empires and the doom of kings Lie clearly spread before my childish mind, And words of thunder issue from my mouth. BURGUNDY (greatly moved, looks at her with emotion and astonishment). How is it with me? Doth some heavenly power Thus strangely stir my spirit's inmost depths? This pure, this gentle creature cannot lie! No, if enchantment blinds me, 'tis from heaven. My spirit tells me she is sent from God. JOHANNA. Oh, he is moved! I have not prayed in vain, Wrath's thunder-cloud dissolves in gentle tears, And leaves his brow, while mercy's golden beams Break from his eyes and gently promise peace. Away with arms, now clasp him to your hearts, He weeps—he's conquered, he is ours once more!        [Her sword and banner fall; she hastens to him with outstretched arms, and embraces him in great agitation. LA HIRE and DUNOIS throw down their swords, and hasten also to embrace him. 

  

       ACT III.     

       Residence of the KING at Chalons on the Marne. 

  

       SCENE I.     

       DUNOIS, LA HIRE. DUNOIS. We have been true heart-friends, brothers in arms, Still have we battled in a common cause, And held together amid toil and death. Let not the love of woman rend the bond Which hath resisted every stroke of fate. LA HIRE. Hear me, my prince! DUNOIS. You love the wondrous maid, And well I know the purpose of your heart. You think without delay to seek the king, And to entreat him to bestow on you Her hand in marriage. Of your bravery The well-earned guerdon he cannot refuse But know,—ere I behold her in the arms Of any other——     LA HIRE. Listen to me, prince! DUNOIS.    'Tis not the fleeting passion of the eye Attracts me to her. My unconquered sense Had set at naught the fiery shafts of love Till I beheld this wondrous maiden, sent By a divine appointment to become The savior of this kingdom, and my wife; And on the instant in my heart I vowed A sacred oath, to bear her home, my bride. For she alone who is endowed with strength Can be the strong man's friend. This glowing heart Longs to repose upon a kindred breast, Which can sustain and comprehend its strength. LA HIRE. How dare I venture, prince, my poor deserts To measure with your name's heroic fame!    

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