juggling minx, who plays the well-learned part Of heroine, thus to appal the brave? A woman snatch from me all martial fame? SOLDIER (rushing in). The maiden comes! Fly, general, fly! fly! TALBOT (strikes him down). Fly thou, thyself, to hell! This sword shall pierce Who talks to me of fear, or coward flight!                   [He goes out. 

  

       SCENE VI.     

       The prospect opens. The English camp is seen in flames. Drums, flight, and pursuit. After a while MONTGOMERY enters. MONTGOMERY (alone). Where shall I flee? Foes all around and death! Lo! here The furious general, who with threatening sword, prevents Escape, and drives us back into the jaws of death. The dreadful maiden there—the terrible—who like Devouring flame, destruction spreads; while all around Appears no bush wherein to hide—no sheltering cave! Oh, would that o'er the sea I never had come here! Me miserable—empty dreams deluded me—    Cheap glory to achieve on Gallia's martial fields. And I am guided by malignant destiny Into this murderous flight. Oh, were I far, far hence. Still in my peaceful home, on Severn's flowery banks, Where in my father's house, in sorrow and in tears, I left my mother and my fair young bride.        [JOHANNA appears in the distance. Wo's me! What do I see! The dreadful form appears! Arrayed in lurid light, she from the raging fire Issues, as from the jaws of hell, a midnight ghost. Where shall I go? where flee? Already from afar She seizes on me with her eye of fire, and flings Her fatal and unerring coil, whose magic folds With ever-tightening pressure, bind my feet and make Escape impossible! Howe'er my heart rebels, I am compelled to follow with my gaze that form Of dread!        [JOHANNA advances towards him some steps; and again remains standing. She comes! I will not passively await Her furious onset! Imploringly I'll clasp Her knees! I'll sue to her for life. She is a woman. I may perchance to pity move her by my tears!        [While he is on the point of approaching her she draws near. 

  

       SCENE VII.     

       JOHANNA, MONTGOMERY. JOHANNA. Prepare to die! A British mother bore thee! MONTGOMERY (falls at her feet). Fall back, terrific one! Forbear to strike An unprotected foe! My sword and shield I've flung aside, and supplicating fall Defenceless at thy feet. A ransom take! Extinguish not the 

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