Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/240

On his crown-crested helm^[1] with ponderous blow
Fell Gladdisdale's huge mace. Back he recoil'd
Astounded. Soon recovering, his keen lance 150
Thrust on the warrior's shield. There fast-infix'd,
Nor could Alencon the deep-driven spear
Recover, nor the foeman from his grasp
Wrench the contended weapon. Fierce again
He lifts the mace, that on the ashen hilt 155
Fell full. It shiver'd, and the Frenchman held
A pointless truncheon. Where the Bastard fought
The spear of Poynings, thro' his plated mail
Pierced, and against the iron fence beneath^[2]
Blunted its point. Again he speeds the spear; 160
At once Dunois on his broad buckler bears
The unharming stroke, and aims with better fate
His javelin. Thro' his sword-arm did it pierce
Maugre the mail. Hot from the streaming wound
Again the weapon fell, and in his breast 165

1. Line 149. Earls and Dukes frequently wore their coronets on the crests of their helmets.
2. Line 159. A breast-plate was sometimes worn under the hauberk.

Even