234
JOAN OF ARC.
Lock'd in the hostile grasp, together fall
Precipitate.
But foremost of the French, 265
Dealing destruction, Conrade rush'd along:
Heedless of danger, he to the near fort
Pass'd in the fight; nor did not then the Chief
What most might serve bethink him: firm he stood
In the portal, and one moment looking back 270
Lifted his loud voice: thrice the warrior cried,
Then to the war addrest him, now assail'd
By numerous foes, who arrogant of power
Threatened his single valor. He the while
Stood firm, not vainly confident, or rash, 275
But of his own strength conscious, and the post
Friendly; for narrow was the portal way
To one alone fit passage, from above
O'erbrow'd by no out-jutting parapet,
Whence death might crush him. He in double mail 280
Was arm'd; a massy burgonet, well tried
In many a hard-fought field, helming his head;
Precipitate.
But foremost of the French, 265
Dealing destruction, Conrade rush'd along:
Heedless of danger, he to the near fort
Pass'd in the fight; nor did not then the Chief
What most might serve bethink him: firm he stood
In the portal, and one moment looking back 270
Lifted his loud voice: thrice the warrior cried,
Then to the war addrest him, now assail'd
By numerous foes, who arrogant of power
Threatened his single valor. He the while
Stood firm, not vainly confident, or rash, 275
But of his own strength conscious, and the post
Friendly; for narrow was the portal way
To one alone fit passage, from above
O'erbrow'd by no out-jutting parapet,
Whence death might crush him. He in double mail 280
Was arm'd; a massy burgonet, well tried
In many a hard-fought field, helming his head;
A buckler
