from town; What bears he in his hand? BERTRAND. You look at me With wondering gaze; no doubt you are surprised To see this martial helm! THIBAUT. We are indeed! Come, tell us how you come by it? Why bring This fearful omen to our peaceful vale? [JOHANNA, who has remained indifferent during the two previous scenes, becomes attentive, and steps nearer. BERTRAND. I scarce can tell you how I came by it. I had procured some tools at Vaucouleurs; A crowd was gathered in the market-place, For fugitives were just arrived in haste From Orleans, bringing most disastrous news. In tumult all the town together flocked, And as I forced a passage through the crowds, A brown Bohemian woman, with this helm, Approached me, eyed me narrowly, and said: "Fellow, you seek a helm; I know it well. Take this one! For a trifle it is yours." "Go with it to the soldiers," I replied, "I am a husbandman, and want no helm." She would not cease, however, and went on: "None knoweth if he may not want a helm. A roof of metal for the Head just now Is of more value than a house of stone." Thus she pursued me closely through the streets, Still offering the helm, which I refused. I marked it well, and saw that it was bright, And fair and worthy of a knightly head; And when in doubt I weighed it in my hand, The strangeness of the incident revolving, The woman disappeared, for suddenly The rushing crowd had carried her away. And I was left the helmet in my hand. JOHANNA (attempting eagerly to seize it). Give me the helmet! BERTRAND. Why, what boots it you? It is not suited to a maiden's head. JOHANNA (seizing it from him). Mine is the helmet—it belongs to me! THIBAUT. What whim is this? RAIMOND. Nay, let her have her way! This warlike ornament becomes her well, For in her bosom beats a manly heart. Remember how she once subdued the wolf, The savage monster which destroyed our herds, And filled the neighb'ring shepherds with dismay. She all alone—the lion-hearted maid Fought with the wolf, and from him snatched the lamb Which he was bearing in his bloody jaws. How brave soe'er the head this helm adorned, It cannot grace a worthier one than hers! THIBAUT (to BERTRAND). Relate what new disasters have occurred. What tidings brought the fugitives? BERTRAND. May God Have pity on our land, and save the king! In two great battles we have lost the day; Our foes are stationed in the heart of France, Far as the river Loire our lands are theirs— Now their whole force they have combined, and lay Close siege to
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