The Maid of Orleans: A Tragedy Part 27

JOHANNA.

Hushed is the din of arms, war's storms subside, Glad songs and dance succeed the b.l.o.o.d.y 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 b.l.o.o.d.y 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 G.o.d 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 pa.s.ses 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 n.o.ble features! With that glance, Thy crime, thy woe commenced. Unhappy one!

A sightless instrument thy G.o.d demands, Blindly thou must accomplish his behest!

When thou didst see, G.o.d's s.h.i.+eld abandoned thee, And the dire snares of h.e.l.l 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 grat.i.tude to G.o.d; I wors.h.i.+p 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; a.s.sembled are the n.o.bles 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 pa.s.sionately, 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 s.e.x!

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 G.o.d 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 bra.s.s Could hide me from your revels, from myself!

SOREL.