lady's ear Which in this presence I may not proclaim. The choice of these brave knights much honors me, But I did not forsake my shepherd-walks, To chase vain worldly splendor, nor array My tender frame in panoply of war, To twine the bridal garland in my hair. Far other labor is assigned to me, Which a pure maiden can alone achieve. I am the soldier of the Lord of Hosts, And to no mortal man can I be wife. ARCHBISHOP. To be a fond companion unto man Is woman born—when nature she obeys, Most wisely she fulfils high heaven's decree! When His behest who called thee to the field Shall be accomplished, thou'lt resign thy arms, And once again rejoin the softer sex, Whose gentle nature thou dost now forego, And which from war's stern duties is exempt. JOHANNA. Most reverend sir! as yet I cannot say What work the Spirit will enjoin on me. But when the time comes round, his guiding voice Will not be mute, and it I will obey. Now he commands me to complete my task; My royal master's brow is still uncrowned,    'Twere better for me I had ne'er been born! Henceforth no more of this, unless ye would Provoke the Spirit's wrath who in me dwells! The eye of man, regarding me with love, To me is horror and profanity. CHARLES. Forbear! It is in vain to urge her further. JOHANNA. Command the trumpets of the war to sound! This stillness doth perplex and harass me; An inward impulse drives me from repose, It still impels me to achieve my work, And sternly beckons me to meet my doom. 

  

       SCENE V.     

       A KNIGHT, entering hastily. CHARLES. What tidings? Speak! KNIGHT. The foe has crossed the Marne, And marshalleth his army for the fight. JOHANNA (inspired). Battle and tumult! Now my soul is free. Arm, warriors, arm! while I prepare the troops.                  [She goes out.     CHARLES. Follow, La Hire! E'en at the gates of Rheims They will compel us to dispute the crown! DUNOIS. No genuine courage prompts them. This essay Is the last effort of enraged despair. CHARLES. I do not urge you, duke. To-day's the time To compensate the errors of the past. BURGUNDY. You shall be satisfied with me. CHARLES. Myself Will march before you on the path of fame; Here, with my royal town of Rheims in view, I'll fight, and gallantry achieve the crown. Thy knight, my Agnes, bids thee now farewell! AGNES (embracing him). I do not weep, I do not tremble for thee; My faith, unshaken, cleaveth unto God!   

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