Then join you with them, like a rib of steel, Northumberland. Come, come, go in with me: 'tis with my mind As with the tide swell'd up unto its height, FIRST PART OF KING HENRY VI. ACT I. SCENE II. Bastard. HERE's the prince Dauphin? I have news for him. Charles. Bastard of Orleans, thrice welcome to us. Bastard. Methinks, your looks are sad, your cheer appall'd; Hath the late overthrow wrought this offence? Be not dismay'd, for succour is at hand : A holy maid hither with me I bring Which, by a vision sent to her from heaven, Ordained is to raise this tedious siege, And drive the English forth the bounds of France. The spirit of deep prophecy she hath, Exceeding the nine sibyls of old Rome; What's past, and what's to come, she can descry. Charles. Go, call her in : But, first to try her skill Reignier, stand thou as Dauphin in my place : Question her proudly, let thy looks be stern:- Enter LA PUCELLE and others. Reignier. Fair maid, is 't thou wilt do these wond'rous feats ? Pucelle. Reignier, is 't thou that thinkest to beguile me?— Be not amaz'd, there's nothing hid from me : Stand back, you lords, and give us leave a while. Reignier. She takes upon her bravely at first dash. Pucelle. Dauphin, I am by birth a shepherd's daughter, My wit untrain❜d in any kind of art. Heaven and our Lady gracious, hath it pleas'd To shine on my contemptible estate : Lo, whilst I waited on my tender lambs, And to sun's parching heat display'd my cheeks, Will'd me to leave my base vocation, Resolve on this: Thou shalt be fortunate, If thou receive me for thy warlike mate. * * * * * Pucelle. Assign'd am I to be the English scourge. Glory is like a circle in the water, Till, by broad spreading, it disperse to nought Now am I like that proud insulting ship, Charles. Was Mahomet inspired with a dove? Nor yet Saint Philip's daughters, were like thee. Alençon. Leave off delays, and let us raise the siege. honours; Drive them from Orleans, and be immortaliz'd. Charles. Presently we'll try :-Come, let's away about it: No prophet will I trust, if she prove false. SCENE VI. Pucelle. Advance our waving colours on the walls; Charles. Divinest creature, bright Astrea's daughter, How shall I honour thee for this success? Thy promises are like Adonis' gardens, That one day bloom'd, and fruitful were the next.- More blessed hap did ne'er befall our state. Reignier. Why ring not out the bells throughout the town? Dauphin, command the citizens make bonfires, And feast and banquet in the open streets, Alençon. All France will be replete with mirth and joy, When they shall hear how we have play'd the men. Charles. 'Tis Joan, not we, by whom the day is won; For which, I will divide my crown with her : And all the priests and friars in my realm Shall, in procession, sing her endless praise. A statelier pyramis to her I'll rear, Than Rhodope's, of Memphis, ever was: In memory of her, when she is dead, Her ashes, in an urn more precious Than the rich-jewel'd coffer of Darius, Transported shall be at high festivals Before the kings and queens of France. No longer on Saint Dennis will we cry, But Joan la Pucelle shall be France's saint. Come in; and let us banquet royally, After this golden day of victory. L |