344
JOAN OF ARC.
The heart that loves them?"
"Them," the spirit replied 565
"A long and dreadful punishment awaits.
For when the prey of want and infamy,
Lower and lower still the victim sinks
Even to the depth of shame. Not one lewd word,
One impious imprecation from her lips 570
Escapes, nay not a thought of evil lurks
In the polluted mind, that does not plead
Before the throne of Justice thunder-tongued
Against the foul Seducer."
Now they reach'd
The house of Penitence. Credulity 575
Stood at the gate, stretching her eager head
As tho' to listen ; on her vacant face,
A smile that promised premature assent ;
Tho' her Regret behind, a meagre Fiend!
Disciplin'd sorely.
Here they entered in, 580
And now arrived where as in study tranced
"Them," the spirit replied 565
"A long and dreadful punishment awaits.
For when the prey of want and infamy,
Lower and lower still the victim sinks
Even to the depth of shame. Not one lewd word,
One impious imprecation from her lips 570
Escapes, nay not a thought of evil lurks
In the polluted mind, that does not plead
Before the throne of Justice thunder-tongued
Against the foul Seducer."
Now they reach'd
The house of Penitence. Credulity 575
Stood at the gate, stretching her eager head
As tho' to listen ; on her vacant face,
A smile that promised premature assent ;
Tho' her Regret behind, a meagre Fiend!
Disciplin'd sorely.
Here they entered in, 580
And now arrived where as in study tranced
She
