222
JOAN OF ARC.
And miracles attested when dismayed 50
The stern Theologists forgot their doubts,
So in the field of slaughter now confirm'd.
Yon well-fenced forts protect the fugitives,
And seem as in their strength they mock'd our force.
Yet must they fall."
"And fall they shall!" replied 55
The Maid of Orleans. "Ere the sun be set
The lily on that shattered wall shall wave
Triumphant.—Men of France! ye have fought well
On that blood-reeking plain. Your humbled foes
Lurk trembling now amid their massy walls. 60
Wolves that have ravaged the neglected flock!
The Shepherd—the Great Shepherd is arisen!
Ye fly! yet shall not ye by flight escape
His vengeance. Men of Orleans! it were vain
By words to waken wrath within your breasts. 65
Look round. Your holy buildings and your homes—
Ruins that choke the way! your populous town—
One open sepulchre! who is there here
The stern Theologists forgot their doubts,
So in the field of slaughter now confirm'd.
Yon well-fenced forts protect the fugitives,
And seem as in their strength they mock'd our force.
Yet must they fall."
"And fall they shall!" replied 55
The Maid of Orleans. "Ere the sun be set
The lily on that shattered wall shall wave
Triumphant.—Men of France! ye have fought well
On that blood-reeking plain. Your humbled foes
Lurk trembling now amid their massy walls. 60
Wolves that have ravaged the neglected flock!
The Shepherd—the Great Shepherd is arisen!
Ye fly! yet shall not ye by flight escape
His vengeance. Men of Orleans! it were vain
By words to waken wrath within your breasts. 65
Look round. Your holy buildings and your homes—
Ruins that choke the way! your populous town—
One open sepulchre! who is there here
"That
