The Maid of Orleans: A Tragedy Part 34

WIFE.

May G.o.d protect us then! Our enemies, Not long ago, were vanquished and dispersed.

How comes it that they trouble us again?

CHARCOAL-BURNER.

Because they now no longer fear the king, Since that the maid turned out to be a witch At Rheims, the devil aideth us no longer, And things have gone against us.

WIFE.

Who comes here?

SCENE II.

RAIMOND and JOHANNA enter.

RAIMOND.

See! here are cottages; in them at least We may find shelter from the raging storm.

You are not able longer to endure it.

Three days already you have wandered on, Shunning the eye of man--wild herbs and root Your only nourishment. Come, enter in.

These are kind-hearted cottagers.

[The storm subsides; the air grows bright and clear.

CHARCOAL-BURNER.

You seem To need refreshment and repose--you're welcome To what our humble roof can offer you!

WIFE.

What has a tender maid to do with arms?

Yet truly! these are rude and troublous times When even women don the coat of mail!

The queen herself, proud Isabel, 'tis said, Appears in armor in the hostile camp; And a young maid, a shepherd's lowly daughter, Has led the armies of our lord the king.

CHARCOAL-BURNER.

What sayest thou? Enter the hut, and bring A goblet of refreshment for the damsel.

[She enters the hut.

RAIMOND (to JOHANNA).

All men, you see, are not so cruel; here E'en in the wilderness are gentle hearts.

Cheer up! the pelting storm hath spent its rage, And, beaming peacefully, the sun declines.

CHARCOAL-BURNER.

I fancy, as you travel thus in arms, You seek the army of the king. Take heed!

Not far remote the English are encamped, Their troops are roaming idly through the wood.

RAIMOND.

Alas for us! how then can we escape?

CHARCOAL-BURNER.

Stay here till from the town my boy returns.

He shall conduct you safe by secret paths.

You need not fear-we know each hidden way.

RAIMOND (to JOHANNA).

Put off your helmet and your coat-of-mail, They will not now protect you, but betray.

[JOHANNA shakes her head.

CHARCOAL-BURNER.

The maid seems very sad--hus.h.!.+ who comes here?

SCENE III.

CHARCOAL-BURNER'S WIFE comes out of the hut with a bowl. A Boy.

WIFE.

It is our boy whom we expected back.

[To JOHANNA.

Drink, n.o.ble maiden! may G.o.d bless it to you!

CHARCOAL-BURNER (to his son).

Art come, Anet? What news?

[The boy looks at JOHANNA, who is just raising the bowl to her lips; he recognizes her, steps forward, and s.n.a.t.c.hes it from her.

BOY.

Oh, mother! mother!

Whom do you entertain? This is the witch Of Orleans!

CHARCOAL-BURNER (and his WIFE).

G.o.d be gracious to our souls!

[They cross themselves and fly.

SCENE IV.

RAIMOND, JOHANNA.

JOHANNA (calmly and gently) Thou seest, I am followed by the curse, And all fly from me. Do thou leave me, too; Seek safety for thyself.

RAIMOND.

I leave thee! now Alas, who then would bear thee company?

JOHANNA.

I am not unaccompanied. Thou hast Heard the loud thunder rolling o'er my head-- My destiny conducts me. Do not fear; Without my seeking I shall reach the goal.