BOOK THE SIXTH.
203
Insolent Herald! tell this frantic girl, 210
This courtly minion, to avoid my wrath,
For if she dares the war, I will not stain
My good-blood-rusted sword—but she shall meet
The mockery of the camp."
"Nay, scare her not,"
Replied their Chief, "go tell this Maid of Orleans, 215
That Salisbury longs to meet her in the fight.
Nor let her fear that rude and iron chains
Shall gall her tender limbs; for I myself
Will be her prison, and—"
"Contemptuous Man!
"No more," the Frank exclaimed, as to his cheek 220
Rush'd the red anger. "Bearing words of peace
And timely warning, came I to your camp,
Here with rude mock'ry and stern insolence
Received. Bear witness Chieftains! that the French,
Free from blood-guiltiness, shall meet the war." 225
This courtly minion, to avoid my wrath,
For if she dares the war, I will not stain
My good-blood-rusted sword—but she shall meet
The mockery of the camp."
"Nay, scare her not,"
Replied their Chief, "go tell this Maid of Orleans, 215
That Salisbury longs to meet her in the fight.
Nor let her fear that rude and iron chains
Shall gall her tender limbs; for I myself
Will be her prison, and—"
"Contemptuous Man!
"No more," the Frank exclaimed, as to his cheek 220
Rush'd the red anger. "Bearing words of peace
And timely warning, came I to your camp,
Here with rude mock'ry and stern insolence
Received. Bear witness Chieftains! that the French,
Free from blood-guiltiness, shall meet the war." 225
So saying he departed. Thro' the tents
As
