246
JOAN OF ARC.
Thus, in vain hope to renovate the strength
Of England, spake the Chief. "Victorious friends,
So oft victorious in the hard-fought fight,
What—shrink ye now dismay'd? have ye forgot
The plains of Azincour, when vanquished France 495
Fled with her thousands from your father's arms,
Tho' worn with sickness? or your own exploits,
When on Verneuil, the flower of chivalry
Fell by your daring prowess? when the Scot
Bit the red earth in death, and Narbonne died, 500
And the young boaster proud Alencon felt
The weight of English fetters? then we broke
The plated shield, and cleft the warrior's helm,
For ever victors. On Baugenci's wall
Ye placed the English flag; beneath your force 505
Fell Jenville and Gergeau, the neighbouring towns
Of well-nigh captur'd Orleans. I omit
To speak of Caen subdued, and vanquish'd Rouen,
And that late day when Clermont fled the fight,
And the young Bastard of that prison'd Duke. 510
Of England, spake the Chief. "Victorious friends,
So oft victorious in the hard-fought fight,
What—shrink ye now dismay'd? have ye forgot
The plains of Azincour, when vanquished France 495
Fled with her thousands from your father's arms,
Tho' worn with sickness? or your own exploits,
When on Verneuil, the flower of chivalry
Fell by your daring prowess? when the Scot
Bit the red earth in death, and Narbonne died, 500
And the young boaster proud Alencon felt
The weight of English fetters? then we broke
The plated shield, and cleft the warrior's helm,
For ever victors. On Baugenci's wall
Ye placed the English flag; beneath your force 505
Fell Jenville and Gergeau, the neighbouring towns
Of well-nigh captur'd Orleans. I omit
To speak of Caen subdued, and vanquish'd Rouen,
And that late day when Clermont fled the fight,
And the young Bastard of that prison'd Duke. 510
"Shame!
