The Maid of Orleans: A Tragedy Part 24

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 s.h.i.+eld 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 s.n.a.t.c.h 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 a.s.sist 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!