The Works of Frederick Schiller Part 426

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 b.a.s.t.a.r.d 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 s.n.a.t.c.hes 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.