Page:Joan of Arc - Southey (1796).djvu/240

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JOAN OF ARC.
On his crown-crested helm[1] with ponderous blowFell Gladdisdale's huge mace. Back he recoil'dAstounded. Soon recovering, his keen lance 150Thrust on the warrior's shield. There fast-infix'd,Nor could Alencon the deep-driven spearRecover, nor the foeman from his graspWrench the contended weapon. Fierce againHe lifts the mace, that on the ashen hilt 155Fell full. It shiver'd, and the Frenchman heldA pointless truncheon. Where the Bastard foughtThe spear of Poynings, thro' his plated mailPierced, and against the iron fence beneath[2]Blunted its point. Again he speeds the spear; 160At once Dunois on his broad buckler bearsThe unharming stroke, and aims with better fateHis javelin. Thro' his sword-arm did it pierceMaugre the mail. Hot from the streaming woundAgain the weapon fell, and in his breast 165
  1. ↑ Line 149. Earls and Dukes frequently wore their coronets on the crests of their helmets.
  2. ↑ Line 159. A breast-plate was sometimes worn under the hauberk.

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