158
JOAN OF ARC.
Dark-shadow'd by the helmet's iron cheeks.
The assembled court gaz'd on the marshall'd train,
And at the gate the aged Primate stood
To pour his blessing on the chosen host. 15
And now a soft and solemn symphony
Was heard; and chaunting high the hallow'd hymn
From the near convent came the vestal maids.
A holy banner, woven by virgin hands, 20
Snow-white they bore. A mingled sentiment
Of awe, and eager ardor for the fight,
Thrill'd thro' the troops, as he the reverend man
Took the white standard, and with heav'n-ward eye
Call'd on the God of Justice, blessing it. 25
The Maid, her brows in reverence unhelm'd,
Her dark hair floating on the morning gale,
Knelt to his prayer, and stretching forth her hand
Receiv'd the mystic ensign. From the host
A loud and universal shout burst forth, 30
As rising from the ground, on her white brow,
She placed the plumed casque, and waved on high
The assembled court gaz'd on the marshall'd train,
And at the gate the aged Primate stood
To pour his blessing on the chosen host. 15
And now a soft and solemn symphony
Was heard; and chaunting high the hallow'd hymn
From the near convent came the vestal maids.
A holy banner, woven by virgin hands, 20
Snow-white they bore. A mingled sentiment
Of awe, and eager ardor for the fight,
Thrill'd thro' the troops, as he the reverend man
Took the white standard, and with heav'n-ward eye
Call'd on the God of Justice, blessing it. 25
The Maid, her brows in reverence unhelm'd,
Her dark hair floating on the morning gale,
Knelt to his prayer, and stretching forth her hand
Receiv'd the mystic ensign. From the host
A loud and universal shout burst forth, 30
As rising from the ground, on her white brow,
She placed the plumed casque, and waved on high
The
