168
JOAN OF ARC.
"And soon the foes approach'd. Impending War
Soon sadden'd Orleans. There the bravest chiefs[1]
Assemble. Gallant D'Orval shines in arms,
And Xaintrailles ransom'd from the captive chain. 195
Graville, La Hire, and Thouars, and preserv'd
When fall'n and faint, Alencon on the field;
Verneuil to France so fatal, and releas'd,
La Fayette from his hard captivity,
Boussac, Chabannes, and over all renown'd 200
The Bastard Orleans.
"These within the town
Expect the foe. Twelve hundred chosen men
Well tried in war, uprear the guardian shield
Beneath their banners. Dreadful was the sight
Of preparation. The wide suburbs stretch'd 205
Soon sadden'd Orleans. There the bravest chiefs[1]
Assemble. Gallant D'Orval shines in arms,
And Xaintrailles ransom'd from the captive chain. 195
Graville, La Hire, and Thouars, and preserv'd
When fall'n and faint, Alencon on the field;
Verneuil to France so fatal, and releas'd,
La Fayette from his hard captivity,
Boussac, Chabannes, and over all renown'd 200
The Bastard Orleans.
"These within the town
Expect the foe. Twelve hundred chosen men
Well tried in war, uprear the guardian shield
Beneath their banners. Dreadful was the sight
Of preparation. The wide suburbs stretch'd 205
"Along
- ↑ Line 193. "The French King used every expedient to supply the city with a garrison and provisions, and enable it to maintain a long and obstinate siege. The Lord of Gaucour, a brave and experienced captain, was appointed governor. Many officers of distinction threw themselves into the place. The troops which they conducted were inured to war, and were determined to make the most obstinate resistance: and even the inhabitants, disciplined by the long continuance of hostilities, were well qualified, in their own defence, to second the efforts of the most veteran forces. The eyes of all Europe were turned towards this scene; where, it was reasonably supposed, the French were to make their last stand for maintaining the independance of their monarchy, and the rights of their sovereign."Hume.
