BOOK THE SIXTH.
205
Silently stood and breath'd the inward prayer.
Meantime the Herald had with hasty steps
Rejoin'd the hallowed troops. "Maiden of God!
Vainly I proffer'd peace to the proud chiefs:
Their hearts are hardened."
Thro' the marshall'd band 250
Ran the loud cry, "Lead, lead us to the foe!"
The mission'd Maid exclaim'd, "Not upon us,
Not upon us, cry out the innocent blood!"
Given was the signal now; and now were heard
The clarion's clangor, and the trumpet's blast, 255
Soul-rousing sounds. Like two conflicting clouds,
Pregnant with thunder, rush'd the hostile hosts.
Then man met man—then on the batter'd shield
Rung the loud lance, and thro' the darken'd sky
Fast fell the arrowy storm. Amidst his foes 260
The Bastard's arm sway'd irresistible
The strokes of death; and by his side the Maid
Led the fierce fight; the Maid, tho' all unus'd
Rejoin'd the hallowed troops. "Maiden of God!
Vainly I proffer'd peace to the proud chiefs:
Their hearts are hardened."
Thro' the marshall'd band 250
Ran the loud cry, "Lead, lead us to the foe!"
The mission'd Maid exclaim'd, "Not upon us,
Not upon us, cry out the innocent blood!"
Given was the signal now; and now were heard
The clarion's clangor, and the trumpet's blast, 255
Soul-rousing sounds. Like two conflicting clouds,
Pregnant with thunder, rush'd the hostile hosts.
Then man met man—then on the batter'd shield
Rung the loud lance, and thro' the darken'd sky
Fast fell the arrowy storm. Amidst his foes 260
The Bastard's arm sway'd irresistible
The strokes of death; and by his side the Maid
Led the fierce fight; the Maid, tho' all unus'd
To
