Joan of Arc Part 1

Joan of Arc.

by Jane Alice Sargant.

PREFACE.

In laying this Play before the public some apology is perhaps due.

Sensible that it cannot compete with many of the productions of the present day, the author yet pleads for such exemption only from severe criticism, as true humility, and a respect for the opinions of an enlightened and intellectual age, may ent.i.tle her to. She has not aimed at any display of originality, nor has she been deceived by a presumptuous estimation of her powers, to attempt that which she may not have more ability than leisure and opportunity to accomplish. Unlike those who write for amus.e.m.e.nt, or by profession, or in the consciousness of their talents, to gain for themselves competence or fame, her pen is exercised only to soothe anxiety, to refresh exhausted energy, and to vary the monotony of seclusion. She would not, however, be thought indifferent to the praise or censure of her contemporaries. Far from it.

No exertion, compatible with higher duties, would be thought too severe to obtain the former, nor any degree of patient labour too lengthened to avoid the latter. She is, however, so circ.u.mstanced as to preclude such a dedication of her time, and therefore is it that she ventures to ask for that indulgence which, in another case, she would have deemed it unjustifiable to claim or to expect.

But whilst all attempt at originality is disclaimed, imitation of any one, or a.s.sistance from any one is equally disavowed. This play was written before the late productions, which bear the same t.i.tle, made their appearance. Its defects therefore are its own; its merits--if happily it possess any--are its own also; and standing thus entirely upon its native ground, it is respectfully submitted to the judgment of the public.

J. A. S.

CLAPTON SQUARE, _May, 1840._

ACT I.

SCENE I.--_Chinon._

ALENcON. XAINTRAILLES.

ALENcON. Welcome again to freedom!

France may rejoice, since thou in arms once more Art seen for her.

XAINT. In arms to little purpose.

Our cause is lost, my lord. Orleans, our best, Last hope, must fall, and shortly. But I have sought thee, Eager to know, to learn,--

ALEN. What wouldst thou know?

XAINT. This strange report! this damsel, who, 'tis said, Is. .h.i.ther come to work such wondrous feats-- Whence doth she spring?

ALEN. From Domremie; her birth Not less obscure than this her native village.

XAINT. How introduced?

ALEN. She first besought from Baudricour An escort to the Dauphin; but in vain.

At length, her suit oft urged, fair character, And lofty words prevailed with him.

XAINT. The prince Will ne'er demean himself to listen to her?

ALEN. A drowning man will catch, and eagerly, At weeds uprooted by the storm that wrecked him.

She comes to-day, by order from himself, Before the council.

XAINT. Hast seen her?

ALEN. I have.

XAINT. Describe her: is she young?

ALEN. Of that sweet age When girlish smiles a.s.sume the dignity Which conscious womanhood doth first confer: The rose just blus.h.i.+ng to the full.

XAINT. Rustic, No doubt, and ignorant.

ALEN. Her soul hath stamped her manner Simple, yet dignified--lofty, yet meek.

XAINT. Ta'en captive--grown poetic.

ALEN. Age like mine Has little thought of love or poesy; But yet there is a charm where loveliness Meets virtue, which it were a shame to slight.

The snow which crowns the old man's head should make His reason cool, yet need not chill his heart.

But come--the council must be now a.s.sembled.

XAINT. One question more--is Richemont here?

ALEN. Not he, Nor e'en desired. The hate the Dauphin bears him Continues undiminished.

XAINT. Yet the world Believes them cordial friends; that with the rank He craved, the constable of France has lost All that disgust the Earl of Richemont felt.

ALEN. Charles never will forgive the insult shown To them he valued most. Du Chatel first, Then Louvel he required should be dismissed His service and the council--price of friends.h.i.+p.

The first his interest in his master's sank, But Louvel's firm adherence to his post, Bringing Camouse's death.

XAINT. Camouse's death!

ALEN. Ay, 'twas a b.l.o.o.d.y deed: but more anon, This maid absorbs all thought.

XAINT. Let's hasten then: My curiosity is all awake-- And more, I bear an answer from the regent, Which to the prince and council I must show.

SCENE II.--_Council._

CHARLES, LOUVEL, VALANCOUR, &c.

CHA. We'll hear no more. Whilst one poor hope remained We would have hazarded our chance; but now Tis madness to resist.

_Enter XAINTRAILLES and ALENcON._

Returned! How met The haughty occupant of our own place The offer tendered him?

XAINT. As one who holds The game already in his hands may hear His adversary's scheme to share the stake.

"I am not one," he said, "to beat the bush That others may secure the birds. Ere Orleans Can be sequestered, we must see good t.i.tle To execute the deed; Bedford, not Burgundy, Must hold that city for his liege and lord."

CHA. Fool that we were to court such insolence!

But yet perhaps 'tis only what ourselves Had, in like circ.u.mstances, said more rudely.