BOOK THE SIXTH.
193
"Is it not the voice of Conrade?"
Francis exclaim'd; "and dost thou bring to us
Tidings of speedy aid? oh! had it come
A few hours earlier! Isabel is gone!" 35
Francis exclaim'd; "and dost thou bring to us
Tidings of speedy aid? oh! had it come
A few hours earlier! Isabel is gone!" 35
"Nay she is safe," cried Conrade, "her I found
When wilder'd in the forest, and consign'd
To the protection of that holy Maid,
The delegate of Heaven. One evening more
And thou shalt have thine Isabel. Now say, 40
Wherefore alone? A fugitive from Orleans,
Or sent on dangerous service from the town?"
When wilder'd in the forest, and consign'd
To the protection of that holy Maid,
The delegate of Heaven. One evening more
And thou shalt have thine Isabel. Now say, 40
Wherefore alone? A fugitive from Orleans,
Or sent on dangerous service from the town?"
"There is no food in Orleans," he replied,
"Scarce a meal more! the assembled chiefs resolved
If thou shouldst bring no tidings of near aid 45
To cut their way to safety, or by death
Prevent the pang of famine. One they sought
Who venturous in the English camp should spy
Where safest they might rush upon the foe.
"Scarce a meal more! the assembled chiefs resolved
If thou shouldst bring no tidings of near aid 45
To cut their way to safety, or by death
Prevent the pang of famine. One they sought
Who venturous in the English camp should spy
Where safest they might rush upon the foe.
"The
