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diff --git a/old/files/images/3pb160.jpg b/old/files/images/3pb160.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a22dd23 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/files/images/3pb160.jpg diff --git a/old/files/images/3pb198.jpg b/old/files/images/3pb198.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ce06ae8 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/files/images/3pb198.jpg diff --git a/old/files/images/3pb216.jpg b/old/files/images/3pb216.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ab5cab4 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/files/images/3pb216.jpg diff --git a/old/files/relative.htm b/old/files/relative.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9c35924 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/files/relative.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7434 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Maid of Orleans, by Friedrich Schiller + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + --> +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Maid of Orleans, by Friedrich Schiller + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net + + +Title: The Maid of Orleans + A Tragedy + +Author: Friedrich Schiller + +Release Date: October 26, 2006 [EBook #6792] +Last Updated: November 6, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAID OF ORLEANS *** + + + + +Produced by Tapio Riikonen and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <h1> + THE MAID OF ORLEANS. + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Friedrich Schiller + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated by Anna Swanwick + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +DRAMATIS PERSONAE. + + CHARLES THE SEVENTH, King of France. + QUEEN ISABEL, his Mother. + AGNES SOREL. + PHILIP THE GOOD, Duke of Burgundy. + EARL DUNOIS, Bastard of Orleans. + LA HIRE, DUCRATEL, French Offers. + ARCHBISHOP OF RHEIMS. + CRATILLON, A Burgundian Knight. + RAOUL, a Lotharingian Knight. + TALBOT, the English General, + LIONEL, FASTOLFE, English Officers. + MONTGOMERY, a Welshman. + COUNCILLORS OF ORLEANS. + AN ENGLISH HERALD. + THIBAUT D'ARC, a wealthy Countryman. + MARGOT, LOUISON, JOHANNA, his Daughters. + ETIENNE, CLAUDE MARIE, RAIMOND, their Suitors. + BERTRAND, another Countryman. + APPARITION OF A BLACK KNIGHT. + CHARCOAL-BURNER AND HIS WIFE. + Soldiers and People, Officers of the Crown, Bishops, Monks, Marshals, + Magistrates, Courtiers, and other mute persons in the Coronation + Procession. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkprologue"> <b>PROLOGUE</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> SCENE I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> SCENE II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> SCENE III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> SCENE IV. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> <b>ACT I.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> SCENE I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> SCENE II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> SCENE III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> SCENE IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> SCENE V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> SCENE VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> SCENE VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> SCENE VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> SCENE IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> SCENE X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> SCENE XI. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> <b>ACT II.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> SCENE I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> SCENE II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> SCENE III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> SCENE IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> SCENE V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> SCENE VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> SCENE VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> SCENE VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> SCENE IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> SCENE X. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> <b>ACT III.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> SCENE I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> SCENE II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> SCENE III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> SCENE IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> SCENE V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> SCENE VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> SCENE VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> SCENE VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> SCENE IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> SCENE X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> SCENE XI. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> <b>ACT IV.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0041"> SCENE I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> SCENE II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0043"> SCENE III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0044"> SCENE IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0045"> SCENE V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0046"> SCENE VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0047"> SCENE VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0048"> SCENE VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0049"> SCENE IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0050"> SCENE X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0051"> SCENE XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0052"> SCENE XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0053"> SCENE XIII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0054"> <b>ACT V.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0055"> SCENE I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0056"> SCENE II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0057"> SCENE III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0058"> SCENE IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0059"> SCENE V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0060"> SCENE VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0061"> SCENE VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0062"> SCENE VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0063"> SCENE IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0064"> SCENE X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0065"> SCENE XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0066"> SCENE XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0067"> SCENE IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0068"> SCENE XIV. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a name="linkprologue" id="linkprologue"></a> <a name="link2H_4_0001" + id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PROLOGUE. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A rural District. To the right, a Chapel with an Image of the Virgin; to + the left, an ancient Oak. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + SCENE I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THIBAUT D'ARC. His Three Daughters. Three young Shepherds, + their Suitors. + + THIBAUT. + Ay, my good neighbors! we at least to-day + Are Frenchmen still, free citizens and lords + Of the old soil which our forefathers tilled. + Who knows whom we to-morrow must obey? + For England her triumphal banner waves + From every wall: the blooming fields of France + Are trampled down beneath her chargers' hoofs; + Paris hath yielded to her conquering arms, + And with the ancient crown of Dagobert + Adorns the scion of a foreign race. + Our king's descendant, disinherited, + Must steal in secret through his own domain; + While his first peer and nearest relative + Contends against him in the hostile ranks; + Ay, his unnatural mother leads them on. + Around us towns and peaceful hamlets burn. + Near and more near the devastating fire + Rolls toward these vales, which yet repose in peace. + Therefore, good neighbors, I have now resolved, + While God still grants us safety, to provide + For my three daughters; for 'midst war's alarms + Women require protection, and true love + Hath power to render lighter every load. + [To the first Shepherd. + Come, Etienne! You seek my Margot's hand. + Fields lying side by side and loving hearts + Promise a happy union! + [To the second. + Claude! You're silent, + And my Louison looks upon the ground? + How, shall I separate two loving hearts + Because you have no wealth to offer me? + Who now has wealth? Our barns and homes afford + Spoil to the foe, and fuel to the fires. + In times like these a husband's faithful breast + Affords the only shelter from the storm. + + LOUISON. + My father! + + CLAUDE MARIE. + My Louison! + + LOUISON (embracing JOHANNA). + My dear sister! + + THIBAUT. + I give to each a yard, a stall and herd, + And also thirty acres; and as God + Gave me his blessing, so I give you mine! + + MARGOT (embracing JOHANNA). + Gladden our father—follow our example! + Let this day see three unions ratified! + + THIBAUT. + Now go; make all things ready; for the morn + Shall see the wedding. Let our village friends + Be all assembled for the festival. + + [The two couples retire arm in arm. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THIBAUT, RAIMOND, JOHANNA. + + THIBAUT. + Thy sisters, Joan, will soon be happy brides; + I see them gladly; they rejoice my age; + But thou, my youngest, giv'st me grief and pain. + + RAIMOND. + What is the matter? Why upbraid thy child? + + THIBAUT. + Here is this noble youth, the flower and pride + Of all our village; he hath fixed on thee + His fond affections, and for three long years + Has wooed thee with respectful tenderness; + But thou dost thrust him back with cold reserve. + Nor is there one 'mong all our shepherd youths + Who e'er can win a gracious smile from thee. + I see thee blooming in thy youthful prime; + Thy spring it is, the joyous time of hope; + Thy person, like a tender flower, hath now + Disclosed its beauty, but I vainly wait + For love's sweet blossom genially to blow, + And ripen joyously to golden fruit! + Oh, that must ever grieve me, and betrays + Some sad deficiency in nature's work! + The heart I like not which, severe and cold, + Expands not in the genial years of youth. + + RAIMOND. + Forbear, good father! Cease to urge her thus! + A noble, tender fruit of heavenly growth + Is my Johanna's love, and time alone + Bringeth the costly to maturity! + Still she delights to range among the hills, + And fears descending from the wild, free heath, + To tarry 'neath the lowly roofs of men, + Where dwell the narrow cares of humble life. + From the deep vale, with silent wonder, oft + I mark her, when, upon a lofty hill + Surrounded by her flock, erect she stands, + With noble port, and bends her earnest gaze + Down on the small domains of earth. To me + She looketh then, as if from other times + She came, foreboding things of import high. + + THIBAUT. + 'Tis that precisely which displeases me! + She shuns her sisters' gay companionship; + Seeks out the desert mountains, leaves her couch + Before the crowing of the morning cock, + And in the dreadful hour, when men are wont + Confidingly to seek their fellow-men, + She, like the solitary bird, creeps forth, + And in the fearful spirit-realm of night, + To yon crossway repairs, and there alone + Holds secret commune with the mountain wind. + Wherefore this place precisely doth she choose? + Why hither always doth she drive her flock? + For hours together I have seen her sit + In dreamy musing 'neath the Druid tree, + Which every happy creature shuns with awe. + For 'tis not holy there; an evil spirit + Hath since the fearful pagan days of old + Beneath its branches fixed his dread abode. + The oldest of our villagers relate + Strange tales of horror of the Druid tree; + Mysterious voices of unearthly sound + From its unhallowed shade oft meet the ear. + Myself, when in the gloomy twilight hour + My path once chanced to lead me near this tree, + Beheld a spectral figure sitting there, + Which slowly from its long and ample robe + Stretched forth its withered hand, and beckoned me. + But on I went with speed, nor looked behind, + And to the care of God consigned my soul. + + RAIMOND (pointing to the image of the Virgin). + Yon holy image of the Virgin blest, + Whose presence heavenly peace diffuseth round, + Not Satan's work, leadeth thy daughter here. + + THIBAUT. + No! not in vain hath it in fearful dreams + And apparitions strange revealed itself. + For three successive nights I have beheld + Johanna sitting on the throne at Rheims, + A sparkling diadem of seven stars + Upon her brow, the sceptre in her hand, + From which three lilies sprung, and I, her sire, + With her two sisters, and the noble peers, + The earls, archbishops, and the king himself, + Bowed down before her. In my humble home + How could this splendor enter my poor brain? + Oh, 'tis the prelude to some fearful fall! + This warning dream, in pictured show, reveals + The vain and sinful longing of her heart. + She looks with shame upon her lowly birth. + Because with richer beauty God hath graced + Her form, and dowered her with wondrous gifts + Above the other maidens of this vale, + She in her heart indulges sinful pride, + And pride it is through which the angels fell, + By which the fiend of hell seduces man. + + RAIMOND. + Who cherishes a purer, humbler mind + Than doth thy pious daughter? Does she not + With cheerful spirit work her sisters' will? + She is more highly gifted far than they, + Yet, like a servant maiden, it is she + Who silently performs the humblest tasks. + Beneath her guiding hands prosperity + Attendeth still thy harvest and thy flocks; + And around all she does there ceaseless flows + A blessing, rare and unaccountable. + + THIBAUT. + Ah truly! Unaccountable indeed! + Sad horror at this blessing seizes me! + But now no more; henceforth I will be silent. + Shall I accuse my own beloved child? + I can do naught but warn and pray for her. + Yet warn I must. Oh, shun the Druid tree! + Stay not alone, and in the midnight hour + Break not the ground for roots, no drinks prepare, + No characters inscribe upon the sand! + 'Tis easy to unlock the realm of spirits; + Listening each sound, beneath a film of earth + They lay in wait, ready to rush aloft. + Stay not alone, for in the wilderness + The prince of darkness tempted e'en the Lord. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THIBAUT, RAIMOND, JOHANNA. + BERTRAND enters, a helmet in his hand. + + RAIMOND. + Hush! here is Bertrand coming back from town; + What bears he in his hand? + + BERTRAND. + You look at me + With wondering gaze; no doubt you are surprised + To see this martial helm! + + THIBAUT. + We are indeed! + Come, tell us how you come by it? Why bring + This fearful omen to our peaceful vale? + + [JOHANNA, who has remained indifferent during the two + previous scenes, becomes attentive, and steps nearer. + + BERTRAND. + I scarce can tell you how I came by it. + I had procured some tools at Vaucouleurs; + A crowd was gathered in the market-place, + For fugitives were just arrived in haste + From Orleans, bringing most disastrous news. + In tumult all the town together flocked, + And as I forced a passage through the crowds, + A brown Bohemian woman, with this helm, + Approached me, eyed me narrowly, and said: + "Fellow, you seek a helm; I know it well. + Take this one! For a trifle it is yours." + "Go with it to the soldiers," I replied, + "I am a husbandman, and want no helm." + She would not cease, however, and went on: + "None knoweth if he may not want a helm. + A roof of metal for the Head just now + Is of more value than a house of stone." + Thus she pursued me closely through the streets, + Still offering the helm, which I refused. + I marked it well, and saw that it was bright, + And fair and worthy of a knightly head; + And when in doubt I weighed it in my hand, + The strangeness of the incident revolving, + The woman disappeared, for suddenly + The rushing crowd had carried her away. + And I was left the helmet in my hand. + + JOHANNA (attempting eagerly to seize it). + Give me the helmet! + + BERTRAND. + Why, what boots it you? + It is not suited to a maiden's head. + + JOHANNA (seizing it from him). + Mine is the helmet—it belongs to me! + + THIBAUT. + What whim is this? + + RAIMOND. + Nay, let her have her way! + This warlike ornament becomes her well, + For in her bosom beats a manly heart. + Remember how she once subdued the wolf, + The savage monster which destroyed our herds, + And filled the neighb'ring shepherds with dismay. + She all alone—the lion-hearted maid + Fought with the wolf, and from him snatched the lamb + Which he was bearing in his bloody jaws. + How brave soe'er the head this helm adorned, + It cannot grace a worthier one than hers! + + THIBAUT (to BERTRAND). + Relate what new disasters have occurred. + What tidings brought the fugitives? + + BERTRAND. + May God + Have pity on our land, and save the king! + In two great battles we have lost the day; + Our foes are stationed in the heart of France, + Far as the river Loire our lands are theirs— + Now their whole force they have combined, and lay + Close siege to Orleans. + + THIBAUT. + God protect the king! + + BERTRAND. + Artillery is brought from every side, + And as the dusky squadrons of the bees + Swarm round the hive upon a summer day, + As clouds of locusts from the sultry air + Descend and shroud the country round for miles, + So doth the cloud of war, o'er Orleans' fields, + Pour forth its many-nationed multitudes, + Whose varied speech, in wild confusion blent, + With strange and hollow murmurs fill the air. + For Burgundy, the mighty potentate, + Conducts his motley host; the Hennegarians, + The men of Liege and of Luxemburg, + The people of Namur, and those who dwell + In fair Brabant; the wealthy men of Ghent, + Who boast their velvets, and their costly silks; + The Zealanders, whose cleanly towns appear + Emerging from the ocean; Hollanders + Who milk the lowing herds; men from Utrecht, + And even from West Friesland's distant realm, + Who look towards the ice-pole—all combine, + Beneath the banner of the powerful duke, + Together to accomplish Orleans' fall. + + THIBAUT. + Oh, the unblest, the lamentable strife, + Which turns the arms of France against itself! + + BERTRAND. + E'en she, the mother-queen, proud Isabel + Bavaria's haughty princess—may be seen, + Arrayed in armor, riding through the camp; + With poisonous words of irony she fires + The hostile troops to fury 'gainst her son, + Whom she hath clasped to her maternal breast. + + THIBAUT. + A curse upon her, and may God prepare + For her a death like haughty Jezebel's! + + BERTRAND. + The fearful Salisbury conducts the siege, + The town-destroyer; with him Lionel, + The brother of the lion; Talbot, too, + Who, with his murd'rous weapon, moweth down + The people in the battle: they have sworn, + With ruthless insolence to doom to shame + The hapless maidens, and to sacrifice + All who the sword have wielded, with the sword. + Four lofty watch-towers, to o'ertop the town, + They have upreared; Earl Salisbury from on high + Casteth abroad his cruel, murd'rous glance, + And marks the rapid wanderers in the streets. + Thousands of cannon-balls, of pond'rous weight, + Are hurled into the city. Churches lie + In ruined heaps, and Notre Dame's royal tower + Begins at length to bow its lofty head. + They also have formed powder-vaults below, + And thus, above a subterranean hell, + The timid city every hour expects, + 'Midst crashing thunder, to break forth in flames. + + [JOHANNA listens with close attention, and places + the helmet on her head. + + THIBAUT. + But where were then our heroes? Where the swords + Of Saintrailles, and La Hire, and brave Dunois, + Of France the bulwark, that the haughty foe + With such impetuous force thus onward rushed? + Where is the king? Can he supinely see + His kingdom's peril and his cities' fall? + + BERTRAND. + The king at Chinon holds his court; he lacks + Soldiers to keep the field. Of what avail + The leader's courage, and the hero's arm, + When pallid fear doth paralyze the host? + A sudden panic, as if sent from God, + Unnerves the courage of the bravest men. + In vain the summons of the king resounds + As when the howling of the wolf is heard, + The sheep in terror gather side by side, + So Frenchmen, careless of their ancient fame, + Seek only now the shelter of the towns. + One knight alone, I have been told, has brought + A feeble company, and joins the king + With sixteen banners. + + JOHANNA (quickly). + What's the hero's name? + + BERTRAND. + 'Tis Baudricour. But much I fear the knight + Will not be able to elude the foe, + Who track him closely with too numerous hosts. + + JOHANNA. + Where halts the knight? Pray tell me, if you know. + + BERTRAND. + About a one day's march from Vaucouleurs. + + THIBAUT (to JOHANNA). + Why, what is that to thee? Thou dost inquire + Concerning matters which become thee not. + + BERTRAND. + The foe being now so strong, and from the king + No safety to be hoped, at Vaucouleurs + They have with unanimity resolved + To yield them to the Duke of Burgundy. + Thus we avoid the foreign yoke, and still + Continue by our ancient royal line; + Ay, to the ancient crown we may fall back + Should France and Burgundy be reconciled. + + JOHANNA (as if inspired). + Speak not of treaty! Speak not of surrender! + The savior comes, he arms him for the fight. + The fortunes of the foe before the walls + Of Orleans shall be wrecked! His hour is come, + He now is ready for the reaper's hand, + And with her sickle will the maid appear, + And mow to earth the harvest of his pride. + She from the heavens will tear his glory down, + Which he had hung aloft among the stars; + Despair not! Fly not! for ere yonder corn + Assumes its golden hue, or ere the moon + Displays her perfect orb, no English horse + Shall drink the rolling waters of the Loire. + + BERTRAND. + Alas! no miracle will happen now! + + JOHANNA. + Yes, there shall yet be one—a snow-white dove + Shall fly, and with the eagle's boldness, tear + The birds of prey which rend her fatherland. + She shall o'erthrow this haughty Burgundy, + Betrayer of the kingdom; Talbot, too, + The hundred-handed, heaven-defying scourge; + This Salisbury, who violates our fanes, + And all these island robbers shall she drive + Before her like a flock of timid lambs. + The Lord will be with her, the God of battle; + A weak and trembling creature he will choose, + And through a tender maid proclaim his power, + For he is the Almighty! + + THIBAULT. + What strange power + Hath seized the maiden? + + RAIMOND. + Doubtless 'tis the helmet + Which doth inspire her with such martial thoughts. + Look at your daughter. Mark her flashing eye, + Her glowing cheek, which kindles as with fire. + + JOHANNA. + This realm shall fall! This ancient land of fame, + The fairest that, in his majestic course, + The eternal sun surveys—this paradise, + Which, as the apple of his eye, God loves— + Endure the fetters of a foreign yoke? + Here were the heathen scattered, and the cross + And holy image first were planted here; + Here rest St. Louis' ashes, and from hence + The troops went forth who set Jerusalem free. + + BERTRAND (in astonishment). + Hark how she speaks! Why, whence can she obtain + This glorious revelation? Father Arc! + A wondrous daughter God hath given you! + + JOHANNA. + We shall no longer serve a native prince! + The king, who never dies, shall pass away— + The guardian of the sacred plough, who fills + The earth with plenty, who protects our herds, + Who frees the bondmen from captivity, + Who gathers all his cities round his throne— + Who aids the helpless, and appals the base, + Who envies no one, for he reigns supreme; + Who is a mortal, yet an angel too, + Dispensing mercy on the hostile earth. + For the king's throne, which glitters o'er with gold, + Affords a shelter for the destitute; + Power and compassion meet together there, + The guilty tremble, but the just draw near, + And with the guardian lion fearless sport! + The stranger king, who cometh from afar, + Whose fathers' sacred ashes do not lie + Interred among us; can he love our land? + Who was not young among our youth, whose heart + Respondeth not to our familiar words, + Can he be as a father to our sons? + + THIBAUT. + God save the king and France! We're peaceful folk, + Who neither wield the sword, nor rein the steed. + —Let us await the king whom victory crowns; + The fate of battle is the voice of God. + He is our lord who crowns himself at Rheims, + And on his head receives the holy oil. + —Come, now to work! come! and let every one + Think only of the duty of the hour! + Let the earth's great ones for the earth contend, + Untroubled we may view the desolation, + For steadfast stand the acres which we till. + The flames consume our villages, our corn + Is trampled 'neath the tread of warlike steeds; + With the new spring new harvests reappear, + And our light huts are quickly reared again! + + [They all retire except the maiden. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + JOHANNA (alone). + + Farewell ye mountains, ye beloved glades, + Ye lone and peaceful valleys, fare ye well! + Through you Johanna never more may stray! + For, ay, Johanna bids you now farewell. + Ye meads which I have watered, and ye trees + Which I have planted, still in beauty bloom! + Farewell ye grottos, and ye crystal springs! + Sweet echo, vocal spirit of the vale. + Who sang'st responsive to my simple strain, + Johanna goes, and ne'er returns again. + + Ye scenes where all my tranquil joys + I knew, Forever now I leave you far behind! + Poor foldless lambs, no shepherd now have you! + O'er the wide heath stray henceforth unconfined! + For I to danger's field, of crimson hue, + Am summoned hence another flock to find. + Such is to me the spirit's high behest; + No earthly, vain ambition fires my breast. + + For who in glory did on Horeb's height + Descend to Moses in the bush of flame, + And bade him go and stand in Pharaoh's sight— + Who once to Israel's pious shepherd came, + And sent him forth, his champion in the fight,— + Who aye hath loved the lowly shepherd train,— + He, from these leafy boughs, thus spake to me, + "Go forth! Thou shalt on earth my witness be. + + "Thou in rude armor must thy limbs invest, + A plate of steel upon thy bosom wear; + Vain earthly love may never stir thy breast, + Nor passion's sinful glow be kindled there. + Ne'er with the bride-wreath shall thy locks be dressed, + Nor on thy bosom bloom an infant fair; + But war's triumphant glory shall be thine; + Thy martial fame all women's shall outshine. + + "For when in fight the stoutest hearts despair, + When direful ruin threatens France, forlorn, + Then thou aloft my oriflamme shalt bear, + And swiftly as the reaper mows the corn, + Thou shalt lay low the haughty conqueror; + His fortune's wheel thou rapidly shalt turn, + To Gaul's heroic sons deliverance bring, + Relieve beleaguered Rheims, and crown thy king!" + + The heavenly spirit promised me a sign; + He sends the helmet, it hath come from him. + Its iron filleth me with strength divine, + I feel the courage of the cherubim; + As with the rushing of a mighty wind + It drives me forth to join the battles din; + The clanging trumpets sound, the chargers rear, + And the loud war-cry thunders in mine ear. + + [She goes out. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT I. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The royal residence at Chinon. + DUNOIS and DUCHATEL. + + DUNOIS. + No longer I'll endure it. I renounce + This recreant monarch who forsakes himself. + My valiant heart doth bleed, and I could rain + Hot tear-drops from mine eyes, that robber-swords + Partition thus the royal realm of France; + That cities, ancient as the monarchy, + Deliver to the foe the rusty keys, + While here in idle and inglorious ease + We lose the precious season of redemption. + Tidings of Orleans' peril reach mine ear, + Hither I sped from distant Normandy, + Thinking, arrayed in panoply of war, + To find the monarch with his marshalled hosts; + And find him—here! begirt with troubadours, + And juggling knaves, engaged in solving riddles, + And planning festivals in Sorel's honor, + As brooded o'er the land profoundest peace! + The Constable hath gone; he will not brook + Longer the spectacle of shame. I, too, + Depart, and leave him to his evil fate. + + DUCHATEL. + Here comes the king. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + KING CHARLES. The same. + + CHARLES. + The Constable hath sent us back his sword + And doth renounce our service. Now, by heaven! + He thus hath rid us of a churlish man, + Who insolently sought to lord it o'er us. + + DUNOIS. + A man is precious in such perilous times; + I would not deal thus lightly with his loss. + + CHARLES. + Thou speakest thus from love of opposition; + While he was here thou never wert his friend. + + DUNOIS. + He was a tiresome, proud, vexatious fool, + Who never could resolve. For once, however, + He hath resolved. Betimes he goeth hence, + Where honor can no longer be achieved. + + CHARLES. + Thou'rt in a pleasant humor; undisturbed + I'll leave thee to enjoy it. Hark, Duchatel! + Ambassadors are here from old King Rene, + Of tuneful songs the master, far renowned. + Let them as honored guests be entertained, + And unto each present a chain of gold. + [To the Bastard. + Why smilest thou, Dunois? + + DUNOIS. + That from thy mouth + Thou shakest golden chains. + + DUCHATEL. + Alas! my king! + No gold existeth in thy treasury. + + CHARLES. + Then gold must be procured. It must not be + That bards unhonored from our court depart. + 'Tis they who make our barren sceptre bloom, + 'Tis they who wreath around our fruitless crown + Life's joyous branch of never-fading green. + Reigning, they justly rank themselves as kings, + Of gentle wishes they erect their throne, + Their harmless realm existeth not in space; + Hence should the bard accompany the king, + Life's higher sphere the heritage of both! + + DUCHATEL. + My royal liege! I sought to spare thine ear + So long as aid and counsel could be found; + Now dire necessity doth loose my tongue. + Naught hast thou now in presents to bestow, + Thou hast not wherewithal to live to-morrow! + The spring-tide of thy fortune is run out, + And lowest ebb is in thy treasury! + The soldiers, disappointed of their pay, + With sullen murmurs, threaten to retire. + My counsel faileth, not with royal splendor + But meagerly, to furnish out thy household. + + CHARLES. + My royal customs pledge, and borrow gold + From the Lombardians. + + DUCHATEL. + Sire, thy revenues, + Thy royal customs are for three years pledged. + + DUNOIS. + And pledge meanwhile and kingdom both are lost. + + CHARLES. + Still many rich and beauteous lands are ours. + + DUNOIS. + So long as God and Talbot's sword permit! + When Orleans falleth into English hands + Then with King Rene thou may'st tend thy sheep! + + CHARLES. + Still at this king thou lov'st to point thy jest; + Yet 'tis this lackland monarch who to-day + Hath with a princely crown invested me. + + DUNOIS. + Not, in the name of heaven, with that of Naples, + Which is for sale, I hear, since he kept sheep. + + CHARLES. + It is a sportive festival, a jest, + Wherein he giveth to his fancy play, + To found a world all innocent and pure + In this barbaric, rude reality. + Yet noble—ay, right royal is his aim! + He will again restore the golden age, + When gentle manners reigned, when faithful love + The heroic hearts of valiant knights inspired, + And noble women, whose accomplished taste + Diffuseth grace around, in judgment sat. + The old man dwelleth in those bygone times, + And in our workday world would realize + The dreams of ancient bards, who picture life + 'Mid bowers celestial, throned on golden clouds. + He hath established hence a court of love + Where valiant knights may dwell, and homage yield + To noble women, who are there enthroned, + And where pure love and true may find a home. + Me he hath chosen as the prince of love. + + DUNOIS. + I am not such a base, degenerate churl + As love's dominion rudely to assail. + I am her son, from her derive my name, + And in her kingdom lies my heritage. + The Prince of Orleans was my sire, and while + No woman's heart was proof against his love, + No hostile fortress could withstand his shock! + Wilt thou, indeed, with honor name thyself + The prince of love—be bravest of the brave! + As I have read in those old chronicles, + Love aye went coupled with heroic deeds, + And valiant heroes, not inglorious shepherds, + So legends tell us, graced King Arthur's board. + The man whose valor is not beauty's shield + Is all unworthy of her golden prize. + Here the arena! combat for the crown, + Thy royal heritage! With knightly sword + Thy lady's honor and thy realm defend— + And hast thou with hot valor snatched the crown + From streams of hostile blood,—then is the time, + And it would well become thee as a prince, + Love's myrtle chaplet round thy brows to wreathe. + + CHARLES (to a PAGE, who enters). + What is the matter? + + PAGE. + Senators from Orleans + Entreat an audience, sire. + + CHARLES. + Conduct them hither! + [PAGE retires. + Doubtless they succor need; what can I do, + Myself all-succorless! +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The same. Three SENATORS. + + CHARLES. + Welcome, my trusty citizens of Orleans! + What tidings bring ye from my faithful town? + Doth she continue with her wonted zeal + Still bravely to withstand the leaguering foe? + + SENATOR. + Ah, sire! the city's peril is extreme; + And giant ruin, waxing hour by hour, + Still onward strides. The bulwarks are destroyed— + The foe at each assault advantage gains; + Bare of defenders are the city walls, + For with rash valor forth our soldiers rush, + While few, alas! return to view their homes, + And famine's scourge impendeth o'er the town. + In this extremity the noble Count + Of Rochepierre, commander of the town, + Hath made a compact with the enemy, + According to old custom, to yield up, + On the twelfth day, the city to the foe, + Unless, meanwhile, before the town appear + A host of magnitude to raise the siege. + + [DUNOIS manifests the strongest indignation. + + CHARLES. + The interval is brief. + + SENATOR. + We hither come, + Attended by a hostile retinue, + To implore thee, sire, to pity thy poor town, + And to send succor ere the appointed day, + When, if still unrelieved, she must surrender. + + DUNOIS. + And could Saintrailles consent to give his voice + To such a shameful compact? + + SENATOR. + Never, sir! + Long as the hero lived, none dared to breathe + A single word of treaty or surrender. + + DUNOIS. + He then is dead? + + SENATOR. + The noble hero fell, + His monarch's cause defending on our walls. + + CHARLES. + What! Saintrailles dead! Oh, in that single man + A host is foundered! + + [A Knight enters and speaks apart with DUNOIS, + who starts with surprise. + + DUNOIS. + That too! + + CHARLES. + Well? What is it? + + DUNOIS. + Count Douglass sendeth here. The Scottish troops + Revolt, and threaten to retire at once. + Unless their full arrears are paid to-day. + + CHARLES. + Duchatel! + + DUCHATEL (shrugs his shoulders). + Sire! I know not what to counsel. + + CHARLES. + Pledge, promise all, even unto half my realm. + + DUCHATEL. + 'Tis vain! They have been fed with hope too often. + + CHARLES. + They are the finest troops of all my hosts! + They must not now, not now abandon me! + + SENATOR (throwing himself at the KING'S feet). + Oh, king, assist us! Think of our distress! + + CHARLES (in despair). + How! Can I summon armies from the earth? + Or grow a cornfield on my open palm? + Rend me in pieces! Pluck my bleeding heart + Forth from my breast, and coin it 'stead of gold! + I've blood for you, but neither gold nor troops. + + [He sees SOREL approach, and hastens towards her + with outstretched arms. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The same. AGNES SOREL, a casket in her hand. + + CHARLES. + My Agnes! Oh, my love! My dearest life! + Thou comest here to snatch me from despair! + Refuge I take within thy loving arms! + Possessing thee I feel that nothing is lost. + + SOREL. + My king, beloved! + [looking round with an anxious, inquiring gaze. + Dunois! Say, is it true, + Duchatel? + + DUCHATEL. + 'Tis, alas! + + SOREL. + So great the need? + No treasure left? The soldiers will disband? + + DUCHATEL. + Alas! It is too true! + + SOREL (giving him the casket). + Here-here is gold, + Here too are jewels! Melt my silver down! + Sell, pledge my castles—on my fair domains + In Provence—treasure raise, turn all to gold, + Appease the troops! No time to be lost! + + [She urges him to depart. + + CHARLES. + Well now, Dunois! Duchatel! Do ye still + Account me poor, when I possess the crown + Of womankind? She's nobly born as I; + The royal blood of Valois not more pure; + The most exalted throne she would adorn— + Yet she rejects it with disdain, and claims + No other title than to be my love. + No gift more costly will she e'er receive + Than early flower in winter, or rare fruit! + No sacrifice on my part she permits, + Yet sacrificeth all she had to me! + With generous spirit she doth venture all + Her wealth and fortune in my sinking bark. + + DUNOIS. + Ay, she is mad indeed, my king, as thou; + She throws her all into a burning house, + And draweth water in the leaky vessel + Of the Danaides. Thee she will not save, + And in thy ruin but involve herself. + + SOREL. + Believe him not! Full many a time he hath + Perilled his life for thee, and now, forsooth, + Chafeth because I risk my worthless gold! + How? Have I freely sacrificed to thee + What is esteemed far more than gold and pearls, + And shall I now hold back the gifts of fortune? + Oh, come! Let my example challenge thee + To noble self-denial! Let's at once + Cast off the needless ornaments of life! + Thy courtiers metamorphose into soldiers; + Thy gold transmute to iron; all thou hast, + With resolute daring, venture for thy crown! + Peril and want we will participate! + Let us bestride the war-horse, and expose + Our tender person to the fiery glow + Of the hot sun, take for our canopy + The clouds above, and make the stones our pillow. + The rudest warrior, when he sees his king + Bear hardship and privation like the meanest + Will patiently endure his own hard lot! + + CHARLES (laughing). + Ay! now is realized an ancient word + Of prophesy, once uttered by a nun + Of Clairmont, in prophetic mood, who said, + That through a woman's aid I o'er my foes + Should triumph, and achieve my father's crown. + Far off I sought her in the English camp; + I strove to reconcile a mother's heart; + Here stands the heroine—my guide to Rheims! + My Agnes! I shall triumph through thy love! + + SOREL. + Thou'lt triumph through the valiant swords of friends. + + CHARLES. + And from my foes' dissensions much I hope + For sure intelligence hath reached mine ear, + That 'twixt these English lords and Burgundy + Things do not stand precisely as they did; + Hence to the duke I have despatched La Hire, + To try if he can lead my angry vassal + Back to his ancient loyalty and faith: + Each moment now I look for his return. + + DUCHATEL (at the window). + A knight e'en now dismounteth in the court. + + CHARLES. + A welcome messenger! We soon shall learn + Whether we're doomed to conquer or to yield. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The same. LA HIRE. + + CHARLES (meeting him). + Hope bringest thou, or not? Be brief, La Hire, + Out with thy tidings! What must we expect? + + LA HIRE. + Expect naught, sire, save from thine own good sword. + + CHARLES. + The haughty duke will not be reconciled! + Speak! How did he receive my embassy? + + LA HIRE. + His first and unconditional demand, + Ere he consent to listen to thine errand, + Is that Duchatel be delivered up, + Whom he doth name the murderer of his sire. + + CHARLES. + This base condition we reject with scorn! + + LA HIRE. + Then be the league dissolved ere it commence! + + CHARLES. + Hast thou thereon, as I commanded thee, + Challenged the duke to meet him in fair fight + On Montereau's bridge, whereon his father fell? + + LA HIRE. + Before him on the ground I flung thy glove, + And said: "Thou wouldst forget thy majesty, + And like a knight do battle for thy realm." + He scornfully rejoined "He needed not + To fight for that which he possessed already, + But if thou wert so eager for the fray, + Before the walls of Orleans thou wouldst find him, + Whither he purposed going on the morrow;" + Thereon he laughing turned his back upon me. + + CHARLES. + Say, did not justice raise her sacred voice, + Within the precincts of my parliament? + + LA HIRE. + The rage of party, sire, hath silenced her. + An edict of the parliament declares + Thee and thy race excluded from the throne. + + DUNOIS. + These upstart burghers' haughty insolence! + + CHARLES. + Hast thou attempted with my mother aught? + + LA HIRE. + With her? + + CHARLES. + Ay! How did she demean herself? + + LA HIRE (after a few moments' reflection). + I chanced to step within St. Denis' walls + Precisely at the royal coronation. + The crowds were dressed as for a festival; + Triumphal arches rose in every street + Through which the English monarch was to pass. + The way was strewed with flowers, and with huzzas, + As France some brilliant conquest had achieved, + The people thronged around the royal car. + + SOREL. + They could huzza—huzza, while trampling thus + Upon a gracious sovereign's loving heart! + + LA HIRE. + I saw young Harry Lancaster—the boy— + On good St. Lewis' regal chair enthroned; + On either side his haughty uncles stood, + Bedford and Gloucester, and before him kneeled, + To render homage for his lands, Duke Philip. + + CHARLES. + Oh, peer dishonored! Oh, unworthy cousin! + + LA HIRE. + The child was timid, and his footing lost + As up the steps he mounted towards the throne. + An evil omen! murmured forth the crowd, + And scornful laughter burst on every side. + Then forward stepped Queen Isabel—thy mother, + And—but it angers me to utter it! + + CHARLES. + Say on. + + LA HIRE. + Within her arms she clasped the boy, + And herself placed him on thy father's throne. + + CHARLES. + Oh, mother! mother! + + LA HIRE. + E'en the murderous bands + Of the Burgundians, at this spectacle, + Evinced some tokens of indignant shame. + The queen perceived it, and addressed the crowds, + Exclaiming with loud voice: "Be grateful, Frenchmen, + That I engraft upon a sickly stock + A healthy scion, and redeem you from + The misbegotten son of a mad sire!" + + [The KING hides his face; AGNES hastens towards him + and clasps him in her arms; all the bystanders express + aversion and horror. + + DUNOIS. + She-wolf of France! Rage-breathing Megara! + + CHARLES (after a pause, to the SENATORS). + Yourselves have heard the posture of affairs. + Delay no longer, back return to Orleans, + And bear this message to my faithful town; + I do absolve my subjects from their oath, + Their own best interests let them now consult, + And yield them to the Duke of Burgundy; + 'Yclept the Good, he need must prove humane. + + DUNOIS. + What say'st thou, sire? Thou wilt abandon Orleans! + + SENATOR (kneels down). + My king! Abandon not thy faithful town! + Consign her not to England's harsh control. + She is a precious jewel in the crown, + And none hath more inviolate faith maintained + Towards the kings, thy royal ancestors. + + DUNOIS. + Have we been routed? Is it lawful, sire, + To leave the English masters of the field, + Without a single stroke to save the town? + And thinkest thou, with careless breath, forsooth, + Ere blood hath flowed, rashly to give away + The fairest city from the heart of France? + + CHARLES. + Blood hath been poured forth freely, and in vain + The hand of heaven is visibly against me; + In every battle is my host o'erthrown, + I am rejected of my parliament, + My capital, my people, hail me foe, + Those of my blood,—my nearest relatives,— + Forsake me and betray—and my own mother + Doth nurture at her breast the hostile brood. + Beyond the Loire we will retire, and yield + To the o'ermastering hand of destiny + Which sideth with the English. + + SOREL. + God forbid + That we in weak despair should quit this realm! + This utterance came not from thy heart, my king, + Thy noble heart, which hath been sorely riven + By the fell deed of thy unnatural mother, + Thou'lt be thyself again, right valiantly + Thou'lt battle with thine adverse destiny, + Which doth oppose thee with relentless ire. + + CHARLES (lost in gloomy thought). + Is it not true? A dark and ominous doom + Impendeth o'er the heaven-abandoned house + Of Valois—there preside the avenging powers, + To whom a mother's crime unbarred the way. + For thirty years my sire in madness raved; + Already have three elder brothers been + Mowed down by death; 'tis the decree of heaven, + The house of the Sixth Charles is doomed to fall. + + SOREL. + In thee 'twill rise with renovated life! + Oh, in thyself have faith!—believe me, king, + Not vainly hath a gracious destiny + Redeemed thee from the ruin of thy house, + And by thy brethren's death exalted thee, + The youngest born, to an unlooked-for throne + Heaven in thy gentle spirit hath prepared + The leech to remedy the thousand ills + By party rage inflicted on the land. + The flames of civil discord thou wilt quench, + And my heart tells me thou'lt establish peace, + And found anew the monarchy of France. + + CHARLES. + Not I! The rude and storm-vexed times require + A pilot formed by nature to command. + A peaceful nation I could render happy + A wild, rebellious people not subdue. + I never with the sword could open hearts + Against me closed in hatred's cold reserve. + + SOREL. + The people's eye is dimmed, an error blinds them, + But this delusion will not long endure; + The day is not far distant when the love + Deep rooted in the bosom of the French, + Towards their native monarch, will revive, + Together with the ancient jealousy, + Which forms a barrier 'twixt the hostile nations. + The haughty foe precipitates his doom. + Hence, with rash haste abandon not the field, + With dauntless front contest each foot of ground, + As thine own heart defend the town of Orleans! + Let every boat be sunk beneath the wave, + Each bridge be burned, sooner than carry thee + Across the Loire, the boundary of thy realm, + The Stygian flood, o'er which there's no return. + + CHARLES. + What could be done I have done. I have offered, + In single fight, to combat for the crown. + I was refused. In vain my people bleed, + In vain my towns are levelled with the dust. + Shall I, like that unnatural mother, see + My child in pieces severed with the sword? + No; I forego my claim, that it may live. + + DUNOIS. + How, sire! Is this fit language for a king? + Is a crown thus renounced? Thy meanest subject, + For his opinion's sake, his hate and love, + Sets property and life upon a cast; + When civil war hangs out her bloody flag, + Each private end is drowned in party zeal. + The husbandman forsakes his plough, the wife + Neglects her distaff; children, and old men, + Don the rude garb of war; the citizen + Consigns his town to the devouring flames, + The peasant burns the produce of his fields; + And all to injure or advantage thee, + And to achieve the purpose of his heart. + Men show no mercy, and they wish for none, + When they at honor's call maintain the fight, + Or for their idols or their gods contend. + A truce to such effeminate pity, then, + Which is not suited to a monarch's breast. + Thou didst not heedlessly provoke the war; + As it commenced, so let it spend its fury. + It is the law of destiny that nations + Should for their monarchs immolate themselves. + We Frenchmen recognize this sacred law, + Nor would annul it. Base, indeed, the nation + That for its honor ventures not its all. + + CHARLES (to the SENATORS). + You've heard my last resolve; expect no other. + May God protect you! I can do no more. + + DUNOIS. + As thou dost turn thy back upon thy realm, + So may the God of battle aye avert + His visage from thee. Thou forsak'st thyself, + So I forsake thee. Not the power combined + Of England and rebellious Burgundy, + Thy own mean spirit hurls thee from the throne. + Born heroes ever were the kings of France; + Thou wert a craven, even from thy birth. + [To the SENATORS. + The king abandons you. But I will throw + Myself into your town—my father's town— + And 'neath its ruins find a soldier's grave. + + [He is about to depart. AGNES SOREL detains him. + + SOREL (to the KING). + Oh, let him not depart in anger from thee! + Harsh words his lips have uttered, but his heart + Is true as gold. 'Tis he, himself, my king, + Who loves thee, and hath often bled for thee. + Dunois, confess, the heat of noble wrath + Made thee forget thyself; and oh, do thou + Forgive a faithful friend's o'erhasty speech! + Come, let me quickly reconcile your hearts, + Ere anger bursteth forth in quenchless flame. + + [DUNOIS looks fixedly at the KING, and appears to await an answer. + + CHARLES. + Our way lies over the Loire. Duchatel, + See all our equipage embarked. + + DUNOIS (quickly to SOREL). + Farewell. + + [He turns quickly round, and goes out. The SENATORS follow. + + SOREL (wringing her hands in despair). + Oh, if he goes, we are forsaken quite! + Follow, La Hire! Oh, seek to soften him! + + [LA HIRE goes out. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHARLES, SOREL, DUCHATEL. + + CHARLES. + Is, then, the sceptre such a peerless treasure? + Is it so hard to loose it from our grasp? + Believe me, 'tis more galling to endure + The domineering rule of these proud vassals. + To be dependent on their will and pleasure + Is, to a noble heart, more bitter far + Than to submit to fate. + [To DUCHATEL, who still lingers. + Duchatel, go, + And do what I commanded. + + DUCHATEL (throws himself at the KING'S feet). + Oh, my king! + + CHARLES. + No more! Thou'st heard my absolute resolve! + + DUCHATEL. + Sire, with the Duke of Burgundy make peace! + 'Tis the sole outlet from destruction left! + + CHARLES. + Thou giv'st this counsel, and thy blood alone + Can ratify this peace. + + DUCHATEL. + Here is my head. + I oft have risked it for thee in the fight, + And with a joyful spirit I, for thee, + Would lay it down upon the block of death. + Conciliate the duke! Deliver me + To the full measure of his wrath, and let + My flowing blood appease the ancient hate. + + CHARLES (looks at him for some time in silence, and with deep emotion). + Can it be true? Am I, then, sunk so low, + That even friends, who read my inmost heart, + Point out for my escape the path of shame? + Yes, now I recognize my abject fall. + My honor is no more confided in. + + DUCHATEL. + Reflect—— + + CHARLES. + Be silent, and incense me not! + Had I ten realms, on which to turn my back, + With my friend's life I would not purchase them. + Do what I have commanded. Hence, and see + My equipage embarked. + + DUCHATEL. + 'Twill speedily + Be done. + + [He stands up and retires. AGNES SOREL weeps passionately. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The royal palace at Chinon. + CHARLES, AGNES SOREL. + + CHARLES (seizing the hand of AGNES). + My Agnes, be not sorrowful! + Beyond the Loire we still shall find a France; + We are departing to a happier land, + Where laughs a milder, an unclouded sky, + And gales more genial blow; we there shall meet + More gentle manners; song abideth there, + And love and life in richer beauty bloom. + + SOREL. + Oh, must I contemplate this day of woe! + The king must roam in banishment! the son + Depart, an exile from his father's house, + And turn his back upon his childhood's home! + Oh, pleasant, happy land that we forsake, + Ne'er shall we tread thee joyously again. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LA HIRE returns, CHARLES, SOREL. + + SOREL. + You come alone? You do not bring him back? + [Observing him more closely. + La Hire! What news? What does that look announce? + Some new calamity? + + LA HIRE. + Calamity + Hath spent itself; sunshine is now returned. + + SOREL. + What is it? I implore you. + + LA HIRE (to the KING). + Summon back + The delegates from Orleans. + + CHARLES. + Why? What is it? + + LA HIRE. + Summon them back! Thy fortune is reversed. + A battle has been fought, and thou hast conquered. + + SOREL. + Conquered! Oh, heavenly music of that word! + + CHARLES. + La Hire! A fabulous report deceives thee; + Conquered! In conquest I believe no more. + + LA HIRE. + Still greater wonders thou wilt soon believe. + Here cometh the archbishop. To thine arms + He leadeth back Dunois. + + SOREL. + O beauteous flower + Of victory, which doth the heavenly fruits + Of peace and reconcilement bear at once! +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The same, ARCHBISHOP of RHEIMS, DUNOIS, DUCHATEL, + with RAOUL, a Knight in armor. + + ARCHBISHOP (leading DUNOIS to the KING, and joining their hands). + Princes, embrace! Let rage and discord cease, + Since Heaven itself hath for our cause declared. + + [DUNOIS embraces the KING. + + CHARLES. + Relieve my wonder and perplexity. + What may this solemn earnestness portend? + Whence this unlooked-for change of fortune? + + ARCHBISHOP (leads the KNIGHT forward, and presents him to the KING). + Speak! + + RAOUL. + We had assembled sixteen regiments + Of Lotharingian troops to join your host; + And Baudricourt, a knight of Vaucouleurs, + Was our commander. Having gained the heights + By Vermanton, we wound our downward way + Into the valley watered by the Yonne. + There, in the plain before us, lay the foe, + And when we turned, arms glittered in our rear. + We saw ourselves surrounded by two hosts, + And could not hope for conquest or for flight. + Then sank the bravest heart, and in despair + We all prepared to lay our weapons down. + The leaders with each other anxiously + Sought counsel and found none; when to our eyes + A spectacle of wonder showed itself. + For suddenly from forth the thickets' depths + A maiden, on her head a polished helm, + Like a war-goddess, issued; terrible + Yet lovely was her aspect, and her hair + In dusky ringlets round her shoulders fell. + A heavenly radiance shone around the height; + When she upraised her voice and thus addressed us: + "Why be dismayed, brave Frenchmen? On the foe! + Were they more numerous than the ocean sands, + God and the holy maiden lead you on!" + Then quickly from the standard-bearer's hand + She snatched the banner, and before our troop + With valiant bearing strode the wondrous maid. + Silent with awe, scarce knowing what we did, + The banner and the maiden we pursue, + And fired with ardor, rush upon the foe, + Who, much amazed, stand motionless and view + The miracle with fixed and wondering gaze. + Then, as if seized by terror sent from God, + They suddenly betake themselves to flight, + And casting arms and armor to the ground, + Disperse in wild disorder o'er the field. + No leader's call, no signal now avails; + Senseless from terror, without looking back, + Horses and men plunge headlong in the stream, + Where they without resistance are despatched. + It was a slaughter rather than a fight! + Two thousand of the foe bestrewed the field, + Not reckoning numbers swallowed by the flood, + While of our company not one was slain. + + CHARLES. + 'Tis strange, by heaven! most wonderful and strange! + + SOREL. + A maiden worked this miracle, you say? + Whence did she come? Who is she? + + RAOUL. + Who she is + She will reveal to no one but the king! + She calls herself a seer and prophetess + Ordained by God, and promises to raise + The siege of Orleans ere the moon shall change. + The people credit her, and thirst for war. + The host she follows—she'll be here anon. + + [The ringing of bells is heard, together with the clang of arms. + + Hark to the din! The pealing of the bells! + 'Tis she! The people greet God's messenger. + + CHARLES (to DUCHATEL). + Conduct her thither. + [To the ARCHBISHOP. + What should I believe? + A maiden brings me conquest even now, + When naught can save me but a hand divine! + This is not in the common course of things. + And dare I here believe a miracle? + + MANY VOICES (behind the scene). + Hail to the maiden!—the deliverer! + + CHARLES. + She comes! Dunois, now occupy my place! + We will make trial of this wondrous maid. + Is she indeed inspired and sent by God + She will be able to discern the king. + + [DUNOIS seats himself; the KING stands at his right hand, + AGNES SOREL near him; the ARCHBISHOP and the others opposite; + so that the intermediate space remains vacant. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The same. JOHANNA, accompanied by the councillors and many knights, + who occupy the background of the scene; she advances with noble + bearing, and slowly surveys the company. + + DUNOIS (after a long and solemn pause). + Art thou the wondrous maiden—— + + JOHANNA (interrupts him, regarding him with dignity). + Bastard of Orleans, thou wilt tempt thy God! + This place abandon, which becomes thee not! + To this more mighty one the maid is sent. + + [With a firm step she approaches the KING, bows one + knee before him, and, rising immediately, steps back. + All present express their astonishment, DUNOIS forsakes + his seat, which is occupied by the KING. + + </pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="3pb160 (127K)" src="images/3pb160.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + CHARLES. + Maiden, thou ne'er hast seen my face before. + Whence hast thou then this knowledge? + + JOHANNA. + Thee I saw + When none beside, save God in heaven, beheld thee. + + [She approaches the KING, and speaks mysteriously. + + Bethink thee, Dauphin, in the bygone night, + When all around lay buried in deep sleep, + Thou from thy couch didst rise and offer up + An earnest prayer to God. Let these retire + And I will name the subject of thy prayer. + + CHARLES. + What! to Heaven confided need not be + From men concealed. Disclose to me my prayer, + And I shall doubt no more that God inspires thee. + + JOHANNA. + Three prayers thou offeredst, Dauphin; listen now + Whether I name them to thee! Thou didst pray + That if there were appended to this crown + Unjust possession, or if heavy guilt, + Not yet atoned for, from thy father's times, + Occasioned this most lamentable war, + God would accept thee as a sacrifice, + Have mercy on thy people, and pour forth + Upon thy head the chalice of his wrath. + + CHARLES (steps back with awe). + Who art thou, mighty one? Whence comest thou? + + [All express their astonishment. + + JOHANNA. + To God thou offeredst this second prayer: + That if it were his will and high decree + To take away the sceptre from thy race, + And from thee to withdraw whate'er thy sires, + The monarchs of this kingdom, once possessed, + He in his mercy would preserve to thee + Three priceless treasures—a contented heart, + Thy friend's affection, and thine Agnes' love. + + [The KING conceals his face: the spectators + express their astonishment. After a pause. + + Thy third petition shall I name to thee? + + CHARLES. + Enough; I credit thee! This doth surpass + Mere human knowledge: thou art sent by God! + + ARCHBISHOP. + Who art thou, wonderful and holy maid? + What favored region bore thee? What blest pair, + Beloved of Heaven, may claim thee as their child? + + JOHANNA. + Most reverend father, I am named Johanna, + I am a shepherd's lowly daughter, born + In Dom Remi, a village of my king. + Included in the diocese of Toul, + And from a child I kept my father's sheep. + And much and frequently I heard them tell + Of the strange islanders, who o'er the sea + Had come to make us slaves, and on us force + A foreign lord, who loveth not the people; + How the great city, Paris, they had seized, + And had usurped dominion o'er the realm. + Then earnestly God's Mother I implored + To save us from the shame of foreign chains, + And to preserve to us our lawful king. + Not distant from my native village stands + An ancient image of the Virgin blest, + To which the pious pilgrims oft repaired; + Hard by a holy oak, of blessed power, + Standeth, far-famed through wonders manifold. + Beneath the oak's broad shade I loved to sit + Tending my flock—my heart still drew me there. + And if by chance among the desert hills + A lambkin strayed, 'twas shown me in a dream, + When in the shadow of this oak I slept. + And once, when through the night beneath this tree + In pious adoration I had sat, + Resisting sleep, the Holy One appeared, + Bearing a sword and banner, otherwise + Clad like a shepherdess, and thus she spake: + "'Tis I; arise, Johanna! leave thy flock, + The Lord appoints thee to another task! + Receive this banner! Gird thee with this sword! + Therewith exterminate my people's foes; + Conduct to Rheims thy royal master's son, + And crown him with the kingly diadem!" + And I made answer: "How may I presume + To undertake such deeds, a tender maid, + Unpractised in the dreadful art of war!" + And she replied: "A maiden pure and chaste + Achieves whate'er on earth is glorious + If she to earthly love ne'er yields her heart. + Look upon me! a virgin, like thyself; + I to the Christ, the Lord divine, gave birth, + And am myself divine!" Mine eyelids then + She touched, and when I upward turned my amaze, + Heaven's wide expanse was filled with angel-boys, + Who bore white lilies in their hands, while tones + Of sweetest music floated through the air. + And thus on three successive nights appeared + The Holy One, and cried,—"Arise, Johanna! + The Lord appoints thee to another task!" + And when the third night she revealed herself, + Wrathful she seemed, and chiding spake these words: + "Obedience, woman's duty here on earth; + Severe endurance is her heavy doom; + She must be purified through discipline; + Who serveth here, is glorified above!" + While thus she spake, she let her shepherd garb + Fail from her, and as Queen of Heaven stood forth + Enshrined in radiant light, while golden clouds + Upbore her slowly to the realms of bliss. + + [All are moved; AGNES SOREL weeping, hides her face + on the bosom of the KING. + + ARCHBISHOP (after a long pause). + Before divine credentials such as these + Each doubt of earthly prudence must subside, + Her deeds attest the truth of what she speaks, + For God alone such wonders can achieve. + + DUNOIS. + I credit not her wonders, but her eyes + Which beam with innocence and purity. + + CHARLES. + Am I, a sinner, worthy of such favor? + Infallible, All-searching eye, thou seest + Mine inmost heart, my deep humility! + + JOHANNA. + Humility shines brightly in the skies; + Thou art abased, hence God exalteth thee. + + CHARLES. + Shall I indeed withstand mine enemies? + + JOHANNA. + France I will lay submissive at thy feet! + + CHARLES. + And Orleans, say'st thou, will not be surrendered? + + JOHANNA. + The Loire shall sooner roll its waters back. + + CHARLES. + Shall I in triumph enter into Rheims? + + JOHANNA. + I through ten thousand foes will lead you there. + + [The knights make a noise with their lances and shields, + and evince signs of courage. + + DUNOIS. + Appoint the maiden to command the host! + We follow blindly whereso'er she leads! + The Holy One's prophetic eye shall guide, + And this brave sword from danger shall protect her! + + LA HIRE. + A universe in arms we will not fear, + If she, the mighty one, precede our troops. + The God of battle walketh by her side; + Let her conduct us on to victory! + + [The knights clang their arms and step forward. + + CHARLES. + Yes, holy maiden, do thou lead mine host; + My chiefs and warriors shall submit to thee. + This sword of matchless temper, proved in war, + Sent back in anger by the Constable, + Hath found a hand more worthy. Prophetess, + Do thou receive it, and henceforward be—— + + JOHANNA. + No, noble Dauphin! conquest to my liege + Is not accorded through this instrument + Of earthly might. I know another sword + Wherewith I am to conquer, which to thee, + I, as the Spirit taught, will indicate; + Let it be hither brought. + + CHARLES. + Name it, Johanna. + + JOHANNA. + Send to the ancient town of Fierbois; + There in Saint Catherine's churchyard is a vault + Where lie in heaps the spoils of bygone war. + Among them is the sword which I must use. + It by three golden lilies may be known, + Upon the blade impressed. Let it be brought + For thou, my liege, shalt conquer through this sword. + + CHARLES. + Perform what she commands. + + JOHANNA. + And a white banner, + Edged with a purple border, let me bear. + Upon this banner let the Queen of Heaven + Be pictured with the beauteous Jesus child + Floating in glory o'er this earthly ball. + For so the Holy Mother showed it me. + + CHARLES. + So be it as thou sayest. + + JOHANNA (to the ARCHBISHOP). + Reverend bishop; + Lay on my head thy consecrated hands! + Pronounce a blessing, Father, on thy child! + + [She kneels down. + + ARCHBISHOP. + Not blessings to receive, but to dispense + Art thou appointed. Go, with power divine! + But we are sinners all and most unworthy. + + [She rises: a PAGE enters. + + PAGE. + A herald from the English generals. + + JOHANNA. + Let him appear, for he is sent by God! + + [The KING motions to the PAGE, who retires. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The HERALD. The same. + + CHARLES. + Thy tidings, herald? What thy message! Speak! + + HERALD. + Who is it, who for Charles of Valois, + The Count of Pointhieu, in this presence speaks? + + DUNOIS. + Unworthy herald! base, insulting knave! + Dost thou presume the monarch of the French + Thus in his own dominions to deny? + Thou art protected by thine office, else—— + + HERALD. + One king alone is recognized by France, + And he resideth in the English camp. + + CHARLES. + Peace, peace, good cousin! Speak thy message, herald! + + HERALD. + My noble general laments the blood + Which hath already flowed, and still must flow. + Hence, in the scabbard holding back the sword, + Before by storm the town of Orleans falls, + He offers thee an amicable treaty. + + CHARLES. + Proceed! + + JOHANNA (stepping forward). + Permit me, Dauphin, in thy stead, + To parley with this herald. + + CHARLES. + Do so, maid! + Determine thou, for peace, or bloody war. + + JOHANNA (to the HERALD). + Who sendeth thee? Who speaketh through thy mouth? + + HERALD. + The Earl of Salisbury; the British chief. + + JOHANNA. + Herald, 'tis false! The earl speaks not through thee. + Only the living speak, the dead are silent. + + HERALD. + The earl is well, and full of lusty strength; + He lives to bring down ruin on your heads. + + JOHANNA. + When thou didst quit the British army he lived. + This morn, while gazing from Le Tournelle's tower, + A ball from Orleans struck him to the ground. + Smilest thou that I discern what is remote? + Not to my words give credence; but believe + The witness of thine eyes! his funeral train + Thou shalt encounter as you goest hence! + Now, herald, speak, and do thine errand here. + + HERALD. + If what is hidden thou canst thus reveal, + Thou knowest mine errand ere I tell it thee. + + JOHANNA. + It boots me not to know it. But do thou + Give ear unto my words! This message bear + In answer to the lords who sent thee here. + Monarch of England, and ye haughty dukes, + Bedford and Gloucester, regents of this realm! + To heaven's high King you are accountable + For all the blood that hath been shed. Restore + The keys of all the cities ta'en by force + In opposition to God's holy law! + The maiden cometh from the King of Heaven + And offers you or peace or bloody war. + Choose ye! for this I say, that you may know it: + To you this beauteous realm is not assigned + By Mary's son;—but God hath given it + To Charles, my lord and Dauphin, who ere long + Will enter Paris with a monarch's pomp, + Attended by the great ones of his realm. + Now, herald, go, and speedily depart, + For ere thou canst attain the British camp + And do thine errand, is the maiden there, + To plant the sign of victory at Orleans. + + [She retires. In the midst of a general movement, + the curtain falls. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Landscape, bounded by rocks. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + TALBOT and LIONEL, English generals, PHILIP, DUKE OF BURGUNDY, + FASTOLFE, and CHATILLON, with soldiers and banners. + + TALBOT. + Here let us make a halt beneath these rocks, + And pitch our camp, in case our scattered troops, + Dispersed in panic fear, again should rally. + Choose trusty sentinels, and guard the heights! + 'Tis true the darkness shields us from pursuit, + And sure I am, unless the foe have wings, + We need not fear surprisal. Still 'tis well + To practice caution, for we have to do + With a bold foe, and have sustained defeat. + + [FASTOLFE goes out with the soldiers. + + LIONEL. + Defeat! My general, do not speak that word. + It stings me to the quick to think the French + To-day have seen the backs of Englishmen. + Oh, Orleans! Orleans! Grave of England's glory! + Our honor lies upon thy fatal plains + Defeat most ignominious and burlesque! + Who will in future years believe the tale! + The victors of Poictiers and Agincourt, + Cressy's bold heroes, routed by a woman? + + BURGUNDY. + That must console us. Not by mortal power, + But by the devil have we been o'erthrown! + + TALBOT. + The devil of our own stupidity! + How, Burgundy? Do princes quake and fear + Before the phantom which appals the vulgar? + Credulity is but a sorry cloak + For cowardice. Your people first took flight. + + BURGUNDY. + None stood their ground. The flight was general. + + TALBOT. + 'Tis false! Your wing fled first. You wildly broke + Into our camp, exclaiming: "Hell is loose, + The devil combats on the side of France!" + And thus you brought confusion 'mong our troops. + + LIONEL. + You can't deny it. Your wing yielded first. + + BURGUNDY. + Because the brunt of battle there commenced. + + TALBOT. + The maiden knew the weakness of our camp; + She rightly judged where fear was to be found. + + BURGUNDY. + How? Shall the blame of our disaster rest + With Burgundy? + + LIONEL. + By heaven! were we alone, + We English, never had we Orleans lost! + + BURGUNDY. + No, truly! for ye ne'er had Orleans seen! + Who opened you a way into this realm, + And reached you forth a kind and friendly hand + When you descended on this hostile coast? + Who was it crowned your Henry at Paris, + And unto him subdued the people's hearts? + Had this Burgundian arm not guided you + Into this realm, by heaven you ne'er had seen + The smoke ascending from a single hearth! + + LIONEL. + Were conquests with big words effected, duke, + You, doubtless, would have conquered France alone. + + BURGUNDY. + The loss of Orleans angers you, and now + You vent your gall on me, your friend and ally. + What lost us Orleans but your avarice? + The city was prepared to yield to me, + Your envy was the sole impediment. + + TALBOT. + We did not undertake the siege for you. + + BURGUNDY. + How would it stand with you if I withdrew + With all my host? + + LIONEL. + We should not be worse off + Than when, at Agincourt, we proved a match + For you and all the banded power of France. + + BURGUNDY. + Yet much you stood in need of our alliance; + The regent purchased it at heavy cost. + + TALBOT. + Most dearly, with the forfeit of our honor, + At Orleans have we paid for it to-day. + + BURGUNDY. + Urge me no further, lords. Ye may repent it! + Did I forsake the banners of my king, + Draw down upon my head the traitor's name, + To be insulted thus by foreigners? + Why am I here to combat against France? + If I must needs endure ingratitude, + Let it come rather from my native king! + + TALBOT. + You're in communication with the Dauphin, + We know it well, but we soon shall find means + To guard ourselves 'gainst treason. + + BURGUNDY. + Death and hell! + Am I encountered thus? Chatillon, hark! + Let all my troops prepare to quit the camp. + We will retire into our own domain. + + [CHATILLON goes out. + + LIONEL. + God speed you there! Never did Britain's fame + More brightly shine than when she stood alone, + Confiding solely in her own good sword. + Let each one fight his battle for himself, + For 'tis eternal truth that English blood + Cannot, with honor, blend with blood of France. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The same. QUEEN ISABEL, attended by a PAGE. + + ISABEL. + What must I hear? This fatal strife forbear! + What brain-bewildering planet o'er your minds + Sheds dire perplexity? When unity + Alone can save you, will you part in hate, + And, warring 'mong yourselves, prepare your doom?— + I do entreat you, noble duke, recall + Your hasty order. You, renowned Talbot, + Seek to appease an irritated friend! + Come, Lionel, aid me to reconcile + These haughty spirits and establish peace. + + LIONEL. + Not I, madame. It is all one to me. + 'Tis my belief, when things are misallied, + The sooner they part company the better. + + ISABEL. + How? Do the arts of hell, which on the field + Wrought such disastrous ruin, even here + Bewilder and befool us? Who began + This fatal quarrel? Speak! Lord-general! + Your own advantage did you so forget, + As to offend your worthy friend and ally? + What could you do without his powerful arm? + 'Twas he who placed your monarch on the throne, + He holds him there, and he can hurl him thence; + His army strengthens you—still more his name. + Were England all her citizens to pour + Upon our coasts, she never o'er this realm + Would gain dominion did she stand alone; + No! France can only be subdued by France! + + TALBOT. + A faithful friend we honor as we ought; + Discretion warns us to beware the false. + + BURGUNDY. + The liar's brazen front beseemeth him + Who would absolve himself from gratitude. + + ISABEL. + How, noble duke? Could you so far renounce + Your princely honor, and your sense of shame, + As clasp the hand of him who slew your sire? + Are you so mad to entertain the thought + Of cordial reconcilement with the Dauphin, + Whom you yourself have hurled to ruin's brink? + His overthrow you have well nigh achieved, + And madly now would you renounce your work? + Here stand your allies. Your salvation lies + In an indissoluble bond with England? + + BURGUNDY. + Far is my thought from treaty with the Dauphin; + But the contempt and insolent demeanor + Of haughty England I will not endure. + + ISABEL. + Come, noble duke? Excuse a hasty word. + Heavy the grief which bows the general down, + And well you know misfortune makes unjust. + Come! come! embrace; let me this fatal breach + Repair at once, ere it becomes eternal. + + TALBOT. + What think you, Burgundy? A noble heart, + By reason vanquished, doth confess its fault. + A wise and prudent word the queen hath spoken; + Come, let my hand with friendly pressure heal + The wound inflicted by my angry tongue. + + BURGUNDY. + Discreet the counsel offered by the queen! + My just wrath yieldeth to necessity. + + ISABEL. + 'Tis well! Now, with a brotherly embrace + Confirm and seal the new-established bond; + And may the winds disperse what hath been spoken. + + [BURGUNDY and TALBOT embrace. + + LIONEL (contemplating the group aside). + Hail to an union by the furies planned! + + ISABEL. + Fate hath proved adverse, we have lost a battle, + But do not, therefore, let your courage sink. + The Dauphin, in despair of heavenly aid, + Doth make alliance with the powers of hell; + Vainly his soul he forfeits to the devil, + For hell itself cannot deliver him. + A conquering maiden leads the hostile force; + Yours, I myself will lead; to you I'll stand + In place of maiden or of prophetess. + + LIONEL. + Madame, return to Paris! We desire + To war with trusty weapons, not with women. + + TALBOT. + GO! go! Since your arrival in the camp, + Fortune hath fled our banners, and our course + Hath still been retrograde. Depart at once! + + BURGUNDY. + Your presence here doth scandalize the host. + + ISABEL (looks from one to the other with astonishment). + This, Burgundy, from you? Do you take part + Against me with these thankless English lords? + + BURGUNDY. + Go! go! The thought of combating for you + Unnerves the courage of the bravest men. + + ISABEL. + I scarce among you have established peace, + And you already form a league against me! + + TALBOT. + Go, in God's name. When you have left the camp + No devil will again appal our troops. + + ISABEL. + Say, am I not your true confederate? + Are we not banded in a common cause? + + TALBOT. + Thank God! your cause of quarrel is not ours. + We combat in an honorable strife. + + BURGUNDY. + A father's bloody murder I avenge. + Stern filial duty consecrates my arms. + + TALBOT. + Confess at once. Your conduct towards the Dauphin + Is an offence alike to God and man. + + ISABEL. + Curses blast him and his posterity! + The shameless son who sins against his mother! + + BURGUNDY. + Ay! to avenge a husband and a father! + + ISABEL. + To judge his mother's conduct he presumed! + + LIONEL. + That was, indeed, irreverent in a son! + + ISABEL. + And me, forsooth, he banished from the realm. + + TALBOT. + Urged to the measure by the public voice. + + ISABEL. + A curse light on him if I e'er forgive him! + Rather than see him on his father's throne—— + + TALBOT. + His mother's honor you would sacrifice! + + ISABEL. + Your feeble natures cannot comprehend + The vengeance of an outraged mother's heart. + Who pleasures me, I love; who wrongs, I hate. + If he who wrongs me chance to be my son, + All the more worthy is he of my hate. + The life I gave I will again take back + From him who doth, with ruthless violence, + The bosom rend which bore and nourished him. + Ye, who do thus make war upon the Dauphin, + What rightful cause have ye to plunder him? + What crime hath he committed against you? + What insult are you called on to avenge? + Ambition, paltry envy, goad you on; + I have a right to hate him—he's my son. + + TALBOT. + He feels his mother in her dire revenge! + + ISABEL. + Mean hypocrites! I hate you and despise. + Together with the world, you cheat yourselves! + With robber-hands you English seek to clutch + This realm of France, where you have no just right, + Nor equitable claim, to so much earth + As could be covered by your charger's hoof. + —This duke, too, whom the people style the Good, + Doth to a foreign lord, his country's foe, + For gold betray the birthland of his sires. + And yet is justice ever on your tongue. + —Hypocrisy I scorn. Such as I am, + So let the world behold me! + + BURGUNDY. + It is true! + Your reputation you have well maintained. + + ISABEL. + I've passions and warm blood, and as a queen + Came to this realm to live, and not to seem. + Should I have lingered out a joyless life + Because the curse of adverse destiny + To a mad consort joined my blooming youth? + More than my life I prize my liberty. + And who assails me here——But why should I + Stoop to dispute with you about my rights? + Your sluggish blood flows slowly in your veins! + Strangers to pleasure, ye know only rage! + This duke, too—who, throughout his whole career, + Hath wavered to and fro, 'twixt good and ill— + Can neither love or hate with his whole heart. + —I go to Melun. Let this gentleman, + [Pointing to LIONEL. + Who doth my fancy please, attend me there, + To cheer my solitude, and you may work + Your own good pleasure! I'll inquire no more + Concerning the Burgundians or the English. + + [She beckons to her PAGE, and is about to retire. + + LIONEL. + Rely upon us, we will send to Melun + The fairest youths whom we in battle take. + + [Coming back. + + ISABEL. + Skilful your arm to wield the sword of death, + The French alone can round the polished phrase. + + [She goes out. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + TALBOT, BURGUNDY, LIONEL. + + TALBOT. + Heavens! What a woman! + + LIONEL. + Now, brave generals, + Your counsel! Shall we prosecute our flight, + Or turn, and with a bold and sudden stroke + Wipe out the foul dishonor of to-day? + + BURGUNDY. + We are too weak, our soldiers are dispersed, + The recent terror still unnerves the host. + + TALBOT. + Blind terror, sudden impulse of a moment, + Alone occasioned our disastrous rout. + This phantom of the terror-stricken brain, + More closely viewed will vanish into air. + My counsel, therefore, is, at break of day, + To lead the army back, across the stream, + To meet the enemy. + + BURGUNDY. + Consider well—— + + LIONEL. + Your pardon! Here is nothing to consider + What we have lost we must at once retrieve, + Or look to be eternally disgraced. + + TALBOT. + It is resolved. To-morrow morn we fight, + This dread-inspiring phantom to destroy, + Which thus doth blind and terrify the host + Let us in fight encounter this she-devil. + If she oppose her person to our sword, + Trust me, she never will molest us more; + If she avoid our stroke—and be assured + She will not stand the hazard of a battle— + Then is the dire enchantment at an end? + + LIONEL. + So be it! And to me, my general, leave + This easy, bloodless combat, for I hope + Alive to take this ghost, and in my arms, + Before the Bastard's eyes—her paramour— + To bear her over to the English camp, + To be the sport and mockery of the host. + + BURGUNDY. + Make not too sure. + + TALBOT. + If she encounter me, + I shall not give her such a soft embrace. + Come now, exhausted nature to restore + Through gentle sleep. At daybreak we set forth. + + [They go out. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + JOHANNA with her banner, in a helmet and breastplate, + otherwise attired as a woman. DUNOIS, LA HIRE, knights + and soldiers appear above upon the rocky path, pass + silently over, and appear immediately after on the scene. + + JOHANNA (to the knights who surround her while the + procession continues above). + The wall is scaled and we are in the camp! + Now fling aside the mantle of still night, + Which hitherto hath veiled your silent march, + And your dread presence to the foe proclaim. + By your loud battle-cry—God and the maiden! + + ALL (exclaim aloud, amidst the loud clang of arms). + God and the maiden! + [Drums and trumpets. + + SENTINELS (behind the scene). + The foe! The foe! The foe! + + JOHANNA. + Ho! torches here. Hurl fire into the tents! + Let the devouring flames augment the horror, + While threatening death doth compass them around! + + [Soldiers hasten on, she is about to follow. + + DUNOIS (holding her back). + Thy part thou hast accomplished now, Johanna! + Into the camp thou hast conducted us, + The foe thou hast delivered in our hands, + Now from the rush of war remain apart! + The bloody consummation leave to us. + + LA HIRE. + Point out the path of conquest to the host; + Before us, in pure hand, the banner bear. + But wield the fatal weapon not thyself; + Tempt not the treacherous god of battle, for + He rageth blindly, and he spareth not. + + JOHANNA. + Who dares impede my progress? Who presume + The spirit to control which guideth me? + Still must the arrow wing its destined flight! + Where danger is, there must Johanna be; + Nor now, nor here, am I foredoomed to fall; + Our monarch's royal brow I first must see + Invested with the round of sovereignty. + No hostile power can rob me of my life, + Till I've accomplished the commands of God. + + [She goes out. + + LA HIRE. + Come, let us follow after her, Dunois, + And let our valiant bosoms be her shield! + + [Exit. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ENGLISH SOLDIERS hurry over the stage. + Afterwards TALBOT. + + 1 SOLDIER. + The maiden in the camp! + + 2 SOLDIER. + Impossible! + It cannot be! How came she in the camp? + + 3 SOLDIER. + Why, through the air! The devil aided her! + + 4 AND 5 SOLDIERS. + Fly! fly! We are dead men! + + TALBOT (enters). + They heed me not! They stay not at my call! + The sacred bands of discipline are loosed! + As hell had poured her damned legions forth, + A wild, distracting impulse whirls along, + In one mad throng, the cowardly and brave. + I cannot rally e'en the smallest troop + To form a bulwark gainst the hostile flood, + Whose raging billows press into our camp! + Do I alone retain my sober senses, + While all around in wild delirium rave? + To fly before these weak, degenerate Frenchmen + Whom we in twenty battles have overthrown? + Who is she then—the irresistible— + The dread-inspiring goddess, who doth turn + At once the tide of battle, and transform + The lions bold a herd of timid deer? + A juggling minx, who plays the well-learned part + Of heroine, thus to appal the brave? + A woman snatch from me all martial fame? + + SOLDIER (rushing in). + The maiden comes! Fly, general, fly! fly! + + TALBOT (strikes him down). + Fly thou, thyself, to hell! This sword shall pierce + Who talks to me of fear, or coward flight! + + [He goes out. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The prospect opens. The English camp is seen in flames. + Drums, flight, and pursuit. After a while MONTGOMERY enters. + + MONTGOMERY (alone). + Where shall I flee? Foes all around and death! Lo! here + The furious general, who with threatening sword, prevents + Escape, and drives us back into the jaws of death. + The dreadful maiden there—the terrible—who like + Devouring flame, destruction spreads; while all around + Appears no bush wherein to hide—no sheltering cave! + Oh, would that o'er the sea I never had come here! + Me miserable—empty dreams deluded me— + Cheap glory to achieve on Gallia's martial fields. + And I am guided by malignant destiny + Into this murderous flight. Oh, were I far, far hence. + Still in my peaceful home, on Severn's flowery banks, + Where in my father's house, in sorrow and in tears, + I left my mother and my fair young bride. + + [JOHANNA appears in the distance. + + Wo's me! What do I see! The dreadful form appears! + Arrayed in lurid light, she from the raging fire + Issues, as from the jaws of hell, a midnight ghost. + Where shall I go? where flee? Already from afar + She seizes on me with her eye of fire, and flings + Her fatal and unerring coil, whose magic folds + With ever-tightening pressure, bind my feet and make + Escape impossible! Howe'er my heart rebels, + I am compelled to follow with my gaze that form + Of dread! + + [JOHANNA advances towards him some steps; + and again remains standing. + + She comes! I will not passively await + Her furious onset! Imploringly I'll clasp + Her knees! I'll sue to her for life. She is a woman. + I may perchance to pity move her by my tears! + + [While he is on the point of approaching her she draws near. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + JOHANNA, MONTGOMERY. + + JOHANNA. + Prepare to die! A British mother bore thee! + + MONTGOMERY (falls at her feet). + Fall back, terrific one! Forbear to strike + An unprotected foe! My sword and shield + I've flung aside, and supplicating fall + Defenceless at thy feet. A ransom take! + Extinguish not the precious light of life! + With fair possessions crowned, my father dwells + In Wales' fair land, where among verdant meads + The winding Severn rolls his silver tide, + And fifty villages confess his sway. + With heavy gold he will redeem his son, + When he shall hear I'm in the camp of France. + + JHANNA. + Deluded mortal! to destruction doomed! + Thou'rt fallen in the maiden's hand, from which + Redemption or deliverance there is none. + Had adverse fortune given thee a prey + To the fierce tiger or the crocodile— + Hadst robbed the lion mother of her brood— + Compassion thou might'st hope to find and pity; + But to encounter me is certain death. + For my dread compact with the spirit realm— + The stern inviolable—bindeth me, + To slay each living thing whom battle's God, + Full charged with doom, delivers to my sword. + + MONTGOMERY. + Thy speech is fearful, but thy look is mild; + Not dreadful art thou to contemplate near; + My heart is drawn towards thy lovely form. + Oh! by the mildness of thy gentle sex, + Attend my prayer. Compassionate my youth. + + JOHANNA. + Name me not woman! Speak not of my sex! + Like to the bodiless spirits, who know naught + Of earth's humanities, I own no sex; + Beneath this vest of steel there beats no heart. + + MONTGOMERY. + Oh! by love's sacred, all-pervading power, + To whom all hearts yield homage, I conjure thee. + At home I left behind a gentle bride, + Beauteous as thou, and rich in blooming grace: + Weeping she waiteth her betrothed's return. + Oh! if thyself dost ever hope to love, + If in thy love thou hopest to be happy, + Then ruthless sever not two gentle hearts, + Together linked in love's most holy bond! + + JOHANNA. + Thou dost appeal to earthly, unknown gods, + To whom I yield no homage. Of love's bond, + By which thou dost conjure me, I know naught + Nor ever will I know his empty service. + Defend thy life, for death doth summon thee. + + MONTGOMERY. + Take pity on my sorrowing parents, whom + I left at home. Doubtless thou, too, hast left + Parents, who feel disquietude for thee. + + JOHANNA. + Unhappy man! thou dost remember me + How many mothers of this land your arms + Have rendered childless and disconsolate; + How many gentle children fatherless; + How many fair young brides dejected widows! + Let England's mothers now be taught despair, + And learn to weep the bitter tear oft shed + By the bereaved and sorrowing wives of France. + + MONTGOMERY. + 'Tis hard in foreign lands to die unwept. + + JOHANNA. + Who called you over to this foreign land, + To waste the blooming culture of our fields, + To chase the peasant from his household hearth, + And in our cities' peaceful sanctuary + To hurl the direful thunderbolt of war? + In the delusion of your hearts ye thought + To plunge in servitude the freeborn French, + And to attach their fair and goodly realm, + Like a small boat, to your proud English bark! + Ye fools! The royal arms of France are hung + Fast by the throne of God; and ye as soon + From the bright wain of heaven might snatch a star + As rend a single village from this realm, + Which shall remain inviolate forever! + The day of vengeance is at length arrived; + Not living shall ye measure back the sea, + The sacred sea—the boundary set by God + Betwixt our hostile nations—and the which + Ye ventured impiously to overpass. + + MONTGOMERY (lets go her hands). + Oh, I must die! I feel the grasp of death! + + JOHANNA. + Die, friend! Why tremble at the approach of death? + Of mortals the irrevocable doom? + Look upon me! I'm born a shepherd maid; + This hand, accustomed to the peaceful crook, + Is all unused to wield the sword of death. + Yet, snatched away from childhood's peaceful haunts, + From the fond love of father and of sisters, + Urged by no idle dream of earthly glory, + But heaven-appointed to achieve your ruin, + Like a destroying angel I must roam, + Spreading dire havoc around me, and at length + Myself must fall a sacrifice to death! + Never again shall I behold my home! + Still, many of your people I must slay, + Still, many widows make, but I at length + Myself shall perish, and fulfil my doom. + Now thine fulfil. Arise! resume thy sword, + And let us fight for the sweet prize of life. + + MONTGOMERY (stands up). + Now, if thou art a mortal like myself, + Can weapons wound thee, it may be assigned + To this good arm to end my country's woe, + Thee sending, sorceress, to the depths of hell. + In God's most gracious hands I leave my fate. + Accursed one! to thine assistance call + The fiends of hell! Now combat for thy life! + + [He seizes his sword and shield, and rushes upon her; + martial music is heard in the distance. After a short + conflict MONTGOMERY falls. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + JOHANNA (alone). + To death thy foot did bear thee—fare thee well! + + [She steps away from him and remains absorbed in thought. + + Virgin, thou workest mightily in me! + My feeble arm thou dost endue with strength, + And steep'st my woman's heart in cruelty. + In pity melts the soul and the hand trembles, + As it did violate some sacred fane, + To mar the goodly person of the foe. + Once I did shudder at the polished sheath, + But when 'tis needed, I'm possessed with strength, + And as it were itself a thing of life, + The fatal weapon, in my trembling grasp, + Self-swayed, inflicteth the unerring stroke. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A KNIGHT with closed visor, JOHANNA. + + KNIGHT. + Accursed one! thy hour of death has come! + Long have I sought thee on the battle-field, + Fatal delusion! get thee back to hell, + Whence thou didst issue forth. + + JOHANNA. + Say, who art thou, + Whom his bad genius sendeth in my way? + Princely thy port, no Briton dost thou seem, + For the Burgundian colors stripe thy shield, + Before the which my sword inclines its point. + + KNIGHT. + Vile castaway! Thou all unworthy art + To fall beneath a prince's noble hand. + The hangman's axe should thy accursed head + Cleave from thy trunk, unfit for such vile use + The royal Duke of Burgundy's brave sword. + + JOHANNA. + Art thou indeed that noble duke himself? + + KNIGHT (raises his visor). + I'm he, vile creature, tremble and despair! + The arts of hell shall not protect thee more. + Thou hast till now weak dastards overcome; + Now thou dost meet a man. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DUNOIS and LA HIRE. The same. + + DUNOIS. + Hold, Burgundy! + Turn! combat now with men, and not with maids. + + LA HIRE. + We will defend the holy prophetess; + First must thy weapon penetrate this breast. + + BURGUNDY. + I fear not this seducing Circe; no, + Nor you, whom she hath changed so shamefully! + Oh, blush, Dunois! and do thou blush, La Hire + To stoop thy valor to these hellish arts— + To be shield-bearer to a sorceress! + Come one—come all! He only who despairs + Of heaven's protection seeks the aid of hell. + + [They prepare for combat, JOHANNA steps between. + + JOHANNA. + Forbear! + + BURGUNDY. + Dost tremble for thy lover? Thus + Before thine eyes he shall—— + + [He makes a thrust at DUNOIS. + + JOHANNA. + Dunois, forbear! + Part them, La Hire! no blood of France must flow: + Not hostile weapons must this strife decide, + Above the stars 'tis otherwise decreed. + Fall back! I say. Attend and venerate + The Spirit which hath seized, which speaks through me! + + DUNOIS. + Why, maiden, now hold back my upraised arm? + Why check the just decision of the sword? + My weapon pants to deal the fatal blow + Which shall avenge and heal the woes of France. + + [She places herself in the midst and separates the parties. + + JOHANNA. + Fall back, Dunois! Stand where thou art, La Hire! + Somewhat I have to say to Burgundy. + + [When all is quiet. + + What wouldst thou, Burgundy? Who is the foe + Whom eagerly thy murderous glances seek? + This prince is, like thyself, a son of France,— + This hero is thy countryman, thy friend; + I am a daughter of thy fatherland. + We all, whom thou art eager to destroy, + Are of thy friends;—our longing arms prepare + To clasp, our bending knees to honor thee. + Our sword 'gainst thee is pointless, and that face + E'en in a hostile helm is dear to us, + For there we trace the features of our king. + + BURGUNDY. + What, syren! wilt thou with seducing words + Allure thy victim? Cunning sorceress, + Me thou deludest not. Mine ears are closed + Against thy treacherous words; and vainly dart + Thy fiery glances 'gainst this mail of proof. + To arms, Dunois! + With weapons let us fight, and not with words. + + DUNOIS. + First words, then weapons, Burgundy! Do words + With dread inspire thee? 'Tis a coward's fear, + And the betrayer of an evil cause. + + JOHANNA. + 'Tis not imperious necessity + Which throws us at thy feet! We do not come + As suppliants before thee. Look around! + The English tents are level with the ground, + And all the field is covered with your slain. + Hark! the war-trumpets of the French resound; + God hath decided—ours the victory! + Our new-culled laurel garland with our friend + We fain would share. Come, noble fugitive! + Oh, come where justice and where victory dwell! + Even I, the messenger of heaven, extend + A sister's hand to thee. I fain would save + And draw thee over to our righteous cause! + Heaven hath declared for France! Angelic powers, + Unseen by thee, do battle for our king; + With lilies are the holy ones adorned, + Pure as this radiant banner is our cause; + Its blessed symbol is the queen of heaven. + + BURGUNDY. + Falsehood's fallacious words are full of guile, + But hers are pure and simple as a child's. + If evil spirits borrow this disguise, + They copy innocence triumphantly. + I'll hear no more. To arms, Dunois! to arms! + Mine ear, I feel, is weaker than mine arm. + + JOHANNA. + You call me an enchantress, and accuse + Of hellish arts. Is it the work of hell + To heal dissension and to foster peace? + Comes holy concord from the depths below? + Say, what is holy, innocent, and good, + If not to combat for our fatherland? + Since when hath nature been so self-opposed + That heaven forsakes the just and righteous cause, + While hell protects it? If my words are true, + Whence could I draw them but from heaven above? + Who ever sought me in my shepherd-walks, + To teach the humble maid affairs of state? + I ne'er have stood with princes, to these lips + Unknown the arts of eloquence. Yet now, + When I have need of it to touch thy heart, + Insight and varied knowledge I possess; + The fate of empires and the doom of kings + Lie clearly spread before my childish mind, + And words of thunder issue from my mouth. + + BURGUNDY (greatly moved, looks at her with emotion and astonishment). + How is it with me? Doth some heavenly power + Thus strangely stir my spirit's inmost depths? + This pure, this gentle creature cannot lie! + No, if enchantment blinds me, 'tis from heaven. + My spirit tells me she is sent from God. + + JOHANNA. + Oh, he is moved! I have not prayed in vain, + Wrath's thunder-cloud dissolves in gentle tears, + And leaves his brow, while mercy's golden beams + Break from his eyes and gently promise peace. + Away with arms, now clasp him to your hearts, + He weeps—he's conquered, he is ours once more! + + [Her sword and banner fall; she hastens to him with + outstretched arms, and embraces him in great agitation. + LA HIRE and DUNOIS throw down their swords, and hasten + also to embrace him. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Residence of the KING at Chalons on the Marne. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DUNOIS, LA HIRE. + + DUNOIS. + We have been true heart-friends, brothers in arms, + Still have we battled in a common cause, + And held together amid toil and death. + Let not the love of woman rend the bond + Which hath resisted every stroke of fate. + + LA HIRE. + Hear me, my prince! + + DUNOIS. + You love the wondrous maid, + And well I know the purpose of your heart. + You think without delay to seek the king, + And to entreat him to bestow on you + Her hand in marriage. Of your bravery + The well-earned guerdon he cannot refuse + But know,—ere I behold her in the arms + Of any other—— + + LA HIRE. + Listen to me, prince! + + DUNOIS. + 'Tis not the fleeting passion of the eye + Attracts me to her. My unconquered sense + Had set at naught the fiery shafts of love + Till I beheld this wondrous maiden, sent + By a divine appointment to become + The savior of this kingdom, and my wife; + And on the instant in my heart I vowed + A sacred oath, to bear her home, my bride. + For she alone who is endowed with strength + Can be the strong man's friend. This glowing heart + Longs to repose upon a kindred breast, + Which can sustain and comprehend its strength. + + LA HIRE. + How dare I venture, prince, my poor deserts + To measure with your name's heroic fame! + When Count Dunois appeareth in the lists, + Each humbler suitor must forsake the field; + Still it doth ill become a shepherd maid + To stand as consort by your princely side. + The royal current in your veins would scorn + To mix with blood of baser quality. + + DUNOIS. + She, like myself, is holy Nature's child, + A child divine—hence we by birth are equal. + She bring dishonor on a prince's hand, + Who is the holy angel's bride, whose head + Is by a heavenly glory circled round, + Whose radiance far outshineth earthly crowns, + Who seeth lying far beneath her feet + All that is greatest, highest of this earth! + For thrones on thrones, ascending to the stars, + Would fail to reach the height where she abides + In angel majesty! + + LA HIRE. + Our monarch must decide. + + DUNOIS. + Not so! she must + Decide! Free hath she made this realm of France, + And she herself must freely give her heart. + + LA HIRE. + Here comes the king! +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHARLES, AGNES, SOREL, DUCHATEL, and CHATILLON. + The same. + + CHARLES (to CHATILLON). + He comes! My title he will recognize, + And do me homage as his sovereign liege? + + CHATILLON. + Here, in his royal town of Chalons, sire, + The duke, my master, will fall down before thee. + He did command me, as my lord and king, + To give thee greeting. He'll be here anon. + + SOREL. + He comes! Hail beauteous and auspicious day, + Which bringeth joy, and peace, and reconcilement! + + CHATILLON. + The duke, attended by two hundred knights, + Will hither come; he at thy feet will kneel; + But he expecteth not that thou to him + Should yield the cordial greeting of a kinsman. + + CHARLES. + I long to clasp him to my throbbing heart. + + CHATILLON. + The duke entreats that at this interview, + No word be spoken of the ancient strife! + + CHARLES. + In Lethe be the past forever sunk! + The smiling future now invites our gaze. + + CHATILLON. + All who have combated for Burgundy + Shall be included in the amnesty. + + CHARLES. + So shall my realm be doubled in extent! + + CHATILLON. + Queen Isabel, if she consent thereto, + Shall also be included in the peace. + + CHARLES. + She maketh war on me, not I on her. + With her alone it rests to end our quarrel. + + CHATILLON. + Twelve knights shall answer for thy royal word. + + CHARLES. + My word is sacred. + + CHATILLON. + The archbishop shall + Between you break the consecrated host, + As pledge and seal of cordial reconcilement. + + CHARLES. + Let my eternal weal be forfeited, + If my hand's friendly grasp belie my heart. + What other surety doth the duke require? + + CHATILLON (glancing at DUCHATEL). + I see one standing here, whose presence, sire, + Perchance might poison the first interview. + + [DUCHATEL retires in silence. + + CHARLES. + Depart, Duchatel, and remain concealed + Until the duke can bear thee in his sight. + + [He follows him with his eye, then hastens after + and embraces him. + + True-hearted friend! Thou wouldst far more than this + Have done for my repose! + [Exit DUCHATEL. + + CHATILLON. + This instrument doth name the other points. + + CHARLES (to the ARCHBISHOP). + Let it be settled. We agree to all. + We count no price too high to gain a friend. + Go now, Dunois, and with a hundred knights, + Give courteous conduct to the noble duke. + Let the troops, garlanded with verdant boughs, + Receive their comrades with a joyous welcome. + Be the whole town arrayed in festive pomp, + And let the bells with joyous peal, proclaim + That France and Burgundy are reconciled. + + [A PAGE enters. Trumpets sound. + + Hark! What importeth that loud trumpet's call? + + PAGE. + The Duke of Burgundy hath stayed his march. + + [Exit. + + DUNOIS. + Up! forth to meet him! + + [Exit with LA HIRE and CHATILLON. + + CHARLES (to SOREL). + My Agnes! thou dost weep! Even my strength + Doth almost fail me at this interview. + How many victims have been doomed to fall + Ere we could meet in peace and reconcilement! + But every storm at length suspends its rage, + Day follows on the murkiest night; and still + When comes the hour, the latest fruits mature! + + ARCHBISHOP (at the window). + The thronging crowds impede the duke's advance; + He scarce can free himself. They lift him now + From off his horse; they kiss his spurs, his mantle. + + CHARLES. + They're a good people, in whom love flames forth + As suddenly as wrath. In how brief space + They do forget that 'tis this very duke + Who slew, in fight, their fathers and their sons; + The moment swallows up the whole of life! + Be tranquil, Sorel. E'en thy passionate joy + Perchance might to his conscience prove a thorn. + Nothing should either shame or grieve him here. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The DUKE OF BURGUNDY, DUNOIS, LA HIRE, CHATILLON, and two other + knights of the DUKE'S train. The DUKE remains standing at the + door; the KING inclines towards him; BURGUNDY immediately advances, + and in the moment when he is about to throw himself upon his knees, + the KING receives him in his arms. + + CHARLES. + You have surprised us; it was our intent + To fetch you hither, but your steeds are fleet. + + BURGUNDY. + They bore me to my duty. + [He embraces SOREL, and kisses her brow. + With your leave! + At Arras, niece, it is our privilege, + And no fair damsel may exemption claim. + + CHARLES. + Rumor doth speak your court the seat of love, + The mart where all that's beautiful must tarry. + + BURGUNDY. + We are a traffic-loving people, sire; + Whate'er of costly earth's wide realms produce, + For show and for enjoyment, is displayed + Upon our mart at Bruges; but above all + There woman's beauty is pre-eminent. + + SOREL. + More precious far is woman's truth; but it + Appeareth not upon the public mart. + + CHARLES. + Kinsman, 'tis rumored to your prejudice + That woman's fairest virtue you despise. + + BURGUNDY. + The heresy inflicteth on itself + The heaviest penalty. 'Tis well for you, + From your own heart, my king, you learned betimes + What a wild life hath late revealed to me. + + [He perceives the ARCHBISHOP, and extends his hand. + + Most reverend minister of God! your blessing! + You still are to be found on duty's path, + Where those must walk who would encounter you. + + ARCHBISHOP. + Now let my Master call me when he will; + My heart is full, I can with joy depart, + Since that mine eyes have seen this day! + + BURGUNDY (to SOREL). + 'Tis said + That of your precious stones you robbed yourself, + Therefrom to forge 'gainst me the tools of war! + Bear you a soul so martial? Were you then + So resolute to work my overthrow? + Well, now our strife is over; what was lost + Will in due season all be found again. + Even your jewels have returned to you. + Against me to make war they were designed; + Receive them from me as a pledge of peace. + + [He receives a casket from one of the attendants, + and presents it to her to open. SOREL, embarrassed, + looks at the KING. + + CHARLES. + Receive this present; 'tis a twofold pledge + Of reconcilement and of fairest love. + + BURGUNDY (placing a diamond rose in her hair). + Why, is it not the diadem of France? + With full as glad a spirit I would place + The golden circle on this lovely brow. + + [Taking her hand significantly. + + And count on me if, at some future time + You should require a friend. + + [AGNES SOREL bursts into tears, and steps aside. + THE KING struggles with his feelings. The bystanders + contemplate the two princes with emotion. + + BURGUNDY (after gazing round the circle, throws himself into + the KING'S arms). + Oh, my king! + + [At the same moment the three Burgundian knights hasten to DUNOIS, + LA HIRE, and the ARCHBISHOP. They embrace each other. The two + PRINCES remain for a time speechless in each other's arms. + + I could renounce you! I could bear your hate! + + CHARLES. + Hush! hush! No further! + + BURGUNDY. + I this English king + Could crown! Swear fealty to this foreigner! + And you, my sovereign, into ruin plunge! + + CHARLES. + Forget it! Everything's forgiven now! + This single moment doth obliterate all. + 'Twas a malignant star! A destiny! + + BURGUNDY (grasps his hand). + Believe me, sire, I'll make amends for all. + Your bitter sorrow I will compensate; + You shall receive your kingdom back entire, + A solitary village shall not fail! + + CHARLES. + We are united. Now I fear no foe. + + BURGUNDY. + Trust me, it was not with a joyous spirit + That I bore arms against you. Did you know? + Oh, wherefore sent you not this messenger? + + [Pointing to SOREL. + + I must have yielded to her gentle tears. + Henceforth, since breast to breast we have embraced, + No power of hell again shall sever us! + My erring course ends here. His sovereign's heart + Is the true resting-place for Burgundy. + + ARCHBISHOP (steps between them). + Ye are united, princes! France doth rise + A renovated phoenix from its ashes. + The auspicious future greets us with a smile. + The country's bleeding wounds will heal again, + The villages, the desolated towns, + Rise in new splendor from their ruined heaps, + The fields array themselves in beauteous green; + But those who, victims of your quarrel, fell, + The dead, rise not again; the bitter tears, + Caused by your strife, remain forever wept! + One generation hath been doomed to woe; + On their descendants dawns a brighter day; + The gladness of the son wakes not the sire. + This the dire fruitage of your brother-strife! + Oh, princes, learn from hence to pause with dread, + Ere from its scabbard ye unsheath the sword. + The man of power lets loose the god of war, + But not, obedient, as from fields of air + Returns the falcon to the sportsman's hand, + Doth the wild deity obey the call + Of mortal voice; nor will the Saviour's hand + A second time forth issue from the clouds. + + BURGUNDY. + Oh, sire! an angel walketh by your side. + Where is she? Why do I behold her not? + + CHARLES. + Where is Johanna? Wherefore faileth she + To grace the festival we owe to her? + + ARCHBISHOP. + She loves not, sire, the idleness of the court, + And when the heavenly mandate calls her not + Forth to the world's observance, she retires, + And doth avoid the notice of the crowd. + Doubtless, unless the welfare of the realm + Claims her regard, she communes with her God, + For still a blessing on her steps attends. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The same. + JOHANNA enters. She is clad in armor, and wears + a garland in her hair. + + CHARLES. + Thou comest as a priestess decked, Johanna, + To consecrate the union formed by thee! + + BURGUNDY. + How dreadful was the maiden in the fight! + How lovely circled by the beams of peace! + My word, Johanna, have I now fulfilled? + Art thou contented? Have I thine applause? + + JOHANNA. + The greatest favor thou hast shown thyself. + Arrayed in blessed light thou shinest now, + Who didst erewhile with bloody, ominous ray, + Hang like a moon of terror in the heavens. + [Looking round. + Many brave knights I find assembled here, + And joy's glad radiance beams in every eye; + One mourner, one alone I have encountered; + He must conceal himself, where all rejoice. + + BURGUNDY. + And who is conscious of such heavy guilt, + That of our favor he must needs despair? + + JOHANNA. + May he approach? Oh, tell me that he may; + Complete thy merit. Void the reconcilement + That frees not the whole heart. A drop of hate + Remaining in the cup of joy converts + The blessed draught to poison. Let there be + No deed so stained with blood that Burgundy + Cannot forgive it on this day of joy. + + BURGUNDY. + Ha! now I understand! + + JOHANNA. + And thou'lt forgive? + Thou wilt indeed forgive? Come in, Duchatel! + + [She opens the door and leads in DUCHATEL, + who remains standing at a distance. + + The duke is reconciled to all his foes, + And he is so to thee. + + [DUCHATEL approaches a few steps nearer, + and tries to read the countenance of the DUKE. + + BURGUNDY. + What makest thou + Of me, Johanna? Know'st thou what thou askest? + + JOHANNA. + A gracious sovereign throws his portals wide, + Admitting every guest, excluding none; + As freely as the firmament the world, + So mercy must encircle friend and foe. + Impartially the sun pours forth his beams + Through all the regions of infinity; + The heaven's reviving dew falls everywhere, + And brings refreshment to each thirsty plant; + Whate'er is good, and cometh from on high, + Is universal, and without reserve; + But in the heart's recesses darkness dwells! + + BURGUNDY. + Oh, she can mould me to her wish; my heart + Is in her forming hand like melted wax. + —Duchatel, I forgive thee—come, embrace me! + Shade of my sire! oh, not with wrathful eye + Behold me clasp the hand that shed thy blood. + Ye death-gods, reckon not to my account, + That my dread oath of vengeance I abjure. + With you, in yon drear realm of endless night, + There beats no human heart, and all remains + Eternal, steadfast, and immovable. + Here in the light of day 'tis otherwise. + Man, living, feeling man, is aye the sport + Of the o'ermastering present. + + CHARLES (to JOHANNA). + Lofty maid! + What owe I not to thee! How truly now + Hast thou fulfilled thy word,—how rapidly + Reversed my destiny! Thou hast appeased + My friends, and in the dust o'erwhelmed my foes; + From foreign yoke redeemed my cities. Thou + Hast all achieved. Speak, how can I reward thee? + + JOHANNA. + Sire, in prosperity be still humane, + As in misfortune thou hast ever been; + And on the height of greatness ne'er forget + The value of a friend in times of need; + Thou hast approved it in adversity. + Refuse not to the lowest of thy people + The claims of justice and humanity, + For thy deliverer from the fold was called. + Beneath thy royal sceptre thou shalt gather + The realm entire of France. Thou shalt become + The root and ancestor of mighty kings; + Succeeding monarchs, in their regal state, + Shall those outshine, who filled the throne before. + Thy stock, in majesty shall bloom so long + As it stands rooted in the people's love. + Pride only can achieve its overthrow, + And from the lowly station, whence to-day + God summoned thy deliverer, ruin dire + Obscurely threats thy crime-polluted sons! + + BURGUNDY. + Exalted maid! Possessed with sacred fire! + If thou canst look into the gulf of time, + Speak also of my race! Shall coming years + With ampler honors crown my princely line! + + JOHANNA. + High as the throne, thou, Burgundy, hast built + Thy seat of power, and thy aspiring heart + Would raise still higher, even to the clouds, + The lofty edifice. But from on high + A hand omnipotent shall check its rise. + Fear thou not hence the downfall of thy house! + Its glory in a maiden shall survive; + Upon her breast shall sceptre-bearing kings, + The people's shepherds, bloom. Their ample sway + Shall o'er two realms extend, they shall ordain + Laws to control the known world, and the new, + Which God still veils behind the pathless waves. + + CHARLES. + Oh, if the Spirit doth reveal it, speak; + Shall this alliance which we now renew + In distant ages still unite our sons? + + JOHANNA (after a pause). + Sovereigns and kings! disunion shun with dread! + Wake not contention from the murky cave + Where he doth lie asleep, for once aroused + He cannot soon be quelled? He doth beget + An iron brood, a ruthless progeny; + Wildly the sweeping conflagration spreads. + —Be satisfied! Seek not to question further + In the glad present let your hearts rejoice, + The future let me shroud! + + SOREL. + Exalted maid! + Thou canst explore my heart, thou readest there + If after worldly greatness it aspires, + To me to give a joyous oracle. + + JOHANNA. + Of empires only I discern the doom; + In thine own bosom lies thy destiny! + + DUNOIS. + What, holy maid, will be thy destiny? + Doubtless, for thee, who art beloved of heaven, + The fairest earthly happiness shall bloom, + For thou art pure and holy. + + JOHANNA. + Happiness + Abideth yonder, with our God, in heaven. + + CHARLES. + Thy fortune be henceforth thy monarch's care! + For I will glorify thy name in France, + And the remotest age shall call thee blest. + Thus I fulfil my word. Kneel down! + [He draws his sword and touches her with it. + And rise! + A noble! I, thy monarch, from the dust + Of thy mean birth exalt thee. In the grave + Thy fathers I ennoble—thou shalt bear + Upon thy shield the fleur-de-lis, and be + Of equal lineage with the best in France. + Only the royal blood of Valois shall + Be nobler than thine own! The highest peer + Shall feel himself exalted by thy hand; + To wed thee nobly, maid, shall be my care! + + DUNOIS (advancing). + My heart made choice of her when she was lowly. + The recent honor which encircles her, + Neither exalts her merit nor my love. + Here in my sovereign's presence, and before + This holy bishop, maid, I tender thee + My hand, and take thee as my princely wife, + If thou esteem me worthy to be thine. + + CHARLES. + Resistless maiden! wonder thou dost add + To wonder! Yes, I now believe that naught's + Impossible to thee! Thou hast subdued + This haughty heart, which still hath scoffed till now + At love's omnipotence. + + LA HIRE (advancing). + If I have read + Aright Johanna's soul, her modest heart's + Her fairest jewel. She deserveth well + The homage of the great, but her desires + Soar not so high. She striveth not to reach + A giddy eminence; an honest heart's + True love content's her, and the quiet lot + Which with this hand I humbly proffer her. + + CHARLES. + Thou, too, La Hire! two brave competitors,— + Peers in heroic virtue and renown! + —Wilt thou, who hast appeased mine enemies, + My realms united, part my dearest friends? + One only can possess her; I esteem + Each to be justly worthy such a prize. + Speak, maid! thy heart alone must here decide. + + SOREL. + The noble maiden is surprised, her cheek + Is crimsoned over with a modest blush. + Let her have leisure to consult her heart, + And in confiding friendship to unseal + Her long-closed bosom. Now the hour is come + When, with a sister's love, I also may + Approach the maid severe, and offer her + This silent, faithful breast. Permit us women + Alone to weigh this womanly affair; + Do you await the issue. + + CHARLES (about to retire). + Be it so! + + JOHANNA. + No, sire, not so! the crimson on my cheek + Is not the blush of bashful modesty. + Naught have I for this noble lady's ear + Which in this presence I may not proclaim. + The choice of these brave knights much honors me, + But I did not forsake my shepherd-walks, + To chase vain worldly splendor, nor array + My tender frame in panoply of war, + To twine the bridal garland in my hair. + Far other labor is assigned to me, + Which a pure maiden can alone achieve. + I am the soldier of the Lord of Hosts, + And to no mortal man can I be wife. + + ARCHBISHOP. + To be a fond companion unto man + Is woman born—when nature she obeys, + Most wisely she fulfils high heaven's decree! + When His behest who called thee to the field + Shall be accomplished, thou'lt resign thy arms, + And once again rejoin the softer sex, + Whose gentle nature thou dost now forego, + And which from war's stern duties is exempt. + + JOHANNA. + Most reverend sir! as yet I cannot say + What work the Spirit will enjoin on me. + But when the time comes round, his guiding voice + Will not be mute, and it I will obey. + Now he commands me to complete my task; + My royal master's brow is still uncrowned, + 'Twere better for me I had ne'er been born! + Henceforth no more of this, unless ye would + Provoke the Spirit's wrath who in me dwells! + The eye of man, regarding me with love, + To me is horror and profanity. + + CHARLES. + Forbear! It is in vain to urge her further. + + JOHANNA. + Command the trumpets of the war to sound! + This stillness doth perplex and harass me; + An inward impulse drives me from repose, + It still impels me to achieve my work, + And sternly beckons me to meet my doom. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A KNIGHT, entering hastily. + + CHARLES. + What tidings? Speak! + + KNIGHT. + The foe has crossed the Marne, + And marshalleth his army for the fight. + + JOHANNA (inspired). + Battle and tumult! Now my soul is free. + Arm, warriors, arm! while I prepare the troops. + + [She goes out. + + CHARLES. + Follow, La Hire! E'en at the gates of Rheims + They will compel us to dispute the crown! + + DUNOIS. + No genuine courage prompts them. This essay + Is the last effort of enraged despair. + + CHARLES. + I do not urge you, duke. To-day's the time + To compensate the errors of the past. + + BURGUNDY. + You shall be satisfied with me. + + CHARLES. + Myself + Will march before you on the path of fame; + Here, with my royal town of Rheims in view, + I'll fight, and gallantry achieve the crown. + Thy knight, my Agnes, bids thee now farewell! + + AGNES (embracing him). + I do not weep, I do not tremble for thee; + My faith, unshaken, cleaveth unto God! + Heaven, were we doomed to failure, had not given + So many gracious pledges of success! + My heart doth whisper me that, victory-crowned, + In conquered Rheims, I shall embrace my king. + + [Trumpets sound with a spirited tone, and while the scene + is changing pass into a wild martial strain. When the + scene opens, the orchestra joins in, accompanied by warlike + instruments behind the scene. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="3pb198 (132K)" src="images/3pb198.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The scene changes to an open country skirted with trees. During the + music soldiers are seen retreating hastily across the background. + + TALBOT, leaning on FASTOLFE, and accompanied by soldiers. Soon + after, LIONEL. + + TALBOT. + Here lay me down beneath the trees, and then + Betake you back, with speed, unto the fight; + I need no aid to die. + + FASTOLFE. + Oh, woful day! + [LIONEL enters. + Behold what sign awaits you, Lionel! + Here lies our general wounded unto death. + + LIONEL. + Now, God forbid! My noble lord, arise! + No moment this to falter and to sink. + Yield not to death. By your all-powerful will + Command your ebbing spirit still to live. + + TALBOT. + In vain! The day of destiny is come, + Which will o'erthrow the English power in France. + In desperate combat I have vainly risked + The remnant of our force to ward it off. + Struck by the thunderbolt I prostrate lie, + Never to rise again. Rheims now is lost, + Hasten to succor Paris! + + LIONEL. + Paris is with the Dauphin reconciled; + A courier even now has brought the news. + + TALBOT (tearing off his bandages). + Then freely flow, ye currents of my blood, + For Talbot now is weary of the sun! + + LIONEL. + I may no longer tarry: Fastolfe, haste! + Convey our leader to a place of safety. + No longer now can we maintain this post; + Our flying troops disperse on every side, + On, with resistless might, the maiden comes. + + TALBOT. + Folly, thou conquerest, and I must yield! + Against stupidity the very gods. + Themselves contend in vain. Exalted reason, + Resplendent daughter of the head divine, + Wise foundress of the system of the world, + Guide of the stars, who art thou then if thou, + Bound to the tail of folly's uncurbed steed, + Must, vainly shrieking with the drunken crowd, + Eyes open, plunge down headlong in the abyss. + Accursed, who striveth after noble ends, + And with deliberate wisdom forms his plans! + To the fool-king belongs the world. + + LIONEL. + My lord, + But for a few brief moments can you live— + Think of your Maker! + + TALBOT. + Had we, like brave men, + Been vanquished by the brave, we might, indeed, + Console ourselves that 'twas the common lot; + For fickle fortune aye revolves her wheel. + But to be baffled by such juggling arts! + Deserved our earnest and laborious life + Not a more earnest issue? + + LIONEL (extends his hand to him). + Fare you well! + The debt of honest tears I will discharge + After the battle—if I then survive. + Now Fate doth call me hence, where on the field + Her web she waveth, and dispenseth doom. + We in another world shall meet again; + For our long friendship, this a brief farewell. + + [Exit. + + TALBOT. + Soon is the struggle past, and to the earth, + To the eternal sun, I render back + These atoms, joined in me for pain and pleasure. + And of the mighty Talbot, who the world + Filled with his martial glory, there remains + Naught save a modicum of senseless dust. + Such is the end of man—the only spoil + We carry with us from life's battle-field, + Is but an insight into nothingness, + And utter scorn of all which once appeared + To us exalted and desirable. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0035" id="link2H_4_0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHARLES, BURGUNDY, DUNOIS, DUCHATEL, and Soldiers. + + BURGUNDY. + The trench is stormed! + + DUNOIS. + The victory is ours! + + CHARLES (perceiving TALBOT.) + Look! Who is he, who yonder of the sun + Taketh reluctant, sorrowful farewell? + His armor indicates no common man; + Go, succor him, if aid may yet avail. + + [Soldiers of the KING'S retinue step forward. + + FASTOLFE. + Back! Stand apart! Respect the mighty dead, + Whom ye in life ne'er ventured to approach! + + BURGUNDY. + What do I see? Lord Talbot in his blood! + + [He approaches him. TALBOT gazes fixedly at him, and dies. + + FASTOLFE. + Traitor, avaunt! Let not the sight of thee + Poison the dying hero's parting glance. + + DUNOIS. + Resistless hero! Dread-inspiring Talbot! + Does such a narrow space suffice thee now, + And this vast kingdom could not satisfy + The large ambition of thy giant soul! + Now first I can salute you, sire, as king: + The diadem but tottered on your brow, + While yet a spirit tenanted this clay. + + CHARLES (after contemplating the body in silence). + A higher power hath vanquished him, not we! + He lies upon the soil of France, as lies + The hero on the shield he would not quit. + Well, peace be with his ashes! Bear him hence! + + [Soldiers take up the body and carry it away. + + Here in the heart of France, where his career + Of conquest ended, let his relics lie! + So far no hostile sword attained before. + A fitting tomb shall memorize his name; + His epitaph the spot whereon he fell. + + FASTOLFE (yielding his sword). + I am your prisoner, sir. + + CHARLES (returning his sword). + Not so! Rude war + Respects each pious office; you are free + To render the last honors to the dead, + Go now, Duchatel—still my Agnes trembles— + Hasten to snatch her from anxiety— + Bring her the tidings of our victory, + And usher her in triumph into Rheims! + + [Exit DUCHATEL. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0036" id="link2H_4_0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The same. LA HIRE. + + DUNOIS. + La Hire, where is the maiden? + + LA HIRE. + That I ask + Of you; I left her fighting by your side. + + DUNOIS. + I thought she was protected by your arm, + When I departed to assist the king. + + BURGUNDY. + Not long ago I saw her banner wave + Amidst the thickest of the hostile ranks. + + DUNOIS. + Alas! where is she? Evil I forebode? + Come, let us haste to rescue her. I fear + Her daring soul hath led her on too far; + Alone she combats in the midst of foes, + And without succor yieldeth to the crowd. + + CHARLES. + Haste to her rescue! + + LA HIRE. + Come! + + BURGUNDY. + We follow all! + + [Exit. + + [They retire in haste. A deserted part of the + battle-field. In the distance are seen the towers + of Rheims illumined by the sun. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0037" id="link2H_4_0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A KNIGHT in black armor, with closed visor. JOHANNA follows + him to the front of the stage, where he stops and awaits her. + + JOHANNA. + Deluder! now I see thy stratagem! + Thou hast deceitfully, through seeming flight, + Allured me from the battle, doom and death + Averting thus from many a British head. + Destruction now doth overtake thyself. + + BLACK KNIGHT. + Why dost thou follow after me and track + My steps with quenchless rage? I am not doomed + To perish by thy hand. + + JOHANNA. + Deep in my soul + I hate thee as the night, which is thy color; + To blot thee out from the fair light of day + An irresistible desire impels me. + Who art thou? Raise thy visor. I had said + That thou wert Talbot had I not myself + Seen warlike Talbot in the battle fall. + + BLACK KNIGHT. + Is the divining-spirit mute in thee? + + JOHANNA. + His voice speaks loudly in my spirit's depth + The near approach of woe. + + BLACK KNIGHT. + Johanna D'Arc! + Borne on the wings of conquest, thou hast reached + The gates of Rheims. Let thy achieved renown + Content thee. Fortune, like thy slave, till now + Hath followed thee; dismiss her, ere in wrath + She free herself; fidelity she hates; + She serveth none with constancy till death. + + JOHANNA. + Why check me in the midst of my career? + Why bid me falter and forsake my work? + I will complete it and fulfil my vow! + + BLACK KNIGHT. + Nothing can thee, thou mighty one, withstand, + In battle thou art aye invincible. + But henceforth shun the fight; attend my warning. + + JOHANNA. + Not from my hand will I resign this sword + Till haughty England's prostrate in the dust. + + BLACK KNIGHT. + Behold! there Rheims ariseth with its towers, + The goal and end of thy career. Thou seest + The lofty minster's sun-illumined dome; + Thou in triumphal pomp wouldst enter there, + Thy monarch crown, and ratify thy vow. + Enter not there! Return! Attend my warning! + + JOHANNA. + What art thou, double-tongued, deceitful being, + Who wouldst bewilder and appal me? Speak! + By what authority dost thou presume + To greet me with fallacious oracles? + + [The BLACK KNIGHT is about to depart, she steps in his way. + + No, thou shalt speak, or perish by my hand! + + [She endeavors to strike him. + + BLACK KNIGHT (touches her with his hand, she remains motionless). + Slay what is mortal! + + [Darkness, thunder and lightning. The KNIGHT sinks into the earth. + + JOHANNA (stands at first in amazement, but soon recovers herself). + 'Twas nothing living. 'Twas a base delusion, + An instrument of hell, a juggling fiend, + Uprisen hither from the fiery pool + To shake and terrify my steadfast heart. + Wielding the sword of God, whom should I fear! + I will triumphantly achieve my work. + My courage should not waver, should not fail + Were hell itself to champion me to fight! + + [She is about to depart. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0038" id="link2H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LIONEL, JOHANNA. + + LIONEL. + Accursed one, prepare thee for the fight! + Not both of us shall quit this field alive. + Thou hast destroyed the bravest of our host + The noble Talbot hath his mighty soul + Breathed forth upon my bosom. I'll avenge + The hero, or participate his doom. + And wouldst thou know who brings thee glory now, + Whether he live or die,—I'm Lionel, + The sole survivor of the English chiefs, + And still unconquered is this valiant arm. + + [He rushes upon her; after a short combat she strikes + the sword out of his hand. + + Perfidious fortune! + + [He wrestles with her. JOHANNA seizes him by the crest + and tears open his helmet; his face is thus exposed; + at the same time she draws her sword with her right hand. + + JOHANNA. + Suffer, what thou soughtest! + The Virgin sacrifices thee through me! + + [At this moment she gazes in his face. His aspect + softens her, she remains motionless and slowly lets + her arm sink. + + LIONEL. + Why linger, why withhold the stroke of death? + My glory thou hast taken—take my life! + I want no mercy, I am in thy power. + + [She makes him a sign with her hand to fly. + + How! shall I fly and owe my life to thee? + No, I would rather die. + + JOHANNA (with averted face). + I will not know + That ever thou didst owe thy life to me. + + LIONEL. + I hate alike thee and thy proffered gift. + I want no mercy—kill thine enemy + Who loathes and would have slain thee. + + JOHANNA. + Slay me, then, + And fly! + + LIONEL. + Ha! What is this? + + JOHANNA (hiding her face). + Woe's me! + + LIONEL (approaching her). + 'Tis said + Thou killest all the English whom thy sword + Subdues in battle—why spare me alone? + + JOHANNA (raises her sword with a rapid movement as if to strike him, + but lets it fall quickly when she gazes on his face). + Oh, Holy Virgin! + + LIONEL. + Wherefore namest thou + The Holy Virgin? she knows naught of thee; + Heaven hath no part in thee. + + JOHANNA (in the greatest anxiety). + What have I done? + Alas! I've broke my vow! + + [She wrings her hands in despair. + + LIONEL (looks at her with sympathy and approaches her). + Unhappy maid! + I pity thee! Thy sorrow touches me; + Thou hast shown mercy unto me alone, + My hatred yielded unto sympathy! + Who art thou, and whence comest thou? + + JOHANNA. + Away! + + LIONEL. + Thy youth, thy beauty, move my soul to pity! + Thy look sinks in my heart. I fain would save thee! + How may I do so? tell me. Come! oh, come! + Renounce this fearful league—throw down these arms! + + JOHANNA. + I am unworthy now to carry them! + + LIONEL. + Then throw them from thee—quick! come, follow me! + + JOHANNA (with horror). + How! follow thee! + + LIONEL. + Thou may'st be saved. Oh, come! + I will deliver thee, but linger not. + Strange sorrow for thy sake doth seize my heart, + Unspeakable desire to rescue thee—— + + [He seizes her arm. + + JOHANNA. + The Bastard comes! 'Tis they! They seek for me! + If they should find thee—— + + LIONEL. + I'll defend thee, maid. + + JOHANNA. + I die if thou shouldst perish by their hands! + + LIONEL. + Am I then dear to thee? + + JOHANNA. + Ye heavenly powers! + + LIONEL. + Shall I again behold thee—hear from thee? + + JOHANNA. + No! never! + + LIONEL. + Thus this sword I seize in pledge + That I again behold thee! + + [He snatches her sword. + + JOHANNA. + Madman, hold! + Thou darest? + + LIONEL. + Now I yield to force—again + I'll see thee! + [He retires. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0039" id="link2H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + JOHANNA, DUNOIS, LA HIRE. + + LA HIRE. + It is she! The maiden lives! + + DUNOIS. + Fear not, Johanna! friends are at thy side. + + LA HIRE. + Is not that Lionel who yonder flies? + + DUNOIS. + Let him escape! Maiden, the righteous cause + Hath triumphed now. Rheims opens wide its gates; + The joyous crowds pour forth to meet their king. + + LA HIRE. + What ails thee, maiden? She grows pale—she sinks! + + [JOHANNA grows dizzy, and is about to fall. + + DUNOIS. + She's wounded—rend her breastplate—'tis her arm! + The wound is not severe. + + LA HIRE. + Her blood doth flow. + + JOHANNA. + Oh, that my life would stream forth with my blood! + + [She lies senseless in LA HIRE'S arms. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0040" id="link2H_4_0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A hall adorned as for a festival; the columns are hung + with garlands; behind the scene flutes and hautboys. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0041" id="link2H_4_0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + JOHANNA. + + Hushed is the din of arms, war's storms subside, + Glad songs and dance succeed the bloody fray, + Through all the streets joy echoes far and wide, + Altar and church are decked in rich array, + Triumphal arches rise in vernal pride, + Wreathes round the columns wind their flowery way, + Wide Rheims cannot contain the mighty throng, + Which to joyous pageant rolls along. + + One thought alone doth every heart possess, + One rapt'rous feeling o'er each breast preside. + And those to-day are linked in happiness + Whom bloody hatred did erewhile divide. + All who themselves of Gallic race confess + The name of Frenchman own with conscious pride, + France sees the splendor of her ancient crown, + And to her monarch's son bows humbly down. + + Yet I, the author of this wide delight, + The joy, myself created, cannot share; + My heart is changed, in sad and dreary plight + It flies the festive pageant in despair; + Still to the British camp it taketh flight, + Against my will my gaze still wanders there, + And from the throng I steal, with grief oppressed, + To hide the guilt which weighs upon my breast! + + What! I permit a human form + To haunt my bosom's sacred cell? + And there, where heavenly radiance shone, + Doth earthly love presume to dwell? + The savior of my country, I, + The warrior of God most high, + Burn for my country's foeman? Dare I name + Heaven's holy light, nor feel o'erwhelmed with shame? + + [The music behind the scene passes into a soft and moving melody. + + Woe is me! Those melting tones! + They distract my 'wildered brain! + Every note, his voice recalling, + Conjures up his form again + + Would that spears were whizzing round! + Would that battle's thunder roared! + 'Midst the wild tumultuous sound + My former strength were then restored. + + These sweet tones, these melting voices, + With seductive power are fraught! + They dissolve, in gentle longing, + Every feeling, every thought, + Waking tears of plaintive sadness. + + [After a pause, with more energy. + + Should I have killed him? Could I, when I gazed + Upon his face? Killed him? Oh, rather far + Would I have turned my weapon 'gainst myself! + And am I culpable because humane? + Is pity sinful? Pity! Didst then hear + The voice of pity and humanity + When others fell the victims of thy sword? + Why was she silent when the gentle youth + From Wales entreated thee to spare his life? + Oh, cunning heart! Thou liest before high heaven! + It is not pity's voice impels thee now! + Why was I doomed to look into his eyes! + To mark his noble features! With that glance, + Thy crime, thy woe commenced. Unhappy one! + A sightless instrument thy God demands, + Blindly thou must accomplish his behest! + When thou didst see, God's shield abandoned thee, + And the dire snares of hell around thee pressed! + + [Flutes are again heard, and she subsides into a quiet melancholy. + + Harmless staff! Oh, that I ne'er + Had for the sword abandoned thee! + Had voices never reached mine ear, + From thy branches, sacred tree! + High queen of heaven! Oh, would that thou + Hadst ne'er revealed thyself to me! + Take back—I dare not claim it now— + Take back thy crown, 'tis not for me! + + I saw the heavens open wide, + I gazed upon that face of love! + Yet here on earth my hopes abide, + They do not dwell in heaven above! + Why, Holy One, on me impose + This dread vocation? Could I steel, + And to each soft emotion close + This heart, by nature formed to feel? + + Wouldst thou proclaim thy high command, + Make choice of those who, free from sin, + In thy eternal mansions stand; + Send forth thy flaming cherubim! + Immortal ones, thy law they keep, + They do not feel, they do not weep! + Choose not a tender woman's aid, + Not the frail soul of shepherd maid! + + Was I concerned with warlike things, + With battles or the strife of kings? + In innocence I led my sheep + Adown the mountain's silent steep, + But thou didst send me into life, + Midst princely halls and scenes of strife, + To lose my spirit's tender bloom + Alas, I did not seek my doom! +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0042" id="link2H_4_0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + AGNES SOREL, JOHANNA. + + SOREL (advances joyfully. When she perceives JOHANNA she hastens to + her and falls upon her neck; then suddenly recollecting herself; she + relinquishes her hold, and falls down before her). + No! no! not so! Before thee in the dust—— + + JOHANNA (trying to raise her). + Arise! Thou dost forget thyself and me. + + SOREL. + Forbid me not! 'tis the excess of joy + Which throws me at thy feet—I must pour forth + My o'ercharged heart in gratitude to God; + I worship the Invisible in thee. + Thou art the angel who has led my lord + To Rheims, to crown him with the royal crown. + What I ne'er dreamed to see is realized! + The coronation march will soon set forth; + Arrayed in festal pomp the monarch stands; + Assembled are the nobles of the realm, + The mighty peers to bear the insignia; + To the cathedral rolls the billowy crowd; + Glad songs resound, the bells unite their peal: + Oh, this excess of joy I cannot bear! + + [JOHANNA gently raises her. AGNES SOREL pauses a moment, + and surveys the MAIDEN more narrowly. + + Yet thou remainest ever grave and stern; + Thou canst create delight, yet share it not. + Thy heart is cold, thou feelest not our joy, + Thou hast beheld the glories of the skies; + No earthly interest moveth thy pure breast. + + [JOHANNA seizes her hand passionately, but soon lets it fall again. + + Oh, couldst thou own a woman's feeling heart! + Put off this armor, war is over now, + Confess thy union with the softer sex! + My loving heart shrinks timidly from thee, + While thus thou wearest Pallas' brow severe. + + JOHANNA. + What wouldst thou have me do? + + SOREL. + Unarm thyself! + Put off this coat of mail! The God of Love + Fears to approach a bosom clad in steel. + Oh, be a woman, thou wilt feel his power! + + JOHANNA. + What, now unarm myself? Midst battle's roar + I'll bare my bosom to the stroke of death! + Not now! Would that a sevenfold wall of brass + Could hide me from your revels, from myself! + + SOREL. + Thou'rt loved by Count Dunois. His noble heart, + Which virtue and renown alone inspire, + With pure and holy passion glows for thee. + Oh, it is sweet to know oneself beloved + By such a hero—sweeter still to love him! + + [JOHANNA turns away with aversion. + + Thou hatest him?—No, no, thou only canst + Not love him:—how could hatred stir thy breast! + Those who would tear us from the one we love, + We hate alone; but none can claim thy love. + Thy heart is tranquil—if it could but feel—— + + JOHANNA. + Oh, pity me! Lament my hapless fate! + + SOREL. + What can be wanting to complete thy joy? + Thou hast fulfilled thy promise, France is free, + To Rheims, in triumph, thou hast led the king, + Thy mighty deeds have gained thee high renown, + A happy people praise and worship thee; + Thy name, the honored theme of every tongue; + Thou art the goddess of this festival; + The monarch, with his crown and regal state, + Shines not with greater majesty than thou! + + JOHANNA. + Oh, could I hide me in the depths of earth! + + SOREL. + Why this emotion? Whence this strange distress? + Who may to-day look up without a fear + If thou dost cast thine eyes upon the ground! + It is for me to blush, me, who near thee + Feel all my littleness; I cannot reach + The lofty virtue, thy heroic strength! + For—all my weakness shall I own to thee? + Not the renown of France, my Fatherland, + Not the new splendor of the monarch's crow, + Not the triumphant gladness of the crowds, + Engage this woman's heart. One only form + Is in its depths enshrined; it hath no room + For any feeling save for one alone: + He is the idol, him the people bless, + Him they extol, for him they strew these flowers, + And he is mine, he is my own true love! + + JOHANNA. + Oh, thou art happy! thou art blessed indeed! + Thou lovest, where all love. Thou may'st, unblamed + Pour forth thy rapture, and thine inmost heart, + Fearless discover to the gaze of man! + Thy country's triumph is thy lover's too. + The vast, innumerable multitudes, + Who, rolling onward, crowd within these walls, + Participate thy joy, they hallow it; + Thee they salute, for thee they twine the wreath, + Thou art a portion of the general joy; + Thou lovest the all-inspiring soul, the sun, + And what thou seest is thy lover's glory! + + SOREL (falling on her neck). + Thou dost delight me, thou canst read my heart! + I did thee wrong, thou knowest what love is, + Thou tell'st my feelings with a voice of power. + My heart forgets its fear and its reserve, + And seeks confidingly to blend with thine—— + + JOHANNA (tearing herself from her with violence). + Forsake me! Turn away! Do not pollute + Thyself by longer intercourse with me! + Be happy! go—and in the deepest night + Leave me to hide my infamy, my woe! + + SOREL. + Thou frighten'st me, I understand thee not, + I ne'er have understood thee—for from me + Thy dark mysterious being still was veiled. + Who may divine what thus disturbs thy heart, + Thus terrifies thy pure and sacred soul! + + JOHANNA. + Thou art the pure, the holy one! Couldst thou + Behold mine inmost heart, thou, shuddering, + Wouldst fly the traitoress, the enemy! +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0043" id="link2H_4_0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DUNOIS, DUCHATEL, and LA HIRE, with the banner of JOHANNA. + + DUNOIS. + Johanna, thee we seek. All is prepared; + The king hath sent us, 'tis his royal will + That thou before him shouldst thy banner bear, + The company of princes thou shalt join; + And march immediately before the king: + For he doth not deny it, and the world + Shall witness, maiden, that to thee alone + He doth ascribe the honor of this day. + + LA HIRE. + Here is the banner. Take it, noble maiden + Thou'rt stayed for by the princes and the people. + + JOHANNA. + I march before him? I the banner bear? + + DUNOIS. + Whom else would it become? What other hand + Is pure enough to bear the sacred ensign! + Amid the battle thou hast waved it oft; + To grace our glad procession bear it now. + + [LA HIRE presents the banner to her, she draws back, shuddering. + + JOHANNA. + Away! away! + + LA HIRE. + Art thou terrified + At thine own banner, maiden? Look at it! + + [He displays the banner. + + It is the same thou didst in conquest wave. + Imaged upon it is the queen of heaven, + Floating in glory o'er this earthly ball; + For so the Holy Mother showed it thee. + + [JOHANNA gazing upon it with horror. + + 'Tis she herself! so she appeared to me. + See, how she looks at me and knits her brow, + And anger flashes from her threatening eye! + + SOREL. + Alas, she raveth! Maiden, be composed! + Collect thyself! Thou seest nothing real! + That is her pictured image; she herself + Wanders above, amid the angelic choir! + + JOHANNA. + Thou comest, fearful one, to punish me? + Destroy, o'erwhelm, thy lightnings hurl, + And let them fall upon my guilty head. + Alas, my vow I've broken. I've profaned + And desecrated thy most holy name! + + DUNOIS. + Woe's us! What may this mean? What unblest words? + + LA HIRE (in astonishment, to DUCHATEL). + This strange emotion canst thou comprehend? + + DUCHATEL. + That which I see, I see—I long have feared it. + + DUNOIS. + What sayest thou? + + DUCHATEL. + I dare not speak my thoughts. + I would to heaven that the king were crowned! + + LA HIRE. + How! hath the awe this banner doth inspire + Turned back upon thyself? before this sign + Let Britons tremble; to the foes of France + 'Tis fearful, but to all true citizens + It is auspicious. + + JOHANNA. + Yes, thou sayest truly! + To friends 'tis gracious! but to enemies + It causeth horror! + + [The Coronation march is heard. + + DUNOIS. + Take thy banner, then! + The march begins—no time is to be lost! + + [They press the banner upon her; she seizes it with + evident emotion, and retires; the others follow. + + [The scene changes to an open place before the Cathedral. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0044" id="link2H_4_0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Spectators occupy the background; BERTRAND, CLAUDE MARIE, and + ETIENNE come forward; then MARGOT and LOUISON. The Coronation + march is heard in the distance. + + BERTRAND. + Hark to the music! They approach already! + What had we better do? Shall we mount up + Upon the platform, or press through the crowd, + That we may nothing lose of the procession? + + ETIENNE. + It is not to be thought of. All the streets + Are thronged with horsemen and with carriages. + Beside these houses let us take our stand, + Here we without annoyance may behold + The train as it goes by. + + CLAUDE MARIE. + Almost it seems + As were the half of France assembled here, + So mighty is the flood that it hath reached + Even our distant Lotharingian land + And borne us thither! + + BERTRAND. + Who would sit at home + When great events are stirring in the land! + It hath cost plenty, both of sweat and blood, + Ere the crown rested on its rightful head! + Nor shall our lawful king, to whom we give + The crown, be worse accompanied than he + Whom the Parisians in St. Denis crowned! + He is no loyal, honest-minded man + Who doth absent him from this festival, + And joins not in the cry: "God save the King!" +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0045" id="link2H_4_0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + MARGOT and LOUISON join them. + + LOUISON. + We shall again behold our sister, Margot! + How my heart beats! + + MARGOT. + In majesty and pomp + We shall behold her, saying to ourselves: + It is our sister, it is our Johanna! + + LOUISON. + Till I have seen her, I can scarce believe + That she, whom men the Maid of Orleans name, + The mighty warrior, is indeed Johanna, + Our sister whom we lost! + + [The music draws nearer. + + MARGOT. + Thou doubtest still! + Thou wilt thyself behold her! + + BERTRAND. + + See, they come! +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0046" id="link2H_4_0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Musicians, with flutes and hautboys, open the procession. Children + follow, dressed in white, with branches in their hands; behind them + two heralds. Then a procession of halberdiers, followed by + magistrates in their robes. Then two marshals with their staves; + the DUKE of BURGUNDY, bearing the sword; DUNOIS with the sceptre, + other nobles with the regalia; others with sacrificial offerings. + Behind these, KNIGHTS with the ornaments of their order; choristers + with incense; two BISHOPS with the ampulla; the ARCHBISHOP with the + crucifix. JOHANNA follows, with her banner, she walks with downcast + head and wavering steps; her sisters, on beholding her, express + their astonishment and joy. Behind her comes the KING under a + canopy, supported by four barons; courtiers follow, soldiers + conclude the procession; as soon as it has entered the church the + music ceases. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0047" id="link2H_4_0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LOUISON, MARGOT, CLAUDE MARIE, ETIENNE, BERTRAND. + + MARGOT. + Saw you our sister? + + CLAUDE MARIE. + She in golden armor, + Who with the banner walked before the king? + + MARGOT. + It was Johanna. It was she, our sister! + + LOUISON. + She recognized us not! She did not feel + That we, her sisters, were so near to her. + She looked upon the ground, and seemed so pale, + And trembled so beneath her banner's weight + When I beheld her, I could not rejoice. + + MARGOT. + So now, arrayed in splendor and in pomp, + I have beheld our sister—who in dreams + Would ever have imagined or conceived, + When on our native hills she drove the flock, + That we should see her in such majesty? + + LOUISON. + Our father's dream is realized, that we + In Rheims before our sister should bow down. + That is the church, which in his dream he saw + And each particular is now fulfilled. + But images of woe he also saw! + Alas! I'm grieved to see her raised so high! + + BERTRAND. + Why stand we idly here? Let's to the church + To view the coronation! + + MARGOT. + Yes! perchance + We there may meet our sister; let us go! + + LOUISON. + We have beheld her. Let us now return + Back to our village. + + MARGOT. + How? Ere we with her + Have interchanged a word? + + LOUISON. + She doth belong + To us no longer; she with princes stands + And monarchs. Who are we, that we should seek + With foolish vanity to near her state? + She was a stranger while she dwelt with us! + + MARGOT. + Will she despise, and treat us with contempt? + + BERTRAND. + The king himself is not ashamed of us, + He kindly greets the meanest of the crowd. + How high soever she may be exalted, + The king is raised still higher! + + [Trumpets and kettle-drums are heard from the church. + + CLAUDE MARIE. + Let's to the church! + + [They hasten to the background, where they are lost among the crowd. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0048" id="link2H_4_0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VIII. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img alt="3pb216 (145K)" src="images/3pb216.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THIBAUT enters, clad in black. RAIMOND follows him, and tries + to hold him back. + + RAIMOND. + Stay, father Thibaut! Do not join the crowds! + Here, at this joyous festival you meet + None but the happy, whom your grief offends. + Come! Let us quit the town with hasty steps. + + THIBAUT. + Hast thou beheld my child? My wretched child? + Didst thou observe her? + + RAIMMOND. + I entreat you, fly! + + THIBAUT. + Didst mark her tottering and uncertain steps, + Her countenance, so pallid and disturbed? + She feels her dreadful state; the hour is come + To save my child, and I will not neglect it. + + [He is about to retire. + + RAIMOND. + What would you do? + + THIBAUT. + Surprise her, hurl her down + From her vain happiness, and forcibly + Restore her to the God whom she denies. + + RAIMOND. + Oh, do not work the ruin of your child! + + THIBAUT. + If her soul lives, her mortal part may die. + + [JOHANNA rushes out of the church, without her banner. + The people press around her, worship her, and kiss her + garments. She is detained in the background by the crowd. + + She comes! 'tis she! She rushes from the church. + Her troubled conscience drives her from the fane! + 'Tis visibly the judgment of her God! + + RAIMOND. + Farewell! Require not my attendance further! + Hopeful I came, and sorrowful depart. + Your daughter once again I have beheld, + And feel again that she is lost to me! + + [He goes out. THIBAUT retires on the opposite side. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0049" id="link2H_4_0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + JOHANNA, People. Afterwards her Sisters. + + JOHANNA (she has freed herself from the crowd and comes forward). + Remain I cannot—spirits chase me forth! + The organ's pealing tones like thunder sound, + The dome's arched roof threatens to overwhelm me! + I must escape and seek heaven's wide expanse! + I left my banner in the sanctuary, + Never, oh, never, will I touch it more! + It seemed to me as if I had beheld + My sisters pass before me like a dream. + 'Twas only a delusion!—they, alas! + Are far, far distant—inaccessible— + E'en as my childhood, as mine innocence! + + MARGOT (stepping forward). + 'Tis she! It is Johanna! + + LOUISON (hastening toward her). + Oh, my sister! + + JOHANNA. + Then it was no delusion—you are here— + Thee I embrace, Louison! Thee, my Margot? + Here in this strange and crowded solitude, + I clasp once more my sisters' faithful breasts! + + MARGOT. + She knows us still, she is our own kind sister. + + JOHANNA. + Your love hath led you to me here so far! + So very far! You are not wroth with her + Who left her home without one parting word! + + LOUISON. + God's unseen providence conducted thee. + + MARGOT. + Thy great renown, which agitates the world, + Which makes thy name the theme of every tongue, + Hath in our quiet village wakened us, + And led us hither to this festival. + To witness all thy glory we are come; + And we are not alone! + + JOHANNA (quickly). + Our father's here! + Where is he? Why doth he conceal himself? + + MARGOT. + Our father is not with us. + + JOHANNA. + Not with you? + He will not see me, then! You do not bring + His blessing for his child? + + LOUISON. + He knoweth not + That we are here. + + JOHANNA. + Not know it! Wherefore not? + You are embarrassed, and you do not speak; + You look upon the ground! Where is our father? + + MARGOT. + Since thou hast left—— + + LOUISON (making a sign to MARGOT). + Margot! + + MARGOT. + Our father hath + Become dejected. + + JOHANNA. + Ah! + + LOUISON. + Console thyself! + Our sire's foreboding spirit well thou knowest! + He will collect himself, and be composed, + When he shall learn from us that thou art happy. + + MARGOT. + And thou art happy? Yes, it must be so, + For thou art great and honored! + + JOHANNA. + I am so, + Now I again behold you, once again + Your voices hear, whose fond, familiar tones + Bring to my mind my dear paternal fields. + When on my native hills I drove my herd, + Then I was happy as in paradise— + I ne'er can be so more, no, never more! + + [She hides her face on LOUISON'S bosom. CLAUDE MARIE, + ETIENNE, and BERTRAND appear, and remain timidly standing + in the distance. + + MARGOT. + Come, Bertrand! Claude Marie! come, Etienne! + Our sister is not proud: she is so gentle, + And speaks so kindly,—more so than of yore, + When in our village she abode with us. + + [They draw near, and hold out their hands; JOHANNA + gazes on them fixedly, and appears amazed. + + JOHANNA. + Where am I? Tell me! Was it all a dream, + A long, long dream? And am I now awake? + Am I away from Dom Remi? Is't so? + I fell asleep beneath the Druid tree, + And I am now awake; and round me stand + The kind, familiar forms? I only dreamed + Of all these battles, kings, and deeds of war,— + They were but shadows which before me passed; + For dreams are always vivid 'neath that tree. + How did you come to Rheims? How came I here? + No, I have never quitted Dom Remi! + Confess it to me, and rejoice my heart. + + LOUISON. + We are at Rheims. Thou hast not merely dreamed + Of these great deeds—thou hast achieved them all. + Come to thyself, Johanna! Look around— + Thy splendid armor feel, of burnished gold! + + [JOHANNA lays her hand upon her breast, recollects herself, + and shrinks back. + + BERTRAND. + Out of my hand thou didst receive this helm. + + CLAUDE MARIE. + No wonder thou shouldst think it all a dream; + For nothing in a dream could come to pass + More wonderful than what thou hast achieved. + + JOHANNA (quickly). + Come, let us fly! I will return with you + Back to our village, to our father's bosom. + + LOUISON. + Oh, come! Return with us! + + JOHANNA. + The people here + Exalt me far above what I deserve. + You have beheld me weak and like a child; + You love me, but you do not worship me. + + MARGOT. + Thou wilt abandon this magnificence. + + JOHANNA. + I will throw off the hated ornaments + Which were a barrier 'twixt my heart and yours, + And I will be a shepherdess again, + And like a humble maiden I will serve you, + And will with bitter penitence atone, + That I above you vainly raised myself. + + [Trumpets sound. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0050" id="link2H_4_0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The KING comes forth from the church. He is in the coronation + robes. AGNES SOREL, ARCHBISHOP, BURGUNDY, DUNOIS, LA HIRE, + DUCHATEL, KNIGHTS, COURTIERS, and PEOPLE. + + Many voices shout repeatedly, while the KING advances,— + Long live the king! Long live King Charles the Seventh! + + [The trumpets sound. Upon a signal from the KING, the HERALDS + with their staves command silence. + + KING. + Thanks, my good people! Thank you for your love! + The crown which God hath placed upon our brow + Hath with our valiant swords been hardly won: + With noble blood 'tis wetted; but henceforth + The peaceful olive branch shall round it twine. + Let those who fought for us receive our thanks; + Our pardon, those who joined the hostile ranks, + For God hath shown us mercy in our need, + And our first royal word shall now be, mercy! + + PEOPLE. + Long live the king! Long live King Charles the good! + + KING. + From God alone, the highest potentate, + The monarchs of the French receive the crown; + But visibly from his Almighty hand + Have we received it. + [Turning to the MAIDEN. + Here stands the holy delegate of heaven, + Who hath restored to you your rightful king, + And rent the yoke of foreign tyranny. + Her name shall equal that of holy Denis, + The guardian and protector of this realm, + And to her fame an altar shall be reared. + + PEOPLE. + Hail to the maiden, the deliverer! + + [Trumpets. + + KING (to JOHANNA). + If thou art born of woman, like ourselves, + Name aught that can augment thy happiness. + But if thy fatherland is there above, + If in this virgin form thou dost conceal + The radiant glory of a heavenly nature, + From our deluded sense remove the veil, + And let us see thee in thy form of light + As thou art seen in heaven, that in the dust + We may bow down before thee. + + [A general silence; every eye is fixed upon the MAIDEN. + + JOHANNA (with a sudden cry). + God! my father! +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0051" id="link2H_4_0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THIBAUT comes forth from the crowd, and stands opposite to her. + Many voices exclaim,— + + Her father! + + THIBAUT. + Yes, her miserable father, + Who did beget her, and whom God impels + Now to accuse his daughter. + + BURGUNDY. + Ha! What's this? + + DUCHATEL. + Now will the fearful truth appear! + + THIBAUT (to the KING). + Thou think'st + That thou art rescued through the power of God? + Deluded prince! Deluded multitude! + Ye have been rescued through the arts of hell! + + [All step back with horror. + + DUNOIS. + Is this man mad? + + THIBAUT. + Not I, but thou art mad. + And this wise bishop, and these noble lords, + Who think that through a weak and sinful maid + The God of heaven would reveal himself. + Come, let us see if to her father's face + She will maintain the specious, juggling arts + Wherewith she hath deluded king and people. + Now, in the name of the blest Trinity, + Belongst thou to the pure and holy ones? + + [A general silence; all eyes are fixed upon her; + she remains motionless. + + SOREL. + God! she is dumb! + + THIBAUT. + Before that awful name, + Which even in the depths of hell is feared, + She must be silent! She a holy one, + By God commissioned? On a cursed spot + It was conceived; beneath the Druid tree + Where evil spirits have from olden time + Their Sabbath held. There her immortal soul + She bartered with the enemy of man + For transient, worldly glory. Let her bare + Her arm, and ye will see impressed thereon + The fatal marks of hell! + + BURGUNDY. + Most horrible! + Yet we must needs believe a father's words + Who 'gainst his daughter gives his evidence. + + DUNOIS. + The madman cannot be believed + Who in his child brings shame upon himself. + + SOREL (to JOHANNA). + Oh, maiden, speak! this fatal silence break! + We firmly trust thee! we believe in thee! + One syllable from thee, one single word + Shall be sufficient. Speak! annihilate + This horrid accusation. But declare + Thine innocence, and we will all believe thee. + + [JOHANNA remains motionless; AGNES steps back with horror. + + LA HIRE. + She's frightened. Horror and astonishment + Impede her utterance. Before a charge + So horrible e'en innocence must tremble. + + [He approaches her. + + Collect thyself, Johanna! innocence + Hath a triumphant look, whose lightning flash + Strikes slander to the earth! In noble wrath + Arise! look up, and punish this base doubt, + An insult to thy holy innocence. + + [JOHANNA remains motionless; LA HIRE steps back; + the excitement increases. + + DUNOIS. + Why do the people fear, the princes tremble? + I'll stake my honor on her innocence! + Here on the ground I throw my knightly gage; + Who now will venture to maintain her guilt? + + [A loud clap of thunder; all are horror-struck. + + THIBAUT. + Answer, by Him whose thunders roll above! + Give me the lie! Proclaim thine innocence; + Say that the enemy hath not thy heart! + + [Another clap of thunder, louder than the first; + the people fly on all sides. + + BURGUNDY. + God guard and save us! What appalling signs! + + DUCHATEL (to the KING). + Come, come, my king! Forsake this fearful place! + + ARCHBISHOP (to JOHANNA). + I ask thee in God's name. Art thou thus silent + From consciousness of innocence or guilt? + If in thy favor the dread thunder speaks, + Touch with thy hand this cross, and give a sign! + + [JOHANNA remains motionless. More violent peals of thunder. + The KING, AGNES SOREL, the ARCHBISHOP, BURGUNDY, LA HIRE, + DUCHATEL retire. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0052" id="link2H_4_0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + DUNOIS, JOHANNA. + + DUNOIS. + Thou art my wife; I have believed in thee + From the first glance, and I am still unchanged. + In thee I have more faith than in these signs, + Than in the thunder's voice, which speaks above. + In noble anger thou art silent thus; + Enveloped in thy holy innocence, + Thou scornest to refute so base a charge. + Still scorn it, maiden, but confide in me; + I never doubted of thine innocence. + Speak not one word; only extend thy hand + In pledge and token that thou wilt confide + In my protection and thine own good cause. + + [He extends his hand to her; she turns from him with + a convulsive motion; he remains transfixed with horror. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0053" id="link2H_4_0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE XIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + JOHANNA, DUCHATEL, DUNOIS, afterwards RAIMOND. + + DUCHATEL (returning). + Johanna d'Arc! uninjured from the town + The king permits you to depart. The gates + Stand open to you. Fear no injury,— + You are protected by the royal word. + Come follow me, Dunois! You cannot here + Longer abide with honor. What an issue! + + [He retires. DUNOIS recovers from his stupor, casts + one look upon JOHANNA, and retires. She remains standing + for a moment quite alone. At length RAIMOND appears; + he regards her for a time with silent sorrow, and then + approaching takes her hand. + + RAIMOND. + Embrace this opportunity. The streets + Are empty now. Your hand! I will conduct you. + + [On perceiving him, she gives the first sign of consciousness. + She gazes on him fixedly, and looks up to heaven; then taking + his hand she retires. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0054" id="link2H_4_0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A wild wood: charcoal-burners' huts in the distance. + It is quite dark; violent thunder and lightning; + firing heard at intervals. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0055" id="link2H_4_0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHARCOAL-BURNER and his WIFE. + + CHARCOAL-BURNER. + This is a fearful storm, the heavens seem + As if they would vent themselves in streams of fire; + So thick the darkness which usurps the day, + That one might see the stars. The angry winds + Bluster and howl like spirits loosed from hell. + The firm earth trembles, and the aged elms + Groaning, bow down their venerable tops. + Yet this terrific tumult, o'er our heads, + Which teacheth gentleness to savage beasts, + So that they seek the shelter of their caves, + Appeaseth not the bloody strife of men— + Amidst the raging of the wind and storm + At intervals is heard the cannon's roar; + So near the hostile armaments approach, + The wood alone doth part them; any hour + May see them mingle in the shock of battle. + + WIFE. + May God protect us then! Our enemies, + Not long ago, were vanquished and dispersed. + How comes it that they trouble us again? + + CHARCOAL-BURNER. + Because they now no longer fear the king, + Since that the maid turned out to be a witch + At Rheims, the devil aideth us no longer, + And things have gone against us. + + WIFE. + Who comes here? +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0056" id="link2H_4_0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + RAIMOND and JOHANNA enter. + + RAIMOND. + See! here are cottages; in them at least + We may find shelter from the raging storm. + You are not able longer to endure it. + Three days already you have wandered on, + Shunning the eye of man—wild herbs and root + Your only nourishment. Come, enter in. + These are kind-hearted cottagers. + + [The storm subsides; the air grows bright and clear. + + CHARCOAL-BURNER. + You seem + To need refreshment and repose—you're welcome + To what our humble roof can offer you! + + WIFE. + What has a tender maid to do with arms? + Yet truly! these are rude and troublous times + When even women don the coat of mail! + The queen herself, proud Isabel, 'tis said, + Appears in armor in the hostile camp; + And a young maid, a shepherd's lowly daughter, + Has led the armies of our lord the king. + + CHARCOAL-BURNER. + What sayest thou? Enter the hut, and bring + A goblet of refreshment for the damsel. + + [She enters the hut. + + RAIMOND (to JOHANNA). + All men, you see, are not so cruel; here + E'en in the wilderness are gentle hearts. + Cheer up! the pelting storm hath spent its rage, + And, beaming peacefully, the sun declines. + + CHARCOAL-BURNER. + I fancy, as you travel thus in arms, + You seek the army of the king. Take heed! + Not far remote the English are encamped, + Their troops are roaming idly through the wood. + + RAIMOND. + Alas for us! how then can we escape? + + CHARCOAL-BURNER. + Stay here till from the town my boy returns. + He shall conduct you safe by secret paths. + You need not fear-we know each hidden way. + + RAIMOND (to JOHANNA). + Put off your helmet and your coat-of-mail, + They will not now protect you, but betray. + + [JOHANNA shakes her head. + + CHARCOAL-BURNER. + The maid seems very sad—hush! who comes here? +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0057" id="link2H_4_0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + CHARCOAL-BURNER'S WIFE comes out of the hut + with a bowl. A Boy. + + WIFE. + It is our boy whom we expected back. + [To JOHANNA. + Drink, noble maiden! may God bless it to you! + + CHARCOAL-BURNER (to his son). + Art come, Anet? What news? + + [The boy looks at JOHANNA, who is just raising the + bowl to her lips; he recognizes her, steps forward, + and snatches it from her. + + BOY. + Oh, mother! mother! + Whom do you entertain? This is the witch + Of Orleans! + + CHARCOAL-BURNER (and his WIFE). + God be gracious to our souls! + + [They cross themselves and fly. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0058" id="link2H_4_0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + RAIMOND, JOHANNA. + + JOHANNA (calmly and gently) + Thou seest, I am followed by the curse, + And all fly from me. Do thou leave me, too; + Seek safety for thyself. + + RAIMOND. + I leave thee! now + Alas, who then would bear thee company? + + JOHANNA. + I am not unaccompanied. Thou hast + Heard the loud thunder rolling o'er my head— + My destiny conducts me. Do not fear; + Without my seeking I shall reach the goal. + + RAIMOND. + And whither wouldst thou go? Here stand our foes, + Who have against thee bloody vengeance sworn— + There stand our people who have banished thee. + + JOHANNA. + Naught will befall me but what heaven ordains. + + RAIMOND. + Who will provide thee food? and who protect thee + From savage beasts, and still more savage men? + Who cherish thee in sickness and in grief? + + JOHANNA. + I know all roots and healing herbs; my sheep + Taught me to know the poisonous from the wholesome. + I understand the movements of the stars, + And the clouds' flight; I also hear the sound + Of hidden springs. Man hath not many wants, + And nature richly ministers to life. + + RAIMOND (seizing her hand). + Wilt thou not look within? Oh, wilt thou not + Repent thy sin, be reconciled to God, + And to the bosom of the church return? + + JOHANNA. + Thou hold'st me guilty of this heavy sin? + + RAIMOND. + Needs must I—thou didst silently confess—— + + JOHANNA. + Thou, who hast followed me in misery, + The only being who continued true, + Who slave to me when all the world forsook, + Thou also hold'st me for a reprobate + Who hath renounced her God—— + [RAIMOND is silent. + Oh, this is hard! + + RAIMOND (in astonishment). + And thou wert really then no sorceress? + + JOHANNA. + A sorceress! + + RAIMOND. + And all these miracles + Thou hast accomplished through the power of God + And of his holy saints? + + JOHANNA. + Through whom besides? + + RAIMOND. + And thou wert silent to that fearful charge? + Thou speakest now, and yet before the king, + When words would have availed thee, thou wert dumb! + + JOHANNA. + I silently submitted to the doom + Which God, my lord and master, o'er me hung. + + RAIMOND. + Thou couldst not to thy father aught reply? + + JOHANNA. + Coming from him, methought it came from God; + And fatherly the chastisement will prove. + + RAIMOND. + The heavens themselves bore witness to thy guilt! + + JOHANNA. + The heavens spoke, and therefore I was silent. + + RAIMOND. + Thou with one word couldst clear thyself, and hast + In this unhappy error left the world? + + JOHANNA. + It was no error—'twas the will of heaven. + + RAIMOND. + Thou innocently sufferedst this shame, + And no complaint proceeded from thy lips! + —I am amazed at thee, I stand o'erwhelmed. + My heart is troubled in its inmost depths. + Most gladly I receive the word as truth, + For to believe thy guilt was hard indeed. + But could I ever dream a human heart + Would meet in silence such a fearful doom! + + JOHANNA. + Should I deserve to be heaven's messenger + Unless the Master's will I blindly honored? + And I am not so wretched as thou thinkest. + I feel privation—this in humble life + Is no misfortune; I'm a fugitive,— + But in the waste I learned to know myself. + When honor's dazzling radiance round me shone, + There was a painful struggle in my breast; + I was most wretched, when to all I seemed + Most worthy to be envied. Now my mind + Is healed once more, and this fierce storm in nature, + Which threatened your destruction, was my friend; + It purified alike the world and me! + I feel an inward peace—and come, what may, + Of no more weakness am I conscious now! + + RAIMOND. + Oh, let us hasten! come, let us proclaim + Thine innocence aloud to all the world! + JOHANNA. + He who sent this delusion will dispel it! + The fruit of fate falls only when 'tis ripe! + A day is coming that will clear my name, + When those who now condemn and banish me, + Will see their error and will weep my doom. + + RAIMOND. + And shall I wait in silence, until chance—— + + JOHANNA (gently taking her hand). + Thy sense is shrouded by an earthly veil, + And dwelleth only on external things, + Mine eye hath gazed on the invisible! + —Without permission from our God no hair + Falls from the head of man. Seest thou the sun + Declining to the west? So certainly + As morn returneth in her radiant light, + Infallibly the day of truth shall come! +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0059" id="link2H_4_0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + QUEEN ISABEL, with soldiers, appears in the background. + + ISABEL (behind the scene). + This is the way toward the English camp! + + RAIMOND. + Alas! the foe! + + [The soldiers advance, and perceiving JOBANNA fall back in terror. + + ISABEL. + What now obstructs the march? + + SOLDIERS. + May God protect us! + + ISABEL. + Do ye see a spirit? + How! Are ye soldiers! Ye are cowards all! + [She presses forward, but starts back on beholding the MAIDEN. + What do I see! + [She collects herself quickly and approaches her. + Submit thyself! Thou art + My prisoner! + + JOHANNA. + I am. + + [RAIMOND flies in despair. + + ISABEL (to the soldiers). + Lay her in chains! + + [The soldiers timidly approach the MAIDEN; + she extends her arms and is chained. + + Is this the mighty, the terrific one, + Who chased your warriors like a flock of lambs, + Who, powerless now, cannot protect herself? + Doth she work miracles with credulous fools, + And lose her influence when she meets a man? + + [To the MAIDEN. + + Why didst thou leave the army? Where's Dunois, + Thy knight and thy protector. + + JOHANNA. + I am banished. + + [ISABEL, stepping back astonished. + + ISABEL. + What say'st thou? Thou art banished? By the Dauphin? + + JOHANNA. + Inquire no further! I am in thy power, + Decide my fate. + + ISABEL. + Banished, because thou hast + Snatched him from ruin, placed upon his brow + The crown at Rheims, and made him King of France? + Banished! Therein I recognize my son! + —Conduct her to the camp, and let the host + Behold the phantom before whom they trembled! + She a magician? Her sole magic lies + In your delusion and your cowardice! + She is a fool who sacrificed herself + To save her king, and reapeth for her pains + A king's reward. Bear her to Lionel. + The fortune of the French! send him bound; + I'll follow anon. + + JOHANNA. + To Lionel? + Slay me at once, ere send me unto him. + + ISABEL (to the soldiers). + Obey your orders, soldiers! Bear her hence. + + [Exit. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0060" id="link2H_4_0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + JOHANNA, SOLDIERS. + + JOHANNA (to the soldiers). + Ye English, suffer not that I escape + Alive out of your hands! Revenge yourselves! + Unsheath your weapons, plunge them in my heart, + And drag me lifeless to your general's feet! + Remember it was I who slew your heroes, + Who never showed compassion, who poured forth + Torrents of English blood, who from your sons + Snatched the sweet pleasure of returning home! + Take now a bloody vengeance! Murder me! + I now am in your power; I may perchance + Not always be so weak. + + CONDUCTOR OF THE SOLDIERS. + Obey the queen! + + JOHANNA. + Must I be yet more wretched than I was! + Unpitying Virgin! Heavy is thy hand + Hast thou completely thrust me from thy favor? + No God appears, no angel shows himself; + Closed are heaven's portals, miracles have ceased. + + [She follows the SOLDIERS. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0061" id="link2H_4_0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The French Camp. + DUNOIS, between the ARCHBISHOP and DUCHATEL. + + ARCHBISHOP. + Conquer your sullen indignation, prince! + Return with us! Come back unto your king! + In this emergency abandon not + The general cause, when we are sorely pressed, + And stand in need of your heroic arm. + + DUNOIS. + Why are ye sorely pressed? Why doth the foe + Again exalt himself? all was achieved;— + France was triumphant—war was at an end;— + The savior you have banished; you henceforth + May save yourselves; I'll not again behold + The camp wherein the maid abideth not. + + DUCHATEL. + Think better of it, prince! Dismiss us not + With such an answer! + + DUNOIS. + Silence, Duchatel! + You're hateful to me; I'll hear naught from you; + You were the first who doubted of her truth. + + ARCHBISHOP. + Who had not wavered on that fatal day, + And been bewildered, when so many signs + Bore evidence against her! We were stunned, + Our hearts were crushed beneath the sudden blow. + —Who in that hour of dread could weigh the proofs? + Our calmer judgment now returns to us, + We see the maid as when she walked with us, + Nor have we any fault to charge her with. + We are perplexed—we fear that we have done + A grievous wrong. The king is penitent, + The duke remorseful, comfortless La Hire, + And every heart doth shroud itself in woe. + + DUNOIS. + She a deluder? If celestial truth + Would clothe herself in a corporeal form, + She needs must choose the features of the maiden. + If purity of heart, faith, innocence, + Dwell anywhere on earth, upon her lips + And in her eyes' clear depths they find their home. + + ARCHBISHOP. + May the Almighty, through a miracle, + Shed light upon this awful mystery, + Which baffles human insight. Howsoe'er + This sad perplexity may be resolved, + One of two grievous sins we have committed! + Either in fight we have availed ourselves + Of hellish arms, or banished hence a saint! + And both call down upon this wretched land + The vengeance and the punishment of heaven. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0062" id="link2H_4_0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The same, a NOBLEMAN, afterwards RAIMOND. + + NOBLEMAN. + A shepherd youth inquires after your highness, + He urgently entreats an interview, + He says he cometh from the maiden—— + + DUNOIS. + Haste! + Conduct him hither! He doth come from her! + + [The NOBLEMAN opens the door to RAIMOND, DUNOIS hastens to meet him. + + Where is she? Where is the maid? + + RAIMOND. + Hail! noble prince! + And blessed am I that I find with you + This holy man, the shield of the oppressed, + The father of the poor and destitute! + + DUNOIS. + Where is the maiden? + + ARCHBISHOP. + Speak, my son, inform us! + + RAIMOND. + She is not, sir, a wicked sorceress! + To God and all his saints I make appeal. + An error blinds the people. You've cast forth + God's messenger, you've banished innocence! + + DUNOIS. + Where is she? + + RAIMOND. + I accompanied her flight + Towards the woods of Ardennes; there she hath + Revealed to me her spirit's inmost depths. + In torture I'll expire, and will resign + My hopes of everlasting happiness, + If she's not guiltless, sir, of every sin! + + DUNOIS. + The sun in heaven is not more pure than she! + Where is she? Speak! + + RAIMOND. + If God hath turned your hearts, + Oh hasten, I entreat you—rescue her + She is a prisoner in the English camp. + + DUNOIS. + A prisoner say you? + + ARCHBISHOP. + Poor unfortunate! + + RAIMOND. + There in the forest as we sought for shelter, + We were encountered by Queen Isabel, + Who seized and sent her to the English host. + Oh, from a cruel death deliver her + Who hath full many a time delivered you! + + DUNOIS. + Sound an alarm! to arms! up! beat the drums. + Forth to the field! Let France appear in arms! + The crown and the palladium are at stake! + Our honor is in pledge! risk blood and life! + She must be rescued ere the day is done! + + [Exit. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0063" id="link2H_4_0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A watch-tower—an opening above. JOHANNA and LIONEL. + + FASTOLFE (entering hastily). + The people can no longer be restrained. + With fury they demand the maiden's death. + In vain your opposition. Let her die + And throw her head down from the battlements! + Her blood alone will satisfy the host. + + ISABEL (coming in). + With ladders they begin to scale the walls. + Appease the angry people! Will you wait + Till in blind fury they o'erthrow the tower, + And we beneath its towers are destroyed? + Protect her here you cannot. Give her up! + + LIONEL. + Let them storm on. In fury let them rage! + Firm is this castle, and beneath its ruins + I will be buried ere I yield to them. + —Johanna, answer me! only be mine, + And I will shield thee 'gainst a world in arms. + + ISABEL. + Are you a man? + + LIONEL. + Thy friends have cast thee off. + To thy ungrateful country then dost owe + Duty and faith no longer. The false cowards + Who sought thy hand, forsake thee in thy need. + They for thy honor venture not the fight, + But I, against my people and 'gainst thine, + Will be thy champion. Once thou didst confess + My life was dear to thee; in combat then + I stood before thee as thine enemy— + Thou hast not now a single friend but me. + + JOHANNA. + Thou art my people's enemy and mine. + Between us there can be no fellowship. + Thee I can never love, but if thy heart + Cherish affection for me, let it bring + A blessing on my people. Lead thy troops + Far from the borders of my fatherland; + Give up the keys of all the captured towns, + Restore the booty, set the captives free, + Send hostages the compact to confirm, + And peace I offer thee in my king's name. + + ISABEL. + Wilt thou, a captive, dictate laws to us? + + JOHANNA. + It must be done; 'tis useless to delay. + Never, oh never, will this land endure + The English yoke; sooner will France become + A mighty sepulchre for England's hosts. + Fallen in battle are your bravest chiefs. + Think how you may achieve a safe retreat; + Your fame is forfeited, your power is lost. + + ISABEL. + Can you endure her raving insolence? +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0064" id="link2H_4_0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A CAPTAIN enters hastily. + + CAPTAIN. + Haste, general! Prepare the host for battle. + The French with flying banners come this way, + Their shining weapons glitter in the vale. + + JOHANNA (with enthusiasm). + My people come this way! Proud England now + Forth in the field! now boldly must you fight! + + FASTOLFE. + Deluded woman, moderate your joy! + You will not see the issue of this day. + + JOHANNA. + My friends will win the fight and I shall die! + The gallant heroes need my arm no more. + + LIONEL. + These dastard enemies I scorn. They have + In twenty battles fled before our arms, + Ere this heroic maiden fought for them. + All the whole nation I despise, save one, + And this one they have banished. Come, Fastolfe, + We soon will give them such another day + As that of Poictiers and of Agincourt. + Do you remain with the fortress, queen, + And guard the maiden till the fight is o'er. + I leave for your protection fifty knights. + + FASTOLFE. + How! general, shall we march against the foe + And leave this raging fury in our rear? + + JOHANNA. + What! can a fettered woman frighten thee? + + LIONEL. + Promise, Johanna, not to free thyself. + + JOHANNA. + To free myself is now my only wish. + + ISABEL. + Bind her with triple chains. I pledged my life + That she shall not escape. + + [She is bound with heavy chains. + + LIONEL (to JOHANNA). + Thou will'st it so! + Thou dost compel us! still it rests with thee! + Renounce the French—the English banner bear, + And thou art free, and these rude, savage men + Who now desire thy blood shall do thy will. + + FASTOLFE (urgently). + Away, away, my general! + + JOHANNA. + Spare thy words, + The French are drawing near. Defend thyself! + + [Trumpets sound, LIONEL hastens forth. + + FASTOLFE. + You know your duty, queen! if fate declares + Against us, should you see our people fly. + + ISABEL (showing a dagger). + Fear not. She shall not live to see our fall. + + FASTOLFE (to JOHANNA). + Thou knowest what awaits thee, now implore + A blessing on the weapons of thy people. + + [Exit. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0065" id="link2H_4_0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ISABEL, JOHANNA, SOLDIERS. + + JOHANNA. + Ay! that I will! no power can hinder me. + Hark to that sound, the war-march of my people! + How its triumphant notes inspire my heart! + Ruin to England! victory to France! + Up, valiant countrymen! The maid is near; + She cannot, as of yore, before you bear + Her banner—she is bound with heavy chains; + But freely from her prison soars her soul, + Upon the pinions of your battle-song. + + ISABEL (to a SOLDIER). + Ascend the watch-tower which commands the field, + And thence report the progress of the fight. + + [SOLDIER ascends. + + JOHANNA. + Courage, my people! 'Tis the final struggle— + Another victory, and the foe lies low! + + ISABEL. + What see'st thou? + + SOLDIER. + They're already in close fight. + A furious warrior on a Barbary steed, + In tiger's skin, leads forward the gens d'armes. + + JOHANNA. + That's Count Dunois! on, gallant warrior! + Conquest goes with thee. + + SOLDIER. + The Burgundian duke + Attacks the bridge. + + ISABEL. + Would that ten hostile spears + Might his perfidious heart transfix, the traitor! + + SOLDIER. + Lord Fastolfe gallantly opposes him. + Now they dismount—they combat man to man + Our people and the troops of Burgundy. + + ISABEL. + Behold'st thou not the Dauphin? See'st thou not + The royal wave? + + SOLDIER. + A cloud of dust + Shrouds everything. I can distinguish naught. + + JOHANNA. + Had he my eyes, or stood I there aloft, + The smallest speck would not elude my gaze! + The wild fowl I can number on the wing, + And mark the falcon in his towering flight. + + SOLDIER. + There is a fearful tumult near the trench; + The chiefs, it seems, the nobles, combat there. + + ISABEL. + Still doth our banner wave? + + SOLDIER. + It proudly floats. + + JOHANNA. + Could I look through the loopholes of the wall, + I with my lance the battle would control. + + SOLDIER. + Alas! What do I see? Our general's + Surrounded by the foe! + + ISABEL (points the dagger at JOHANNA). + Die, wretch! + + SOLDIER (quickly). + He's free! + The gallant Fastolfe in the rear attacks + The enemy—he breaks their serried ranks. + + ISABEL (withdrawing the dagger). + There spoke thy angel! + + SOLDIER. + Victory! They fly. + + ISABEL. + Who fly? + + SOLDIER. + The French and the Burgundians fly; + The field is covered o'er with fugitives. + + JOHANNA. + My God! Thou wilt not thus abandon me! + + SOLDIER. + Yonder they lead a sorely wounded knight; + The people rush to aid him—he's a prince. + + ISABEL. + One of our country, or a son of France? + + SOLDIER. + They loose his helmet—it is Count Dunois. + + JOHANNA (seizes her fetters with convulsive violence). + And I am nothing but a fettered woman! + + SOLDIER. + Look yonder! Who the azure mantle wears + Bordered with gold? + + JOHANNA. + That is my lord, the king. + + SOLDIER. + His horse is restive, plunges, rears and falls— + He struggles hard to extricate himself. + + [JOHANNA accompanies these words with passionate movements. + + Our troops are pressing on in full career, + They near him, reach him—they surround him now. + + JOHANNA. + Oh, have the heavens above no angels more! + + ISABEL (laughing scornfully). + Now is the time, deliverer—now deliver! + + JOHANNA (throws herself upon her knees, and prays with passionate + violence). + Hear me, O God, in my extremity! + In fervent supplication up to Thee, + Up to thy heaven above I send my soul. + The fragile texture of a spider's web, + As a ship's cable, thou canst render strong; + Easy it is to thine omnipotence + To change these fetters into spider's webs— + Command it, and these massy chains shall fall, + And these thick walls be rent, Thou, Lord of old, + Didst strengthen Samson, when enchained and blind + He bore the bitter scorn of his proud foes. + Trusting in thee, he seized with mighty power + The pillars of his prison, bowed himself, + And overthrew the structure. + + SOLDIER. + Triumph! + + ISABEL. + How? + + SOLDIER. + The king is taken! + + JOHANNA (springing up). + Then God be gracious to me! + + [She seizes her chains violently with both hands, and + breaks them asunder. At the same moment rushing upon the + nearest soldier, she seizes his sword and hurries out. + All gaze after her, transfixed with astonishment. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0066" id="link2H_4_0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The same, without JOHANNA. + + ISABEL (after a long pause). + How was it? Did I dream? Where is she gone? + How did she break these ponderous iron chains? + A world could not have made me credit it, + If I had not beheld it with these eyes. + + SOLDIER (from the tower). + How? Hath she wings? Hath the wind borne her down? + + ISABEL. + Is she below? + + SOLDIER. + She strides amidst the fight: + Her course outspeeds my sight—now she is here— + Now there—I see her everywhere at once! + —She separates the troops—all yield to her: + The scattered French collect—they form anew! + —Alas! what do I see! Our people cast + Their weapons to the ground, our banners sink—— + + ISABEL. + What? Will she snatch from us the victory? + + SOLDIER. + She presses forward, right towards the king. + She reaches him—she bears him from the fight— + Lord Fastolfe falls—the general is taken! + + ISABEL. + I'll hear no more! Come down! + + SOLDIER. + Fly, queen! you will be taken by surprise. + Armed soldiers are advancing tow'rds the tower. + + [He comes down. + + ISABEL (drawing her sword). + Then fight, ye cowards! +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0067" id="link2H_4_0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + LA HIRE with soldiers. At his entrance the people + of the QUEEN lay down their arms. + + LA HIRE (approaching her respectfully). + Queen, submit yourself— + Your knights have yielded—to resist is vain! + —Accept my proffered services. Command + Where you would be conducted. + + ISABEL. + Every place + The same, where I encounter not the Dauphin. + + [She resigns her sword, and follows him with the soldiers. + + The Scene changes to the battle-field. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0068" id="link2H_4_0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SCENE XIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Soldiers with flying banners occupy the background. Before them the + KING and the DUKE OF BURGUNDY appear, bearing JOHANNA in their arms; + she is mortally wounded, and apparently lifeless. They advance + slowly to the front of the stage. AGNES SOREL rushes in. + + SOREL (throwing herself on the bosom of the KING). + You're free—you live—I have you back again! + + KING. + Yes, I am free—I am so at this price! + + [Pointing to JOHANNA. + + SOREL. + Johanna! God! she's dying! + + BURGUNDY. + She is gone + An angel passeth hence! See, how she lies, + Easy and tranquil, like a sleeping child! + The peace of heaven around her features plays, + The breath of life no longer heaves her breast, + But vital warmth still lingers in her hand. + + KING. + She's gone! She never will awaken more, + Her eye will gaze no more on earthly things. + She soars on high, a spirit glorified, + She seeth not our grief, our penitence. + + SOREL. + Her eyes unclose—she lives! + + BURGUNDY (in astonishment). + Can she return + Back from the grave, triumphant e'en o'er death? + She riseth up! She standeth! + + JOHANNA (standing up, and looking round). + Where am I? + + BURGUNDY. + With thine own people, maiden—with thy friends! + + KING. + Supported by thy friend, and by thy king. + + JOHANNA (after looking at him fixedly for some time). + No! I am not a sorceress! Indeed + I am not one. + + KING. + Thou'rt holy, as an angel; + A cloud of error dimmed our mental sight. + + JOHANNA (gazing round her with a joyful smile). + And am I really, then, among my friends, + And am no more rejected and despised? + They curse me not—kindly they look on me! + —Yes, all around me now seems clear again! + That is my king!—the banners these of France! + My banner I behold not—where is it? + Without my banner I dare not appear; + To me it was confided by my Lord, + And I before his throne must lay it down; + I there may show it, for I bore it truly. + + KING (averting his face). + Give her the banner! + + [It is given to her. She stands quite unsupported, + the banner in her hand. The heaven is illumined + by a rosy light. + + JOHANNA. + See you the rainbow yonder in the air? + Its golden portals heaven doth wide unfold, + Amid the angel choir she radiant stands, + The eternal Son she claspeth to her breast, + Her arms she stretcheth forth to me in love. + How is it with me? Light clouds bear me up— + My ponderous mail becomes a winged robe; + I mount—I fly—back rolls the dwindling earth— + Brief is the sorrow—endless is the joy! + + [Her banner falls and she sinks lifeless on the ground. + All remain for some time in speechless sorrow. Upon a + signal from the KING, all the banners are gently placed + over her, so that she is entirely concealed by them. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Maid of Orleans, by Friedrich Schiller + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAID OF ORLEANS *** + +***** This file should be named 6792-h.htm or 6792-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.net/6/7/9/6792/ + +Produced by Tapio Riikonen and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**EBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These EBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers***** + + +Title: The Maid of Orleans + +Author: Frederich Schiller + +Release Date: October, 2004 [EBook #6792] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on January 28, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + + + + + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAID OF ORLEANS, BY SCHILLER *** + + + +This eBook was produced by Tapio Riikonen +and David Widger, widger@cecomet.net + + + + + + THE MAID OF ORLEANS. + + By Frederich Schiller + + + +DRAMATIS PERSONAE. + +CHARLES THE SEVENTH, King of France. +QUEEN ISABEL, his Mother. +AGNES SOREL. +PHILIP THE GOOD, Duke of Burgundy. +EARL DUNOIS, Bastard of Orleans. +LA HIRE, DUCRATEL, French Offers. +ARCHBISHOP OF RHEIMS. +CRATILLON, A Burgundian Knight. +RAOUL, a Lotharingian Knight. +TALBOT, the English General, +LIONEL, FASTOLFE, English Officers. +MONTGOMERY, a Welshman. +COUNCILLORS OF ORLEANS. +AN ENGLISH HERALD. +THIBAUT D'ARC, a wealthy Countryman. +MARGOT, LOUISON, JOHANNA, his Daughters. +ETIENNE, CLAUDE MARIE, RAIMOND, their Suitors. +BERTRAND, another Countryman. +APPARITION OF A BLACK KNIGHT. +CHARCOAL-BURNER AND HIS WIFE. +Soldiers and People, Officers of the Crown, Bishops, Monks, Marshals, + Magistrates, Courtiers, and other mute persons in the Coronation + Procession. + + + + +PROLOGUE. + +A rural District. To the right, a Chapel with an Image of the Virgin; to +the left, an ancient Oak. + + + +SCENE I. + + THIBAUT D'ARC. His Three Daughters. Three young Shepherds, + their Suitors. + +THIBAUT. +Ay, my good neighbors! we at least to-day +Are Frenchmen still, free citizens and lords +Of the old soil which our forefathers tilled. +Who knows whom we to-morrow must obey? +For England her triumphal banner waves +From every wall: the blooming fields of France +Are trampled down beneath her chargers' hoofs; +Paris hath yielded to her conquering arms, +And with the ancient crown of Dagobert +Adorns the scion of a foreign race. +Our king's descendant, disinherited, +Must steal in secret through his own domain; +While his first peer and nearest relative +Contends against him in the hostile ranks; +Ay, his unnatural mother leads them on. +Around us towns and peaceful hamlets burn. +Near and more near the devastating fire +Rolls toward these vales, which yet repose in peace. +Therefore, good neighbors, I have now resolved, +While God still grants us safety, to provide +For my three daughters; for 'midst war's alarms +Women require protection, and true love +Hath power to render lighter every load. + [To the first Shepherd. +Come, Etienne! You seek my Margot's hand. +Fields lying side by side and loving hearts +Promise a happy union! + [To the second. + Claude! You're silent, +And my Louison looks upon the ground? +How, shall I separate two loving hearts +Because you have no wealth to offer me? +Who now has wealth? Our barns and homes afford +Spoil to the foe, and fuel to the fires. +In times like these a husband's faithful breast +Affords the only shelter from the storm. + +LOUISON. +My father! + +CLAUDE MARIE. + My Louison! + +LOUISON (embracing JOHANNA). + My dear sister! + +THIBAUT. +I give to each a yard, a stall and herd, +And also thirty acres; and as God +Gave me his blessing, so I give you mine! + +MARGOT (embracing JOHANNA). +Gladden our father--follow our example! +Let this day see three unions ratified! + +THIBAUT. +Now go; make all things ready; for the morn +Shall see the wedding. Let our village friends +Be all assembled for the festival. + + [The two couples retire arm in arm. + + + +SCENE II. + + THIBAUT, RAIMOND, JOHANNA. + +THIBAUT. +Thy sisters, Joan, will soon be happy brides; +I see them gladly; they rejoice my age; +But thou, my youngest, giv'st me grief and pain. + +RAIMOND. +What is the matter? Why upbraid thy child? + +THIBAUT. +Here is this noble youth, the flower and pride +Of all our village; he hath fixed on thee +His fond affections, and for three long years +Has wooed thee with respectful tenderness; +But thou dost thrust him back with cold reserve. +Nor is there one 'mong all our shepherd youths +Who e'er can win a gracious smile from thee. +I see thee blooming in thy youthful prime; +Thy spring it is, the joyous time of hope; +Thy person, like a tender flower, hath now +Disclosed its beauty, but I vainly wait +For love's sweet blossom genially to blow, +And ripen joyously to golden fruit! +Oh, that must ever grieve me, and betrays +Some sad deficiency in nature's work! +The heart I like not which, severe and cold, +Expands not in the genial years of youth. + +RAIMOND. +Forbear, good father! Cease to urge her thus! +A noble, tender fruit of heavenly growth +Is my Johanna's love, and time alone +Bringeth the costly to maturity! +Still she delights to range among the hills, +And fears descending from the wild, free heath, +To tarry 'neath the lowly roofs of men, +Where dwell the narrow cares of humble life. +From the deep vale, with silent wonder, oft +I mark her, when, upon a lofty hill +Surrounded by her flock, erect she stands, +With noble port, and bends her earnest gaze +Down on the small domains of earth. To me +She looketh then, as if from other times +She came, foreboding things of import high. + +THIBAUT. +'Tis that precisely which displeases me! +She shuns her sisters' gay companionship; +Seeks out the desert mountains, leaves her couch +Before the crowing of the morning cock, +And in the dreadful hour, when men are wont +Confidingly to seek their fellow-men, +She, like the solitary bird, creeps forth, +And in the fearful spirit-realm of night, +To yon crossway repairs, and there alone +Holds secret commune with the mountain wind. +Wherefore this place precisely doth she choose? +Why hither always doth she drive her flock? +For hours together I have seen her sit +In dreamy musing 'neath the Druid tree, +Which every happy creature shuns with awe. +For 'tis not holy there; an evil spirit +Hath since the fearful pagan days of old +Beneath its branches fixed his dread abode. +The oldest of our villagers relate +Strange tales of horror of the Druid tree; +Mysterious voices of unearthly sound +From its unhallowed shade oft meet the ear. +Myself, when in the gloomy twilight hour +My path once chanced to lead me near this tree, +Beheld a spectral figure sitting there, +Which slowly from its long and ample robe +Stretched forth its withered hand, and beckoned me. +But on I went with speed, nor looked behind, +And to the care of God consigned my soul. + +RAIMOND (pointing to the image of the Virgin). +Yon holy image of the Virgin blest, +Whose presence heavenly peace diffuseth round, +Not Satan's work, leadeth thy daughter here. + +THIBAUT. +No! not in vain hath it in fearful dreams +And apparitions strange revealed itself. +For three successive nights I have beheld +Johanna sitting on the throne at Rheims, +A sparkling diadem of seven stars +Upon her brow, the sceptre in her hand, +From which three lilies sprung, and I, her sire, +With her two sisters, and the noble peers, +The earls, archbishops, and the king himself, +Bowed down before her. In my humble home +How could this splendor enter my poor brain? +Oh, 'tis the prelude to some fearful fall! +This warning dream, in pictured show, reveals +The vain and sinful longing of her heart. +She looks with shame upon her lowly birth. +Because with richer beauty God hath graced +Her form, and dowered her with wondrous gifts +Above the other maidens of this vale, +She in her heart indulges sinful pride, +And pride it is through which the angels fell, +By which the fiend of hell seduces man. + +RAIMOND. +Who cherishes a purer, humbler mind +Than doth thy pious daughter? Does she not +With cheerful spirit work her sisters' will? +She is more highly gifted far than they, +Yet, like a servant maiden, it is she +Who silently performs the humblest tasks. +Beneath her guiding hands prosperity +Attendeth still thy harvest and thy flocks; +And around all she does there ceaseless flows +A blessing, rare and unaccountable. + +THIBAUT. +Ah truly! Unaccountable indeed! +Sad horror at this blessing seizes me! +But now no more; henceforth I will be silent. +Shall I accuse my own beloved child? +I can do naught but warn and pray for her. +Yet warn I must. Oh, shun the Druid tree! +Stay not alone, and in the midnight hour +Break not the ground for roots, no drinks prepare, +No characters inscribe upon the sand! +'Tis easy to unlock the realm of spirits; +Listening each sound, beneath a film of earth +They lay in wait, ready to rush aloft. +Stay not alone, for in the wilderness +The prince of darkness tempted e'en the Lord. + + + +SCENE III. + + THIBAUT, RAIMOND, JOHANNA. + BERTRAND enters, a helmet in his hand. + +RAIMOND. +Hush! here is Bertrand coming back from town; +What bears he in his hand? + +BERTRAND. + You look at me +With wondering gaze; no doubt you are surprised +To see this martial helm! + +THIBAUT. + We are indeed! +Come, tell us how you come by it? Why bring +This fearful omen to our peaceful vale? + + [JOHANNA, who has remained indifferent during the two + previous scenes, becomes attentive, and steps nearer. + +BERTRAND. +I scarce can tell you how I came by it. +I had procured some tools at Vaucouleurs; +A crowd was gathered in the market-place, +For fugitives were just arrived in haste +From Orleans, bringing most disastrous news. +In tumult all the town together flocked, +And as I forced a passage through the crowds, +A brown Bohemian woman, with this helm, +Approached me, eyed me narrowly, and said: +"Fellow, you seek a helm; I know it well. +Take this one! For a trifle it is yours." +"Go with it to the soldiers," I replied, +"I am a husbandman, and want no helm." +She would not cease, however, and went on: +"None knoweth if he may not want a helm. +A roof of metal for the Head just now +Is of more value than a house of stone." +Thus she pursued me closely through the streets, +Still offering the helm, which I refused. +I marked it well, and saw that it was bright, +And fair and worthy of a knightly head; +And when in doubt I weighed it in my hand, +The strangeness of the incident revolving, +The woman disappeared, for suddenly +The rushing crowd had carried her away. +And I was left the helmet in my hand. + +JOHANNA (attempting eagerly to seize it). +Give me the helmet! + +BERTRAND. + Why, what boots it you? +It is not suited to a maiden's head. + +JOHANNA (seizing it from him). +Mine is the helmet--it belongs to me! + +THIBAUT. +What whim is this? + +RAIMOND. + Nay, let her have her way! +This warlike ornament becomes her well, +For in her bosom beats a manly heart. +Remember how she once subdued the wolf, +The savage monster which destroyed our herds, +And filled the neighb'ring shepherds with dismay. +She all alone--the lion-hearted maid +Fought with the wolf, and from him snatched the lamb +Which he was bearing in his bloody jaws. +How brave soe'er the head this helm adorned, +It cannot grace a worthier one than hers! + +THIBAUT (to BERTRAND). +Relate what new disasters have occurred. +What tidings brought the fugitives? + +BERTRAND. + May God +Have pity on our land, and save the king! +In two great battles we have lost the day; +Our foes are stationed in the heart of France, +Far as the river Loire our lands are theirs-- +Now their whole force they have combined, and lay +Close siege to Orleans. + +THIBAUT. + God protect the king! + +BERTRAND. +Artillery is brought from every side, +And as the dusky squadrons of the bees +Swarm round the hive upon a summer day, +As clouds of locusts from the sultry air +Descend and shroud the country round for miles, +So doth the cloud of war, o'er Orleans' fields, +Pour forth its many-nationed multitudes, +Whose varied speech, in wild confusion blent, +With strange and hollow murmurs fill the air. +For Burgundy, the mighty potentate, +Conducts his motley host; the Hennegarians, +The men of Liege and of Luxemburg, +The people of Namur, and those who dwell +In fair Brabant; the wealthy men of Ghent, +Who boast their velvets, and their costly silks; +The Zealanders, whose cleanly towns appear +Emerging from the ocean; Hollanders +Who milk the lowing herds; men from Utrecht, +And even from West Friesland's distant realm, +Who look towards the ice-pole--all combine, +Beneath the banner of the powerful duke, +Together to accomplish Orleans' fall. + +THIBAUT. +Oh, the unblest, the lamentable strife, +Which turns the arms of France against itself! + +BERTRAND. +E'en she, the mother-queen, proud Isabel +Bavaria's haughty princess--may be seen, +Arrayed in armor, riding through the camp; +With poisonous words of irony she fires +The hostile troops to fury 'gainst her son, +Whom she hath clasped to her maternal breast. + +THIBAUT. +A curse upon her, and may God prepare +For her a death like haughty Jezebel's! + +BERTRAND. +The fearful Salisbury conducts the siege, +The town-destroyer; with him Lionel, +The brother of the lion; Talbot, too, +Who, with his murd'rous weapon, moweth down +The people in the battle: they have sworn, +With ruthless insolence to doom to shame +The hapless maidens, and to sacrifice +All who the sword have wielded, with the sword. +Four lofty watch-towers, to o'ertop the town, +They have upreared; Earl Salisbury from on high +Casteth abroad his cruel, murd'rous glance, +And marks the rapid wanderers in the streets. +Thousands of cannon-balls, of pond'rous weight, +Are hurled into the city. Churches lie +In ruined heaps, and Notre Dame's royal tower +Begins at length to bow its lofty head. +They also have formed powder-vaults below, +And thus, above a subterranean hell, +The timid city every hour expects, +'Midst crashing thunder, to break forth in flames. + + [JOHANNA listens with close attention, and places + the helmet on her head. + +THIBAUT. +But where were then our heroes? Where the swords +Of Saintrailles, and La Hire, and brave Dunois, +Of France the bulwark, that the haughty foe +With such impetuous force thus onward rushed? +Where is the king? Can he supinely see +His kingdom's peril and his cities' fall? + +BERTRAND. +The king at Chinon holds his court; he lacks +Soldiers to keep the field. Of what avail +The leader's courage, and the hero's arm, +When pallid fear doth paralyze the host? +A sudden panic, as if sent from God, +Unnerves the courage of the bravest men. +In vain the summons of the king resounds +As when the howling of the wolf is heard, +The sheep in terror gather side by side, +So Frenchmen, careless of their ancient fame, +Seek only now the shelter of the towns. +One knight alone, I have been told, has brought +A feeble company, and joins the king +With sixteen banners. + +JOHANNA (quickly). + What's the hero's name? + +BERTRAND. +'Tis Baudricour. But much I fear the knight +Will not be able to elude the foe, +Who track him closely with too numerous hosts. + +JOHANNA. +Where halts the knight? Pray tell me, if you know. + +BERTRAND. +About a one day's march from Vaucouleurs. + +THIBAUT (to JOHANNA). +Why, what is that to thee? Thou dost inquire +Concerning matters which become thee not. + +BERTRAND. +The foe being now so strong, and from the king +No safety to be hoped, at Vaucouleurs +They have with unanimity resolved +To yield them to the Duke of Burgundy. +Thus we avoid the foreign yoke, and still +Continue by our ancient royal line; +Ay, to the ancient crown we may fall back +Should France and Burgundy be reconciled. + +JOHANNA (as if inspired). +Speak not of treaty! Speak not of surrender! +The savior comes, he arms him for the fight. +The fortunes of the foe before the walls +Of Orleans shall be wrecked! His hour is come, +He now is ready for the reaper's hand, +And with her sickle will the maid appear, +And mow to earth the harvest of his pride. +She from the heavens will tear his glory down, +Which he had hung aloft among the stars; +Despair not! Fly not! for ere yonder corn +Assumes its golden hue, or ere the moon +Displays her perfect orb, no English horse +Shall drink the rolling waters of the Loire. + +BERTRAND. +Alas! no miracle will happen now! + +JOHANNA. +Yes, there shall yet be one--a snow-white dove +Shall fly, and with the eagle's boldness, tear +The birds of prey which rend her fatherland. +She shall o'erthrow this haughty Burgundy, +Betrayer of the kingdom; Talbot, too, +The hundred-handed, heaven-defying scourge; +This Salisbury, who violates our fanes, +And all these island robbers shall she drive +Before her like a flock of timid lambs. +The Lord will be with her, the God of battle; +A weak and trembling creature he will choose, +And through a tender maid proclaim his power, +For he is the Almighty! + +THIBAULT. + What strange power +Hath seized the maiden? + +RAIMOND. + Doubtless 'tis the helmet +Which doth inspire her with such martial thoughts. +Look at your daughter. Mark her flashing eye, +Her glowing cheek, which kindles as with fire. + +JOHANNA. +This realm shall fall! This ancient land of fame, +The fairest that, in his majestic course, +The eternal sun surveys--this paradise, +Which, as the apple of his eye, God loves-- +Endure the fetters of a foreign yoke? +Here were the heathen scattered, and the cross +And holy image first were planted here; +Here rest St. Louis' ashes, and from hence +The troops went forth who set Jerusalem free. + +BERTRAND (in astonishment). +Hark how she speaks! Why, whence can she obtain +This glorious revelation? Father Arc! +A wondrous daughter God hath given you! + +JOHANNA. +We shall no longer serve a native prince! +The king, who never dies, shall pass away-- +The guardian of the sacred plough, who fills +The earth with plenty, who protects our herds, +Who frees the bondmen from captivity, +Who gathers all his cities round his throne-- +Who aids the helpless, and appals the base, +Who envies no one, for he reigns supreme; +Who is a mortal, yet an angel too, +Dispensing mercy on the hostile earth. +For the king's throne, which glitters o'er with gold, +Affords a shelter for the destitute; +Power and compassion meet together there, +The guilty tremble, but the just draw near, +And with the guardian lion fearless sport! +The stranger king, who cometh from afar, +Whose fathers' sacred ashes do not lie +Interred among us; can he love our land? +Who was not young among our youth, whose heart +Respondeth not to our familiar words, +Can he be as a father to our sons? + +THIBAUT. +God save the king and France! We're peaceful folk, +Who neither wield the sword, nor rein the steed. +--Let us await the king whom victory crowns; +The fate of battle is the voice of God. +He is our lord who crowns himself at Rheims, +And on his head receives the holy oil. +--Come, now to work! come! and let every one +Think only of the duty of the hour! +Let the earth's great ones for the earth contend, +Untroubled we may view the desolation, +For steadfast stand the acres which we till. +The flames consume our villages, our corn +Is trampled 'neath the tread of warlike steeds; +With the new spring new harvests reappear, +And our light huts are quickly reared again! + + [They all retire except the maiden. + + + +SCENE IV. + +JOHANNA (alone). + +Farewell ye mountains, ye beloved glades, +Ye lone and peaceful valleys, fare ye well! +Through you Johanna never more may stray! +For, ay, Johanna bids you now farewell. +Ye meads which I have watered, and ye trees +Which I have planted, still in beauty bloom! +Farewell ye grottos, and ye crystal springs! +Sweet echo, vocal spirit of the vale. +Who sang'st responsive to my simple strain, +Johanna goes, and ne'er returns again. + +Ye scenes where all my tranquil joys +I knew, Forever now I leave you far behind! +Poor foldless lambs, no shepherd now have you! +O'er the wide heath stray henceforth unconfined! +For I to danger's field, of crimson hue, +Am summoned hence another flock to find. +Such is to me the spirit's high behest; +No earthly, vain ambition fires my breast. + +For who in glory did on Horeb's height +Descend to Moses in the bush of flame, +And bade him go and stand in Pharaoh's sight-- +Who once to Israel's pious shepherd came, +And sent him forth, his champion in the fight,-- +Who aye hath loved the lowly shepherd train,-- +He, from these leafy boughs, thus spake to me, +"Go forth! Thou shalt on earth my witness be. + +"Thou in rude armor must thy limbs invest, +A plate of steel upon thy bosom wear; +Vain earthly love may never stir thy breast, +Nor passion's sinful glow be kindled there. +Ne'er with the bride-wreath shall thy locks be dressed, +Nor on thy bosom bloom an infant fair; +But war's triumphant glory shall be thine; +Thy martial fame all women's shall outshine. + +"For when in fight the stoutest hearts despair, +When direful ruin threatens France, forlorn, +Then thou aloft my oriflamme shalt bear, +And swiftly as the reaper mows the corn, +Thou shalt lay low the haughty conqueror; +His fortune's wheel thou rapidly shalt turn, +To Gaul's heroic sons deliverance bring, +Relieve beleaguered Rheims, and crown thy king!" + +The heavenly spirit promised me a sign; +He sends the helmet, it hath come from him. +Its iron filleth me with strength divine, +I feel the courage of the cherubim; +As with the rushing of a mighty wind +It drives me forth to join the battles din; +The clanging trumpets sound, the chargers rear, +And the loud war-cry thunders in mine ear. + + [She goes out. + + + + +ACT I. + +SCENE I. + + The royal residence at Chinon. + DUNOIS and DUCHATEL. + +DUNOIS. +No longer I'll endure it. I renounce +This recreant monarch who forsakes himself. +My valiant heart doth bleed, and I could rain +Hot tear-drops from mine eyes, that robber-swords +Partition thus the royal realm of France; +That cities, ancient as the monarchy, +Deliver to the foe the rusty keys, +While here in idle and inglorious ease +We lose the precious season of redemption. +Tidings of Orleans' peril reach mine ear, +Hither I sped from distant Normandy, +Thinking, arrayed in panoply of war, +To find the monarch with his marshalled hosts; +And find him--here! begirt with troubadours, +And juggling knaves, engaged in solving riddles, +And planning festivals in Sorel's honor, +As brooded o'er the land profoundest peace! +The Constable hath gone; he will not brook +Longer the spectacle of shame. I, too, +Depart, and leave him to his evil fate. + +DUCHATEL. +Here comes the king. + + + +SCENE II. + + KING CHARLES. The same. + +CHARLES. +The Constable hath sent us back his sword +And doth renounce our service. Now, by heaven! +He thus hath rid us of a churlish man, +Who insolently sought to lord it o'er us. + +DUNOIS. +A man is precious in such perilous times; +I would not deal thus lightly with his loss. + +CHARLES. +Thou speakest thus from love of opposition; +While he was here thou never wert his friend. + +DUNOIS. +He was a tiresome, proud, vexatious fool, +Who never could resolve. For once, however, +He hath resolved. Betimes he goeth hence, +Where honor can no longer be achieved. + +CHARLES. +Thou'rt in a pleasant humor; undisturbed +I'll leave thee to enjoy it. Hark, Duchatel! +Ambassadors are here from old King Rene, +Of tuneful songs the master, far renowned. +Let them as honored guests be entertained, +And unto each present a chain of gold. + [To the Bastard. +Why smilest thou, Dunois? + +DUNOIS. + That from thy mouth +Thou shakest golden chains. + +DUCHATEL. + Alas! my king! +No gold existeth in thy treasury. + +CHARLES. +Then gold must be procured. It must not be +That bards unhonored from our court depart. +'Tis they who make our barren sceptre bloom, +'Tis they who wreath around our fruitless crown +Life's joyous branch of never-fading green. +Reigning, they justly rank themselves as kings, +Of gentle wishes they erect their throne, +Their harmless realm existeth not in space; +Hence should the bard accompany the king, +Life's higher sphere the heritage of both! + +DUCHATEL. +My royal liege! I sought to spare thine ear +So long as aid and counsel could be found; +Now dire necessity doth loose my tongue. +Naught hast thou now in presents to bestow, +Thou hast not wherewithal to live to-morrow! +The spring-tide of thy fortune is run out, +And lowest ebb is in thy treasury! +The soldiers, disappointed of their pay, +With sullen murmurs, threaten to retire. +My counsel faileth, not with royal splendor +But meagerly, to furnish out thy household. + +CHARLES. +My royal customs pledge, and borrow gold +From the Lombardians. + +DUCHATEL. + Sire, thy revenues, +Thy royal customs are for three years pledged. + +DUNOIS. +And pledge meanwhile and kingdom both are lost. + +CHARLES. +Still many rich and beauteous lands are ours. + +DUNOIS. +So long as God and Talbot's sword permit! +When Orleans falleth into English hands +Then with King Rene thou may'st tend thy sheep! + +CHARLES. +Still at this king thou lov'st to point thy jest; +Yet 'tis this lackland monarch who to-day +Hath with a princely crown invested me. + +DUNOIS. +Not, in the name of heaven, with that of Naples, +Which is for sale, I hear, since he kept sheep. + +CHARLES. +It is a sportive festival, a jest, +Wherein he giveth to his fancy play, +To found a world all innocent and pure +In this barbaric, rude reality. +Yet noble--ay, right royal is his aim! +He will again restore the golden age, +When gentle manners reigned, when faithful love +The heroic hearts of valiant knights inspired, +And noble women, whose accomplished taste +Diffuseth grace around, in judgment sat. +The old man dwelleth in those bygone times, +And in our workday world would realize +The dreams of ancient bards, who picture life +'Mid bowers celestial, throned on golden clouds. +He hath established hence a court of love +Where valiant knights may dwell, and homage yield +To noble women, who are there enthroned, +And where pure love and true may find a home. +Me he hath chosen as the prince of love. + +DUNOIS. +I am not such a base, degenerate churl +As love's dominion rudely to assail. +I am her son, from her derive my name, +And in her kingdom lies my heritage. +The Prince of Orleans was my sire, and while +No woman's heart was proof against his love, +No hostile fortress could withstand his shock! +Wilt thou, indeed, with honor name thyself +The prince of love--be bravest of the brave! +As I have read in those old chronicles, +Love aye went coupled with heroic deeds, +And valiant heroes, not inglorious shepherds, +So legends tell us, graced King Arthur's board. +The man whose valor is not beauty's shield +Is all unworthy of her golden prize. +Here the arena! combat for the crown, +Thy royal heritage! With knightly sword +Thy lady's honor and thy realm defend-- +And hast thou with hot valor snatched the crown +From streams of hostile blood,--then is the time, +And it would well become thee as a prince, +Love's myrtle chaplet round thy brows to wreathe. + +CHARLES (to a PAGE, who enters). +What is the matter? + +PAGE. + Senators from Orleans +Entreat an audience, sire. + +CHARLES. + Conduct them hither! + [PAGE retires. +Doubtless they succor need; what can I do, +Myself all-succorless! + + + +SCENE III. + + The same. Three SENATORS. + +CHARLES. +Welcome, my trusty citizens of Orleans! +What tidings bring ye from my faithful town? +Doth she continue with her wonted zeal +Still bravely to withstand the leaguering foe? + +SENATOR. +Ah, sire! the city's peril is extreme; +And giant ruin, waxing hour by hour, +Still onward strides. The bulwarks are destroyed-- +The foe at each assault advantage gains; +Bare of defenders are the city walls, +For with rash valor forth our soldiers rush, +While few, alas! return to view their homes, +And famine's scourge impendeth o'er the town. +In this extremity the noble Count +Of Rochepierre, commander of the town, +Hath made a compact with the enemy, +According to old custom, to yield up, +On the twelfth day, the city to the foe, +Unless, meanwhile, before the town appear +A host of magnitude to raise the siege. + + [DUNOIS manifests the strongest indignation. + +CHARLES. +The interval is brief. + +SENATOR. + We hither come, +Attended by a hostile retinue, +To implore thee, sire, to pity thy poor town, +And to send succor ere the appointed day, +When, if still unrelieved, she must surrender. + +DUNOIS. +And could Saintrailles consent to give his voice +To such a shameful compact? + +SENATOR. + Never, sir! +Long as the hero lived, none dared to breathe +A single word of treaty or surrender. + +DUNOIS. +He then is dead? + +SENATOR. + The noble hero fell, +His monarch's cause defending on our walls. + +CHARLES. +What! Saintrailles dead! Oh, in that single man +A host is foundered! + + [A Knight enters and speaks apart with DUNOIS, + who starts with surprise. + +DUNOIS. + That too! + +CHARLES. + Well? What is it? + +DUNOIS. +Count Douglass sendeth here. The Scottish troops +Revolt, and threaten to retire at once. +Unless their full arrears are paid to-day. + +CHARLES. +Duchatel! + +DUCHATEL (shrugs his shoulders). + Sire! I know not what to counsel. + +CHARLES. +Pledge, promise all, even unto half my realm. + +DUCHATEL. +'Tis vain! They have been fed with hope too often. + +CHARLES. +They are the finest troops of all my hosts! +They must not now, not now abandon me! + +SENATOR (throwing himself at the KING'S feet). +Oh, king, assist us! Think of our distress! + +CHARLES (in despair). +How! Can I summon armies from the earth? +Or grow a cornfield on my open palm? +Rend me in pieces! Pluck my bleeding heart +Forth from my breast, and coin it 'stead of gold! +I've blood for you, but neither gold nor troops. + + [He sees SOREL approach, and hastens towards her + with outstretched arms. + + + +SCENE IV. + + The same. AGNES SOREL, a casket in her hand. + +CHARLES. +My Agnes! Oh, my love! My dearest life! +Thou comest here to snatch me from despair! +Refuge I take within thy loving arms! +Possessing thee I feel that nothing is lost. + +SOREL. +My king, beloved! + [looking round with an anxious, inquiring gaze. + Dunois! Say, is it true, +Duchatel? + +DUCHATEL. + 'Tis, alas! + +SOREL. + So great the need? +No treasure left? The soldiers will disband? + +DUCHATEL. +Alas! It is too true! + +SOREL (giving him the casket). + Here-here is gold, +Here too are jewels! Melt my silver down! +Sell, pledge my castles--on my fair domains +In Provence--treasure raise, turn all to gold, +Appease the troops! No time to be lost! + + [She urges him to depart. + +CHARLES. +Well now, Dunois! Duchatel! Do ye still +Account me poor, when I possess the crown +Of womankind? She's nobly born as I; +The royal blood of Valois not more pure; +The most exalted throne she would adorn-- +Yet she rejects it with disdain, and claims +No other title than to be my love. +No gift more costly will she e'er receive +Than early flower in winter, or rare fruit! +No sacrifice on my part she permits, +Yet sacrificeth all she had to me! +With generous spirit she doth venture all +Her wealth and fortune in my sinking bark. + +DUNOIS. +Ay, she is mad indeed, my king, as thou; +She throws her all into a burning house, +And draweth water in the leaky vessel +Of the Danaides. Thee she will not save, +And in thy ruin but involve herself. + +SOREL. +Believe him not! Full many a time he hath +Perilled his life for thee, and now, forsooth, +Chafeth because I risk my worthless gold! +How? Have I freely sacrificed to thee +What is esteemed far more than gold and pearls, +And shall I now hold back the gifts of fortune? +Oh, come! Let my example challenge thee +To noble self-denial! Let's at once +Cast off the needless ornaments of life! +Thy courtiers metamorphose into soldiers; +Thy gold transmute to iron; all thou hast, +With resolute daring, venture for thy crown! +Peril and want we will participate! +Let us bestride the war-horse, and expose +Our tender person to the fiery glow +Of the hot sun, take for our canopy +The clouds above, and make the stones our pillow. +The rudest warrior, when he sees his king +Bear hardship and privation like the meanest +Will patiently endure his own hard lot! + +CHARLES (laughing). +Ay! now is realized an ancient word +Of prophesy, once uttered by a nun +Of Clairmont, in prophetic mood, who said, +That through a woman's aid I o'er my foes +Should triumph, and achieve my father's crown. +Far off I sought her in the English camp; +I strove to reconcile a mother's heart; +Here stands the heroine--my guide to Rheims! +My Agnes! I shall triumph through thy love! + +SOREL. +Thou'lt triumph through the valiant swords of friends. + +CHARLES. +And from my foes' dissensions much I hope +For sure intelligence hath reached mine ear, +That 'twixt these English lords and Burgundy +Things do not stand precisely as they did; +Hence to the duke I have despatched La Hire, +To try if he can lead my angry vassal +Back to his ancient loyalty and faith: +Each moment now I look for his return. + +DUCHATEL (at the window). +A knight e'en now dismounteth in the court. + +CHARLES. +A welcome messenger! We soon shall learn +Whether we're doomed to conquer or to yield. + + + +SCENE V. + + The same. LA HIRE. + +CHARLES (meeting him). +Hope bringest thou, or not? Be brief, La Hire, +Out with thy tidings! What must we expect? + +LA HIRE. +Expect naught, sire, save from thine own good sword. + +CHARLES. +The haughty duke will not be reconciled! +Speak! How did he receive my embassy? + +LA HIRE. +His first and unconditional demand, +Ere he consent to listen to thine errand, +Is that Duchatel be delivered up, +Whom he doth name the murderer of his sire. + +CHARLES. +This base condition we reject with scorn! + +LA HIRE. +Then be the league dissolved ere it commence! + +CHARLES. +Hast thou thereon, as I commanded thee, +Challenged the duke to meet him in fair fight +On Montereau's bridge, whereon his father fell? + +LA HIRE. +Before him on the ground I flung thy glove, +And said: "Thou wouldst forget thy majesty, +And like a knight do battle for thy realm." +He scornfully rejoined "He needed not +To fight for that which he possessed already, +But if thou wert so eager for the fray, +Before the walls of Orleans thou wouldst find him, +Whither he purposed going on the morrow;" +Thereon he laughing turned his back upon me. + +CHARLES. +Say, did not justice raise her sacred voice, +Within the precincts of my parliament? + +LA HIRE. +The rage of party, sire, hath silenced her. +An edict of the parliament declares +Thee and thy race excluded from the throne. + +DUNOIS. +These upstart burghers' haughty insolence! + +CHARLES. +Hast thou attempted with my mother aught? + +LA HIRE. +With her? + +CHARLES. + Ay! How did she demean herself? + +LA HIRE (after a few moments' reflection). +I chanced to step within St. Denis' walls +Precisely at the royal coronation. +The crowds were dressed as for a festival; +Triumphal arches rose in every street +Through which the English monarch was to pass. +The way was strewed with flowers, and with huzzas, +As France some brilliant conquest had achieved, +The people thronged around the royal car. + +SOREL. +They could huzza--huzza, while trampling thus +Upon a gracious sovereign's loving heart! + +LA HIRE. +I saw young Harry Lancaster--the boy-- +On good St. Lewis' regal chair enthroned; +On either side his haughty uncles stood, +Bedford and Gloucester, and before him kneeled, +To render homage for his lands, Duke Philip. + +CHARLES. +Oh, peer dishonored! Oh, unworthy cousin! + +LA HIRE. +The child was timid, and his footing lost +As up the steps he mounted towards the throne. +An evil omen! murmured forth the crowd, +And scornful laughter burst on every side. +Then forward stepped Queen Isabel--thy mother, +And--but it angers me to utter it! + +CHARLES. + Say on. + +LA HIRE. +Within her arms she clasped the boy, +And herself placed him on thy father's throne. + +CHARLES. +Oh, mother! mother! + +LA HIRE. + E'en the murderous bands +Of the Burgundians, at this spectacle, +Evinced some tokens of indignant shame. +The queen perceived it, and addressed the crowds, +Exclaiming with loud voice: "Be grateful, Frenchmen, +That I engraft upon a sickly stock +A healthy scion, and redeem you from +The misbegotten son of a mad sire!" + + [The KING hides his face; AGNES hastens towards him + and clasps him in her arms; all the bystanders express + aversion and horror. + +DUNOIS. +She-wolf of France! Rage-breathing Megara! + +CHARLES (after a pause, to the SENATORS). +Yourselves have heard the posture of affairs. +Delay no longer, back return to Orleans, +And bear this message to my faithful town; +I do absolve my subjects from their oath, +Their own best interests let them now consult, +And yield them to the Duke of Burgundy; +'Yclept the Good, he need must prove humane. + +DUNOIS. +What say'st thou, sire? Thou wilt abandon Orleans! + +SENATOR (kneels down). +My king! Abandon not thy faithful town! +Consign her not to England's harsh control. +She is a precious jewel in the crown, +And none hath more inviolate faith maintained +Towards the kings, thy royal ancestors. + +DUNOIS. +Have we been routed? Is it lawful, sire, +To leave the English masters of the field, +Without a single stroke to save the town? +And thinkest thou, with careless breath, forsooth, +Ere blood hath flowed, rashly to give away +The fairest city from the heart of France? + +CHARLES. +Blood hath been poured forth freely, and in vain +The hand of heaven is visibly against me; +In every battle is my host o'erthrown, +I am rejected of my parliament, +My capital, my people, hail me foe, +Those of my blood,--my nearest relatives,-- +Forsake me and betray--and my own mother +Doth nurture at her breast the hostile brood. +Beyond the Loire we will retire, and yield +To the o'ermastering hand of destiny +Which sideth with the English. + +SOREL. + God forbid +That we in weak despair should quit this realm! +This utterance came not from thy heart, my king, +Thy noble heart, which hath been sorely riven +By the fell deed of thy unnatural mother, +Thou'lt be thyself again, right valiantly +Thou'lt battle with thine adverse destiny, +Which doth oppose thee with relentless ire. + +CHARLES (lost in gloomy thought). +Is it not true? A dark and ominous doom +Impendeth o'er the heaven-abandoned house +Of Valois--there preside the avenging powers, +To whom a mother's crime unbarred the way. +For thirty years my sire in madness raved; +Already have three elder brothers been +Mowed down by death; 'tis the decree of heaven, +The house of the Sixth Charles is doomed to fall. + +SOREL. +In thee 'twill rise with renovated life! +Oh, in thyself have faith!--believe me, king, +Not vainly hath a gracious destiny +Redeemed thee from the ruin of thy house, +And by thy brethren's death exalted thee, +The youngest born, to an unlooked-for throne +Heaven in thy gentle spirit hath prepared +The leech to remedy the thousand ills +By party rage inflicted on the land. +The flames of civil discord thou wilt quench, +And my heart tells me thou'lt establish peace, +And found anew the monarchy of France. + +CHARLES. +Not I! The rude and storm-vexed times require +A pilot formed by nature to command. +A peaceful nation I could render happy +A wild, rebellious people not subdue. +I never with the sword could open hearts +Against me closed in hatred's cold reserve. + +SOREL. +The people's eye is dimmed, an error blinds them, +But this delusion will not long endure; +The day is not far distant when the love +Deep rooted in the bosom of the French, +Towards their native monarch, will revive, +Together with the ancient jealousy, +Which forms a barrier 'twixt the hostile nations. +The haughty foe precipitates his doom. +Hence, with rash haste abandon not the field, +With dauntless front contest each foot of ground, +As thine own heart defend the town of Orleans! +Let every boat be sunk beneath the wave, +Each bridge be burned, sooner than carry thee +Across the Loire, the boundary of thy realm, +The Stygian flood, o'er which there's no return. + +CHARLES. +What could be done I have done. I have offered, +In single fight, to combat for the crown. +I was refused. In vain my people bleed, +In vain my towns are levelled with the dust. +Shall I, like that unnatural mother, see +My child in pieces severed with the sword? +No; I forego my claim, that it may live. + +DUNOIS. +How, sire! Is this fit language for a king? +Is a crown thus renounced? Thy meanest subject, +For his opinion's sake, his hate and love, +Sets property and life upon a cast; +When civil war hangs out her bloody flag, +Each private end is drowned in party zeal. +The husbandman forsakes his plough, the wife +Neglects her distaff; children, and old men, +Don the rude garb of war; the citizen +Consigns his town to the devouring flames, +The peasant burns the produce of his fields; +And all to injure or advantage thee, +And to achieve the purpose of his heart. +Men show no mercy, and they wish for none, +When they at honor's call maintain the fight, +Or for their idols or their gods contend. +A truce to such effeminate pity, then, +Which is not suited to a monarch's breast. +Thou didst not heedlessly provoke the war; +As it commenced, so let it spend its fury. +It is the law of destiny that nations +Should for their monarchs immolate themselves. +We Frenchmen recognize this sacred law, +Nor would annul it. Base, indeed, the nation +That for its honor ventures not its all. + +CHARLES (to the SENATORS). +You've heard my last resolve; expect no other. +May God protect you! I can do no more. + +DUNOIS. +As thou dost turn thy back upon thy realm, +So may the God of battle aye avert +His visage from thee. Thou forsak'st thyself, +So I forsake thee. Not the power combined +Of England and rebellious Burgundy, +Thy own mean spirit hurls thee from the throne. +Born heroes ever were the kings of France; +Thou wert a craven, even from thy birth. + [To the SENATORS. +The king abandons you. But I will throw +Myself into your town--my father's town-- +And 'neath its ruins find a soldier's grave. + + [He is about to depart. AGNES SOREL detains him. + +SOREL (to the KING). +Oh, let him not depart in anger from thee! +Harsh words his lips have uttered, but his heart +Is true as gold. 'Tis he, himself, my king, +Who loves thee, and hath often bled for thee. +Dunois, confess, the heat of noble wrath +Made thee forget thyself; and oh, do thou +Forgive a faithful friend's o'erhasty speech! +Come, let me quickly reconcile your hearts, +Ere anger bursteth forth in quenchless flame. + + [DUNOIS looks fixedly at the KING, and appears to await an answer. + +CHARLES. +Our way lies over the Loire. Duchatel, +See all our equipage embarked. + +DUNOIS (quickly to SOREL). + Farewell. + + [He turns quickly round, and goes out. The SENATORS follow. + +SOREL (wringing her hands in despair). +Oh, if he goes, we are forsaken quite! +Follow, La Hire! Oh, seek to soften him! + + [LA HIRE goes out. + + + +SCENE VI. + + CHARLES, SOREL, DUCHATEL. + +CHARLES. +Is, then, the sceptre such a peerless treasure? +Is it so hard to loose it from our grasp? +Believe me, 'tis more galling to endure +The domineering rule of these proud vassals. +To be dependent on their will and pleasure +Is, to a noble heart, more bitter far +Than to submit to fate. + [To DUCHATEL, who still lingers. + Duchatel, go, +And do what I commanded. + +DUCHATEL (throws himself at the KING'S feet). + Oh, my king! + +CHARLES. +No more! Thou'st heard my absolute resolve! + +DUCHATEL. +Sire, with the Duke of Burgundy make peace! +'Tis the sole outlet from destruction left! + +CHARLES. +Thou giv'st this counsel, and thy blood alone +Can ratify this peace. + +DUCHATEL. + Here is my head. +I oft have risked it for thee in the fight, +And with a joyful spirit I, for thee, +Would lay it down upon the block of death. +Conciliate the duke! Deliver me +To the full measure of his wrath, and let +My flowing blood appease the ancient hate. + +CHARLES (looks at him for some time in silence, and with deep emotion). +Can it be true? Am I, then, sunk so low, +That even friends, who read my inmost heart, +Point out for my escape the path of shame? +Yes, now I recognize my abject fall. +My honor is no more confided in. + +DUCHATEL. +Reflect---- + +CHARLES. + Be silent, and incense me not! +Had I ten realms, on which to turn my back, +With my friend's life I would not purchase them. +Do what I have commanded. Hence, and see +My equipage embarked. + +DUCHATEL. + 'Twill speedily +Be done. + + [He stands up and retires. AGNES SOREL weeps passionately. + + + +SCENE VII. + + The royal palace at Chinon. + CHARLES, AGNES SOREL. + +CHARLES (seizing the hand of AGNES). + My Agnes, be not sorrowful! +Beyond the Loire we still shall find a France; +We are departing to a happier land, +Where laughs a milder, an unclouded sky, +And gales more genial blow; we there shall meet +More gentle manners; song abideth there, +And love and life in richer beauty bloom. + +SOREL. +Oh, must I contemplate this day of woe! +The king must roam in banishment! the son +Depart, an exile from his father's house, +And turn his back upon his childhood's home! +Oh, pleasant, happy land that we forsake, +Ne'er shall we tread thee joyously again. + + + +SCENE VIII. + + LA HIRE returns, CHARLES, SOREL. + +SOREL. +You come alone? You do not bring him back? + [Observing him more closely. +La Hire! What news? What does that look announce? +Some new calamity? + +LA HIRE. + Calamity +Hath spent itself; sunshine is now returned. + +SOREL. +What is it? I implore you. + +LA HIRE (to the KING). + Summon back +The delegates from Orleans. + +CHARLES. + Why? What is it? + +LA HIRE. +Summon them back! Thy fortune is reversed. +A battle has been fought, and thou hast conquered. + +SOREL. +Conquered! Oh, heavenly music of that word! + +CHARLES. +La Hire! A fabulous report deceives thee; +Conquered! In conquest I believe no more. + +LA HIRE. +Still greater wonders thou wilt soon believe. +Here cometh the archbishop. To thine arms +He leadeth back Dunois. + +SOREL. + O beauteous flower +Of victory, which doth the heavenly fruits +Of peace and reconcilement bear at once! + + + +SCENE IX. + + The same, ARCHBISHOP of RHEIMS, DUNOIS, DUCHATEL, + with RAOUL, a Knight in armor. + +ARCHBISHOP (leading DUNOIS to the KING, and joining their hands). +Princes, embrace! Let rage and discord cease, +Since Heaven itself hath for our cause declared. + + [DUNOIS embraces the KING. + +CHARLES. +Relieve my wonder and perplexity. +What may this solemn earnestness portend? +Whence this unlooked-for change of fortune? + +ARCHBISHOP (leads the KNIGHT forward, and presents him to the KING). +Speak! + +RAOUL. +We had assembled sixteen regiments +Of Lotharingian troops to join your host; +And Baudricourt, a knight of Vaucouleurs, +Was our commander. Having gained the heights +By Vermanton, we wound our downward way +Into the valley watered by the Yonne. +There, in the plain before us, lay the foe, +And when we turned, arms glittered in our rear. +We saw ourselves surrounded by two hosts, +And could not hope for conquest or for flight. +Then sank the bravest heart, and in despair +We all prepared to lay our weapons down. +The leaders with each other anxiously +Sought counsel and found none; when to our eyes +A spectacle of wonder showed itself. +For suddenly from forth the thickets' depths +A maiden, on her head a polished helm, +Like a war-goddess, issued; terrible +Yet lovely was her aspect, and her hair +In dusky ringlets round her shoulders fell. +A heavenly radiance shone around the height; +When she upraised her voice and thus addressed us: +"Why be dismayed, brave Frenchmen? On the foe! +Were they more numerous than the ocean sands, +God and the holy maiden lead you on"! +Then quickly from the standard-bearer's hand +She snatched the banner, and before our troop +With valiant bearing strode the wondrous maid. +Silent with awe, scarce knowing what we did, +The banner and the maiden we pursue, +And fired with ardor, rush upon the foe, +Who, much amazed, stand motionless and view +The miracle with fixed and wondering gaze. +Then, as if seized by terror sent from God, +They suddenly betake themselves to flight, +And casting arms and armor to the ground, +Disperse in wild disorder o'er the field. +No leader's call, no signal now avails; +Senseless from terror, without looking back, +Horses and men plunge headlong in the stream, +Where they without resistance are despatched. +It was a slaughter rather than a fight! +Two thousand of the foe bestrewed the field, +Not reckoning numbers swallowed by the flood, +While of our company not one was slain. + +CHARLES. +'Tis strange, by heaven! most wonderful and strange! + +SOREL. +A maiden worked this miracle, you say? +Whence did she come? Who is she? + +RAOUL. + Who she is +She will reveal to no one but the king! +She calls herself a seer and prophetess +Ordained by God, and promises to raise +The siege of Orleans ere the moon shall change. +The people credit her, and thirst for war. +The host she follows--she'll be here anon. + + [The ringing of bells is heard, together with the clang of arms. + +Hark to the din! The pealing of the bells! +'Tis she! The people greet God's messenger. + +CHARLES (to DUCHATEL). +Conduct her thither. + [To the ARCHBISHOP. + What should I believe? +A maiden brings me conquest even now, +When naught can save me but a hand divine! +This is not in the common course of things. +And dare I here believe a miracle? + +MANY VOICES (behind the scene). +Hail to the maiden!--the deliverer! + +CHARLES. +She comes! Dunois, now occupy my place! +We will make trial of this wondrous maid. +Is she indeed inspired and sent by God +She will be able to discern the king. + + [DUNOIS seats himself; the KING stands at his right hand, + AGNES SOREL near him; the ARCHBISHOP and the others opposite; + so that the intermediate space remains vacant. + + + +SCENE X. + + The same. JOHANNA, accompanied by the councillors and many knights, + who occupy the background of the scene; she advances with noble + bearing, and slowly surveys the company. + +DUNOIS (after a long and solemn pause). +Art thou the wondrous maiden---- + +JOHANNA (interrupts him, regarding him with dignity). +Bastard of Orleans, thou wilt tempt thy God! +This place abandon, which becomes thee not! +To this more mighty one the maid is sent. + + [With a firm step she approaches the KING, bows one + knee before him, and, rising immediately, steps back. + All present express their astonishment, DUNOIS forsakes + his seat, which is occupied by the KING. + +CHARLES. +Maiden, thou ne'er hast seen my face before. +Whence hast thou then this knowledge? + +JOHANNA. + Thee I saw +When none beside, save God in heaven, beheld thee. + + [She approaches the KING, and speaks mysteriously. + +Bethink thee, Dauphin, in the bygone night, +When all around lay buried in deep sleep, +Thou from thy couch didst rise and offer up +An earnest prayer to God. Let these retire +And I will name the subject of thy prayer. + +CHARLES. +What! to Heaven confided need not be +From men concealed. Disclose to me my prayer, +And I shall doubt no more that God inspires thee. + +JOHANNA. +Three prayers thou offeredst, Dauphin; listen now +Whether I name them to thee! Thou didst pray +That if there were appended to this crown +Unjust possession, or if heavy guilt, +Not yet atoned for, from thy father's times, +Occasioned this most lamentable war, +God would accept thee as a sacrifice, +Have mercy on thy people, and pour forth +Upon thy head the chalice of his wrath. + +CHARLES (steps back with awe). +Who art thou, mighty one? Whence comest thou? + + [All express their astonishment. + +JOHANNA. +To God thou offeredst this second prayer: +That if it were his will and high decree +To take away the sceptre from thy race, +And from thee to withdraw whate'er thy sires, +The monarchs of this kingdom, once possessed, +He in his mercy would preserve to thee +Three priceless treasures--a contented heart, +Thy friend's affection, and thine Agnes' love. + + [The KING conceals his face: the spectators + express their astonishment. After a pause. + +Thy third petition shall I name to thee? + +CHARLES. +Enough; I credit thee! This doth surpass +Mere human knowledge: thou art sent by God! + +ARCHBISHOP. +Who art thou, wonderful and holy maid? +What favored region bore thee? What blest pair, +Beloved of Heaven, may claim thee as their child? + +JOHANNA. +Most reverend father, I am named Johanna, +I am a shepherd's lowly daughter, born +In Dom Remi, a village of my king. +Included in the diocese of Toul, +And from a child I kept my father's sheep. +And much and frequently I heard them tell +Of the strange islanders, who o'er the sea +Had come to make us slaves, and on us force +A foreign lord, who loveth not the people; +How the great city, Paris, they had seized, +And had usurped dominion o'er the realm. +Then earnestly God's Mother I implored +To save us from the shame of foreign chains, +And to preserve to us our lawful king. +Not distant from my native village stands +An ancient image of the Virgin blest, +To which the pious pilgrims oft repaired; +Hard by a holy oak, of blessed power, +Standeth, far-famed through wonders manifold. +Beneath the oak's broad shade I loved to sit +Tending my flock--my heart still drew me there. +And if by chance among the desert hills +A lambkin strayed, 'twas shown me in a dream, +When in the shadow of this oak I slept. +And once, when through the night beneath this tree +In pious adoration I had sat, +Resisting sleep, the Holy One appeared, +Bearing a sword and banner, otherwise +Clad like a shepherdess, and thus she spake: +"'Tis I; arise, Johanna! leave thy flock, +The Lord appoints thee to another task! +Receive this banner! Gird thee with this sword! +Therewith exterminate my people's foes; +Conduct to Rheims thy royal master's son, +And crown him with the kingly diadem!" +And I made answer: "How may I presume +To undertake such deeds, a tender maid, +Unpractised in the dreadful art of war!" +And she replied: "A maiden pure and chaste +Achieves whate'er on earth is glorious +If she to earthly love ne'er yields her heart. +Look upon me! a virgin, like thyself; +I to the Christ, the Lord divine, gave birth, +And am myself divine!" Mine eyelids then +She touched, and when I upward turned my amaze, +Heaven's wide expanse was filled with angel-boys, +Who bore white lilies in their hands, while tones +Of sweetest music floated through the air. +And thus on three successive nights appeared +The Holy One, and cried,--"Arise, Johanna! +The Lord appoints thee to another task!" +And when the third night she revealed herself, +Wrathful she seemed, and chiding spake these words: +"Obedience, woman's duty here on earth; +Severe endurance is her heavy doom; +She must be purified through discipline; +Who serveth here, is glorified above!" +While thus she spake, she let her shepherd garb +Fail from her, and as Queen of Heaven stood forth +Enshrined in radiant light, while golden clouds +Upbore her slowly to the realms of bliss. + + [All are moved; AGNES SOREL weeping, hides her face + on the bosom of the KING. + +ARCHBISHOP (after a long pause). +Before divine credentials such as these +Each doubt of earthly prudence must subside, +Her deeds attest the truth of what she speaks, +For God alone such wonders can achieve. + +DUNOIS. +I credit not her wonders, but her eyes +Which beam with innocence and purity. + +CHARLES. +Am I, a sinner, worthy of such favor? +Infallible, All-searching eye, thou seest +Mine inmost heart, my deep humility! + +JOHANNA. +Humility shines brightly in the skies; +Thou art abased, hence God exalteth thee. + +CHARLES. +Shall I indeed withstand mine enemies? + +JOHANNA. +France I will lay submissive at thy feet! + +CHARLES. +And Orleans, say'st thou, will not be surrendered? + +JOHANNA. +The Loire shall sooner roll its waters back. + +CHARLES. +Shall I in triumph enter into Rheims? + +JOHANNA. +I through ten thousand foes will lead you there. + + [The knights make a noise with their lances and shields, + and evince signs of courage. + +DUNOIS. +Appoint the maiden to command the host! +We follow blindly whereso'er she leads! +The Holy One's prophetic eye shall guide, +And this brave sword from danger shall protect her! + +LA HIRE. +A universe in arms we will not fear, +If she, the mighty one, precede our troops. +The God of battle walketh by her side; +Let her conduct us on to victory! + + [The knights clang their arms and step forward. + +CHARLES. +Yes, holy maiden, do thou lead mine host; +My chiefs and warriors shall submit to thee. +This sword of matchless temper, proved in war, +Sent back in anger by the Constable, +Hath found a hand more worthy. Prophetess, +Do thou receive it, and henceforward be---- + +JOHANNA. +No, noble Dauphin! conquest to my liege +Is not accorded through this instrument +Of earthly might. I know another sword +Wherewith I am to conquer, which to thee, +I, as the Spirit taught, will indicate; +Let it be hither brought. + +CHARLES. + Name it, Johanna. + +JOHANNA. +Send to the ancient town of Fierbois; +There in Saint Catherine's churchyard is a vault +Where lie in heaps the spoils of bygone war. +Among them is the sword which I must use. +It by three golden lilies may be known, +Upon the blade impressed. Let it be brought +For thou, my liege, shalt conquer through this sword. + +CHARLES. +Perform what she commands. + +JOHANNA. + And a white banner, +Edged with a purple border, let me bear. +Upon this banner let the Queen of Heaven +Be pictured with the beauteous Jesus child +Floating in glory o'er this earthly ball. +For so the Holy Mother showed it me. + +CHARLES. +So be it as thou sayest. + +JOHANNA (to the ARCHBISHOP). + Reverend bishop; +Lay on my head thy consecrated hands! +Pronounce a blessing, Father, on thy child! + + [She kneels down. + +ARCHBISHOP. +Not blessings to receive, but to dispense +Art thou appointed. Go, with power divine! +But we are sinners all and most unworthy. + + [She rises: a PAGE enters. + +PAGE. +A herald from the English generals. + +JOHANNA. +Let him appear, for he is sent by God! + + [The KING motions to the PAGE, who retires. + + + +SCENE XI. + + The HERALD. The same. + +CHARLES. +Thy tidings, herald? What thy message! Speak! + +HERALD. +Who is it, who for Charles of Valois, +The Count of Pointhieu, in this presence speaks? + +DUNOIS. +Unworthy herald! base, insulting knave! +Dost thou presume the monarch of the French +Thus in his own dominions to deny? +Thou art protected by thine office, else---- + +HERALD. +One king alone is recognized by France, +And he resideth in the English camp. + +CHARLES. +Peace, peace, good cousin! Speak thy message, herald! + +HERALD. +My noble general laments the blood +Which hath already flowed, and still must flow. +Hence, in the scabbard holding back the sword, +Before by storm the town of Orleans falls, +He offers thee an amicable treaty. + +CHARLES. +Proceed! + +JOHANNA (stepping forward). + Permit me, Dauphin, in thy stead, +To parley with this herald. + +CHARLES. + Do so, maid! +Determine thou, for peace, or bloody war. + +JOHANNA (to the HERALD). +Who sendeth thee? Who speaketh through thy mouth? + +HERALD. +The Earl of Salisbury; the British chief. + +JOHANNA. +Herald, 'tis false! The earl speaks not through thee. +Only the living speak, the dead are silent. + +HERALD. +The earl is well, and full of lusty strength; +He lives to bring down ruin on your heads. + +JOHANNA. +When thou didst quit the British army he lived. +This morn, while gazing from Le Tournelle's tower, +A ball from Orleans struck him to the ground. +Smilest thou that I discern what is remote? +Not to my words give credence; but believe +The witness of thine eyes! his funeral train +Thou shalt encounter as you goest hence! +Now, herald, speak, and do thine errand here. + +HERALD. +If what is hidden thou canst thus reveal, +Thou knowest mine errand ere I tell it thee. + +JOHANNA. +It boots me not to know it. But do thou +Give ear unto my words! This message bear +In answer to the lords who sent thee here. +Monarch of England, and ye haughty dukes, +Bedford and Gloucester, regents of this realm! +To heaven's high King you are accountable +For all the blood that hath been shed. Restore +The keys of all the cities ta'en by force +In opposition to God's holy law! +The maiden cometh from the King of Heaven +And offers you or peace or bloody war. +Choose ye! for this I say, that you may know it: +To you this beauteous realm is not assigned +By Mary's son;--but God hath given it +To Charles, my lord and Dauphin, who ere long +Will enter Paris with a monarch's pomp, +Attended by the great ones of his realm. +Now, herald, go, and speedily depart, +For ere thou canst attain the British camp +And do thine errand, is the maiden there, +To plant the sign of victory at Orleans. + + [She retires. In the midst of a general movement, + the curtain falls. + + + + +ACT II. + + Landscape, bounded by rocks. + + + +SCENE I. + + TALBOT and LIONEL, English generals, PHILIP, DUKE OF BURGUNDY, + FASTOLFE, and CHATILLON, with soldiers and banners. + +TALBOT. +Here let us make a halt beneath these rocks, +And pitch our camp, in case our scattered troops, +Dispersed in panic fear, again should rally. +Choose trusty sentinels, and guard the heights! +'Tis true the darkness shields us from pursuit, +And sure I am, unless the foe have wings, +We need not fear surprisal. Still 'tis well +To practice caution, for we have to do +With a bold foe, and have sustained defeat. + + [FASTOLFE goes out with the soldiers. + +LIONEL. +Defeat! My general, do not speak that word. +It stings me to the quick to think the French +To-day have seen the backs of Englishmen. +Oh, Orleans! Orleans! Grave of England's glory! +Our honor lies upon thy fatal plains +Defeat most ignominious and burlesque! +Who will in future years believe the tale! +The victors of Poictiers and Agincourt, +Cressy's bold heroes, routed by a woman? + +BURGUNDY. +That must console us. Not by mortal power, +But by the devil have we been o'erthrown! + +TALBOT. +The devil of our own stupidity! +How, Burgundy? Do princes quake and fear +Before the phantom which appals the vulgar? +Credulity is but a sorry cloak +For cowardice. Your people first took flight. + +BURGUNDY. +None stood their ground. The flight was general. + +TALBOT. +'Tis false! Your wing fled first. You wildly broke +Into our camp, exclaiming: "Hell is loose, +The devil combats on the side of France!" +And thus you brought confusion 'mong our troops. + +LIONEL. +You can't deny it. Your wing yielded first. + +BURGUNDY. +Because the brunt of battle there commenced. + +TALBOT. +The maiden knew the weakness of our camp; +She rightly judged where fear was to be found. + +BURGUNDY. +How? Shall the blame of our disaster rest +With Burgundy? + +LIONEL. + By heaven! were we alone, +We English, never had we Orleans lost! + +BURGUNDY. +No, truly! for ye ne'er had Orleans seen! +Who opened you a way into this realm, +And reached you forth a kind and friendly hand +When you descended on this hostile coast? +Who was it crowned your Henry at Paris, +And unto him subdued the people's hearts? +Had this Burgundian arm not guided you +Into this realm, by heaven you ne'er had seen +The smoke ascending from a single hearth! + +LIONEL. +Were conquests with big words effected, duke, +You, doubtless, would have conquered France alone. + +BURGUNDY. +The loss of Orleans angers you, and now +You vent your gall on me, your friend and ally. +What lost us Orleans but your avarice? +The city was prepared to yield to me, +Your envy was the sole impediment. + +TALBOT. +We did not undertake the siege for you. + +BURGUNDY. +How would it stand with you if I withdrew +With all my host? + +LIONEL. + We should not be worse off +Than when, at Agincourt, we proved a match +For you and all the banded power of France. + +BURGUNDY. +Yet much you stood in need of our alliance; +The regent purchased it at heavy cost. + +TALBOT. +Most dearly, with the forfeit of our honor, +At Orleans have we paid for it to-day. + +BURGUNDY. +Urge me no further, lords. Ye may repent it! +Did I forsake the banners of my king, +Draw down upon my head the traitor's name, +To be insulted thus by foreigners? +Why am I here to combat against France? +If I must needs endure ingratitude, +Let it come rather from my native king! + +TALBOT. +You're in communication with the Dauphin, +We know it well, but we soon shall find means +To guard ourselves 'gainst treason. + +BURGUNDY. + Death and hell! +Am I encountered thus? Chatillon, hark! +Let all my troops prepare to quit the camp. +We will retire into our own domain. + + [CHATILLON goes out. + +LIONEL. +God speed you there! Never did Britain's fame +More brightly shine than when she stood alone, +Confiding solely in her own good sword. +Let each one fight his battle for himself, +For 'tis eternal truth that English blood +Cannot, with honor, blend with blood of France. + + + +SCENE II. + + The same. QUEEN ISABEL, attended by a PAGE. + +ISABEL. +What must I hear? This fatal strife forbear! +What brain-bewildering planet o'er your minds +Sheds dire perplexity? When unity +Alone can save you, will you part in hate, +And, warring 'mong yourselves, prepare your doom?-- +I do entreat you, noble duke, recall +Your hasty order. You, renowned Talbot, +Seek to appease an irritated friend! +Come, Lionel, aid me to reconcile +These haughty spirits and establish peace. + +LIONEL. +Not I, madame. It is all one to me. +'Tis my belief, when things are misallied, +The sooner they part company the better. + +ISABEL. +How? Do the arts of hell, which on the field +Wrought such disastrous ruin, even here +Bewilder and befool us? Who began +This fatal quarrel? Speak! Lord-general! +Your own advantage did you so forget, +As to offend your worthy friend and ally? +What could you do without his powerful arm? +'Twas he who placed your monarch on the throne, +He holds him there, and he can hurl him thence; +His army strengthens you--still more his name. +Were England all her citizens to pour +Upon our coasts, she never o'er this realm +Would gain dominion did she stand alone; +No! France can only be subdued by France! + +TALBOT. +A faithful friend we honor as we ought; +Discretion warns us to beware the false. + +BURGUNDY. +The liar's brazen front beseemeth him +Who would absolve himself from gratitude. + +ISABEL. +How, noble duke? Could you so far renounce +Your princely honor, and your sense of shame, +As clasp the hand of him who slew your sire? +Are you so mad to entertain the thought +Of cordial reconcilement with the Dauphin, +Whom you yourself have hurled to ruin's brink? +His overthrow you have well nigh achieved, +And madly now would you renounce your work? +Here stand your allies. Your salvation lies +In an indissoluble bond with England? + +BURGUNDY. +Far is my thought from treaty with the Dauphin; +But the contempt and insolent demeanor +Of haughty England I will not endure. + +ISABEL. +Come, noble duke? Excuse a hasty word. +Heavy the grief which bows the general down, +And well you know misfortune makes unjust. +Come! come! embrace; let me this fatal breach +Repair at once, ere it becomes eternal. + +TALBOT. +What think you, Burgundy? A noble heart, +By reason vanquished, doth confess its fault. +A wise and prudent word the queen hath spoken; +Come, let my hand with friendly pressure heal +The wound inflicted by my angry tongue. + +BURGUNDY. +Discreet the counsel offered by the queen! +My just wrath yieldeth to necessity. + +ISABEL. +'Tis well! Now, with a brotherly embrace +Confirm and seal the new-established bond; +And may the winds disperse what hath been spoken. + + [BURGUNDY and TALBOT embrace. + +LIONEL (contemplating the group aside). +Hail to an union by the furies planned! + +ISABEL. +Fate hath proved adverse, we have lost a battle, +But do not, therefore, let your courage sink. +The Dauphin, in despair of heavenly aid, +Doth make alliance with the powers of hell; +Vainly his soul he forfeits to the devil, +For hell itself cannot deliver him. +A conquering maiden leads the hostile force; +Yours, I myself will lead; to you I'll stand +In place of maiden or of prophetess. + +LIONEL. +Madame, return to Paris! We desire +To war with trusty weapons, not with women. + +TALBOT. +GO! go! Since your arrival in the camp, +Fortune hath fled our banners, and our course +Hath still been retrograde. Depart at once! + +BURGUNDY. +Your presence here doth scandalize the host. + +ISABEL (looks from one to the other with astonishment). +This, Burgundy, from you? Do you take part +Against me with these thankless English lords? + +BURGUNDY. +Go! go! The thought of combating for you +Unnerves the courage of the bravest men. + +ISABEL. +I scarce among you have established peace, +And you already form a league against me! + +TALBOT. +Go, in God's name. When you have left the camp +No devil will again appal our troops. + +ISABEL. +Say, am I not your true confederate? +Are we not banded in a common cause? + +TALBOT. +Thank God! your cause of quarrel is not ours. +We combat in an honorable strife. + +BURGUNDY. +A father's bloody murder I avenge. +Stern filial duty consecrates my arms. + +TALBOT. +Confess at once. Your conduct towards the Dauphin +Is an offence alike to God and man. + +ISABEL. +Curses blast him and his posterity! +The shameless son who sins against his mother! + +BURGUNDY. +Ay! to avenge a husband and a father! + +ISABEL. +To judge his mother's conduct he presumed! + +LIONEL. +That was, indeed, irreverent in a son! + +ISABEL. +And me, forsooth, he banished from the realm. + +TALBOT. +Urged to the measure by the public voice. + +ISABEL. +A curse light on him if I e'er forgive him! +Rather than see him on his father's throne---- + +TALBOT. +His mother's honor you would sacrifice! + +ISABEL. +Your feeble natures cannot comprehend +The vengeance of an outraged mother's heart. +Who pleasures me, I love; who wrongs, I hate. +If he who wrongs me chance to be my son, +All the more worthy is he of my hate. +The life I gave I will again take back +From him who doth, with ruthless violence, +The bosom rend which bore and nourished him. +Ye, who do thus make war upon the Dauphin, +What rightful cause have ye to plunder him? +What crime hath he committed against you? +What insult are you called on to avenge? +Ambition, paltry envy, goad you on; +I have a right to hate him--he's my son. + +TALBOT. +He feels his mother in her dire revenge! + +ISABEL. +Mean hypocrites! I hate you and despise. +Together with the world, you cheat yourselves! +With robber-hands you English seek to clutch +This realm of France, where you have no just right, +Nor equitable claim, to so much earth +As could be covered by your charger's hoof. +--This duke, too, whom the people style the Good, +Doth to a foreign lord, his country's foe, +For gold betray the birthland of his sires. +And yet is justice ever on your tongue. +--Hypocrisy I scorn. Such as I am, +So let the world behold me! + +BURGUNDY. + It is true! +Your reputation you have well maintained. + +ISABEL. +I've passions and warm blood, and as a queen +Came to this realm to live, and not to seem. +Should I have lingered out a joyless life +Because the curse of adverse destiny +To a mad consort joined my blooming youth? +More than my life I prize my liberty. +And who assails me here----But why should I +Stoop to dispute with you about my rights? +Your sluggish blood flows slowly in your veins! +Strangers to pleasure, ye know only rage! +This duke, too--who, throughout his whole career, +Hath wavered to and fro, 'twixt good and ill-- +Can neither love or hate with his whole heart. +--I go to Melun. Let this gentleman, + [Pointing to LIONEL. +Who doth my fancy please, attend me there, +To cheer my solitude, and you may work +Your own good pleasure! I'll inquire no more +Concerning the Burgundians or the English. + + [She beckons to her PAGE, and is about to retire. + +LIONEL. +Rely upon us, we will send to Melun +The fairest youths whom we in battle take. + + [Coming back. + +ISABEL. +Skilful your arm to wield the sword of death, +The French alone can round the polished phrase. + + [She goes out. + + + +SCENE III. + + TALBOT, BURGUNDY, LIONEL. + +TALBOT. +Heavens! What a woman! + +LIONEL. + Now, brave generals, +Your counsel! Shall we prosecute our flight, +Or turn, and with a bold and sudden stroke +Wipe out the foul dishonor of to-day? + +BURGUNDY. +We are too weak, our soldiers are dispersed, +The recent terror still unnerves the host. + +TALBOT. +Blind terror, sudden impulse of a moment, +Alone occasioned our disastrous rout. +This phantom of the terror-stricken brain, +More closely viewed will vanish into air. +My counsel, therefore, is, at break of day, +To lead the army back, across the stream, +To meet the enemy. + +BURGUNDY. + Consider well---- + +LIONEL. +Your pardon! Here is nothing to consider +What we have lost we must at once retrieve, +Or look to be eternally disgraced. + +TALBOT. +It is resolved. To-morrow morn we fight, +This dread-inspiring phantom to destroy, +Which thus doth blind and terrify the host +Let us in fight encounter this she-devil. +If she oppose her person to our sword, +Trust me, she never will molest us more; +If she avoid our stroke--and be assured +She will not stand the hazard of a battle-- +Then is the dire enchantment at an end? + +LIONEL. +So be it! And to me, my general. leave +This easy, bloodless combat, for I hope +Alive to take this ghost, and in my arms, +Before the Bastard's eyes--her paramour-- +To bear her over to the English camp, +To be the sport and mockery of the host. + +BURGUNDY. +Make not too sure. + +TALBOT. + If she encounter me, +I shall not give her such a soft embrace. +Come now, exhausted nature to restore +Through gentle sleep. At daybreak we set forth. + + [They go out. + + + + +SCENE IV. + + JOHANNA with her banner, in a helmet and breastplate, + otherwise attired as a woman. DUNOIS, LA HIRE, knights + and soldiers appear above upon the rocky path, pass + silently over, and appear immediately after on the scene. + +JOHANNA (to the knights who surround her while the + procession continues above). +The wall is scaled and we are in the camp! +Now fling aside the mantle of still night, +Which hitherto hath veiled your silent march, +And your dread presence to the foe proclaim. +By your loud battle-cry--God and the maiden! + +ALL (exclaim aloud, amidst the loud clang of arms). +God and the maiden! + [Drums and trumpets. + +SENTINELS (behind the scene). +The foe! The foe! The foe! + +JOHANNA. +Ho! torches here. Hurl fire into the tents! +Let the devouring flames augment the horror, +While threatening death doth compass them around! + + [Soldiers hasten on, she is about to follow. + +DUNOIS (holding her back). +Thy part thou hast accomplished now, Johanna! +Into the camp thou hast conducted us, +The foe thou hast delivered in our hands, +Now from the rush of war remain apart! +The bloody consummation leave to us. + +LA HIRE. +Point out the path of conquest to the host; +Before us, in pure hand, the banner bear. +But wield the fatal weapon not thyself; +Tempt not the treacherous god of battle, for +He rageth blindly, and he spareth not. + +JOHANNA. +Who dares impede my progress? Who presume +The spirit to control which guideth me? +Still must the arrow wing its destined flight! +Where danger is, there must Johanna be; +Nor now, nor here, am I foredoomed to fall; +Our monarch's royal brow I first must see +Invested with the round of sovereignty. +No hostile power can rob me of my life, +Till I've accomplished the commands of God. + + [She goes out. + +LA HIRE. +Come, let us follow after her, Dunois, +And let our valiant bosoms be her shield! + + [Exit. + + + +SCENE V. + + ENGLISH SOLDIERS hurry over the stage. + Afterwards TALBOT. + +1 SOLDIER. +The maiden in the camp! + +2 SOLDIER. + Impossible! +It cannot be! How came she in the camp? + +3 SOLDIER. +Why, through the air! The devil aided her! + +4 AND 5 SOLDIERS. +Fly! fly! We are dead men! + +TALBOT (enters). +They heed me not! They stay not at my call! +The sacred bands of discipline are loosed! +As hell had poured her damned legions forth, +A wild, distracting impulse whirls along, +In one mad throng, the cowardly and brave. +I cannot rally e'en the smallest troop +To form a bulwark gainst the hostile flood, +Whose raging billows press into our camp! +Do I alone retain my sober senses, +While all around in wild delirium rave? +To fly before these weak, degenerate Frenchmen +Whom we in twenty battles have overthrown? +Who is she then--the irresistible-- +The dread-inspiring goddess, who doth turn +At once the tide of battle, and transform +The lions bold a herd of timid deer? +A juggling minx, who plays the well-learned part +Of heroine, thus to appal the brave? +A woman snatch from me all martial fame? + +SOLDIER (rushing in). +The maiden comes! Fly, general, fly! fly! + +TALBOT (strikes him down). +Fly thou, thyself, to hell! This sword shall pierce +Who talks to me of fear, or coward flight! + + [He goes out. + + + +SCENE VI. + + The prospect opens. The English camp is seen in flames. + Drums, flight, and pursuit. After a while MONTGOMERY enters. + +MONTGOMERY (alone). +Where shall I flee? Foes all around and death! Lo! here +The furious general, who with threatening sword, prevents +Escape, and drives us back into the jaws of death. +The dreadful maiden there--the terrible--who like +Devouring flame, destruction spreads; while all around +Appears no bush wherein to hide--no sheltering cave! +Oh, would that o'er the sea I never had come here! +Me miserable--empty dreams deluded me-- +Cheap glory to achieve on Gallia's martial fields. +And I am guided by malignant destiny +Into this murderous flight. Oh, were I far, far hence. +Still in my peaceful home, on Severn's flowery banks, +Where in my father's house, in sorrow and in tears, +I left my mother and my fair young bride. + + [JOHANNA appears in the distance. + +Wo's me! What do I see! The dreadful form appears! +Arrayed in lurid light, she from the raging fire +Issues, as from the jaws of hell, a midnight ghost. +Where shall I go? where flee? Already from afar +She seizes on me with her eye of fire, and flings +Her fatal and unerring coil, whose magic folds +With ever-tightening pressure, bind my feet and make +Escape impossible! Howe'er my heart rebels, +I am compelled to follow with my gaze that form +Of dread! + + [JOHANNA advances towards him some steps; + and again remains standing. + + She comes! I will not passively await +Her furious onset! Imploringly I'll clasp +Her knees! I'll sue to her for life. She is a woman. +I may perchance to pity move her by my tears! + + [While he is on the point of approaching her she draws near. + + + +SCENE VII. + + JOHANNA, MONTGOMERY. + +JOHANNA. +Prepare to die! A British mother bore thee! + +MONTGOMERY (falls at her feet). +Fall back, terrific one! Forbear to strike +An unprotected foe! My sword and shield +I've flung aside, and supplicating fall +Defenceless at thy feet. A ransom take! +Extinguish not the precious light of life! +With fair possessions crowned, my father dwells +In Wales' fair land, where among verdant meads +The winding Severn rolls his silver tide, +And fifty villages confess his sway. +With heavy gold he will redeem his son, +When he shall hear I'm in the camp of France. + +JHANNA. +Deluded mortal! to destruction doomed! +Thou'rt fallen in the maiden's hand, from which +Redemption or deliverance there is none. +Had adverse fortune given thee a prey +To the fierce tiger or the crocodile-- +Hadst robbed the lion mother of her brood-- +Compassion thou might'st hope to find and pity; +But to encounter me is certain death. +For my dread compact with the spirit realm-- +The stern inviolable--bindeth me, +To slay each living thing whom battle's God, +Full charged with doom, delivers to my sword. + +MONTGOMERY. +Thy speech is fearful, but thy look is mild; +Not dreadful art thou to contemplate near; +My heart is drawn towards thy lovely form. +Oh! by the mildness of thy gentle sex, +Attend my prayer. Compassionate my youth. + +JOHANNA. +Name me not woman! Speak not of my sex! +Like to the bodiless spirits, who know naught +Of earth's humanities, I own no sex; +Beneath this vest of steel there beats no heart. + +MONTGOMERY. +Oh! by love's sacred, all-pervading power, +To whom all hearts yield homage, I conjure thee. +At home I left behind a gentle bride, +Beauteous as thou, and rich in blooming grace: +Weeping she waiteth her betrothed's return. +Oh! if thyself dost ever hope to love, +If in thy love thou hopest to be happy, +Then ruthless sever not two gentle hearts, +Together linked in love's most holy bond! + +JOHANNA. +Thou dost appeal to earthly, unknown gods, +To whom I yield no homage. Of love's bond, +By which thou dost conjure me, I know naught +Nor ever will I know his empty service. +Defend thy life, for death doth summon thee. + +MONTGOMERY. +Take pity on my sorrowing parents, whom +I left at home. Doubtless thou, too, hast left +Parents, who feel disquietude for thee. + +JOHANNA. +Unhappy man! thou dost remember me +How many mothers of this land your arms +Have rendered childless and disconsolate; +How many gentle children fatherless; +How many fair young brides dejected widows! +Let England's mothers now be taught despair, +And learn to weep the bitter tear oft shed +By the bereaved and sorrowing wives of France. + +MONTGOMERY. +'Tis hard in foreign lands to die unwept. + +JOHANNA. +Who called you over to this foreign land, +To waste the blooming culture of our fields, +To chase the peasant from his household hearth, +And in our cities' peaceful sanctuary +To hurl the direful thunderbolt of war? +In the delusion of your hearts ye thought +To plunge in servitude the freeborn French, +And to attach their fair and goodly realm, +Like a small boat, to your proud English bark! +Ye fools! The royal arms of France are hung +Fast by the throne of God; and ye as soon +From the bright wain of heaven might snatch a star +As rend a single village from this realm, +Which shall remain inviolate forever! +The day of vengeance is at length arrived; +Not living shall ye measure back the sea, +The sacred sea--the boundary set by God +Betwixt our hostile nations--and the which +Ye ventured impiously to overpass. + +MONTGOMERY (lets go her hands). +Oh, I must die! I feel the grasp of death! + +JOHANNA. +Die, friend! Why tremble at the approach of death? +Of mortals the irrevocable doom? +Look upon me! I'm born a shepherd maid; +This hand, accustomed to the peaceful crook, +Is all unused to wield the sword of death. +Yet, snatched away from childhood's peaceful haunts, +From the fond love of father and of sisters, +Urged by no idle dream of earthly glory, +But heaven-appointed to achieve your ruin, +Like a destroying angel I must roam, +Spreading dire havoc around me, and at length +Myself must fall a sacrifice to death! +Never again shall I behold my home! +Still, many of your people I must slay, +Still, many widows make, but I at length +Myself shall perish, and fulfil my doom. +Now thine fulfil. Arise! resume thy sword, +And let us fight for the sweet prize of life. + +MONTGOMERY (stands up). +Now, if thou art a mortal like myself, +Can weapons wound thee, it may be assigned +To this good arm to end my country's woe, +Thee sending, sorceress, to the depths of hell. +In God's most gracious hands I leave my fate. +Accursed one! to thine assistance call +The fiends of hell! Now combat for thy life! + + [He seizes his sword and shield, and rushes upon her; + martial music is heard in the distance. After a short + conflict MONTGOMERY falls. + + + +SCENE VIII. + +JOHANNA (alone). +To death thy foot did bear thee--fare thee well! + + [She steps away from him and remains absorbed in thought. + +Virgin, thou workest mightily in me! +My feeble arm thou dost endue with strength, +And steep'st my woman's heart in cruelty. +In pity melts the soul and the hand trembles, +As it did violate some sacred fane, +To mar the goodly person of the foe. +Once I did shudder at the polished sheath, +But when 'tis needed, I'm possessed with strength, +And as it were itself a thing of life, +The fatal weapon, in my trembling grasp, +Self-swayed, inflicteth the unerring stroke. + + + +SCENE IX. + + A KNIGHT with closed visor, JOHANNA. + +KNIGHT. +Accursed one! thy hour of death has come! +Long have I sought thee on the battle-field, +Fatal delusion! get thee back to hell, +Whence thou didst issue forth. + +JOHANNA. + Say, who art thou, +Whom his bad genius sendeth in my way? +Princely thy port, no Briton dost thou seem, +For the Burgundian colors stripe thy shield, +Before the which my sword inclines its point. + +KNIGHT. +Vile castaway! Thou all unworthy art +To fall beneath a prince's noble hand. +The hangman's axe should thy accursed head +Cleave from thy trunk, unfit for such vile use +The royal Duke of Burgundy's brave sword. + +JOHANNA. +Art thou indeed that noble duke himself? + +KNIGHT (raises his visor). +I'm he, vile creature, tremble and despair! +The arts of hell shall not protect thee more. +Thou hast till now weak dastards overcome; +Now thou dost meet a man. + + + +SCENE X. + + DUNOIS and LA HIRE. The same. + +DUNOIS. + Hold, Burgundy! +Turn! combat now with men, and not with maids. + +LA HIRE. +We will defend the holy prophetess; +First must thy weapon penetrate this breast. + +BURGUNDY. +I fear not this seducing Circe; no, +Nor you, whom she hath changed so shamefully! +Oh, blush, Dunois! and do thou blush, La Hire +To stoop thy valor to these hellish arts-- +To be shield-bearer to a sorceress! +Come one--come all! He only who despairs +Of heaven's protection seeks the aid of hell. + + [They prepare for combat, JOHANNA steps between. + +JOHANNA. +Forbear! + +BURGUNDY. + Dost tremble for thy lover? Thus +Before thine eyes he shall---- + + [He makes a thrust at DUNOIS. + +JOHANNA. + Dunois, forbear! +Part them, La Hire! no blood of France must flow: +Not hostile weapons must this strife decide, +Above the stars 'tis otherwise decreed. +Fall back! I say. Attend and venerate +The Spirit which hath seized, which speaks through me! + +DUNOIS. +Why, maiden, now hold back my upraised arm? +Why check the just decision of the sword? +My weapon pants to deal the fatal blow +Which shall avenge and heal the woes of France. + + [She places herself in the midst and separates the parties. + +JOHANNA. +Fall back, Dunois! Stand where thou art, La Hire! +Somewhat I have to say to Burgundy. + + [When all is quiet. + +What wouldst thou, Burgundy? Who is the foe +Whom eagerly thy murderous glances seek? +This prince is, like thyself, a son of France,-- +This hero is thy countryman, thy friend; +I am a daughter of thy fatherland. +We all, whom thou art eager to destroy, +Are of thy friends;--our longing arms prepare +To clasp, our bending knees to honor thee. +Our sword 'gainst thee is pointless, and that face +E'en in a hostile helm is dear to us, +For there we trace the features of our king. + +BURGUNDY. +What, syren! wilt thou with seducing words +Allure thy victim? Cunning sorceress, +Me thou deludest not. Mine ears are closed +Against thy treacherous words; and vainly dart +Thy fiery glances 'gainst this mail of proof. +To arms, Dunois! +With weapons let us fight, and not with words. + +DUNOIS. +First words, then weapons, Burgundy! Do words +With dread inspire thee? 'Tis a coward's fear, +And the betrayer of an evil cause. + +JOHANNA. +'Tis not imperious necessity +Which throws us at thy feet! We do not come +As suppliants before thee. Look around! +The English tents are level with the ground, +And all the field is covered with your slain. +Hark! the war-trumpets of the French resound; +God hath decided--ours the victory! +Our new-culled laurel garland with our friend +We fain would share. Come, noble fugitive! +Oh, come where justice and where victory dwell! +Even I, the messenger of heaven, extend +A sister's hand to thee. I fain would save +And draw thee over to our righteous cause! +Heaven hath declared for France! Angelic powers, +Unseen by thee, do battle for our king; +With lilies are the holy ones adorned, +Pure as this radiant banner is our cause; +Its blessed symbol is the queen of heaven. + +BURGUNDY. +Falsehood's fallacious words are full of guile, +But hers are pure and simple as a child's. +If evil spirits borrow this disguise, +They copy innocence triumphantly. +I'll hear no more. To arms, Dunois! to arms! +Mine ear, I feel, is weaker than mine arm. + +JOHANNA. +You call me an enchantress, and accuse +Of hellish arts. Is it the work of hell +To heal dissension and to foster peace? +Comes holy concord from the depths below? +Say, what is holy, innocent, and good, +If not to combat for our fatherland? +Since when hath nature been so self-opposed +That heaven forsakes the just and righteous cause, +While hell protects it? If my words are true, +Whence could I draw them but from heaven above? +Who ever sought me in my shepherd-walks, +To teach the humble maid affairs of state? +I ne'er have stood with princes, to these lips +Unknown the arts of eloquence. Yet now, +When I have need of it to touch thy heart, +Insight and varied knowledge I possess; +The fate of empires and the doom of kings +Lie clearly spread before my childish mind, +And words of thunder issue from my mouth. + +BURGUNDY (greatly moved, looks at her with emotion and astonishment). +How is it with me? Doth some heavenly power +Thus strangely stir my spirit's inmost depths? +This pure, this gentle creature cannot lie! +No, if enchantment blinds me, 'tis from heaven. +My spirit tells me she is sent from God. + +JOHANNA. +Oh, he is moved! I have not prayed in vain, +Wrath's thunder-cloud dissolves in gentle tears, +And leaves his brow, while mercy's golden beams +Break from his eyes and gently promise peace. +Away with arms, now clasp him to your hearts, +He weeps--he's conquered, he is ours once more! + + [Her sword and banner fall; she hastens to him with + outstretched arms, and embraces him in great agitation. + LA HIRE and DUNOIS throw down their swords, and hasten + also to embrace him. + + + + +ACT III. + + Residence of the KING at Chalons on the Marne. + + + +SCENE I. + + DUNOIS, LA HIRE. + +DUNOIS. +We have been true heart-friends, brothers in arms, +Still have we battled in a common cause, +And held together amid toil and death. +Let not the love of woman rend the bond +Which hath resisted every stroke of fate. + +LA HIRE. +Hear me, my prince! + +DUNOIS. + You love the wondrous maid, +And well I know the purpose of your heart. +You think without delay to seek the king, +And to entreat him to bestow on you +Her hand in marriage. Of your bravery +The well-earned guerdon he cannot refuse +But know,--ere I behold her in the arms +Of any other---- + +LA HIRE. + Listen to me, prince! + +DUNOIS. +'Tis not the fleeting passion of the eye +Attracts me to her. My unconquered sense +Had set at naught the fiery shafts of love +Till I beheld this wondrous maiden, sent +By a divine appointment to become +The savior of this kingdom, and my wife; +And on the instant in my heart I vowed +A sacred oath, to bear her home, my bride. +For she alone who is endowed with strength +Can be the strong man's friend. This glowing heart +Longs to repose upon a kindred breast, +Which can sustain and comprehend its strength. + +LA HIRE. +How dare I venture, prince, my poor deserts +To measure with your name's heroic fame! +When Count Dunois appeareth in the lists, +Each humbler suitor must forsake the field; +Still it doth ill become a shepherd maid +To stand as consort by your princely side. +The royal current in your veins would scorn +To mix with blood of baser quality. + +DUNOIS. +She, like myself, is holy Nature's child, +A child divine--hence we by birth are equal. +She bring dishonor on a prince's hand, +Who is the holy angel's bride, whose head +Is by a heavenly glory circled round, +Whose radiance far outshineth earthly crowns, +Who seeth lying far beneath her feet +All that is greatest, highest of this earth! +For thrones on thrones, ascending to the stars, +Would fail to reach the height where she abides +In angel majesty! + +LA HIRE. +Our monarch must decide. + +DUNOIS. + Not so! she must +Decide! Free hath she made this realm of France, +And she herself must freely give her heart. + +LA HIRE. +Here comes the king! + + + +SCENE II. + + CHARLES, AGNES, SOREL, DUCHATEL, and CHATILLON. + The same. + +CHARLES (to CHATILLON). +He comes! My title he will recognize, +And do me homage as his sovereign liege? + +CHATILLON. +Here, in his royal town of Chalons, sire, +The duke, my master, will fall down before thee. +He did command me, as my lord and king, +To give thee greeting. He'll be here anon. + +SOREL. +He comes! Hail beauteous and auspicious day, +Which bringeth joy, and peace, and reconcilement! + +CHATILLON. +The duke, attended by two hundred knights, +Will hither come; he at thy feet will kneel; +But he expecteth not that thou to him +Should yield the cordial greeting of a kinsman. + +CHARLES. +I long to clasp him to my throbbing heart. + +CHATILLON. +The duke entreats that at this interview, +No word be spoken of the ancient strife! + +CHARLES. +In Lethe be the past forever sunk! +The smiling future now invites our gaze. + +CHATILLON. +All who have combated for Burgundy +Shall be included in the amnesty. + +CHARLES. +So shall my realm be doubled in extent! + +CHATILLON. +Queen Isabel, if she consent thereto, +Shall also be included in the peace. + +CHARLES. +She maketh war on me, not I on her. +With her alone it rests to end our quarrel. + +CHATILLON. +Twelve knights shall answer for thy royal word. + +CHARLES. +My word is sacred. + +CHATILLON. + The archbishop shall +Between you break the consecrated host, +As pledge and seal of cordial reconcilement. + +CHARLES. +Let my eternal weal be forfeited, +If my hand's friendly grasp belie my heart. +What other surety doth the duke require? + +CHATILLON (glancing at DUCHATEL). +I see one standing here, whose presence, sire, +Perchance might poison the first interview. + + [DUCHATEL retires in silence. + +CHARLES. +Depart, Duchatel, and remain concealed +Until the duke can bear thee in his sight. + + [He follows him with his eye, then hastens after + and embraces him. + +True-hearted friend! Thou wouldst far more than this +Have done for my repose! + [Exit DUCHATEL. + +CHATILLON. +This instrument doth name the other points. + +CHARLES (to the ARCHBISHOP). +Let it be settled. We agree to all. +We count no price too high to gain a friend. +Go now, Dunois, and with a hundred knights, +Give courteous conduct to the noble duke. +Let the troops, garlanded with verdant boughs, +Receive their comrades with a joyous welcome. +Be the whole town arrayed in festive pomp, +And let the bells with joyous peal, proclaim +That France and Burgundy are reconciled. + + [A PAGE enters. Trumpets sound. + +Hark! What importeth that loud trumpet's call? + +PAGE. +The Duke of Burgundy hath stayed his march. + + [Exit. + +DUNOIS. +Up! forth to meet him! + + [Exit with LA HIRE and CHATILLON. + +CHARLES (to SOREL). +My Agnes! thou dost weep! Even my strength +Doth almost fail me at this interview. +How many victims have been doomed to fall +Ere we could meet in peace and reconcilement! +But every storm at length suspends its rage, +Day follows on the murkiest night; and still +When comes the hour, the latest fruits mature! + +ARCHBISHOP (at the window). +The thronging crowds impede the duke's advance; +He scarce can free himself. They lift him now +From off his horse; they kiss his spurs, his mantle. + +CHARLES. +They're a good people, in whom love flames forth +As suddenly as wrath. In how brief space +They do forget that 'tis this very duke +Who slew, in fight, their fathers and their sons; +The moment swallows up the whole of life! +Be tranquil, Sorel. E'en thy passionate joy +Perchance might to his conscience prove a thorn. +Nothing should either shame or grieve him here. + + + +SCENE III. + + The DUKE OF BURGUNDY, DUNOIS, LA HIRE, CHATILLON, and two other + knights of the DUKE'S train. The DUKE remains standing at the + door; the KING inclines towards him; BURGUNDY immediately advances, + and in the moment when he is about to throw himself upon his knees, + the KING receives him in his arms. + +CHARLES. +You have surprised us; it was our intent +To fetch you hither, but your steeds are fleet. + +BURGUNDY. +They bore me to my duty. + [He embraces SOREL, and kisses her brow. + With your leave! +At Arras, niece, it is our privilege, +And no fair damsel may exemption claim. + +CHARLES. +Rumor doth speak your court the seat of love, +The mart where all that's beautiful must tarry. + +BURGUNDY. +We are a traffic-loving people, sire; +Whate'er of costly earth's wide realms produce, +For show and for enjoyment, is displayed +Upon our mart at Bruges; but above all +There woman's beauty is pre-eminent. + +SOREL. +More precious far is woman's truth; but it +Appeareth not upon the public mart. + +CHARLES. +Kinsman, 'tis rumored to your prejudice +That woman's fairest virtue you despise. + +BURGUNDY. +The heresy inflicteth on itself +The heaviest penalty. 'Tis well for you, +From your own heart, my king, you learned betimes +What a wild life hath late revealed to me. + + [He perceives the ARCHBISHOP, and extends his hand. + +Most reverend minister of God! your blessing! +You still are to be found on duty's path, +Where those must walk who would encounter you. + +ARCHBISHOP. +Now let my Master call me when he will; +My heart is full, I can with joy depart, +Since that mine eyes have seen this day! + +BURGUNDY (to SOREL). + 'Tis said +That of your precious stones you robbed yourself, +Therefrom to forge 'gainst me the tools of war! +Bear you a soul so martial? Were you then +So resolute to work my overthrow? +Well, now our strife is over; what was lost +Will in due season all be found again. +Even your jewels have returned to you. +Against me to make war they were designed; +Receive them from me as a pledge of peace. + + [He receives a casket from one of the attendants, + and presents it to her to open. SOREL, embarrassed, + looks at the KING. + +CHARLES. +Receive this present; 'tis a twofold pledge +Of reconcilement and of fairest love. + +BURGUNDY (placing a diamond rose in her hair). +Why, is it not the diadem of France? +With full as glad a spirit I would place +The golden circle on this lovely brow. + + [Taking her hand significantly. + +And count on me if, at some future time +You should require a friend. + + [AGNES SOREL bursts into tears, and steps aside. + THE KING struggles with his feelings. The bystanders + contemplate the two princes with emotion. + +BURGUNDY (after gazing round the circle, throws himself into + the KING'S arms). + Oh, my king! + + [At the same moment the three Burgundian knights hasten to DUNOIS, + LA HIRE, and the ARCHBISHOP. They embrace each other. The two + PRINCES remain for a time speechless in each other's arms. + +I could renounce you! I could bear your hate! + +CHARLES. +Hush! hush! No further! + +BURGUNDY. + I this English king +Could crown! Swear fealty to this foreigner! +And you, my sovereign, into ruin plunge! + +CHARLES. +Forget it! Everything's forgiven now! +This single moment doth obliterate all. +'Twas a malignant star! A destiny! + +BURGUNDY (grasps his hand). +Believe me, sire, I'll make amends for all. +Your bitter sorrow I will compensate; +You shall receive your kingdom back entire, +A solitary village shall not fail! + +CHARLES. +We are united. Now I fear no foe. + +BURGUNDY. +Trust me, it was not with a joyous spirit +That I bore arms against you. Did you know? +Oh, wherefore sent you not this messenger? + + [Pointing to SOREL. + +I must have yielded to her gentle tears. +Henceforth, since breast to breast we have embraced, +No power of hell again shall sever us! +My erring course ends here. His sovereign's heart +Is the true resting-place for Burgundy. + +ARCHBISHOP (steps between them). +Ye are united, princes! France doth rise +A renovated phoenix from its ashes. +The auspicious future greets us with a smile. +The country's bleeding wounds will heal again, +The villages, the desolated towns, +Rise in new splendor from their ruined heaps, +The fields array themselves in beauteous green; +But those who, victims of your quarrel, fell, +The dead, rise not again; the bitter tears, +Caused by your strife, remain forever wept! +One generation hath been doomed to woe; +On their descendants dawns a brighter day; +The gladness of the son wakes not the sire. +This the dire fruitage of your brother-strife! +Oh, princes, learn from hence to pause with dread, +Ere from its scabbard ye unsheath the sword. +The man of power lets loose the god of war, +But not, obedient, as from fields of air +Returns the falcon to the sportsman's hand, +Doth the wild deity obey the call +Of mortal voice; nor will the Saviour's hand +A second time forth issue from the clouds. + +BURGUNDY. +Oh, sire! an angel walketh by your side. +Where is she? Why do I behold her not? + +CHARLES. +Where is Johanna? Wherefore faileth she +To grace the festival we owe to her? + +ARCHBISHOP. +She loves not, sire, the idleness of the court, +And when the heavenly mandate calls her not +Forth to the world's observance, she retires, +And doth avoid the notice of the crowd. +Doubtless, unless the welfare of the realm +Claims her regard, she communes with her God, +For still a blessing on her steps attends. + + + +SCENE IV. + + The same. + JOHANNA enters. She is clad in armor, and wears + a garland in her hair. + +CHARLES. +Thou comest as a priestess decked, Johanna, +To consecrate the union formed by thee! + +BURGUNDY. +How dreadful was the maiden in the fight! +How lovely circled by the beams of peace! +My word, Johanna, have I now fulfilled? +Art thou contented? Have I thine applause? + +JOHANNA. +The greatest favor thou hast shown thyself. +Arrayed in blessed light thou shinest now, +Who didst erewhile with bloody, ominous ray, +Hang like a moon of terror in the heavens. + [Looking round. +Many brave knights I find assembled here, +And joy's glad radiance beams in every eye; +One mourner, one alone I have encountered; +He must conceal himself, where all rejoice. + +BURGUNDY. +And who is conscious of such heavy guilt, +That of our favor he must needs despair? + +JOHANNA. +May he approach? Oh, tell me that he may; +Complete thy merit. Void the reconcilement +That frees not the whole heart. A drop of hate +Remaining in the cup of joy converts +The blessed draught to poison. Let there be +No deed so stained with blood that Burgundy +Cannot forgive it on this day of joy. + +BURGUNDY. +Ha! now I understand! + +JOHANNA. + And thou'lt forgive? +Thou wilt indeed forgive? Come in, Duchatel! + + [She opens the door and leads in DUCHATEL, + who remains standing at a distance. + +The duke is reconciled to all his foes, +And he is so to thee. + + [DUCHATEL approaches a few steps nearer, + and tries to read the countenance of the DUKE. + +BURGUNDY. + What makest thou +Of me, Johanna? Know'st thou what thou askest? + +JOHANNA. +A gracious sovereign throws his portals wide, +Admitting every guest, excluding none; +As freely as the firmament the world, +So mercy must encircle friend and foe. +Impartially the sun pours forth his beams +Through all the regions of infinity; +The heaven's reviving dew falls everywhere, +And brings refreshment to each thirsty plant; +Whate'er is good, and cometh from on high, +Is universal, and without reserve; +But in the heart's recesses darkness dwells! + +BURGUNDY. +Oh, she can mould me to her wish; my heart +Is in her forming hand like melted wax. +--Duchatel, I forgive thee--come, embrace me! +Shade of my sire! oh, not with wrathful eye +Behold me clasp the hand that shed thy blood. +Ye death-gods, reckon not to my account, +That my dread oath of vengeance I abjure. +With you, in yon drear realm of endless night, +There beats no human heart, and all remains +Eternal, steadfast, and immovable. +Here in the light of day 'tis otherwise. +Man, living, feeling man, is aye the sport +Of the o'ermastering present. + +CHARLES (to JOHANNA). + Lofty maid! +What owe I not to thee! How truly now +Hast thou fulfilled thy word,--how rapidly +Reversed my destiny! Thou hast appeased +My friends, and in the dust o'erwhelmed my foes; +From foreign yoke redeemed my cities. Thou +Hast all achieved. Speak, how can I reward thee? + +JOHANNA. +Sire, in prosperity be still humane, +As in misfortune thou hast ever been; +And on the height of greatness ne'er forget +The value of a friend in times of need; +Thou hast approved it in adversity. +Refuse not to the lowest of thy people +The claims of justice and humanity, +For thy deliverer from the fold was called. +Beneath thy royal sceptre thou shalt gather +The realm entire of France. Thou shalt become +The root and ancestor of mighty kings; +Succeeding monarchs, in their regal state, +Shall those outshine, who filled the throne before. +Thy stock, in majesty shall bloom so long +As it stands rooted in the people's love. +Pride only can achieve its overthrow, +And from the lowly station, whence to-day +God summoned thy deliverer, ruin dire +Obscurely threats thy crime-polluted sons! + +BURGUNDY. +Exalted maid! Possessed with sacred fire! +If thou canst look into the gulf of time, +Speak also of my race! Shall coming years +With ampler honors crown my princely line! + +JOHANNA. +High as the throne, thou, Burgundy, hast built +Thy seat of power, and thy aspiring heart +Would raise still higher, even to the clouds, +The lofty edifice. But from on high +A hand omnipotent shall check its rise. +Fear thou not hence the downfall of thy house! +Its glory in a maiden shall survive; +Upon her breast shall sceptre-bearing kings, +The people's shepherds, bloom. Their ample sway +Shall o'er two realms extend, they shall ordain +Laws to control the known world, and the new, +Which God still veils behind the pathless waves. + +CHARLES. +Oh, if the Spirit doth reveal it, speak; +Shall this alliance which we now renew +In distant ages still unite our sons? + +JOHANNA (after a pause). +Sovereigns and kings! disunion shun with dread! +Wake not contention from the murky cave +Where he doth lie asleep, for once aroused +He cannot soon be quelled? He doth beget +An iron brood, a ruthless progeny; +Wildly the sweeping conflagration spreads. +--Be satisfied! Seek not to question further +In the glad present let your hearts rejoice, +The future let me shroud! + +SOREL. + Exalted maid! +Thou canst explore my heart, thou readest there +If after worldly greatness it aspires, +To me to give a joyous oracle. + +JOHANNA. +Of empires only I discern the doom; +In thine own bosom lies thy destiny! + +DUNOIS. +What, holy maid, will be thy destiny? +Doubtless, for thee, who art beloved of heaven, +The fairest earthly happiness shall bloom, +For thou art pure and holy. + +JOHANNA. + Happiness +Abideth yonder, with our God, in heaven. + +CHARLES. +Thy fortune be henceforth thy monarch's care! +For I will glorify thy name in France, +And the remotest age shall call thee blest. +Thus I fulfil my word. Kneel down! + [He draws his sword and touches her with it. + And rise! +A noble! I, thy monarch, from the dust +Of thy mean birth exalt thee. In the grave +Thy fathers I ennoble--thou shalt bear +Upon thy shield the fleur-de-lis, and be +Of equal lineage with the best in France. +Only the royal blood of Valois shall +Be nobler than thine own! The highest peer +Shall feel himself exalted by thy hand; +To wed thee nobly, maid, shall be my care! + +DUNOIS (advancing). +My heart made choice of her when she was lowly. +The recent honor which encircles her, +Neither exalts her merit nor my love. +Here in my sovereign's presence, and before +This holy bishop, maid, I tender thee +My hand, and take thee as my princely wife, +If thou esteem me worthy to be thine. + +CHARLES. +Resistless maiden! wonder thou dost add +To wonder! Yes, I now believe that naught's +Impossible to thee! Thou hast subdued +This haughty heart, which still hath scoffed till now +At love's omnipotence. + +LA HIRE (advancing). + If I have read +Aright Johanna's soul, her modest heart's +Her fairest jewel. She deserveth well +The homage of the great, but her desires +Soar not so high. She striveth not to reach +A giddy eminence; an honest heart's +True love content's her, and the quiet lot +Which with this hand I humbly proffer her. + +CHARLES. +Thou, too, La Hire! two brave competitors,-- +Peers in heroic virtue and renown! +--Wilt thou, who hast appeased mine enemies, +My realms united, part my dearest friends? +One only can possess her; I esteem +Each to be justly worthy such a prize. +Speak, maid! thy heart alone must here decide. + +SOREL. +The noble maiden is surprised, her cheek +Is crimsoned over with a modest blush. +Let her have leisure to consult her heart, +And in confiding friendship to unseal +Her long-closed bosom. Now the hour is come +When, with a sister's love, I also may +Approach the maid severe, and offer her +This silent, faithful breast. Permit us women +Alone to weigh this womanly affair; +Do you await the issue. + +CHARLES (about to retire). + Be it so! + +JOHANNA. +No, sire, not so! the crimson on my cheek +Is not the blush of bashful modesty. +Naught have I for this noble lady's ear +Which in this presence I may not proclaim. +The choice of these brave knights much honors me, +But I did not forsake my shepherd-walks, +To chase vain worldly splendor, nor array +My tender frame in panoply of war, +To twine the bridal garland in my hair. +Far other labor is assigned to me, +Which a pure maiden can alone achieve. +I am the soldier of the Lord of Hosts, +And to no mortal man can I be wife. + +ARCHBISHOP. +To be a fond companion unto man +Is woman born--when nature she obeys, +Most wisely she fulfils high heaven's decree! +When His behest who called thee to the field +Shall be accomplished, thou'lt resign thy arms, +And once again rejoin the softer sex, +Whose gentle nature thou dost now forego, +And which from war's stern duties is exempt. + +JOHANNA. +Most reverend sir! as yet I cannot say +What work the Spirit will enjoin on me. +But when the time comes round, his guiding voice +Will not be mute, and it I will obey. +Now he commands me to complete my task; +My royal master's brow is still uncrowned, +'Twere better for me I had ne'er been born! +Henceforth no more of this, unless ye would +Provoke the Spirit's wrath who in me dwells! +The eye of man, regarding me with love, +To me is horror and profanity. + +CHARLES. +Forbear! It is in vain to urge her further. + +JOHANNA. +Command the trumpets of the war to sound! +This stillness doth perplex and harass me; +An inward impulse drives me from repose, +It still impels me to achieve my work, +And sternly beckons me to meet my doom. + + + +SCENE V. + + A KNIGHT, entering hastily. + +CHARLES. +What tidings? Speak! + +KNIGHT. + The foe has crossed the Marne, +And marshalleth his army for the fight. + +JOHANNA (inspired). +Battle and tumult! Now my soul is free. +Arm, warriors, arm! while I prepare the troops. + + [She goes out. + +CHARLES. +Follow, La Hire! E'en at the gates of Rheims +They will compel us to dispute the crown! + +DUNOIS. +No genuine courage prompts them. This essay +Is the last effort of enraged despair. + +CHARLES. +I do not urge you, duke. To-day's the time +To compensate the errors of the past. + +BURGUNDY. +You shall be satisfied with me. + +CHARLES. + Myself +Will march before you on the path of fame; +Here, with my royal town of Rheims in view, +I'll fight, and gallantry achieve the crown. +Thy knight, my Agnes, bids thee now farewell! + +AGNES (embracing him). +I do not weep, I do not tremble for thee; +My faith, unshaken, cleaveth unto God! +Heaven, were we doomed to failure, had not given +So many gracious pledges of success! +My heart doth whisper me that, victory-crowned, +In conquered Rheims, I shall embrace my king. + + [Trumpets sound with a spirited tone, and while the scene + is changing pass into a wild martial strain. When the + scene opens, the orchestra joins in, accompanied by warlike + instruments behind the scene. + + + +SCENE VI. + + The scene changes to an open country skirted with trees. During the + music soldiers are seen retreating hastily across the background. + + TALBOT, leaning on FASTOLFE, and accompanied by soldiers. Soon + after, LIONEL. + +TALBOT. +Here lay me down beneath the trees, and then +Betake you back, with speed, unto the fight; +I need no aid to die. + +FASTOLFE. + Oh, woful day! + [LIONEL enters. +Behold what sign awaits you, Lionel! +Here lies our general wounded unto death. + +LIONEL. +Now, God forbid! My noble lord, arise! +No moment this to falter and to sink. +Yield not to death. By your all-powerful will +Command your ebbing spirit still to live. + +TALBOT. +In vain! The day of destiny is come, +Which will o'erthrow the English power in France. +In desperate combat I have vainly risked +The remnant of our force to ward it off. +Struck by the thunderbolt I prostrate lie, +Never to rise again. Rheims now is lost, +Hasten to succor Paris! + +LIONEL. +Paris is with the Dauphin reconciled; +A courier even now has brought the news. + +TALBOT (tearing off his bandages). +Then freely flow, ye currents of my blood, +For Talbot now is weary of the sun! + +LIONEL. +I may no longer tarry: Fastolfe, haste! +Convey our leader to a place of safety. +No longer now can we maintain this post; +Our flying troops disperse on every side, +On, with resistless might, the maiden comes. + +TALBOT. +Folly, thou conquerest, and I must yield! +Against stupidity the very gods. +Themselves contend in vain. Exalted reason, +Resplendent daughter of the head divine, +Wise foundress of the system of the world, +Guide of the stars, who art thou then if thou, +Bound to the tail of folly's uncurbed steed, +Must, vainly shrieking with the drunken crowd, +Eyes open, plunge down headlong in the abyss. +Accursed, who striveth after noble ends, +And with deliberate wisdom forms his plans! +To the fool-king belongs the world. + +LIONEL. + My lord, +But for a few brief moments can you live-- +Think of your Maker! + +TALBOT. + Had we, like brave men, +Been vanquished by the brave, we might, indeed, +Console ourselves that 'twas the common lot; +For fickle fortune aye revolves her wheel. +But to be baffled by such juggling arts! +Deserved our earnest and laborious life +Not a more earnest issue? + +LIONEL (extends his hand to him). + Fare you well! +The debt of honest tears I will discharge +After the battle--if I then survive. +Now Fate doth call me hence, where on the field +Her web she waveth, and dispenseth doom. +We in another world shall meet again; +For our long friendship, this a brief farewell. + + [Exit. + +TALBOT. +Soon is the struggle past, and to the earth, +To the eternal sun, I render back +These atoms, joined in me for pain and pleasure. +And of the mighty Talbot, who the world +Filled with his martial glory, there remains +Naught save a modicum of senseless dust. +Such is the end of man--the only spoil +We carry with us from life's battle-field, +Is but an insight into nothingness, +And utter scorn of all which once appeared +To us exalted and desirable. + + + +SCENE VII. + + CHARLES, BURGUNDY, DUNOIS, DUCHATEL, and Soldiers. + +BURGUNDY. +The trench is stormed! + +DUNOIS. + The victory is ours! + +CHARLES (perceiving TALBOT.) +Look! Who is he, who yonder of the sun +Taketh reluctant, sorrowful farewell? +His armor indicates no common man; +Go, succor him, if aid may yet avail. + + [Soldiers of the KING'S retinue step forward. + +FASTOLFE. +Back! Stand apart! Respect the mighty dead, +Whom ye in life ne'er ventured to approach! + +BURGUNDY. +What do I see? Lord Talbot in his blood! + + [He approaches him. TALBOT gazes fixedly at him, and dies. + +FASTOLFE. +Traitor, avaunt! Let not the sight of thee +Poison the dying hero's parting glance. + +DUNOIS. +Resistless hero! Dread-inspiring Talbot! +Does such a narrow space suffice thee now, +And this vast kingdom could not satisfy +The large ambition of thy giant soul! +Now first I can salute you, sire, as king: +The diadem but tottered on your brow, +While yet a spirit tenanted this clay. + +CHARLES (after contemplating the body in silence). +A higher power hath vanquished him, not we! +He lies upon the soil of France, as lies +The hero on the shield he would not quit. +Well, peace be with his ashes! Bear him hence! + + [Soldiers take up the body and carry it away. + +Here in the heart of France, where his career +Of conquest ended, let his relics lie! +So far no hostile sword attained before. +A fitting tomb shall memorize his name; +His epitaph the spot whereon he fell. + +FASTOLFE (yielding his sword). +I am your prisoner, sir. + +CHARLES (returning his sword). + Not so! Rude war +Respects each pious office; you are free +To render the last honors to the dead, +Go now, Duchatel--still my Agnes trembles-- +Hasten to snatch her from anxiety-- +Bring her the tidings of our victory, +And usher her in triumph into Rheims! + + [Exit DUCHATEL. + + + +SCENE VIII. + + The same. LA HIRE. + +DUNOIS. +La Hire, where is the maiden? + +LA HIRE. + That I ask +Of you; I left her fighting by your side. + +DUNOIS. +I thought she was protected by your arm, +When I departed to assist the king. + +BURGUNDY. +Not long ago I saw her banner wave +Amidst the thickest of the hostile ranks. + +DUNOIS. +Alas! where is she? Evil I forebode? +Come, let us haste to rescue her. I fear +Her daring soul hath led her on too far; +Alone she combats in the midst of foes, +And without succor yieldeth to the crowd. + +CHARLES. +Haste to her rescue! + +LA HIRE. + Come! + +BURGUNDY. + We follow all! + + [Exit. + + [They retire in haste. A deserted part of the + battle-field. In the distance are seen the towers + of Rheims illumined by the sun. + + + +SCENE IX. + + A KNIGHT in black armor, with closed visor. JOHANNA follows + him to the front of the stage, where he stops and awaits her. + +JOHANNA. +Deluder! now I see thy stratagem! +Thou hast deceitfully, through seeming flight, +Allured me from the battle, doom and death +Averting thus from many a British head. +Destruction now doth overtake thyself. + +BLACK KNIGHT. +Why dost thou follow after me and track +My steps with quenchless rage? I am not doomed +To perish by thy hand. + +JOHANNA. + Deep in my soul +I hate thee as the night, which is thy color; +To blot thee out from the fair light of day +An irresistible desire impels me. +Who art thou? Raise thy visor. I had said +That thou wert Talbot had I not myself +Seen warlike Talbot in the battle fall. + +BLACK KNIGHT. +Is the divining-spirit mute in thee? + +JOHANNA. +His voice speaks loudly in my spirit's depth +The near approach of woe. + +BLACK KNIGHT. + Johanna D'Arc! +Borne on the wings of conquest, thou hast reached +The gates of Rheims. Let thy achieved renown +Content thee. Fortune, like thy slave, till now +Hath followed thee; dismiss her, ere in wrath +She free herself; fidelity she hates; +She serveth none with constancy till death. + +JOHANNA. +Why check me in the midst of my career? +Why bid me falter and forsake my work? +I will complete it and fulfil my vow! + +BLACK KNIGHT. +Nothing can thee, thou mighty one, withstand, +In battle thou art aye invincible. +But henceforth shun the fight; attend my warning. + +JOHANNA. +Not from my hand will I resign this sword +Till haughty England's prostrate in the dust. + +BLACK KNIGHT. +Behold! there Rheims ariseth with its towers, +The goal and end of thy career. Thou seest +The lofty minster's sun-illumined dome; +Thou in triumphal pomp wouldst enter there, +Thy monarch crown, and ratify thy vow. +Enter not there! Return! Attend my warning! + +JOHANNA. +What art thou, double-tongued, deceitful being, +Who wouldst bewilder and appal me? Speak! +By what authority dost thou presume +To greet me with fallacious oracles? + + [The BLACK KNIGHT is about to depart, she steps in his way. + +No, thou shalt speak, or perish by my hand! + + [She endeavors to strike him. + +BLACK KNIGHT (touches her with his hand, she remains motionless). +Slay what is mortal! + + [Darkness, thunder and lightning. The KNIGHT sinks into the earth. + +JOHANNA (stands at first in amazement, but soon recovers herself). +'Twas nothing living. 'Twas a base delusion, +An instrument of hell, a juggling fiend, +Uprisen hither from the fiery pool +To shake and terrify my steadfast heart. +Wielding the sword of God, whom should I fear! +I will triumphantly achieve my work. +My courage should not waver, should not fail +Were hell itself to champion me to fight! + + [She is about to depart. + + + +SCENE X. + + LIONEL, JOHANNA. + +LIONEL. +Accursed one, prepare thee for the fight! +Not both of us shall quit this field alive. +Thou hast destroyed the bravest of our host +The noble Talbot hath his mighty soul +Breathed forth upon my bosom. I'll avenge +The hero, or participate his doom. +And wouldst thou know who brings thee glory now, +Whether he live or die,--I'm Lionel, +The sole survivor of the English chiefs, +And still unconquered is this valiant arm. + + [He rushes upon her; after a short combat she strikes + the sword out of his hand. + +Perfidious fortune! + + [He wrestles with her. JOHANNA seizes him by the crest + and tears open his helmet; his face is thus exposed; + at the same time she draws her sword with her right hand. + +JOHANNA. + Suffer, what thou soughtest! +The Virgin sacrifices thee through me! + + [At this moment she gazes in his face. His aspect + softens her, she remains motionless and slowly lets + her arm sink. + +LIONEL. +Why linger, why withhold the stroke of death? +My glory thou hast taken--take my life! +I want no mercy, I am in thy power. + + [She makes him a sign with her hand to fly. + +How! shall I fly and owe my life to thee? +No, I would rather die. + +JOHANNA (with averted face). + I will not know +That ever thou didst owe thy life to me. + +LIONEL. +I hate alike thee and thy proffered gift. +I want no mercy--kill thine enemy +Who loathes and would have slain thee. + +JOHANNA. + Slay me, then, +And fly! + +LIONEL. + Ha! What is this? + +JOHANNA (hiding her face). + Woe's me! + +LIONEL (approaching her). + 'Tis said +Thou killest all the English whom thy sword +Subdues in battle--why spare me alone? + +JOHANNA (raises her sword with a rapid movement as if to strike him, + but lets it fall quickly when she gazes on his face). +Oh, Holy Virgin! + +LIONEL. + Wherefore namest thou +The Holy Virgin? she knows naught of thee; +Heaven hath no part in thee. + +JOHANNA (in the greatest anxiety). + What have I done? +Alas! I've broke my vow! + + [She wrings her hands in despair. + +LIONEL (looks at her with sympathy and approaches her). + Unhappy maid! +I pity thee! Thy sorrow touches me; +Thou hast shown mercy unto me alone, +My hatred yielded unto sympathy! +Who art thou, and whence comest thou? + +JOHANNA. + Away! + +LIONEL. +Thy youth, thy beauty, move my soul to pity! +Thy look sinks in my heart. I fain would save thee! +How may I do so? tell me. Come! oh, come! +Renounce this fearful league--throw down these arms! + +JOHANNA. +I am unworthy now to carry them! + +LIONEL. +Then throw them from thee--quick! come, follow me! + +JOHANNA (with horror). +How! follow thee! + +LIONEL. + Thou may'st be saved. Oh, come! +I will deliver thee, but linger not. +Strange sorrow for thy sake doth seize my heart, +Unspeakable desire to rescue thee---- + + [He seizes her arm. + +JOHANNA. +The Bastard comes! 'Tis they! They seek for me! +If they should find thee---- + +LIONEL. + I'll defend thee, maid. + +JOHANNA. +I die if thou shouldst perish by their hands! + +LIONEL. +Am I then dear to thee? + +JOHANNA. + Ye heavenly powers! + +LIONEL. +Shall I again behold thee--hear from thee? + +JOHANNA. +No! never! + +LIONEL. + Thus this sword I seize in pledge +That I again behold thee! + + [He snatches her sword. + +JOHANNA. + Madman, hold! +Thou darest? + +LIONEL. +Now I yield to force--again +I'll see thee! + [He retires. + + + +SCENE XI. + + JOHANNA, DUNOIS, LA HIRE. + +LA HIRE. + It is she! The maiden lives! + +DUNOIS. +Fear not, Johanna! friends are at thy side. + +LA HIRE. +Is not that Lionel who yonder flies? + +DUNOIS. +Let him escape! Maiden, the righteous cause +Hath triumphed now. Rheims opens wide its gates; +The joyous crowds pour forth to meet their king. + +LA HIRE. +What ails thee, maiden? She grows pale--she sinks! + + [JOHANNA grows dizzy, and is about to fall. + +DUNOIS. +She's wounded--rend her breastplate--'tis her arm! +The wound is not severe. + +LA HIRE. + Her blood doth flow. + +JOHANNA. +Oh, that my life would stream forth with my blood! + + [She lies senseless in LA HIRE'S arms. + + + + + +ACT IV. + + A hall adorned as for a festival; the columns are hung + with garlands; behind the scene flutes and hautboys. + + + +SCENE I. + +JOHANNA. + +Hushed is the din of arms, war's storms subside, +Glad songs and dance succeed the bloody fray, +Through all the streets joy echoes far and wide, +Altar and church are decked in rich array, +Triumphal arches rise in vernal pride, +Wreathes round the columns wind their flowery way, +Wide Rheims cannot contain the mighty throng, +Which to joyous pageant rolls along. + +One thought alone doth every heart possess, +One rapt'rous feeling o'er each breast preside. +And those to-day are linked in happiness +Whom bloody hatred did erewhile divide. +All who themselves of Gallic race confess +The name of Frenchman own with conscious pride, +France sees the splendor of her ancient crown, +And to her monarch's son bows humbly down. + +Yet I, the author of this wide delight, +The joy, myself created, cannot share; +My heart is changed, in sad and dreary plight +It flies the festive pageant in despair; +Still to the British camp it taketh flight, +Against my will my gaze still wanders there, +And from the throng I steal, with grief oppressed, +To hide the guilt which weighs upon my breast! + +What! I permit a human form +To haunt my bosom's sacred cell? +And there, where heavenly radiance shone, +Doth earthly love presume to dwell? +The savior of my country, I, +The warrior of God most high, +Burn for my country's foeman? Dare I name +Heaven's holy light, nor feel o'erwhelmed with shame? + +[The music behind the scene passes into a soft and moving melody. + + Woe is me! Those melting tones! + They distract my 'wildered brain! + Every note, his voice recalling, + Conjures up his form again + + Would that spears were whizzing round! + Would that battle's thunder roared! + 'Midst the wild tumultuous sound + My former strength were then restored. + + These sweet tones, these melting voices, + With seductive power are fraught! + They dissolve, in gentle longing, + Every feeling, every thought, + Waking tears of plaintive sadness. + + [After a pause, with more energy. + +Should I have killed him? Could I, when I gazed +Upon his face? Killed him? Oh, rather far +Would I have turned my weapon 'gainst myself! +And am I culpable because humane? +Is pity sinful? Pity! Didst then hear +The voice of pity and humanity +When others fell the victims of thy sword? +Why was she silent when the gentle youth +From Wales entreated thee to spare his life? +Oh, cunning heart! Thou liest before high heaven! +It is not pity's voice impels thee now! +Why was I doomed to look into his eyes! +To mark his noble features! With that glance, +Thy crime, thy woe commenced. Unhappy one! +A sightless instrument thy God demands, +Blindly thou must accomplish his behest! +When thou didst see, God's shield abandoned thee, +And the dire snares of hell around thee pressed! + +[Flutes are again heard, and she subsides into a quiet melancholy. + + Harmless staff! Oh, that I ne'er + Had for the sword abandoned thee! + Had voices never reached mine ear, + From thy branches, sacred tree! + High queen of heaven! Oh, would that thou + Hadst ne'er revealed thyself to me! + Take back--I dare not claim it now-- + Take back thy crown, 'tis not for me! + + I saw the heavens open wide, + I gazed upon that face of love! + Yet here on earth my hopes abide, + They do not dwell in heaven above! + Why, Holy One, on me impose + This dread vocation? Could I steel, + And to each soft emotion close + This heart, by nature formed to feel? + + Wouldst thou proclaim thy high command, + Make choice of those who, free from sin, + In thy eternal mansions stand; + Send forth thy flaming cherubim! + Immortal ones, thy law they keep, + They do not feel, they do not weep! + Choose not a tender woman's aid, + Not the frail soul of shepherd maid! + + Was I concerned with warlike things, + With battles or the strife of kings? + In innocence I led my sheep + Adown the mountain's silent steep, + But thou didst send me into life, + Midst princely halls and scenes of strife, + To lose my spirit's tender bloom + Alas, I did not seek my doom! + + + +SCENE II. + + AGNES SOREL, JOHANNA. + +SOREL (advances joyfully. When she perceives JOHANNA she hastens to + her and falls upon her neck; then suddenly recollecting herself; she + relinquishes her hold, and falls down before her). +No! no! not so! Before thee in the dust---- + +JOHANNA (trying to raise her). +Arise! Thou dost forget thyself and me. + +SOREL. +Forbid me not! 'tis the excess of joy +Which throws me at thy feet--I must pour forth +My o'ercharged heart in gratitude to God; +I worship the Invisible in thee. +Thou art the angel who has led my lord +To Rheims, to crown him with the royal crown. +What I ne'er dreamed to see is realized! +The coronation march will soon set forth; +Arrayed in festal pomp the monarch stands; +Assembled are the nobles of the realm, +The mighty peers to bear the insignia; +To the cathedral rolls the billowy crowd; +Glad songs resound, the bells unite their peal: +Oh, this excess of joy I cannot bear! + + [JOHANNA gently raises her. AGNES SOREL pauses a moment, + and surveys the MAIDEN more narrowly. + +Yet thou remainest ever grave and stern; +Thou canst create delight, yet share it not. +Thy heart is cold, thou feelest not our joy, +Thou hast beheld the glories of the skies; +No earthly interest moveth thy pure breast. + + [JOHANNA seizes her hand passionately, but soon lets it fall again. + +Oh, couldst thou own a woman's feeling heart! +Put off this armor, war is over now, +Confess thy union with the softer sex! +My loving heart shrinks timidly from thee, +While thus thou wearest Pallas' brow severe. + +JOHANNA. +What wouldst thou have me do? + +SOREL. + Unarm thyself! +Put off this coat of mail! The God of Love +Fears to approach a bosom clad in steel. +Oh, be a woman, thou wilt feel his power! + +JOHANNA. +What, now unarm myself? Midst battle's roar +I'll bare my bosom to the stroke of death! +Not now! Would that a sevenfold wall of brass +Could hide me from your revels, from myself! + +SOREL. +Thou'rt loved by Count Dunois. His noble heart, +Which virtue and renown alone inspire, +With pure and holy passion glows for thee. +Oh, it is sweet to know oneself beloved +By such a hero--sweeter still to love him! + + [JOHANNA turns away with aversion. + +Thou hatest him?--No, no, thou only canst +Not love him:--how could hatred stir thy breast! +Those who would tear us from the one we love, +We hate alone; but none can claim thy love. +Thy heart is tranquil--if it could but feel---- + +JOHANNA. +Oh, pity me! Lament my hapless fate! + +SOREL. +What can be wanting to complete thy joy? +Thou hast fulfilled thy promise, France is free, +To Rheims, in triumph, thou hast led the king, +Thy mighty deeds have gained thee high renown, +A happy people praise and worship thee; +Thy name, the honored theme of every tongue; +Thou art the goddess of this festival; +The monarch, with his crown and regal state, +Shines not with greater majesty than thou! + +JOHANNA. +Oh, could I hide me in the depths of earth! + +SOREL. +Why this emotion? Whence this strange distress? +Who may to-day look up without a fear +If thou dost cast thine eyes upon the ground! +It is for me to blush, me, who near thee +Feel all my littleness; I cannot reach +The lofty virtue, thy heroic strength! +For--all my weakness shall I own to thee? +Not the renown of France, my Fatherland, +Not the new splendor of the monarch's crow, +Not the triumphant gladness of the crowds, +Engage this woman's heart. One only form +Is in its depths enshrined; it hath no room +For any feeling save for one alone: +He is the idol, him the people bless, +Him they extol, for him they strew these flowers, +And he is mine, he is my own true love! + +JOHANNA. +Oh, thou art happy! thou art blessed indeed! +Thou lovest, where all love. Thou may'st, unblamed +Pour forth thy rapture, and thine inmost heart, +Fearless discover to the gaze of man! +Thy country's triumph is thy lover's too. +The vast, innumerable multitudes, +Who, rolling onward, crowd within these walls, +Participate thy joy, they hallow it; +Thee they salute, for thee they twine the wreath, +Thou art a portion of the general joy; +Thou lovest the all-inspiring soul, the sun, +And what thou seest is thy lover's glory! + +SOREL (falling on her neck). +Thou dost delight me, thou canst read my heart! +I did thee wrong, thou knowest what love is, +Thou tell'st my feelings with a voice of power. +My heart forgets its fear and its reserve, +And seeks confidingly to blend with thine---- + +JOHANNA (tearing herself from her with violence). +Forsake me! Turn away! Do not pollute +Thyself by longer intercourse with me! +Be happy! go--and in the deepest night +Leave me to hide my infamy, my woe! + +SOREL. +Thou frighten'st me, I understand thee not, +I ne'er have understood thee--for from me +Thy dark mysterious being still was veiled. +Who may divine what thus disturbs thy heart, +Thus terrifies thy pure and sacred soul! + +JOHANNA. +Thou art the pure, the holy one! Couldst thou +Behold mine inmost heart, thou, shuddering, +Wouldst fly the traitoress, the enemy! + + + +SCENE III. + + DUNOIS, DUCHATEL, and LA HIRE, with the banner of JOHANNA. + +DUNOIS. +Johanna, thee we seek. All is prepared; +The king hath sent us, 'tis his royal will +That thou before him shouldst thy banner bear, +The company of princes thou shalt join; +And march immediately before the king: +For he doth not deny it, and the world +Shall witness, maiden, that to thee alone +He doth ascribe the honor of this day. + +LA HIRE. +Here is the banner. Take it, noble maiden +Thou'rt stayed for by the princes and the people. + +JOHANNA. +I march before him? I the banner bear? + +DUNOIS. +Whom else would it become? What other hand +Is pure enough to bear the sacred ensign! +Amid the battle thou hast waved it oft; +To grace our glad procession bear it now. + + [LA HIRE presents the banner to her, she draws back, shuddering. + +JOHANNA. +Away! away! + +LA HIRE. + Art thou terrified +At thine own banner, maiden? Look at it! + + [He displays the banner. + +It is the same thou didst in conquest wave. +Imaged upon it is the queen of heaven, +Floating in glory o'er this earthly ball; +For so the Holy Mother showed it thee. + + [JOHANNA gazing upon it with horror. + +'Tis she herself! so she appeared to me. +See, how she looks at me and knits her brow, +And anger flashes from her threatening eye! + +SOREL. +Alas, she raveth! Maiden, be composed! +Collect thyself! Thou seest nothing real! +That is her pictured image; she herself +Wanders above, amid the angelic choir! + +JOHANNA. +Thou comest, fearful one, to punish me? +Destroy, o'erwhelm, thy lightnings hurl, +And let them fall upon my guilty head. +Alas, my vow I've broken. I've profaned +And desecrated thy most holy name! + +DUNOIS. +Woe's us! What may this mean? What unblest words? + +LA HIRE (in astonishment, to DUCHATEL). +This strange emotion canst thou comprehend? + +DUCHATEL. +That which I see, I see--I long have feared it. + +DUNOIS. +What sayest thou? + +DUCHATEL. + I dare not speak my thoughts. +I would to heaven that the king were crowned! + +LA HIRE. +How! hath the awe this banner doth inspire +Turned back upon thyself? before this sign +Let Britons tremble; to the foes of France +'Tis fearful, but to all true citizens +It is auspicious. + +JOHANNA. + Yes, thou sayest truly! +To friends 'tis gracious! but to enemies +It causeth horror! + + [The Coronation march is heard. + +DUNOIS. + Take thy banner, then! +The march begins--no time is to be lost! + + [They press the banner upon her; she seizes it with + evident emotion, and retires; the others follow. + + [The scene changes to an open place before the Cathedral. + + + +SCENE IV. + + Spectators occupy the background; BERTRAND, CLAUDE MARIE, and + ETIENNE come forward; then MARGOT and LOUISON. The Coronation + march is heard in the distance. + +BERTRAND. +Hark to the music! They approach already! +What had we better do? Shall we mount up +Upon the platform, or press through the crowd, +That we may nothing lose of the procession? + +ETIENNE. +It is not to be thought of. All the streets +Are thronged with horsemen and with carriages. +Beside these houses let us take our stand, +Here we without annoyance may behold +The train as it goes by. + +CLAUDE MARIE. + Almost it seems +As were the half of France assembled here, +So mighty is the flood that it hath reached +Even our distant Lotharingian land +And borne us thither! + +BERTRAND. + Who would sit at home +When great events are stirring in the land! +It hath cost plenty, both of sweat and blood, +Ere the crown rested on its rightful head! +Nor shall our lawful king, to whom we give +The crown, be worse accompanied than he +Whom the Parisians in St. Denis crowned! +He is no loyal, honest-minded man +Who doth absent him from this festival, +And joins not in the cry: "God save the King!" + + + +SCENE V. + + MARGOT and LOUISON join them. + +LOUISON. +We shall again behold our sister, Margot! +How my heart beats! + +MARGOT. + In majesty and pomp +We shall behold her, saying to ourselves: +It is our sister, it is our Johanna! + +LOUISON. +Till I have seen her, I can scarce believe +That she, whom men the Maid of Orleans name, +The mighty warrior, is indeed Johanna, +Our sister whom we lost! + + [The music draws nearer. + +MARGOT. + Thou doubtest still! +Thou wilt thyself behold her! + +BERTRAND. + + See, they come! + + + +SCENE VI. + + Musicians, with flutes and hautboys, open the procession. Children + follow, dressed in white, with branches in their hands; behind them + two heralds. Then a procession of halberdiers, followed by + magistrates in their robes. Then two marshals with their staves; + the DUKE of BURGUNDY, bearing the sword; DUNOIS with the sceptre, + other nobles with the regalia; others with sacrificial offerings. + Behind these, KNIGHTS with the ornaments of their order; choristers + with incense; two BISHOPS with the ampulla; the ARCHBISHOP with the + crucifix. JOHANNA follows, with her banner, she walks with downcast + head and wavering steps; her sisters, on beholding her, express + their astonishment and joy. Behind her comes the KING under a + canopy, supported by four barons; courtiers follow, soldiers + conclude the procession; as soon as it has entered the church the + music ceases. + + + +SCENE VII. + + LOUISON, MARGOT, CLAUDE MARIE, ETIENNE, BERTRAND. + +MARGOT. +Saw you our sister? + +CLAUDE MARIE. + She in golden armor, +Who with the banner walked before the king? + +MARGOT. +It was Johanna. It was she, our sister! + +LOUISON. +She recognized us not! She did not feel +That we, her sisters, were so near to her. +She looked upon the ground, and seemed so pale, +And trembled so beneath her banner's weight +When I beheld her, I could not rejoice. + +MARGOT. +So now, arrayed in splendor and in pomp, +I have beheld our sister--who in dreams +Would ever have imagined or conceived, +When on our native hills she drove the flock, +That we should see her in such majesty? + +LOUISON. +Our father's dream is realized, that we +In Rheims before our sister should bow down. +That is the church, which in his dream he saw +And each particular is now fulfilled. +But images of woe he also saw! +Alas! I'm grieved to see her raised so high! + +BERTRAND. +Why stand we idly here? Let's to the church +To view the coronation! + +MARGOT. + Yes! perchance +We there may meet our sister; let us go! + +LOUISON. +We have beheld her. Let us now return +Back to our village. + +MARGOT. + How? Ere we with her +Have interchanged a word? + +LOUISON. + She doth belong +To us no longer; she with princes stands +And monarchs. Who are we, that we should seek +With foolish vanity to near her state? +She was a stranger while she dwelt with us! + +MARGOT. +Will she despise, and treat us with contempt? + +BERTRAND. +The king himself is not ashamed of us, +He kindly greets the meanest of the crowd. +How high soever she may be exalted, +The king is raised still higher! + + [Trumpets and kettle-drums are heard from the church. + +CLAUDE MARIE. +Let's to the church! + + [They hasten to the background, where they are lost among the crowd. + + + +SCENE VIII. + + THIBAUT enters, clad in black. RAIMOND follows him, and tries + to hold him back. + +RAIMOND. +Stay, father Thibaut! Do not join the crowds! +Here, at this joyous festival you meet +None but the happy, whom your grief offends. +Come! Let us quit the town with hasty steps. + +THIBAUT. +Hast thou beheld my child? My wretched child? +Didst thou observe her? + +RAIMMOND. + I entreat you, fly! + +THIBAUT. +Didst mark her tottering and uncertain steps, +Her countenance, so pallid and disturbed? +She feels her dreadful state; the hour is come +To save my child, and I will not neglect it. + + [He is about to retire. + +RAIMOND. +What would you do? + +THIBAUT. + Surprise her, hurl her down +From her vain happiness, and forcibly +Restore her to the God whom she denies. + +RAIMOND. +Oh, do not work the ruin of your child! + +THIBAUT. +If her soul lives, her mortal part may die. + + [JOHANNA rushes out of the church, without her banner. + The people press around her, worship her, and kiss her + garments. She is detained in the background by the crowd. + +She comes! 'tis she! She rushes from the church. +Her troubled conscience drives her from the fane! +'Tis visibly the judgment of her God! + +RAIMOND. +Farewell! Require not my attendance further! +Hopeful I came, and sorrowful depart. +Your daughter once again I have beheld, +And feel again that she is lost to me! + + [He goes out. THIBAUT retires on the opposite side. + + + +SCENE IX. + + JOHANNA, People. Afterwards her Sisters. + +JOHANNA (she has freed herself from the crowd and comes forward). +Remain I cannot--spirits chase me forth! +The organ's pealing tones like thunder sound, +The dome's arched roof threatens to overwhelm me! +I must escape and seek heaven's wide expanse! +I left my banner in the sanctuary, +Never, oh, never, will I touch it more! +It seemed to me as if I had beheld +My sisters pass before me like a dream. +'Twas only a delusion!--they, alas! +Are far, far distant--inaccessible-- +E'en as my childhood, as mine innocence! + +MARGOT (stepping forward). +'Tis she! It is Johanna! + +LOUISON (hastening toward her). + Oh, my sister! + +JOHANNA. +Then it was no delusion--you are here-- +Thee I embrace, Louison! Thee, my Margot? +Here in this strange and crowded solitude, +I clasp once more my sisters' faithful breasts! + +MARGOT. +She knows us still, she is our own kind sister. + +JOHANNA. +Your love hath led you to me here so far! +So very far! You are not wroth with her +Who left her home without one parting word! + +LOUISON. +God's unseen providence conducted thee. + +MARGOT. +Thy great renown, which agitates the world, +Which makes thy name the theme of every tongue, +Hath in our quiet village wakened us, +And led us hither to this festival. +To witness all thy glory we are come; +And we are not alone! + +JOHANNA (quickly). + Our father's here! +Where is he? Why doth he conceal himself? + +MARGOT. +Our father is not with us. + +JOHANNA. + Not with you? +He will not see me, then! You do not bring +His blessing for his child? + +LOUISON. + He knoweth not +That we are here. + +JOHANNA. + Not know it! Wherefore not? +You are embarrassed, and you do not speak; +You look upon the ground! Where is our father? + +MARGOT. +Since thou hast left---- + +LOUISON (making a sign to MARGOT). + Margot! + +MARGOT. + Our father hath +Become dejected. + +JOHANNA. + Ah! + +LOUISON. + Console thyself! +Our sire's foreboding spirit well thou knowest! +He will collect himself, and be composed, +When he shall learn from us that thou art happy. + +MARGOT. +And thou art happy? Yes, it must be so, +For thou art great and honored! + +JOHANNA. + I am so, +Now I again behold you, once again +Your voices hear, whose fond, familiar tones +Bring to my mind my dear paternal fields. +When on my native hills I drove my herd, +Then I was happy as in paradise-- +I ne'er can be so more, no, never more! + + [She hides her face on LOUISON'S bosom. CLAUDE MARIE, + ETIENNE, and BERTRAND appear, and remain timidly standing + in the distance. + +MARGOT. +Come, Bertrand! Claude Marie! come, Etienne! +Our sister is not proud: she is so gentle, +And speaks so kindly,--more so than of yore, +When in our village she abode with us. + + [They draw near, and hold out their hands; JOHANNA + gazes on them fixedly, and appears amazed. + +JOHANNA. +Where am I? Tell me! Was it all a dream, +A long, long dream? And am I now awake? +Am I away from Dom Remi? Is't so? +I fell asleep beneath the Druid tree, +And I am now awake; and round me stand +The kind, familiar forms? I only dreamed +Of all these battles, kings, and deeds of war,-- +They were but shadows which before me passed; +For dreams are always vivid 'neath that tree. +How did you come to Rheims? How came I here? +No, I have never quitted Dom Remi! +Confess it to me, and rejoice my heart. + +LOUISON. +We are at Rheims. Thou hast not merely dreamed +Of these great deeds--thou hast achieved them all. +Come to thyself, Johanna! Look around-- +Thy splendid armor feel, of burnished gold! + + [JOHANNA lays her hand upon her breast, recollects herself, + and shrinks back. + +BERTRAND. +Out of my hand thou didst receive this helm. + +CLAUDE MARIE. +No wonder thou shouldst think it all a dream; +For nothing in a dream could come to pass +More wonderful than what thou hast achieved. + +JOHANNA (quickly). +Come, let us fly! I will return with you +Back to our village, to our father's bosom. + +LOUISON. +Oh, come! Return with us! + +JOHANNA. + The people here +Exalt me far above what I deserve. +You have beheld me weak and like a child; +You love me, but you do not worship me. + +MARGOT. +Thou wilt abandon this magnificence. + +JOHANNA. +I will throw off the hated ornaments +Which were a barrier 'twixt my heart and yours, +And I will be a shepherdess again, +And like a humble maiden I will serve you, +And will with bitter penitence atone, +That I above you vainly raised myself. + + [Trumpets sound. + + + +SCENE X. + + The KING comes forth from the church. He is in the coronation + robes. AGNES SOREL, ARCHBISHOP, BURGUNDY, DUNOIS, LA HIRE, + DUCHATEL, KNIGHTS, COURTIERS, and PEOPLE. + + Many voices shout repeatedly, while the KING advances,-- + Long live the king! Long live King Charles the Seventh! + + [The trumpets sound. Upon a signal from the KING, the HERALDS + with their staves command silence. + +KING. +Thanks, my good people! Thank you for your love! +The crown which God hath placed upon our brow +Hath with our valiant swords been hardly won: +With noble blood 'tis wetted; but henceforth +The peaceful olive branch shall round it twine. +Let those who fought for us receive our thanks; +Our pardon, those who joined the hostile ranks, +For God hath shown us mercy in our need, +And our first royal word shall now be, mercy! + +PEOPLE. +Long live the king! Long live King Charles the good! + +KING. +From God alone, the highest potentate, +The monarchs of the French receive the crown; +But visibly from his Almighty hand +Have we received it. + [Turning to the MAIDEN. +Here stands the holy delegate of heaven, +Who hath restored to you your rightful king, +And rent the yoke of foreign tyranny. +Her name shall equal that of holy Denis, +The guardian and protector of this realm, +And to her fame an altar shall be reared. + +PEOPLE. +Hail to the maiden, the deliverer! + + [Trumpets. + +KING (to JOHANNA). +If thou art born of woman, like ourselves, +Name aught that can augment thy happiness. +But if thy fatherland is there above, +If in this virgin form thou dost conceal +The radiant glory of a heavenly nature, +From our deluded sense remove the veil, +And let us see thee in thy form of light +As thou art seen in heaven, that in the dust +We may bow down before thee. + + [A general silence; every eye is fixed upon the MAIDEN. + +JOHANNA (with a sudden cry). +God! my father! + + + +SCENE XI. + + THIBAUT comes forth from the crowd, and stands opposite to her. + Many voices exclaim,-- + +Her father! + +THIBAUT. + Yes, her miserable father, +Who did beget her, and whom God impels +Now to accuse his daughter. + +BURGUNDY. + Ha! What's this? + +DUCHATEL. +Now will the fearful truth appear! + +THIBAUT (to the KING). + Thou think'st +That thou art rescued through the power of God? +Deluded prince! Deluded multitude! +Ye have been rescued through the arts of hell! + + [All step back with horror. + +DUNOIS. +Is this man mad? + +THIBAUT. + Not I, but thou art mad. +And this wise bishop, and these noble lords, +Who think that through a weak and sinful maid +The God of heaven would reveal himself. +Come, let us see if to her father's face +She will maintain the specious, juggling arts +Wherewith she hath deluded king and people. +Now, in the name of the blest Trinity, +Belongst thou to the pure and holy ones? + + [A general silence; all eyes are fixed upon her; + she remains motionless. + +SOREL. +God! she is dumb! + +THIBAUT. + Before that awful name, +Which even in the depths of hell is feared, +She must be silent! She a holy one, +By God commissioned? On a cursed spot +It was conceived; beneath the Druid tree +Where evil spirits have from olden time +Their Sabbath held. There her immortal soul +She bartered with the enemy of man +For transient, worldly glory. Let her bare +Her arm, and ye will see impressed thereon +The fatal marks of hell! + +BURGUNDY. + Most horrible! +Yet we must needs believe a father's words +Who 'gainst his daughter gives his evidence. + +DUNOIS. +The madman cannot be believed +Who in his child brings shame upon himself. + +SOREL (to JOHANNA). +Oh, maiden, speak! this fatal silence break! +We firmly trust thee! we believe in thee! +One syllable from thee, one single word +Shall be sufficient. Speak! annihilate +This horrid accusation. But declare +Thine innocence, and we will all believe thee. + + [JOHANNA remains motionless; AGNES steps back with horror. + +LA HIRE. +She's frightened. Horror and astonishment +Impede her utterance. Before a charge +So horrible e'en innocence must tremble. + + [He approaches her. + +Collect thyself, Johanna! innocence +Hath a triumphant look, whose lightning flash +Strikes slander to the earth! In noble wrath +Arise! look up, and punish this base doubt, +An insult to thy holy innocence. + + [JOHANNA remains motionless; LA HIRE steps back; + the excitement increases. + +DUNOIS. +Why do the people fear, the princes tremble? +I'll stake my honor on her innocence! +Here on the ground I throw my knightly gage; +Who now will venture to maintain her guilt? + + [A loud clap of thunder; all are horror-struck. + +THIBAUT. +Answer, by Him whose thunders roll above! +Give me the lie! Proclaim thine innocence; +Say that the enemy hath not thy heart! + + [Another clap of thunder, louder than the first; + the people fly on all sides. + +BURGUNDY. +God guard and save us! What appalling signs! + +DUCHATEL (to the KING). +Come, come, my king! Forsake this fearful place! + +ARCHBISHOP (to JOHANNA). +I ask thee in God's name. Art thou thus silent +From consciousness of innocence or guilt? +If in thy favor the dread thunder speaks, +Touch with thy hand this cross, and give a sign! + + [JOHANNA remains motionless. More violent peals of thunder. + The KING, AGNES SOREL, the ARCHBISHOP, BURGUNDY, LA HIRE, + DUCHATEL retire. + + + +SCENE XII. + + DUNOIS, JOHANNA. + +DUNOIS. +Thou art my wife; I have believed in thee +From the first glance, and I am still unchanged. +In thee I have more faith than in these signs, +Than in the thunder's voice, which speaks above. +In noble anger thou art silent thus; +Enveloped in thy holy innocence, +Thou scornest to refute so base a charge. +Still scorn it, maiden, but confide in me; +I never doubted of thine innocence. +Speak not one word; only extend thy hand +In pledge and token that thou wilt confide +In my protection and thine own good cause. + + [He extends his hand to her; she turns from him with + a convulsive motion; he remains transfixed with horror. + + + +SCENE XIII. + + JOHANNA, DUCHATEL, DUNOIS, afterwards RAIMOND. + +DUCHATEL (returning). +Johanna d'Arc! uninjured from the town +The king permits you to depart. The gates +Stand open to you. Fear no injury,-- +You are protected by the royal word. +Come follow me, Dunois! You cannot here +Longer abide with honor. What an issue! + + [He retires. DUNOIS recovers from his stupor, casts + one look upon JOHANNA, and retires. She remains standing + for a moment quite alone. At length RAIMOND appears; + he regards her for a time with silent sorrow, and then + approaching takes her hand. + +RAIMOND. +Embrace this opportunity. The streets +Are empty now. Your hand! I will conduct you. + + [On perceiving him, she gives the first sign of consciousness. + She gazes on him fixedly, and looks up to heaven; then taking + his hand she retires. + + + + +ACT V. + + A wild wood: charcoal-burners' huts in the distance. + It is quite dark; violent thunder and lightning; + firing heard at intervals. + + + +SCENE I. + + CHARCOAL-BURNER and his WIFE. + +CHARCOAL-BURNER. +This is a fearful storm, the heavens seem +As if they would vent themselves in streams of fire; +So thick the darkness which usurps the day, +That one might see the stars. The angry winds +Bluster and howl like spirits loosed from hell. +The firm earth trembles, and the aged elms +Groaning, bow down their venerable tops. +Yet this terrific tumult, o'er our heads, +Which teacheth gentleness to savage beasts, +So that they seek the shelter of their caves, +Appeaseth not the bloody strife of men-- +Amidst the raging of the wind and storm +At intervals is heard the cannon's roar; +So near the hostile armaments approach, +The wood alone doth part them; any hour +May see them mingle in the shock of battle. + +WIFE. +May God protect us then! Our enemies, +Not long ago, were vanquished and dispersed. +How comes it that they trouble us again? + +CHARCOAL-BURNER. +Because they now no longer fear the king, +Since that the maid turned out to be a witch +At Rheims, the devil aideth us no longer, +And things have gone against us. + +WIFE. + Who comes here? + + + +SCENE II. + + RAIMOND and JOHANNA enter. + +RAIMOND. +See! here are cottages; in them at least +We may find shelter from the raging storm. +You are not able longer to endure it. +Three days already you have wandered on, +Shunning the eye of man--wild herbs and root +Your only nourishment. Come, enter in. +These are kind-hearted cottagers. + + [The storm subsides; the air grows bright and clear. + +CHARCOAL-BURNER. + You seem +To need refreshment and repose--you're welcome +To what our humble roof can offer you! + +WIFE. +What has a tender maid to do with arms? +Yet truly! these are rude and troublous times +When even women don the coat of mail! +The queen herself, proud Isabel, 'tis said, +Appears in armor in the hostile camp; +And a young maid, a shepherd's lowly daughter, +Has led the armies of our lord the king. + +CHARCOAL-BURNER. +What sayest thou? Enter the hut, and bring +A goblet of refreshment for the damsel. + + [She enters the hut. + +RAIMOND (to JOHANNA). +All men, you see, are not so cruel; here +E'en in the wilderness are gentle hearts. +Cheer up! the pelting storm hath spent its rage, +And, beaming peacefully, the sun declines. + +CHARCOAL-BURNER. +I fancy, as you travel thus in arms, +You seek the army of the king. Take heed! +Not far remote the English are encamped, +Their troops are roaming idly through the wood. + +RAIMOND. +Alas for us! how then can we escape? + +CHARCOAL-BURNER. +Stay here till from the town my boy returns. +He shall conduct you safe by secret paths. +You need not fear-we know each hidden way. + +RAIMOND (to JOHANNA). +Put off your helmet and your coat-of-mail, +They will not now protect you, but betray. + + [JOHANNA shakes her head. + +CHARCOAL-BURNER. +The maid seems very sad--hush! who comes here? + + + +SCENE III. + + CHARCOAL-BURNER'S WIFE comes out of the hut + with a bowl. A Boy. + +WIFE. +It is our boy whom we expected back. + [To JOHANNA. +Drink, noble maiden! may God bless it to you! + +CHARCOAL-BURNER (to his son). +Art come, Anet? What news? + + [The boy looks at JOHANNA, who is just raising the + bowl to her lips; he recognizes her, steps forward, + and snatches it from her. + +BOY. + Oh, mother! mother! +Whom do you entertain? This is the witch +Of Orleans! + +CHARCOAL-BURNER (and his WIFE). + God be gracious to our souls! + + [They cross themselves and fly. + + + +SCENE IV. + + RAIMOND, JOHANNA. + +JOHANNA (calmly and gently) +Thou seest, I am followed by the curse, +And all fly from me. Do thou leave me, too; +Seek safety for thyself. + +RAIMOND. + I leave thee! now +Alas, who then would bear thee company? + +JOHANNA. +I am not unaccompanied. Thou hast +Heard the loud thunder rolling o'er my head-- +My destiny conducts me. Do not fear; +Without my seeking I shall reach the goal. + +RAIMOND. +And whither wouldst thou go? Here stand our foes, +Who have against thee bloody vengeance sworn-- +There stand our people who have banished thee. + +JOHANNA. +Naught will befall me but what heaven ordains. + +RAIMOND. +Who will provide thee food? and who protect thee +From savage beasts, and still more savage men? +Who cherish thee in sickness and in grief? + +JOHANNA. +I know all roots and healing herbs; my sheep +Taught me to know the poisonous from the wholesome. +I understand the movements of the stars, +And the clouds' flight; I also hear the sound +Of hidden springs. Man hath not many wants, +And nature richly ministers to life. + +RAIMOND (seizing her hand). +Wilt thou not look within? Oh, wilt thou not +Repent thy sin, be reconciled to God, +And to the bosom of the church return? + +JOHANNA. +Thou hold'st me guilty of this heavy sin? + +RAIMOND. +Needs must I--thou didst silently confess---- + +JOHANNA. +Thou, who hast followed me in misery, +The only being who continued true, +Who slave to me when all the world forsook, +Thou also hold'st me for a reprobate +Who hath renounced her God---- + [RAIMOND is silent. + Oh, this is hard! + +RAIMOND (in astonishment). +And thou wert really then no sorceress? + +JOHANNA. +A sorceress! + +RAIMOND. + And all these miracles +Thou hast accomplished through the power of God +And of his holy saints? + +JOHANNA. + Through whom besides? + +RAIMOND. +And thou wert silent to that fearful charge? +Thou speakest now, and yet before the king, +When words would have availed thee, thou wert dumb! + +JOHANNA. +I silently submitted to the doom +Which God, my lord and master, o'er me hung. + +RAIMOND. +Thou couldst not to thy father aught reply? + +JOHANNA. +Coming from him, methought it came from God; +And fatherly the chastisement will prove. + +RAIMOND. +The heavens themselves bore witness to thy guilt! + +JOHANNA. +The heavens spoke, and therefore I was silent. + +RAIMOND. +Thou with one word couldst clear thyself, and hast +In this unhappy error left the world? + +JOHANNA. +It was no error--'twas the will of heaven. + +RAIMOND. +Thou innocently sufferedst this shame, +And no complaint proceeded from thy lips! +--I am amazed at thee, I stand o'erwhelmed. +My heart is troubled in its inmost depths. +Most gladly I receive the word as truth, +For to believe thy guilt was hard indeed. +But could I ever dream a human heart +Would meet in silence such a fearful doom! + +JOHANNA. +Should I deserve to be heaven's messenger +Unless the Master's will I blindly honored? +And I am not so wretched as thou thinkest. +I feel privation--this in humble life +Is no misfortune; I'm a fugitive,-- +But in the waste I learned to know myself. +When honor's dazzling radiance round me shone, +There was a painful struggle in my breast; +I was most wretched, when to all I seemed +Most worthy to be envied. Now my mind +Is healed once more, and this fierce storm in nature, +Which threatened your destruction, was my friend; +It purified alike the world and me! +I feel an inward peace--and come, what may, +Of no more weakness am I conscious now! + +RAIMOND. +Oh, let us hasten! come, let us proclaim +Thine innocence aloud to all the world! +JOHANNA. +He who sent this delusion will dispel it! +The fruit of fate falls only when 'tis ripe! +A day is coming that will clear my name, +When those who now condemn and banish me, +Will see their error and will weep my doom. + +RAIMOND. +And shall I wait in silence, until chance---- + +JOHANNA (gently taking her hand). +Thy sense is shrouded by an earthly veil, +And dwelleth only on external things, +Mine eye hath gazed on the invisible! +--Without permission from our God no hair +Falls from the head of man. Seest thou the sun +Declining to the west? So certainly +As morn returneth in her radiant light, +Infallibly the day of truth shall come! + + + +SCENE V. + + QUEEN ISABEL, with soldiers, appears in the background. + +ISABEL (behind the scene). +This is the way toward the English camp! + +RAIMOND. +Alas! the foe! + + [The soldiers advance, and perceiving JOBANNA fall back in terror. + +ISABEL. +What now obstructs the march? + +SOLDIERS. +May God protect us! + +ISABEL. + Do ye see a spirit? +How! Are ye soldiers! Ye are cowards all! + [She presses forward, but starts back on beholding the MAIDEN. +What do I see! + [She collects herself quickly and approaches her. + Submit thyself! Thou art +My prisoner! + +JOHANNA. + I am. + + [RAIMOND flies in despair. + +ISABEL (to the soldiers). + Lay her in chains! + + [The soldiers timidly approach the MAIDEN; + she extends her arms and is chained. + +Is this the mighty, the terrific one, +Who chased your warriors like a flock of lambs, +Who, powerless now, cannot protect herself? +Doth she work miracles with credulous fools, +And lose her influence when she meets a man? + + [To the MAIDEN. + +Why didst thou leave the army? Where's Dunois, +Thy knight and thy protector. + +JOHANNA. + I am banished. + + [ISABEL, stepping back astonished. + +ISABEL. +What say'st thou? Thou art banished? By the Dauphin? + +JOHANNA. +Inquire no further! I am in thy power, +Decide my fate. + +ISABEL. + Banished, because thou hast +Snatched him from ruin, placed upon his brow +The crown at Rheims, and made him King of France? +Banished! Therein I recognize my son! +--Conduct her to the camp, and let the host +Behold the phantom before whom they trembled! +She a magician? Her sole magic lies +In your delusion and your cowardice! +She is a fool who sacrificed herself +To save her king, and reapeth for her pains +A king's reward. Bear her to Lionel. +The fortune of the French! send him bound; +I'll follow anon. + +JOHANNA. + To Lionel? +Slay me at once, ere send me unto him. + +ISABEL (to the soldiers). +Obey your orders, soldiers! Bear her hence. + + [Exit. + + + +SCENE VI. + + JOHANNA, SOLDIERS. + +JOHANNA (to the soldiers). +Ye English, suffer not that I escape +Alive out of your hands! Revenge yourselves! +Unsheath your weapons, plunge them in my heart, +And drag me lifeless to your general's feet! +Remember it was I who slew your heroes, +Who never showed compassion, who poured forth +Torrents of English blood, who from your sons +Snatched the sweet pleasure of returning home! +Take now a bloody vengeance! Murder me! +I now am in your power; I may perchance +Not always be so weak. + +CONDUCTOR OF THE SOLDIERS. + Obey the queen! + +JOHANNA. +Must I be yet more wretched than I was! +Unpitying Virgin! Heavy is thy hand +Hast thou completely thrust me from thy favor? +No God appears, no angel shows himself; +Closed are heaven's portals, miracles have ceased. + + [She follows the SOLDIERS. + + + +SCENE VII. + + The French Camp. + DUNOIS, between the ARCHBISHOP and DUCHATEL. + +ARCHBISHOP. +Conquer your sullen indignation, prince! +Return with us! Come back unto your king! +In this emergency abandon not +The general cause, when we are sorely pressed, +And stand in need of your heroic arm. + +DUNOIS. +Why are ye sorely pressed? Why doth the foe +Again exalt himself? all was achieved;-- +France was triumphant--war was at an end;-- +The savior you have banished; you henceforth +May save yourselves; I'll not again behold +The camp wherein the maid abideth not. + +DUCHATEL. +Think better of it, prince! Dismiss us not +With such an answer! + +DUNOIS. + Silence, Duchatel! +You're hateful to me; I'll hear naught from you; +You were the first who doubted of her truth. + +ARCHBISHOP. +Who had not wavered on that fatal day, +And been bewildered, when so many signs +Bore evidence against her! We were stunned, +Our hearts were crushed beneath the sudden blow. +--Who in that hour of dread could weigh the proofs? +Our calmer judgment now returns to us, +We see the maid as when she walked with us, +Nor have we any fault to charge her with. +We are perplexed--we fear that we have done +A grievous wrong. The king is penitent, +The duke remorseful, comfortless La Hire, +And every heart doth shroud itself in woe. + +DUNOIS. +She a deluder? If celestial truth +Would clothe herself in a corporeal form, +She needs must choose the features of the maiden. +If purity of heart, faith, innocence, +Dwell anywhere on earth, upon her lips +And in her eyes' clear depths they find their home. + +ARCHBISHOP. +May the Almighty, through a miracle, +Shed light upon this awful mystery, +Which baffles human insight. Howsoe'er +This sad perplexity may be resolved, +One of two grievous sins we have committed! +Either in fight we have availed ourselves +Of hellish arms, or banished hence a saint! +And both call down upon this wretched land +The vengeance and the punishment of heaven. + + + +SCENE VIII. + + The same, a NOBLEMAN, afterwards RAIMOND. + +NOBLEMAN. +A shepherd youth inquires after your highness, +He urgently entreats an interview, +He says he cometh from the maiden---- + +DUNOIS. + Haste! +Conduct him hither! He doth come from her! + + [The NOBLEMAN opens the door to RAIMOND, DUNOIS hastens to meet him. + +Where is she? Where is the maid? + +RAIMOND. + Hail! noble prince! +And blessed am I that I find with you +This holy man, the shield of the oppressed, +The father of the poor and destitute! + +DUNOIS. +Where is the maiden? + +ARCHBISHOP. + Speak, my son, inform us! + +RAIMOND. +She is not, sir, a wicked sorceress! +To God and all his saints I make appeal. +An error blinds the people. You've cast forth +God's messenger, you've banished innocence! + +DUNOIS. +Where is she? + +RAIMOND. + I accompanied her flight +Towards the woods of Ardennes; there she hath +Revealed to me her spirit's inmost depths. +In torture I'll expire, and will resign +My hopes of everlasting happiness, +If she's not guiltless, sir, of every sin! + +DUNOIS. +The sun in heaven is not more pure than she! +Where is she? Speak! + +RAIMOND. + If God hath turned your hearts, +Oh hasten, I entreat you--rescue her +She is a prisoner in the English camp. + +DUNOIS. +A prisoner say you? + +ARCHBISHOP. + Poor unfortunate! + +RAIMOND. +There in the forest as we sought for shelter, +We were encountered by Queen Isabel, +Who seized and sent her to the English host. +Oh, from a cruel death deliver her +Who hath full many a time delivered you! + +DUNOIS. +Sound an alarm! to arms! up! beat the drums. +Forth to the field! Let France appear in arms! +The crown and the palladium are at stake! +Our honor is in pledge! risk blood and life! +She must be rescued ere the day is done! + + [Exit. + + + +SCENE IX. + + A watch-tower--an opening above. JOHANNA and LIONEL. + +FASTOLFE (entering hastily). +The people can no longer be restrained. +With fury they demand the maiden's death. +In vain your opposition. Let her die +And throw her head down from the battlements! +Her blood alone will satisfy the host. + +ISABEL (coming in). +With ladders they begin to scale the walls. +Appease the angry people! Will you wait +Till in blind fury they o'erthrow the tower, +And we beneath its towers are destroyed? +Protect her here you cannot. Give her up! + +LIONEL. +Let them storm on. In fury let them rage! +Firm is this castle, and beneath its ruins +I will be buried ere I yield to them. +--Johanna, answer me! only be mine, +And I will shield thee 'gainst a world in arms. + +ISABEL. +Are you a man? + +LIONEL. + Thy friends have cast thee off. +To thy ungrateful country then dost owe +Duty and faith no longer. The false cowards +Who sought thy hand, forsake thee in thy need. +They for thy honor venture not the fight, +But I, against my people and 'gainst thine, +Will be thy champion. Once thou didst confess +My life was dear to thee; in combat then +I stood before thee as thine enemy-- +Thou hast not now a single friend but me. + +JOHANNA. +Thou art my people's enemy and mine. +Between us there can be no fellowship. +Thee I can never love, but if thy heart +Cherish affection for me, let it bring +A blessing on my people. Lead thy troops +Far from the borders of my fatherland; +Give up the keys of all the captured towns, +Restore the booty, set the captives free, +Send hostages the compact to confirm, +And peace I offer thee in my king's name. + +ISABEL. +Wilt thou, a captive, dictate laws to us? + +JOHANNA. +It must be done; 'tis useless to delay. +Never, oh never, will this land endure +The English yoke; sooner will France become +A mighty sepulchre for England's hosts. +Fallen in battle are your bravest chiefs. +Think how you may achieve a safe retreat; +Your fame is forfeited, your power is lost. + +ISABEL. +Can you endure her raving insolence? + + + +SCENE X. + + A CAPTAIN enters hastily. + +CAPTAIN. +Haste, general! Prepare the host for battle. +The French with flying banners come this way, +Their shining weapons glitter in the vale. + +JOHANNA (with enthusiasm). +My people come this way! Proud England now +Forth in the field! now boldly must you fight! + +FASTOLFE. +Deluded woman, moderate your joy! +You will not see the issue of this day. + +JOHANNA. +My friends will win the fight and I shall die! +The gallant heroes need my arm no more. + +LIONEL. +These dastard enemies I scorn. They have +In twenty battles fled before our arms, +Ere this heroic maiden fought for them. +All the whole nation I despise, save one, +And this one they have banished. Come, Fastolfe, +We soon will give them such another day +As that of Poictiers and of Agincourt. +Do you remain with the fortress, queen, +And guard the maiden till the fight is o'er. +I leave for your protection fifty knights. + +FASTOLFE. +How! general, shall we march against the foe +And leave this raging fury in our rear? + +JOHANNA. +What! can a fettered woman frighten thee? + +LIONEL. +Promise, Johanna, not to free thyself. + +JOHANNA. +To free myself is now my only wish. + +ISABEL. +Bind her with triple chains. I pledged my life +That she shall not escape. + + [She is bound with heavy chains. + +LIONEL (to JOHANNA). + Thou will'st it so! +Thou dost compel us! still it rests with thee! +Renounce the French--the English banner bear, +And thou art free, and these rude, savage men +Who now desire thy blood shall do thy will. + +FASTOLFE (urgently). +Away, away, my general! + +JOHANNA. + Spare thy words, +The French are drawing near. Defend thyself! + + [Trumpets sound, LIONEL hastens forth. + +FASTOLFE. +You know your duty, queen! if fate declares +Against us, should you see our people fly. + +ISABEL (showing a dagger). +Fear not. She shall not live to see our fall. + +FASTOLFE (to JOHANNA). +Thou knowest what awaits thee, now implore +A blessing on the weapons of thy people. + + [Exit. + + + +SCENE XI. + + ISABEL, JOHANNA, SOLDIERS. + +JOHANNA. +Ay! that I will! no power can hinder me. +Hark to that sound, the war-march of my people! +How its triumphant notes inspire my heart! +Ruin to England! victory to France! +Up, valiant countrymen! The maid is near; +She cannot, as of yore, before you bear +Her banner--she is bound with heavy chains; +But freely from her prison soars her soul, +Upon the pinions of your battle-song. + +ISABEL (to a SOLDIER). +Ascend the watch-tower which commands the field, +And thence report the progress of the fight. + + [SOLDIER ascends. + +JOHANNA. +Courage, my people! 'Tis the final struggle-- +Another victory, and the foe lies low! + +ISABEL. +What see'st thou? + +SOLDIER. + They're already in close fight. +A furious warrior on a Barbary steed, +In tiger's skin, leads forward the gens d'armes. + +JOHANNA. +That's Count Dunois! on, gallant warrior! +Conquest goes with thee. + +SOLDIER. + The Burgundian duke +Attacks the bridge. + +ISABEL. + Would that ten hostile spears +Might his perfidious heart transfix, the traitor! + +SOLDIER. +Lord Fastolfe gallantly opposes him. +Now they dismount--they combat man to man +Our people and the troops of Burgundy. + +ISABEL. +Behold'st thou not the Dauphin? See'st thou not +The royal wave? + +SOLDIER. + A cloud of dust +Shrouds everything. I can distinguish naught. + +JOHANNA. +Had he my eyes, or stood I there aloft, +The smallest speck would not elude my gaze! +The wild fowl I can number on the wing, +And mark the falcon in his towering flight. + +SOLDIER. +There is a fearful tumult near the trench; +The chiefs, it seems, the nobles, combat there. + +ISABEL. +Still doth our banner wave? + +SOLDIER. + It proudly floats. + +JOHANNA. +Could I look through the loopholes of the wall, +I with my lance the battle would control. + +SOLDIER. +Alas! What do I see? Our general's +Surrounded by the foe! + +ISABEL (points the dagger at JOHANNA). + Die, wretch! + +SOLDIER (quickly). + He's free! +The gallant Fastolfe in the rear attacks +The enemy--he breaks their serried ranks. + +ISABEL (withdrawing the dagger). +There spoke thy angel! + +SOLDIER. + Victory! They fly. + +ISABEL. +Who fly? + +SOLDIER. + The French and the Burgundians fly; +The field is covered o'er with fugitives. + +JOHANNA. +My God! Thou wilt not thus abandon me! + +SOLDIER. +Yonder they lead a sorely wounded knight; +The people rush to aid him--he's a prince. + +ISABEL. +One of our country, or a son of France? + +SOLDIER. +They loose his helmet--it is Count Dunois. + +JOHANNA (seizes her fetters with convulsive violence). +And I am nothing but a fettered woman! + +SOLDIER. +Look yonder! Who the azure mantle wears +Bordered with gold? + +JOHANNA. + That is my lord, the king. + +SOLDIER. +His horse is restive, plunges, rears and falls-- +He struggles hard to extricate himself. + + [JOHANNA accompanies these words with passionate movements. + +Our troops are pressing on in full career, +They near him, reach him--they surround him now. + +JOHANNA. +Oh, have the heavens above no angels more! + +ISABEL (laughing scornfully). +Now is the time, deliverer--now deliver! + +JOHANNA (throws herself upon her knees, and prays with passionate + violence). +Hear me, O God, in my extremity! +In fervent supplication up to Thee, +Up to thy heaven above I send my soul. +The fragile texture of a spider's web, +As a ship's cable, thou canst render strong; +Easy it is to thine omnipotence +To change these fetters into spider's webs-- +Command it, and these massy chains shall fall, +And these thick walls be rent, Thou, Lord of old, +Didst strengthen Samson, when enchained and blind +He bore the bitter scorn of his proud foes. +Trusting in thee, he seized with mighty power +The pillars of his prison, bowed himself, +And overthrew the structure. + +SOLDIER. + Triumph! + +ISABEL. + How? + +SOLDIER. +The king is taken! + +JOHANNA (springing up). + Then God be gracious to me! + + [She seizes her chains violently with both hands, and + breaks them asunder. At the same moment rushing upon the + nearest soldier, she seizes his sword and hurries out. + All gaze after her, transfixed with astonishment. + + + +SCENE XII. + + The same, without JOHANNA. + +ISABEL (after a long pause). +How was it? Did I dream? Where is she gone? +How did she break these ponderous iron chains? +A world could not have made me credit it, +If I had not beheld it with these eyes. + +SOLDIER (from the tower). +How? Hath she wings? Hath the wind borne her down? + +ISABEL. +Is she below? + +SOLDIER. + She strides amidst the fight: +Her course outspeeds my sight--now she is here-- +Now there--I see her everywhere at once! +--She separates the troops--all yield to her: +The scattered French collect--they form anew! +--Alas! what do I see! Our people cast +Their weapons to the ground, our banners sink---- + +ISABEL. +What? Will she snatch from us the victory? + +SOLDIER. +She presses forward, right towards the king. +She reaches him--she bears him from the fight-- +Lord Fastolfe falls--the general is taken! + +ISABEL. +I'll hear no more! Come down! + +SOLDIER. +Fly, queen! you will be taken by surprise. +Armed soldiers are advancing tow'rds the tower. + + [He comes down. + +ISABEL (drawing her sword). +Then fight, ye cowards! + + + +SCENE IV. + + LA HIRE with soldiers. At his entrance the people + of the QUEEN lay down their arms. + +LA HIRE (approaching her respectfully). + Queen, submit yourself-- +Your knights have yielded--to resist is vain! +--Accept my proffered services. Command +Where you would be conducted. + +ISABEL. + Every place +The same, where I encounter not the Dauphin. + + [She resigns her sword, and follows him with the soldiers. + + The Scene changes to the battle-field. + + + +SCENE XIV. + + Soldiers with flying banners occupy the background. Before them the + KING and the DUKE OF BURGUNDY appear, bearing JOHANNA in their arms; + she is mortally wounded, and apparently lifeless. They advance + slowly to the front of the stage. AGNES SOREL rushes in. + +SOREL (throwing herself on the bosom of the KING). +You're free--you live--I have you back again! + +KING. +Yes, I am free--I am so at this price! + + [Pointing to JOHANNA. + +SOREL. +Johanna! God! she's dying! + +BURGUNDY. + She is gone +An angel passeth hence! See, how she lies, +Easy and tranquil, like a sleeping child! +The peace of heaven around her features plays, +The breath of life no longer heaves her breast, +But vital warmth still lingers in her hand. + +KING. +She's gone! She never will awaken more, +Her eye will gaze no more on earthly things. +She soars on high, a spirit glorified, +She seeth not our grief, our penitence. + +SOREL. +Her eyes unclose--she lives! + +BURGUNDY (in astonishment). + Can she return +Back from the grave, triumphant e'en o'er death? +She riseth up! She standeth! + +JOHANNA (standing up, and looking round). + Where am I? + +BURGUNDY. +With thine own people, maiden--with thy friends! + +KING. +Supported by thy friend, and by thy king. + +JOHANNA (after looking at him fixedly for some time). +No! I am not a sorceress! Indeed +I am not one. + +KING. + Thou'rt holy, as an angel; +A cloud of error dimmed our mental sight. + +JOHANNA (gazing round her with a joyful smile). +And am I really, then, among my friends, +And am no more rejected and despised? +They curse me not--kindly they look on me! +--Yes, all around me now seems clear again! +That is my king!--the banners these of France! +My banner I behold not--where is it? +Without my banner I dare not appear; +To me it was confided by my Lord, +And I before his throne must lay it down; +I there may show it, for I bore it truly. + +KING (averting his face). +Give her the banner! + + [It is given to her. She stands quite unsupported, + the banner in her hand. The heaven is illumined + by a rosy light. + +JOHANNA. +See you the rainbow yonder in the air? +Its golden portals heaven doth wide unfold, +Amid the angel choir she radiant stands, +The eternal Son she claspeth to her breast, +Her arms she stretcheth forth to me in love. +How is it with me? Light clouds bear me up-- +My ponderous mail becomes a winged robe; +I mount--I fly--back rolls the dwindling earth-- +Brief is the sorrow--endless is the joy! + + [Her banner falls and she sinks lifeless on the ground. + All remain for some time in speechless sorrow. Upon a + signal from the KING, all the banners are gently placed + over her, so that she is entirely concealed by them. + + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAID OF ORLEANS, BY SCHILLER *** + +******** This file should be named fs32w10.txt or fs32w10.zip ********* + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, fs32w11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, fs32w10a.txt + +This eBook was produced by Tapio Riikonen +and David Widger, widger@cecomet.net + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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