Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/124

To holy Priest and absolution given
I knew them not; for ignorant of sin
Why should I seek forgiveness? Of the points 385
Abstruse of nice religion, and the bounds
Subtile and narrow which confine the path
Of orthodox belief, my artless creed
Knew nought. 'Twas Nature taught my early youth
Religion—Nature bade me see the God 390
Confest in all that lives, and moves, and is."

She spake energic. The full force of truth
Breath'd from her lips. Appall'd the Doctors stood
In vacant wonder, listening to the sounds
Unwonted; till at last a Priest replied: 395

"Woman, of holy church thou seemst to scorn
Prophane the mighty power; nay more—thy lips
Confess that nature taught thee thy religion.
This is heretical, and thou thyself
Hast proved it impious; for thou hast declared 400

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