The Works of Frederick Schiller Part 411

[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, n.o.ble 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!

p.r.o.nounce 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 G.o.d!

[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 n.o.ble 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 b.l.o.o.d.y 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 l.u.s.ty strength; He lives to bring down ruin on your heads.

JOHANNA.

When thou didst quit the British army he lived.