BOOK THE FOURTH
131
The Maid exclaim'd, "Father all merciful!
Devoted to whose holy will, I wield
The sword of Vengeance, go before our hosts!
All-just avenger of the innocent,
Be thou our Champion! God of Love, preserve 145
Those whom no lust of glory leads to arms."
Devoted to whose holy will, I wield
The sword of Vengeance, go before our hosts!
All-just avenger of the innocent,
Be thou our Champion! God of Love, preserve 145
Those whom no lust of glory leads to arms."
She spake, and lo again the magic trump
Breath'd forth the notes of conquest. The white plumes
Responsive o'er the martial Maiden's head,
Triumphant waved. They rais'd the chaunted mass 150
"Thee Lord we praise, our God." The assembled throng
Join'd the loud hymn in choral harmony.
Breath'd forth the notes of conquest. The white plumes
Responsive o'er the martial Maiden's head,
Triumphant waved. They rais'd the chaunted mass 150
"Thee Lord we praise, our God." The assembled throng
Join'd the loud hymn in choral harmony.
As thro' the parting crowd the virgin pass'd,
He who from Orleans on the yesternight
Demanded succour, clasp'd with warmth her hand, 155
And with a bosom-thrilling voice exclaim'd,
"Ill-omen'd Maid! victim of thine own worth,
Devoted for the King-curst realm of France!
He who from Orleans on the yesternight
Demanded succour, clasp'd with warmth her hand, 155
And with a bosom-thrilling voice exclaim'd,
"Ill-omen'd Maid! victim of thine own worth,
Devoted for the King-curst realm of France!
"Ill-omen'd
