.