384
JOAN OF ARC.
Had the winds wafted thee a few days sooner,
Thou hadst seen me high in honor, and thy name
Alone had scattered armies; yet, my Child,
I bid thee welcome! rest we here our flight, 275
And lift again the sword."
So spake the Chief;
And well he counsell'd: for not yet the sun
Had reach'd Meridian height, when, o'er the plain
Of Patay they beheld the troops of France
Speed in pursuit. Collected in himself 280
Appear'd the might of Talbot. Thro' the ranks
He stalks, reminds them of their former fame,
Their native land, their homes, the friends they loved,
All the rewards of this day's victory.
But awe had fill'd the English, and they struck 285
Faintly their shields; for they who had beheld
The hallowed banner with celestial light
Irradiate, and the Mission'd Maiden's deeds,
Felt their hearts sink within them, at the thought
Of her near vengeance ; and the tale they told 290
Thou hadst seen me high in honor, and thy name
Alone had scattered armies; yet, my Child,
I bid thee welcome! rest we here our flight, 275
And lift again the sword."
So spake the Chief;
And well he counsell'd: for not yet the sun
Had reach'd Meridian height, when, o'er the plain
Of Patay they beheld the troops of France
Speed in pursuit. Collected in himself 280
Appear'd the might of Talbot. Thro' the ranks
He stalks, reminds them of their former fame,
Their native land, their homes, the friends they loved,
All the rewards of this day's victory.
But awe had fill'd the English, and they struck 285
Faintly their shields; for they who had beheld
The hallowed banner with celestial light
Irradiate, and the Mission'd Maiden's deeds,
Felt their hearts sink within them, at the thought
Of her near vengeance ; and the tale they told 290
Rous'd
