Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/36

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24
JOAN OF ARC.

But welcomed me even with a mother's smile.
Here past my unruffled days. Sometimes at morn
With pleasing toil to drive the woolly flock330
To verdant mead or stream, sometimes to ease
The lowing cattle of their milky load,
My grateful task; as with a parent's love
Would Eleanor partake each peaceful hour.
Hours of delight, ye are for ever gone!335
I shall no more with chearful toil prepare
The rural cates for high solemnity
At holy hour; no more amid the dance
Move in brisk measures with the blameless train.
The cot's calm quiet and the village sports340
These leave I willingly, these do I change
For the camp's din, the clangor of the war,
The pomp of slaughter: such the high command
Of Duty; that command I shall obey.

"Dunois! I dwelt in happiness, my soul 345
Slumber'd; and never feeling wretchedness

"I never